DE10104733A1 - Data communications system has central computer that converts protocol for communications between telephone/central computer to protocol for communications with terminal - Google Patents

Abstract

The system has a telephone (2), especially a mobile telephone under whose control data can be sent to or called up from a terminal, especially a telephone (3,4) and/or computer (6,7). Data transmission takes place via a central computer (5a) that converts a communications protocol for communications between the telephone and central computer into different communications protocol for communications between the central computer and the terminal. Independent claims are also included for the following: a device for use as a central computer in an inventive system and a data communications method for transferring data between a telephone, especially a mobile one, and a terminal, especially a telephone and/or a computer.

Description

The invention relates to a data communication system Data communication method, and a device for Use in a data communication system.

There are numerous methods and systems in the prior art me known for the data exchange between a he most unit, e.g. B. a computer, and a second one unit, e.g. B. a (mobile) phone or another Com serve computers.

For example, it is possible to transfer data between a (zen tralen) computer and another computer via the In exchange ternet. The data are e.g. B. in one Homepage stored on the central computer or Website included. It becomes a request for information on the other computer, the one belonging to the website Web address entered. This takes the form of a do mainname or a URL address (Universal Resource Lo cator). This is made up of several parts: the he The first part describes the internet prototype used koll ("http: / /") (here: Hypertext Transfer Protocol). This is followed - optionally - by the character string "www" drawing for the World Wide Web. The third part of the URL address identifies the central computer on which the website is saved. With the fourth part -  optional - the path to the local directory in which the homepage is stored and with the last part of the exact homepage file name. The requested The homepage is then changed from the central computer via the Internet sent to the other computer.

It is also known to use data between a telephone network several phones, especially mobile phones change. The data can be e.g. Belly are text data, e.g. B. via SMS (Short Message Service).

The invention has the task, in contrast, a andersar data communication system, a different kind of data communication process, as well as a different kind of device device for use in a data communication system to provide. It achieves this and more Goals by the subject matter of claims 1, 7 and 8.

According to the invention it is provided that the transmission of Data between a phone, especially a mobile phone and a terminal, especially a phone and / or computer, with the interposition of a zentra len computer is done. This sets this for the communica tion used between the telephone and the central computer Communication protocol in a different com communication protocol, which is used for communication between central computer and terminal is used. because by it is possible that data between several ver various electronic devices (computers, cell phones ne, PDAs (Personal Digital Assistant), other end devices te such as printers, storage devices, etc.) can be, although these each have different com communication protocols (SMS, WAP, UMTS, Internet, etc.) use.  

Advantageous developments of the invention are in the Subclaims specified.

The invention is now by means of embodiments as well the attached exemplary drawing explained in more detail.

The drawing shows:

Fig. 1 an inventive data communication system.

Referring to FIG. 1, an inventive Datenkommunika tion system 1, a first mobile phone 2, biltelefon a second Mo, namely, a WAP mobile phone 3, PDA 3 a, a UMTS internet cellular phone 4, a first cen tral computer 5 a, a second central computer 5 b, further central computers (not shown), and a first Internet computer 6 and a second Internet computer ner 7 .

The first and second central computers 5 a, 5 b and the further central computers are each provided with a storage device 8 a, 8 b, for. B. with a magnet's memory, in particular magnetic disk storage. Alternatively, instead of a central computer, for. B. also a computer network consisting of several interconnected computers can be used.

The central computers 5 a, 5 b are constantly connected to the Internet 10 via Internet connections 9 a, 9 b. In old native embodiments, the central computer ner 5 a, 5 b alternatively or additionally z. B. over fixed connections to a public telephone network 37 may be attached Schlos sen, and the computers 5 a, 5 b assigned landline telephone number FT1, FT2 be selected. In wide ren alternative execution examples, not shown here, the central computer can be connected to a mobile radio network via a mobile radio connection.

In the storage device 8 a of the first central computer 5 a, the homepage or website of an Internet information service PH is stored, which can be called up under the web address assigned to the homepage (here, for example, under the URL address " http: / / www.abcde.com "). Similarly, in the memory device 8 b of the second central computer 5 b the homepage of a second Internet Information Service AB stored under the assigned homepage web address can be called (here z. B. under the URL "http : / / www.fghij.com "), and in the storage device of the further central computer, not shown, the homepage of another Internet information service VJ.

As an alternative or in addition, on the storage device 8 a of the computer 5 a (or, for example, on the two storage devices 8 a, 8 b of the two computers 5 a and 5 b), software can be stored which would be used to monitor the stock a warehouse (or several, different warehouses) of a company. The computers 5 a, 5 b are connected to one another via the Internet 10 . In the data communication system 1 can then with the help of the mobile phone 2 or any other terminal 3 a, 3 , 4 , 6 , 7 z. B. in a corresponding manner as described below, the current supply of desired goods or groups of goods can be called up (e.g. the goods turnover of the Karstadt company). In addition, the delivery of selected goods to another warehouse or to a target customer, in particular to a group of target customers, can be arranged. Furthermore, e.g. B. a delivery note, an invoice, a parts list, etc. which relate to the desired goods, e.g. B. can be sent via the mobile phone 2 to a printer or another output device. (The persons responsible for the desired goods are always fully informed and can control processes at any time and from any location, regardless of which terminal device 2 , 3 a, 3 , 4 , 6 is used. The data on the storage devices 8 a, 8 b stored software or the homepage controlled by this thus serves to implement all relevant data communication protocols received by the terminals 2 , 3 a, 3 , 4 , 6 and to the terminals 2 , 3 a, 3 , 4 , 6 or other end devices, in particular output devices such as printers, storage devices, etc. who are sent.

The first central computer 5 a is via a first stand line 35 to a central computer 33 of an operator of a cellular network 15 (here: a GSM cellular network), and via a second dedicated line 36 to a central computer 34 of an operator of a further cellular network 16 (here: a UMTS cellular network). The data transmission between the central computer 5 a and the respective with it via the dedicated line 35 , 36 ver connected cellular network central computer 33 , 34 takes place z. B. over an ISDN line, for. B. using the TCP / IP protocol (or alternatively directly over the Internet, see. Dashed lines in Fig. 3). In a corresponding manner, the second central computer 5 b and the further central computers are connected via further dedicated lines (not shown) to the central computers 33 , 34 of the mobile radio network operators, the data transmission in turn via an ISDN line, e.g. B. is done using the TCP / IP protocol.

The Internet computers 6 , 7 each have a display device. 11, 12, e.g. B. a screen and a storage device (not shown). The internal computer 6 is connected to the public telephone network 37 with the interposition of a modem (not shown) via a telephone landline connection 13 , in particular via an ISDN landline connection, and can be used from there via a computer 38 of an Internet provider connected to the Internet 10 . Alternatively, the Internet computer 6 z. B. can also be connected to a cellular network via a radio connection.

The Internet computer 7 is continuously connected to the Internet 10 via an Internet connection 14 and a dedicated Internet line.

The cell phones 2 , 3 are connected to the (GSM) cell phone network 15 , and the Internet cell phone 4 to the (UMTS) cell phone network 16 . The PDA 3 a is configured so that it (and can be connected from there z. B. with the Internet 10) connected to the mobile network 15.. Alternatively, the PDA 3 a can with interposition of a modem (not shown) via a telephone landline connection to the public telephone network 37 can be connected, and are connected from there out to the Internet 10 degrees. The mobile radio networks 15 , 16 are each connected to the public telephone network 37 (and also via the dedicated lines 35 , 36 with the intermediary of the computers 33 , 34 to the first and the second central computers 5 a, 5 b). The first mobile telephone 2 can thus be dialed via a predetermined mobile telephone number MT2 assigned to it, here the number +491777283680. The number sequence +49 is the country code (here: for Germany); the sequence of digits (0) 177 identifies the mobile network 15 , in which the cellular telephone 2 is regi strated, and the sequence of digits 7283680 assigned to the mobile phone 2 in the cellular network 15 cellular network connection. In a similar way, the second mobile phone 3 is assigned the mobile phone number MT3, here the number + 49 / (0) 177/123456, the PDA 3 a a mobile phone number MT3a, and the Internet mobile phone 4 the number MT4, namely + 49 / (0) 171/654321.

The sending of data in the system 1 z. B. can be achieved as follows:
First, z. B. on the mobile phone 2 creates a text message, for. B. an SMS (Short Message Service).

To use the data communication system according to the invention, the entered text message (expressed in general form) can have the following structure:
"XX @YYYY ZZZZ", or optionally z. B. "XX @YYYY ZZZZ WWWW".

In other words, the entered text message exists from three (optionally from four) successive periods sequences, namely a first, from a predetermined one Number, e.g. B. two or three letter Zei string "XX", a second string "@YYYY", one third string "ZZZZ", and (optionally) a four th string "WWWW". The first, second, third (and optional the fourth) string are each by a Spaces separated.

The first character string "XX" identifies the respective central computer 5 a, 5 b, with the aid of which the data are to be transmitted (or the respective Internet information service, under whose control the data transmission is to be carried out). As the first character follow z. For example, the string "PH" is used is characterized here by that a data transmission using the first central computer 5 a is to take place (or http using the Internet information service PH or associated therewith site ": / / www. abcde.com "). By entering the character string "AB", however, the data transmission takes place via the second central computer 5 b (or using the Internet information service AB).

The second string "@YYYY", in particular its component "YYYY" characterizes z. B. the addressees of the data. For example, the second character string can be an identifier (eg the character string "PETER") which identifies a particular user B, C or D registered for the respective data information service PH, AB, or one Identifier (e.g. the character string "FRIENDS") which identifies a group of users who - in advance - was defined by the user A sending the data in a user-specific manner for the respective data information service PH, AB (e.g. a user group, which includes users B and C). The corresponding configuration of the central computer 5 a, 5 b - z assigned to the respective data information services PH, AB. B. the definition of user groups, etc. - can z. B. on the Internet 10 - z. B. from the computer 6 or 7 , from the PDA 3 a, or from the Internet mobile phone 4 , or z. B. via SMS via mobile phones 2 , 3 .

An identifier is also conceivable as the second character string (e.g. the string "GUESTBOOK") to use the indicates that the data for all users A, B, C, D, etc. are determined for the respective data infor mation service PH, AB are registered (or for all User of one of several from the respective data informatics onsdienst PH, AB services offered).

It is also possible to carry out a "metachate" via SMS about several data in a network information services.

Accessing and distributing Infor is also conceivable mations and instructions on several different Data information services (n), whereby a terminal (esp special Internet telephone) or computer as one the other Device parent device acts and for the expiry control of the data communication processes is determined. This function can e.g. B. from a server computer be taken of the other Ge existing in the system Controlled devices / computers as clients.  

An identifier can also be used as the second character string (for example the character string "PRINTER1"), which identifies a specific end device assigned to user A (or the mobile phone 2 ), e.g. A printer, a copier, a facsimile machine, a storage device, etc. (not shown). This terminal can e.g. B. be connected to the user A assigned to the Internet computer 6 , on which software is loaded which ensures a corresponding protocol implementation. Alternatively, the terminal z. B. directly to the mobile network 15 or z. B. the Internet 10 may be connected.

The third string "ZZZZ" identifies the data to be transmitted. For example, the text to be transferred can be entered directly as a third character sequence (eg in the form of the character string "HOW DOES IT WORK?"). Alternatively, predetermined texts or files can be called up, e.g. B. in the storage device 8 a, 8 b of the respective central computer 5 a, 5 b, are stored (z. B. by entering the character string "@ Z1", "@ Z2", etc.) in the mobile phone 2 of User A (e.g. by entering the character string "@ M1", or "@ M2"), or in the storage device of the computer 6 , which is also assigned to user A (e.g. by entering the character string " @ D1 "," @ D2 ", etc.), etc. The character" @ "indicates that instead of a directly entered text, a previously saved text or file should be used. The second character identifies the location addressed (eg the character "Z", the storage device 8 a, 8 b of the respective central computer 5 a, 5 b, the character "M" the mobile phone 2 , and the character "D "the memory device assigned to the computer 6 )", and the third character the respective text or the respective file (for example the character "1" the text "HOW DO IT?"). The previously saved files can e.g. B. except text files e.g. B. also contain audio and / or video data.

The fourth string (optionally entered) "WWWW" indicates that the text or the file to the out selected users or the selected user group on a to be transmitted in a special way, in particular to a special end device (e.g. as e-mail to a computer ter (by entering the string "E-MAIL") as an SMS a mobile phone (by entering the string "SMS"), etc. (see below)).

(Note: If data is to be sent instead of under the control of the cell phone 2, for example under the control of the UMTS cell phone 4 , the respective computer 5 a, 5 b, with the aid of which the data is to be transmitted, and / or the addressee the data, and / or the data to be transmitted, etc. can also be selected in a different way than by entering the above-mentioned three (or four) character strings, for example by menu-driven entry of corresponding identifications, which are then sent to the central computer 34 of the UMTS mobile radio network operator, and from there to the central of elected each computer 5 are transferred b 5 a. the individual menu items are thereby. for example displayed on the screen of the UMTS telephone 4, and with the aid of z. B. a mouse, or by touching the appropriate places on the phone display, etc.).

With the system 1 according to the invention, not only data can be sent from the mobile phone 2 , but also retrieved. The z. B. in the mobile phone 2 entered text message (expressed in general form) z. B. the following structure:
"XX YYYY".

The first character string "XX" designates the respective central computer 5 a, 5 b from which data is to be called up (or the respective Internet information service or the website assigned to it, for example the above-mentioned service PH to which the website is located "http: / / www.abcde.com" or, for example, the above-mentioned service VJ, or the website assigned to it).

The second string "YYYY" denotes z. B. the database or file in which the requested data is stored. (If data is to be sent instead of a request for data, the second string is preceded by the "@" character (see above)). The second string can e.g. B. be an identifier (z. B. the character string "STUBAI"), which identifies a file that is stored in the storage device 8 a of the most central computer 5 a, and z. B. Contains ter- and / or snow depth data relating to the Stubaital ski area. The second string can e.g. B. can also be an identifier (eg the character string "ORDER NUMBER 157") which identifies a file which is stored in the storage device of the central computer assigned to the Internet information service VJ, and z. B. contains a (production) order with the data 157 (e.g. the delivery time of the corresponding item).

After the text message has been entered on the mobile telephone 2 , it is sent to the respective mobile radio network central computer 33 , 34 .

This happens e.g. B. in the following way: The operator of the mobile network 15 (and accordingly the operator of the mobile network 16 ) assigns an identical identifier for all central computers 5 a, 5 b (this can be identical for both mobile networks 15 , 16 , or can be al ternatively different for each mobile network 15 , 16 ). The identifier can e.g. B. have the form of all central computers 5 a, 5 b in the respective mobile radio network 15 , 16 jointly assigned "virtual" telephone number K (z. B. +4917777777). The number sequence +49 is the country code (here: for Germany); the sequence of digits (0) 177 identifies the mobile network 15 , in which the central computers 5 a, 5 b are registered, and the series 77777 the central computers 5 a, 5 b (without a conventional mobile radio network connection being assigned to them in the mobile network 15 is). Alternatively, the mobile network operator z. B. also a central computer 5 a, 5 b together characterizing speed dial (number) K verge ben, z. B. the number 72900 or 72901.

The text message can then e.g. B. simply sent from the mobile phone 2 as SMS, the above telephone or speed dial number K being used as the destination address identifier.

For this purpose, the user A gives the identifier assigned to the central computers 5 a, 5 b, e.g. B. the above telephone number K +4917777777 directly into cell phone 2 (e.g. via the keyboard, a microphone, which is connected to a speech recognition module, etc.).

Next, e.g. B. by sending a call signal containing the telephone or speed dial number K, the central computer 33 of the operator of the mobile network 15 calls, and transmits the text message to him (in particular using the SMS protocol).

The central computer 33 stores the text message and identifies the desired central computer 5 a, 5 b as the target address from the above-mentioned first character string “XX”.

Then the text message - shortened by the first string "XX" - automatically z. B. on the Standlei device 35 to the respective central computer 5 a, 5 b gesen det. (Alternatively, the central computers 5 a, 5 b request the text messages which are intended for them and are stored in the central computer 33 at regular intervals; the text message is then only sent after the previous request). The (shortened) text message is then stored in the storage device 8 a, 8 b of the respective central computer 5 a, 5 b (between).

The text message can also be sent automatically or semi-automatically to the telephone number K which characterizes the central computers 5 a, 5 b. For example, the complete number K (in advance) characterizing the central computers 5 a, 5 b can be stored in the mobile telephone 2 . The user A then only needs z. B. press one (or more) specially for dialing the phone number K vorgese hene function keys, or z. B. one (or more) appropriately programmed shortcut keys. As a result, the telephone number K is automatically read from the memory of the mobile telephone 2 , and the text message with the telephone number K is then sent as the destination address.

The text message transmitted from the mobile phone 2 to the central computer 33 of the mobile radio network operator also contains, among other things, the telephone number assigned to the calling telephone, here the number MT2 of the mobile telephone 2 (01777283680). This number is forwarded by the central computer 33 together with the abovementioned (shortened) text message to the respective central computer 5 a, 5 b.

On the basis of this number, the respective central computer 5 a, 5 b carries out an authorization check. It is checked whether the mobile phone 2 is registered for the data communication system according to the invention. Here, the received telephone number MT2 of the mobile telephone 2 is compared with telephone numbers that are contained in a database stored in the storage device 8 a, 8 b of the respective central computer 5 a, 5 b. (As an alternative, the authorization check can be carried out, for example, using the SIM number of the SIM card inserted in the mobile phone 2 , or, for example, using the mobile phone identification number (MIN or Mobile Identification Number) of the mobile phone 2. ) Thereupon The respective central computer 5 a, 5 b evaluates the second character string "@YYYY" or "YYYY" contained in the text message transmitted to it. If this identifies a specific user, a specific user group, or all users registered for the respective data information service PH, AB, they are granted the right to access the data identified by the third character string "ZZZZ" via the Internet 10 (e.g. B. the text entered by user A on mobile phone 2 , etc.). This can e.g. B. happen from the computer 7 or from the Internet cell phone 4 , from where the website assigned to the respective Internet information service PH, AB is called, on which the data identified by the third character string "ZZZZ" are then displayed. The users to whom data has been transferred can respond to user A. The text entered by them on the respective computer 7 or on the Internet mobile phone 4 is controlled by the respective central computer 5 a, 5 b. B. in the form of an SMS to the mobile phone 2 of user A. The mobile phone 2 is z. B. is addressed by entering an identifier corresponding to the second string "@YYYY", which is assigned to user A, or by the above-mentioned mobile phone number MT2 assigned to the first mobile phone 2 , here the number +491777283680.

Is in the text message the above-mentioned optional fourth Zei chenfolge "WWWW" yet, the data is not shown on the homepage, but under the control of each weiligen central computer 5 a, 5 b to the direction indicated by the fourth string "WWWW" manner übertra gen (eg as e-mail (when entering the character string "EMAIL" as the fourth character string), or as SMS (by entering the character string "SMS"), etc. For this purpose, the storage device 8 a, 8 b of the respective central computer 5 a, 5 b, a database is available in which the e-mail addresses, mobile phone numbers, etc. assigned to the desired users are stored.

If, instead of a user or a user group, an identifier was entered as the second character string (eg the character string "PRINTER1"), which identifies a specific terminal device assigned to user A, the respective central computer 5 a, 5 b initiates that the data characterized by the third string "ZZZZ" are sent to the desired terminal, z. B. to a Druc ker, where the data is then automatically output, z. B. be printed out.

In an alternative exemplary embodiment, the data communication system 1 is constructed using several hierarchically implemented software levels (for example, several different users are each assigned to a specific "department" or user group, several "departments" or several user groups of a "main department" or meta user group, several "main departments" or meta user groups of a certain company, etc.). A specific identification number is assigned to each user, each department, etc. The character string PRINTER1 (or, for example, FAX1) can also be used to send information or instructions to a terminal device that is not specifically assigned to the respective user. Depending on the hierarchical level in which the respective user is in the underlying data communication system 1 (or the mobile phone that he is using), the same command can trigger different actions. For example, using the string PRINTER 1 (or e.g. FAX1) in the lowest hierarchy level can mean sending a message to a specific printer (or a specific fax). In the uppermost hierarchy level in data communication system 1, the character string PRINTER1 (or, for example, FAX1) means sending to all printers (or faxes) in the system, and in a middle hierarchy level e.g. For example, sending to a company's department printers (or faxes).

Due to the hierarchical division, the same commands can trigger different actions, which leads to a simple use of the system 1 . The hierarchy can z. B. be specified centrally from the Internet computers 6 , 7 , z. B. by entering the identifi cation number that is to apply to a certain Mo biltelefon 2 , 3 , 4 , which then z. B. sent to the central computer 5 a, 5 b, and the storage device 8 a, 8 b (central) is stored.

If data have been queried from the cell phone 2 , the respective central computer 5 a, 5 b detects the data or data contained in the respective database or file identified by the second character string "YYYY" to the cell phone 2 , eg. B. as SMS, or in any other way.

The data communication system 1 according to the invention thus provides a communication platform which enables data to be exchanged between several different electronic devices (computers, mobile telephones, other end devices such as printers, storage devices, etc.), although these each have different communication protocols (SMS, Use WAP, UMTS, Internet, etc.).

Claims (10)

1. Data communication system ( 1 ), with a telephone, in particular a mobile phone ( 2 ), under whose control data can be transmitted to a terminal, in particular a telephone ( 3 , 4 ) and / or computer ( 6 , 7 ), or by which Terminal ( 3 , 4 , 6 , 7 ) can be called up, characterized in that the data transmission takes place with the interposition of a central computer ( 5 a), which in communication between the telephone ( 2 ) and central computer ( 5 a) used communication protocol in a different from this to implement communication protocol, which is used for communication between the central computer ( 5 a) and the terminal ( 3 , 4 , 6 , 7 ). 2. Data communication system ( 1 ) according to claim 1, wherein the central computer ( 5 a) used in communication between the terminal ( 3 , 4 , 6 , 7 ) and central computer ( 5 a) communication protocol used in a different communication protocol implements, which is used for communication between the central computer ( 5 a) and telephone ( 2 ). 3. Data communication system ( 1 ) according to claim 1 or 2, in which the data transmission takes place with the interposition of one of several central computers ( 5 a, 5 b), the computer used in each case ( 5 a, 5 b) by one a given or stored identifier is selected on the telephone ( 2 ). 4. Data communication system ( 1 ) according to claim 3, wherein the identifier is a character string consisting of 1 to 10, in particular 2 to 3 characters. 5. Data communication system ( 1 ) according to claim 4, wherein the string consists of letters. 6. Data communication system ( 1 ) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the identifier is a telephone number. 7. The device, which is designed so that it can be used as a central computer ( 5 a, 5 b) in a system according to egg nem of claims 1-6. 8. Data communication method for the transmission of data between a telephone, in particular a mobile phone ( 2 ) and a terminal, in particular a telephone ( 3 , 4 ) and / or computer ( 6 , 7 ), characterized in that the data transmission between Circuit of a central computer ( 5 a) takes place, which converts the communication protocol used in the communication between the telephone ( 2 ) and the central computer ( 5 a) into a communication protocol different from this, which is used for communication between the central computer ( 5 a) and the terminal ( 3 , 4 , 6 , 7 ) is used. 9. Data communication system ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the central computer ( 5 a) terminals ( 3 , 4 , 6 , 7 ) are admini strated with mutually different protocols. 10. Data communication system ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 6 or 9, characterized in that the terminals ( 3 , 4 , 6 , 7 ) are addressed by the central computer ( 5 a) as a function of the respective system status.