DE10350210B4 - Method for transmitting SMS-based data - Google Patents

Abstract

Method for transmitting SMS-based data between at least one terminal (1) and a center (15) as a replacement or extension of an existing GSM module,
a) in which the SMS-based data is available as non-TCP / IP-capable, in particular as non-GPRS-capable data,
b) in which at least the terminal side by means of a processing device (7) the SMS-based data converted into TCP / IP-based data and
c) are transmitted by means of a TCP / IP-based service in the direction of the central office (15),
d) so that the processing device (7) thus outwardly (in the direction of the terminal) as not TCP / IP-capable, in particular not as GPRS-capable, SMS interface and terminal side, the simple SMS-based data structure is maintained, so that an already existing SMS-based device can be reused on the terminal side.

Description

The The invention relates to a method for transmitting SMS-based Data, and a processing device for carrying out such Process.

such Procedures are used in a variety of telemetric applications, such as for example traffic monitoring, Temperature monitoring and possibly temperature control, level used by vending machines, etc. where data from terminals to a Central transmitted or terminals telemonitored should be.

In many cases this will be data from the terminal to a center in the form of SMS (Short Message Service) -based News about transmit an existing Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) network, around costs for an otherwise to be installed network or connection costs (e.g. a fixed network, if available locally) to an existing network save.

Per SMS message can this maximum 140 bytes for the actual information is transported as a "payload", leaving a SMS message with all additional information includes a maximum of 500 bytes. This for simple data transfers sufficient maximum size is per SMS message paid and payable by tariff to the provider. For a larger number of transfers or SMS messages arise disadvantageously, however sometimes considerable costs.

In "Young, Andrew; Skobla, Joseph: SMS TCP / IP interface. Aerospace Conference, March 8-15, 2003. Proceedings, Vol. 4, ISSN: 1095-323X, pp. 4-1597 until 4-1603 "is a method is described which establishes a TCP / IP connection to a GSM modem whereby, on the application side (TCP / IP-based data or Software) the SMS functionality added is to transfer the data by SMS as SMS.

In "ESE Embedded System Engineering GmbH: RS232 - Ethernet Gateway / server SERVis. Company publication, ref. 1.1, January 2003. Bodman-Ludwigshafen: ESE, 2003 "is an ethernet Gateway presented, which terminal-side a network, namely a TCP / IP structure, connecting to a GSM modem. Here too terminal side added a GSM functionality (modem) to a TCP / IP structure.

In "WAVECOM S.A .: INTEGRA GSM / GPRS - M2100 Series. Company publication RCS 384740643 on the other hand is presented a modem, which offers the method SMS over GPRS. This will endgeräteseitg one with special GPRS commands offered extended interface, which terminal end disadvantageously must be used accordingly to the SMS over GPRS service enable.

Of the The present invention is therefore based on the object, a method and an apparatus for carrying out such a method to create, in a simple and cost-effective manner, the costs for a transmission reduce SMS-based data from a terminal to a central office.

These The object is achieved by a Method with the features of claim 1 and by a processing device with the features of claim 7 and an arrangement with the features of claim 9 solved.

in this connection becomes at least terminal side continue the existing structure, namely sending TCP / IP-based Data, namely of text messages or SMS-based data. But these data are already terminal side by means of a processing device in each unique TCP / IP based data, especially GPRS (General Packet Radio Service-based Data implemented and transmitted.

hereby advantageously eliminates the high cost of sending non-TCP / IP-based Data, namely SMS messages because TCP / IP based Services, such as the data service GPRS, within the (extended) GSM network comparatively much cheaper data transfers offers.

in the Difference to a costly complete switch to one other, for example, purely GPRS-based communication but terminal side continue the simple, not originally TCP / IP based data structure, namely SMS based Data structure, maintained. Instead of a complex conversion can according to the invention continue to use an existing facility in this way so that costs for a corresponding adjustment compared to a complete changeover are considered to be low.

According to the invention the conversion or transformation of SMS-based data into TCP / IP-based Data by means of a processing device, which is a microprocessor (Chip) including memory etc. includes.

In This processing device can now implement the example by means of clear mapping rules or tables (Cross reference), so that the converted data to a TCP / IP-capable transmission module passed and by means of a TCP / IP-based connection (for example GPRS, UMTS data service, fixed network data service, etc.) to a central office can be.

In a preferred embodiment The invention converts SMS-based data into GPRS-based data and thus uses a GPRS service of an extended GSM. Advantageously, this can existing GSM modules / facilities (For example, due to a recent SMS structure), provided already GPRS capable (Newer GSM modules) may be reused. in this connection It is conceivable, such a GPRS-enabled GSM module or its Control (usually a microprocessor chip) also to implement the SMS-based data to use in TCP / IP-based data or by means of an appropriate software head for.

In In this case, the processing device can be a structural unit with the actual transmission module form or be covered by this.

In Further embodiment of the invention, data from the terminal to the center not only sent, but in a similar way via a TCP / IP link turn on the terminal side implemented in SMS-based data also be received. hereby is it possible in telemetric applications, not just data from at least one terminal interrogate, but advantageously also data, for example for maintenance purposes, control, etc. from a control center.

In an embodiment The invention also reproduces the data on the part of the control center in SMS-based data, for example also by means of a processing device as above for the terminal side described, implemented. This can also be on the part of the head office the already existing structures (software and hardware) for reception and be used to evaluate the data.

It is also conceivable the TCP / IP-based data on the part of Central no longer implement and process there directly, because the necessary changes across from a reception, evaluation and processing not TCP / IP-based Data only incurred once. In addition, in such a center often for other purposes, such as Internet access, etc. already TCP / IP enabled Structures present, so that when converting only a corresponding Software with the method according to the invention must be recorded.

In preferred embodiment of the invention are the TCP / IP based Data at least partially, in particular terminal side, transmitted over a mobile radio link. This is the terminal equipment a telemetric application locally advantageously not to fixed data ports, such as telephone line, Leased line or similar, bound and therefore independent of location (if a mobile network available) usable.

In Another embodiment of the invention, the TCP / IP based Data at least partially over a data network, in particular Internet, WLAN, VPN, transmitted. This increases itself by the general high availability and reliability such networks (due to a point-to-point connection), availability and reliability the entire connection.

In Another embodiment of the invention comprises a so-called black box, So a structural unit, both the processing facility as well as a TCP / IP-enabled transmission module, in particular a GPRS-enabled GSM module.

With Such a black box can advantageously be simple and a conversion of a existing SMS-based telemetric system, by replacing only the existing GSM module with the black box. Especially at the place of the usually larger number of terminals This can be the time and the technical effort for the conversion low being held. In addition, leaves Such a black box by using commercially available Individual components, especially for larger quantities, inexpensive to manufacture wherein the programming effort to implement the method according to the invention only once incurred.

Instead of implementation, as described above, GPRS-based data, It is also conceivable that the SMS-based data is based on TCP / IP Data according to a UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunications System) data service implement. Instead of a GPRS-enabled one GSM module is for this However, a UMTS module necessary, the processing device for the corresponding implementation of the data also from the UMTS module may be (possibly even realized as a pure SW part of the UMTS module).

Further embodiments The invention will become apparent from the dependent claims.

The Invention will now be described with reference to the drawing Figures closer explained. In the drawing show:

1 a schematic block diagram of a bidirectional transmission of SMS-based data by means of a GPRS connection according to the invention;

2 a flow chart of an initialization phase according to the invention;

3 a flow chart of a connection structure according to the invention;

4 a flow chart of a transmission according to the invention and

5 a flow chart of a connection degradation according to the invention.

1 schematically shows how a decentralized terminal or a decentralized device, such as a car wash 1 with a central office 15 in which information of this car wash is monitored and / or processed communicates. Of course, in this case a plurality of other washing systems, not shown in the drawing, may be present, which communicate with the control center in the same way as the washing system shown 1 communicate.

The car wash 1 is here with a so-called black box 17 connected via a serial connection 3-5, which is a processing device 7 and a GPRS-enabled GSM module 9 includes. The black box 17 indicates this at the entrance 5 a serial interface to which data of the car wash 1 such as "filling level washing solution", "level polishing agent", "meter reading of Einrich device", "meter reading cashier", etc. are transmitted as SMS-based data or coded accordingly.

This interface 5 the black box 17 or their processing device 7 Thus, it presents itself externally as an (SMS) interface of a non-GPRS-capable GSM module, as used, for example, in its present form in various telemetric applications, such as traffic monitoring, etc. In this way, it can be ensured that during a conversion of such a system to the inventive method, except for a replacement of the black box 17 , or even only additional installation of the processing device 7 , at least on the terminal side any existing hardware and software can be reused.

Furthermore, in the processing device 7 the black box 15 the SMS-based data is converted or converted into respectively uniquely assigned GPRS-based data. This conversion can be done, for example, on the basis of a stored table (cross reference) or via a clear mapping rule.

The Communication is running in this case, for example, as described below:

Initialization phase ( 2 ):

As with any transfer, the car wash needs 1 the GSM module 9 Initialize and log into the GSM network. For this purpose, a PIN (Personal Identification Number) is automatically entered or transferred and the log-in status of the GSM module 9 queried. This process to be described in detail below is a prerequisite for establishing a connection for a data transmission.

For a better understanding, see the flowchart 2 (as well as in the 3 to 5 ) to the right of the diagram blocks the direction in which data is transferred or a query is made.

The By the way, the (extended) GSM commands used are, for example, off for a person skilled in the art GSM specifications 07.07 or 07.05.

On the basis of an input or transfer of a PIN number of a SIM card (GSM standard), in the example the number "1234" is according to the flow chart after 2 the initialization of "Requesting the PIN status" via "Request PIN of the SIM card", "Transfer of the PIN" to "Acknowledgment of the successful PIN entry" (and thus the end of the initialization) for a person skilled in the art easy to understand.

After such an initialization is the GSM module 9 "Operational" prepared to take further steps towards a data transfer.

Registration phase into the (GSM) network ( 3 ):

This log-in phase now starts the asynchronous operation. This asks the black box 17 the network status or the network availability of the GSM network and establishes a GPRS session in the presence of a network. This is essentially a complex PPP and IP protocol from the black box 17 eta bliert, without this for another impetus (command or request) must be made from the outside. The details thereof are known to a person skilled in the art, so that reference is made to this.

As shown in the flowchart according to 3 As can be seen, the question "GPRS session established?" is answered negatively with "no network available." It should be noted that a non-GPRS-capable interface neither knows nor understands a response such as "GPRS session is (not) established". As a result, this datum will be present in a non-GPRS (basic) GSM (no) network response. Of course, a network is already physically present at this time.

The pretending of a missing network (in case of missing GPRS session) by the processing device 7 forces the car wash 1 but according to the invention only to send data when a GPRS session is successfully established. Here it is conceivable that washer 1 with the next request "network available" waits until the message "network exists" or the request is constantly repeated and granted a corresponding error message. In this case, a so-called "timeout" can be provided, so that the GSM module shuts off after a predetermined time without a successful response.

Data transmission or transmission of an SMS ( 4 ):

Will now the car wash 1 transmit an SMS, this transmission runs according to the in 4 shown flowchart.

In the work step 4 and step 5 (in 4 Counted from above) "decoding the PDU" and "winning the destination address" the SMS is implemented or converted according to the invention. In this case, the SMS destination number is used to obtain the destination address of the data for the GPRS transmission. For this purpose, several possibilities are conceivable. For example, the processing device finds 7 The number in an internally stored list (cross reference table) and assigns this number to a combination of IP address and IP port.

It But it is also conceivable, the implementation by means of a likewise unique To perform mapping rule. For example, the address transferred as a telephone number can be interpreted as an IP address become. So can the 14-digit Number 19216800105082 as IP address 192.168.001.050 and port 82 are interpreted, which of course is conceivable, faulty Phone numbers (wrong length, wrong network, wrong port, etc.) as faulty (with appropriate test criteria or even redundancy) and a corresponding error message issue.

As per step 6 an IP connection is established via a GPRS data transmission link, the data is determined according to step 7 transfer. In this case, it is also conceivable, instead of transmitting only the pure (extracted) data, to transmit the complete PDU (Packed Data Unit, SMS data packet), since this already contains all the required data. As mentioned in the flowchart, it is also possible, depending on the requirement, to encrypt the data for the transmission path in order to ensure the most secure transmission possible. Such encryption can in turn be performed by the processing device 7 or by appropriate processing commands to control their microprocessor done. Furthermore, it can be provided that, when errors occur in the transmission of the data (in the absence of acknowledgment), the processing device 7 the transmission is repeated automatically. Upon successful transmission (after acknowledgment), the IP connection or the GPRS session is processed by the processing device 7 dismantled again.

Now there is the car wash 1 be notified that the transmission was successful, what this is as a successful transmission of an SMS.

Receiving an SMS ( 5 ):

Receives black box 17 or their GSM module 9 a GPRS data packet, tells the processing device 7 (after notification and transfer of the GSM module 9 ) of the car wash 1 with that an incoming SMS (which can also be present as a complete PDU) exists. As in the flowchart 5 are represented by the processing device 7 SMS-typical commands simulated (eg new message in SIM memory space 3 available), so that this message or the PDU data of the message can be retrieved accordingly. Of course, the message is not from the car wash 1 itself, but from there existing SMS-capable hardware, which for the sake of simplicity above and below as a car wash 1 is called, retrieved.

The In this way, received SMS message can now from the car wash or whose electronics are processed further (control, maintenance; Request to submit certain values Etc.)

To the black box 17 even with changing (own) IP address to reach, divides the black box 17 each time you log in or change the IP address this current address to a central server or the center itself with, then this black box 17 be achieved can. The server manages so to speak the black box 17 (or other black boxes) and provides information about the current IP address. In this case, the black boxes can be identified via the MSISDN (mobile station identification short dialing number) or telephone number.

The transmission described above, in particular the sending of an SMS from the car wash 1 in the direction of the headquarters 15 This can, depending on a specific event in the car wash, predetermined at a certain time, possibly cyclically or on request of the center 15 respectively.

Of course it is It is conceivable that the data during the actual transmission exist in another form, and only subsequently, at least on the terminal side, be processed as SMS-based data. For example it is conceivable, for the transfer other systems, such as UMTS data service, landline data services, Internet, WAN, LAN, VPN, etc. to use.

Further the invention is not limited to the embodiment described above limited, but in principle to any telemetric applications, such as for traffic monitoring, monitoring and control (in particular of the filling level) of ATMs, Vending machines, Cigarette vending machines, weather stations, data acquisition, water levels of rivers, Operating data acquisition, transfer operating data from and to vehicles, etc. applicable.

Particularly noteworthy in the invention is the possibility of existing telemetric systems, in particular on the part of the terminals, in a simple manner by replacing the existing box or the existing GSM module with the black box according to the invention 17 or by extending an existing GSM-enabled module with a processing device 7 (possibly also their structural integration or pure software implementation in the GSM module) to convert the implementation of the method according to the invention. Consequently, according to the invention, a processing device does not necessarily mean an independent object-specific device, but in some circumstances also a corresponding activation of a transmission module.

Claims (11)

Method for transmitting SMS-based data between at least one terminal ( 1 ) and a central office ( 15 ) as a replacement or for the extension of an existing GSM module, a) in which the SMS-based data as non-TCP / IP-capable, in particular as non GPRS-capable data, b) in which at least terminal side by means of a processing device ( 7 ) the SMS-based data is converted into TCP / IP-based data and c) by means of a TCP / IP-based service in the direction of the central office ( 15 ), d) so that the processing device ( 7 ) is thus outwardly (in the direction of the terminal) as non-TCP / IP-capable, in particular not as GPRS-capable, SMS interface and terminal side, the simple SMS-based data structure is maintained, so that the terminal side an existing SMS-based Device can continue to be used. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that that the non-TCP / IP based data in TCP / IP based data in Form of GPRS-based data be implemented. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized that TCP / IP-based data is not both sent and received can be. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that on the part of the center ( 15 ) the TCP / IP-based data is converted back to non-TCP / IP-based data. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized characterized in that the TCP / IP-based data is at least partially, in particular on the terminal side, via a Transmitted mobile radio link become. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized characterized in that the TCP / IP-based data at least partially via a Data network, in particular Internet, WAN, VPN, are transmitted. Processing device for carrying out a method according to one of the preceding claims, having a terminal-side first input / output ( 5 ) for SMS-based data and a second transmission path-side input / output ( 8th ) for TCP / IP-based data as a replacement or extension of an (existing) GSM module, a) wherein the terminal-side first input / output ( 5 ) is designed for non-TCP / IP-capable, in particular non-GPRS-capable, SMS-based data, so that the processing device ( 7 ) is thus to the outside (in the direction of the terminal) as not TCP / IP-capable, in particular not as a GPRS-capable, SMS interface and an existing SMS-based device can be used. b) and the processing device ( 7 ) Means up points to the first input / output ( 5 ) to convert existing SMS-based data into TCP / IP-based data. Processing device according to claim 7, characterized in that the second transmission path side input / output ( 8th ) is designed for GPRS-based data, so that this data is transmitted by means of a GPRS-capable GSM module ( 9 ) can be transferred to a GPRS connection. Arrangement of a processing device according to Claim 7 or 8 and a TCP / IP-enabled transmission module as a replacement or to extend an (existing) GSM module. Arrangement according to claim 9, characterized in that the transmission module as GPRS-capable GSM module ( 9 ) is trained. Arrangement according to claim 10, characterized in that the arrangement in the form of a black box ( 17 ) at the first input / output ( 5 ) as an SMS-capable and not GPRS-capable module and at another input / output ( 11 ) as a GPRS-enabled module.