EP0915447A2 - Communication method and apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

The road traffic information system has a communication path between a central station (1) and a user station (9) that has a man machine interface (17). The user station has a receiver (10), decoder (12), controller (13) and input stage (21).

Description

STATE OF THE ART

The present invention relates to a communication method for defining an operating sequence on a human-machine interface one with a first station communicatively connectable second station, in the a plurality of control modules, each one predetermined input and / or output sequence on the Human-machine interface conform, provided in advance are; and a corresponding device or a communication system for implementing the method.

The invention is in many areas of modern communication technology applicable, but it becomes unlimited the general public in relation to a communication system explained in more detail in the case of traffic telematics services Application.

The traffic telematics services and their applications in Road traffic is just beginning to develop. They have a wide range of applications and serve as traffic management systems in the spacious area, for example Avoiding traffic jams on highways or country roads, however they are also used in smaller areas, e.g. within cities or car parks.

Generally speaking, traffic telematics services are intended to provide users of the services certain information requested by them to provide. Here is the need for information the user is highly diversified. Furthermore, a high degree of topicality is delivered Data required. Communication between service providers and user typically runs over the air interface, so by radio, especially mobile radio.

When using these services, a user uses in his vehicle a so-called end device, which for one Receiving the information arriving by radio from the service provider is set up. This terminal is said to Information quickly and clearly - as required of the driver - to be presented. Many end devices already have via a bidirectional communication option, e.g. via GSM to the service provider.

The shape of the services and the service tailored to them the end devices is usually between end device manufacturers and service providers in specific or general applicable standards before the introduction of the services fixed. The end devices have permanently programmed operating sequences, that meet these standards and the respective Can implement the shape of the services in practice.

Because the market for traffic telematics services is just beginning stands, it is foreseeable that new services on the market urge that are designed differently than the previous ones Services and completely restructured operating procedures require. Even if it turns out that a certain existing operating concept with its programmed Processes that are not proven or even faulty arise the need to change the operating procedures.

So far, however, such changes in the terminal are only difficult to implement. You would be theoretically by one Download new operating software, e.g. via GSM or if necessary by reinstalling a newer version via chip card or from CD-ROM. However, all users of a traffic telematics service your operating software almost simultaneously against a newer one Exchange version what given the large number Users would create a major logistical problem.

The problem underlying the present invention generally consists of making the end devices more flexible to design so that the existing device in the vehicle adapted to new operating processes with little effort can be.

In today's standard devices, the operating sequence is which consists of the control modules themselves and their sequence results in the process, stored in the terminal, i.e. firmly stored. Only certain content, i.e. the real ones information relevant to the user from the service provider via the air interface to the Terminal sent.

With this permanently programmed operating structure now their lack of flexibility for integration new processes or services as disadvantageous. Therefore is a communication process and a corresponding one Design of the end devices asked, each easy can be coordinated if necessary is. The additional costs should be as minimal as possible be.

ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION

The communication method according to the invention with the Features of claim 1 and the corresponding terminal according to claim 13, the service provider device according to Claim 16 and the communication system according to claim 17 point towards the known devices and methods the advantage that a lower in the terminal Space requirements and less software there are old operating procedures or incorrect operating procedures can be easily modified without that the terminals have to be changed and that new operating procedures can be implemented easily can. This makes the introduction of new services easier possible.

Since the method according to the invention basically for everyone Service provider is open and the operating procedures are not are more device-specific, but more individual for the service provider can be designed by a corresponding Standardization of the operating processes under the Service providers for the user of services, in particular of traffic telematics services, the largest possible Flexibility in the selection of service providers possible.

Another advantage is that the design of the control modules by the terminal one to the respective one Device-optimized presentation and presentation the menu contents with regard to criteria such as line breaks, Color, etc. enables.

The idea on which the present invention is based exists in that only the control modules in limited numbers and stored and saved individually in the end device are. The sequence of the modules and their content however, are determined and controlled by the service provider.

There are advantageous ones in the respective subclaims Further developments and improvements of the in claim 1 specified communication method or of the claim 13 specified mobile devices.

According to a preferred development, the command becomes Call of the control module or modules in the form of a message structure transfer which a respective address of the or the control modules. This is the easiest Way to call an operating module.

According to a further preferred development, the Message structure a respective content of the control module or modules on. This content consists of, for example Display parameters or texts, characters, etc.

According to a further preferred development, include the control modules saved in advance in the second station Decoding and control programs. The serves appropriate decoding to interpret the transmitted Commands.

According to a further preferred development, include the control modules from the first station to the second Decoder control programs transmitted to the station. this makes possible simple retrofitting of operating modules later.

According to a further preferred further development the contents of the control modules an output of corresponding Menus at the human-machine interface. The can the known optical or acoustic Menus.

According to a further preferred development transmits the second station gives feedback to the first station on the selection of at least one menu item by a Entry at the human-machine interface.

According to a further preferred development, the feedback the transmission of another command triggered to call one or more control modules.

According to a further preferred development, the Command Subcommands to call one or more control modules depending on a selection at least a menu item by entering it on the human-machine interface on. Thus the transmission capacity used effectively and the number of Feedback will be reduced.

According to a further preferred development, the Command Subcommands to create a communication link with another third station depending from a selection of at least one menu item by an input on the human-machine interface on.

According to a further preferred development, the first station a service provider facility, in particular for traffic telematics services.

According to a further preferred development, the second station a mobile device, especially on board of a motor vehicle.

DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the invention are in the drawings shown and in the following description explained.

Fig. 1

eine schematische Darstellung einer Ausführungsform eines Kommunikationssystems zur Durchführung des erfindungsgemäßen Kommunikationsverfahrens zur Auswahl von Bedienmodulen durch einen Diensteanbieter/Externen;

Fig. 2

eine schematische Darstellung eines ersten Beispiels eines Kommunikationsablaufes zwischen einem Endgerät und einem Diensteanbieter mit einem Bedienablauf mit direkter Rückmeldung der Auswahl des Benutzers;

Fig. 3

eine schematische Darstellung eines zweiten Beispiels des Kommunikationsablaufes zwischen einem Endgerät und einem Diensteanbieter mit einer Bedienmenüauswahl mit eingebetteten Untermenüs je Menüpunkt; und

Fig. 4

eine schematische Darstellung eines dritten Beispiels eines Kommunikationsablaufs zwischen einem Endgerät und mehreren Diensteanbietern mit einer Bedienmenüauswahl mit eingebetteten Aktionen je Menüpunkt.

Show it:

Fig. 1

a schematic representation of an embodiment of a communication system for performing the communication method according to the invention for the selection of operating modules by a service provider / external;

Fig. 2

a schematic representation of a first example of a communication sequence between a terminal and a service provider with an operating sequence with direct feedback of the selection of the user;

Fig. 3

a schematic representation of a second example of the communication process between a terminal and a service provider with an operating menu selection with embedded submenus per menu item; and

Fig. 4

a schematic representation of a third example of a communication flow between a terminal and several service providers with an operating menu selection with embedded actions per menu item.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

In the figures, the same reference numerals generally denote identical or functionally identical components.

Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment a communication system for implementation of the communication method according to the invention for selection of operating modules by a service provider / external.

Stern", Raute" und Pfeil"), 17 eine Anzeigeeinrichtung des Endgerätes 9, 18, 19 und 20 Anzeigedarstellungen entsprechend der Fälle I, II und III und 25 eine Antenne des Endgeräts 9.In Fig. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a service provider device, 2 a memory of the service provider, 3 a message structure, 4 module contents a, b, c of the message structure 3, 5 a data provider device, 6, 7 and 8 messages, differentiated according to cases I, II and III, 9 a terminal, 10 a receiving unit, 12 a decoding and control module, 13 a terminal memory, 14, 15 and 16 different operating modules according to cases I, II and III (according to the symbols

Star", Diamond "and Arrow "), 17 a display device of the terminal 9, 18, 19 and 20 display representations corresponding to cases I, II and III and 25 an antenna of the terminal 9.

The service provider device 1 contains a station a device for transmitting radio signals (in the Figures indicated by arrows), their content messages can be with the message structure 3. She is with that Memory 2 connected in which the message structure 3 is stored is a module address or identification in the Terminal 9 and various specific module contents a, b and c, which will be discussed below. The service provider device 1 is also with the data provider device 5 connected to the service provider facility 1 the most diverse, current data each according to the type of services to be transmitted poses. Corresponding data providers can, for example Traffic flow sensors, weather stations, traffic control computers or the staff of other service providers, etc., as is well known in the art.

The service provider device 1 generates messages 6, 7 and 8 from the data from the data provider device 5 and the message structure 3 from its memory 2, which are shown separately according to the different cases I, II and III. The messages 6, 7 and 8 are based on the message structure 3 and have module contents corresponding to the data to be transmitted, which the terminal 9 is intended to display to the user on the display device 17 in menu form. Each message 6, 7, 8 contains a symbol for the memory address ( Diamond "in case I, Star "at II, Arrow "at III) of the associated control module 14, 15 or 16, which is stored in the memory 13 of the terminal 9.

The control modules 14, 15 and 16 and their function are Service provider of the service provider device 1 known. Between the manufacturer of the terminal 9 and the service provider the message structure 3 for calling the Operating modules 14, 15, 16 previously agreed and / or standardized. In the example shown here is a message structure 3 for calling three different ones Control modules 14, 15, 16 agreed.

The diversity of the operating modules 14, 15 and 16 is exemplified here by the different positions of the display of the current module contents on the display device 17 according to the display representations 18, 19, 20. The placeholders a, b, c for the module contents can be found in the message structure 3 in the memory 2 of the service provider device. The current module contents here consist of texts, symbols and phrases, of which the symbols are examples Triangle", Circle "and Cross "are assigned.

The messages 6, 7 and 8 broadcast by the service provider device 1 via the air interface (GSM, DAB = digital audio broadcasting, etc.) are received by the terminal 9 via an antenna 25 and processed in the receiving unit 10 to such an extent that they are decoded by the decoder and Control module 12 can be processed. The transmission, the reception and the receiving unit 10 are assumed to be known. The decoding and control module 12 decodes the transmitted signal into its bit stream, on the basis of the respective memory address denoted by the symbol in the message 6, 7, 8, selects the associated operating module 14, 15 or 16 from the memory 13 of the terminal 1 and sets the module contents Triangle", Circle "or Cross "correspondingly on the display device 17 of the terminal 9. The case 18 shows the display on the display device 17 in accordance with the message 6, 19 in accordance with the message 7 and 20 in accordance with the message 8.

The individual control modules 14, 15 and 16 are therefore in the Memory 13 of the terminal 9 stored individually, and the order of their call and their content are controlled by the service provider device 1. In the present exemplary embodiment, the service provider device calls 1 first the one marked with the rhombus Operating module 14, then the one with the Operating module 15 marked with an asterisk and finally the one with operating module 16 marked with the arrow. The given The operating sequence therefore consists of the sequence of the three different control modules 14, 15 and 16. But is in principle any other order is also possible.

Fig. 2 shows a schematic representation of a first Example of a communication process between one Terminal and a service provider with an operating sequence with direct feedback on the selection of the user.

2, 21 denotes an input unit of the terminal 9, 22 a feedback from the terminal 9 to the service provider device 1 and 24 a further display representation on the display device 17. The remaining reference numerals correspond to those of FIG. 1.

After the basic principle for the communication for the selection of a sequence of operating modules 14, 15, 16 is shown in FIG. 1, a further development of this basic principle is shown in FIG. 2, in which the service provider is enabled to provide a previous operating module (here Diamond ") following control module (here Asterisk ") depending on a selection by the user. In this way, an operating sequence arises from the sequence of at least two operating modules with the intervention of an action by the user of the service.

So that the user can make a selection on the terminal 9 can, the input unit 21 is provided on this. The input unit 21 is also known in the prior art and can advantageously be ergonomically designed Control buttons with associated functions. In the present case, the terminal 9 receives the antenna 25 the message 6 of the service provider device 1. The subsequent processing by the receiving unit 10 and in the decoding and control module 12 to Representation of the menu contents on the display device 17 takes place in a known manner.

It is specific for the present case that the user selects a certain menu element via the input unit 21. Here, the user selects the "circle" element from the display 18, for example, and this and any other additional information relating to the process are communicated to the service provider device 1 in the feedback 22, for example via the GSM. The service provider device 1 receives the feedback 22 with the Circle "as the selected menu item and in response sends the new message 23 with new menu content for the corresponding operating module with the memory address Star "in the terminal 9. The processing of this message in the terminal 9 is carried out as described above. A display of the menu content corresponding to the message 23 is shown as a display 24. This selection / response mechanism can be repeated any number of times.

Fig. 3 illustrates a schematic representation of a second example of the communication process between one Terminal and a service provider with an operating menu selection with embedded submenus per menu item.

In Fig. 3, the individual representation of the terminal components has been omitted for reasons of clarity. In addition, 26 denotes a message for calling up an operating module Rhombus "with embedded content Triangle "and Circle "28 or 30 and 31 a display of the main menu.

32 denotes one of the menu item Triangle "assigned sub-message or a sub-command to call the operating module Asterisk "when selecting Triangle "by the user. 34 denotes one of the menu item Circle "assigned sub-message or a sub-command to call the operating module Arrow "when selecting Circle "by the user.

35 and 36 denote respective display representations of the Submenus and 38 a selection message to the service provider facility.

The message 26 with the two message contents 28 and 30 is sent by the service provider device 1 to the terminal 9. In the present case, the main menu consists of the menu contents Triangle "and Circle ". In the present case, however, the content of the possibly following submenus for Triangle "and Circle "in each case directly in the form of the known messages (see messages 6, 7, 8 above). The decoding and control module 12 temporarily stores the sub-messages 32 and 34 in a memory, expediently its working memory. The user has his display device 17 first a display representation, as is shown schematically by reference number 31. This representation is limited to the symbols Triangle "and Circle ". The logically underlying contents of message parts 32 and 34 are not yet visible.

Only when the user makes a corresponding selection does the display representation 35 appear in accordance with sub-message 32 when the Triangle "of the main menu or the display 36 corresponding to sub-message 34 when the Circle "of the main menu on the display device 17th

The user can make a selection from the menu contents shown last, as was explained in the description of FIG. 2. He selects 35 in the display Circle ", the old menu content" triangle "from the menu display is replaced by the new selection" circle "(case I). In case (II) the" circle "is replaced by the" cross "according to the user's selection. After the selection has ended, for example by confirming the user, the service provider device 1 is informed of the selection - here both "circle" and "cross" - in the message 38. It is therefore possible to select several menu contents and send them to the To send service provider device 1. This type of communication is therefore more effective, since both the message and the feedback make better use of the transmission capacity and avoid time delays due to frequent transmissions in both directions.

4 is a schematic illustration of a third Example of a communication process between a terminal and several service providers with an operating menu selection with embedded actions per menu item.

In this example, the terminal 9 not only shares the Service provider device 1 passively a user selection with, but actively builds a new connection with one further service provider facility.

In Fig. 4, 40 denotes a message in the content 42, 44 embedded message parts 43, 44 for so-called "Actions A and B", 41 shows a display of the main menu an inquiry C on the display device 17, 46, 47 another service provider facility, 48 a message from the further service provider device 47 and 49 is a display representation in response to the message 48.

In the present case, the service provider device 1 sends the message 40 with message parts 43 and 44 for the actions embedded therein A "or B "to the terminal 9. Accordingly, a display as it is denoted by 41 appears on its display device 17, ie a Triangle "and a Circle ". For each of these menu items that the user can select, the terminal 9 is also informed in the message which actions A "or B "it should execute. These actions A "or B "contain, for example, the address of a new service provider facility (eg the telephone number or an email address) and a coded request for information.

The terminal 9 thus builds after the selection in the menu by the user in the action A "or B "described connection and sends the request 46 with the content C "to the further service provider facility 47. The request C "in action A "or B "or is generated by the terminal in accordance with the transmitted command. The further service provider device 47 then sends a message 48 of the type described above with a content which serves as a response to the request 46 from the terminal 9 and a memory address for calling up the operating module Star "in the terminal 9. The display 49 corresponding to the message 48 then appears on the display device 17 of the terminal 9.

Although the present invention is based on preferred exemplary embodiments it has not been described limited, but can be modified in many ways.

The process examples according to FIGS. 1, 2, 3 or 4 can combined with each other in multiple ways and multiple times be repeated.

In particular, of course, instead of a visual one Display an acoustic display and / or an acoustic Input may be provided alternatively or additionally. The control modules would then be a voice or sentence control exhibit.

The number of control modules is not limited to three, and other operating modules for display texts or Messages such as "please wait" are convenient also stored in the end device and can from this called and independently introduced into the operating sequence to the extent necessary. The same applies for an entry of free text, which then only at the service provider is interpreted. Such simple control modules usually belong to a complete sentence of control modules.

The latter simple modules are in the drawings not shown for better clarity. The necessary basic functions are also provided by the terminal provided for each control module. By the user can activate such basic functions For example, leave a menu without triggering an action (Cancel) or confirm a selection (OK).

Specifically, for the design of the described Human-machine interface of the terminal device is similar ergonomic operating structure can be realized as they are familiar to a user of standard software on the PC is. Because only the content and the operating procedure from the service provider the design of the advertisement remains on the display device in particular with regard to Line break, color, page turning, etc. as well as a Marking or cursor and their movement freely configurable.

The communication method according to the invention and the terminal device according to the invention or the service provider device can be used particularly advantageously in one or more communication systems which can be connected to one another by communication interfaces for the purpose of carrying out traffic telematics services. REFERENCE SIGN LIST 1 Service provider facility 2nd Memory of 1 3rd Message structure 4a, b, c Module content 5 Data provider facility 6,7,8 Messages 9 Terminal 10th Receiving unit 12th Decoding and control module 13 Memory of 9 14,15,16 Control modules 17th Display device 18, 19, 20 Display representations 21 Input unit 22 feedback 24th Display representation 25th antenna 26 Message with embedded parts for submenus 28.30 Part for main menus 32.34 Part for sub-menus 31,35,37 Display representations 38 feedback 40 Message with embedded parts for actions 41.49 Display representations 42 Part for main menu with embedded action A 43 Action A 44 Part for main menu with embedded action B 45 Action B 46 Request to other service provider facility 47 further service provider facility 48 Notification from another service provider facility

Claims (17)

Communication method for defining an operating sequence at a human-machine interface (17; 21) one with a first station (1) in terms of communication connectable second station (9), in which a plurality of control modules (14, 15, 16), each of which a predetermined Input and / or output sequence on the Human-machine interface (17; 21) correspond in be provided in advance, whereby a command (6; 7; 8; 23; 26; 40) for calling up one or more control modules (14, 15, 16) in a desired call order accordingly the operating sequence from the first station (1) the second station (9) is transmitted. Communication method according to claim 1, characterized in that the command (6; 7; 8; 23; 26; 40) to Call of the control module or modules (14, 15, 16) in the form of a Message structure (3) is transmitted, which a respective Address of the control module (s) (14, 15, 16) having. Communication method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized characterized in that the message structure (3) a respective content (4) of the control module or modules (14, 15, 16). Communication method according to one of the preceding Claims, characterized in that the control modules (14, 15, 16) in the second station (9) in advance stored decoding and control programs include. Communication method according to one of the preceding Claims, characterized in that the control modules (14, 15, 16) from the first station (1) to the second Station (9) transmitted decoding and control programs include. Communication method according to one of the preceding Claims, characterized in that the content the control modules (14, 15, 16) output appropriate Menus on the human-machine interface (17; 21) condition. Communication method according to claim 6, characterized in that the second station (9) of the first station (1) feedback (22; 38; 46) about the selection at least one menu item by entering on the Human-machine interface (17; 21) transmits. Communication method according to claim 7, characterized in that through the feedback (22; 38; 46) the Transmission of another command (23; 48) for calling one or more control modules (14 15, 16) triggered becomes. Communication method according to one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that the command (26) subcommands (28; 30) for calling up one or more control modules (14, 15, 16) depending on a selection at least a menu item by entering the Human-machine interface (17; 21). Communication method according to one of claims 6 to 9, characterized in that the command (40) subcommands (42; 44) for establishing a communication connection with another third station depending from a selection of at least one menu item by an input on the human-machine interface (17; 21). Communication method according to one of the preceding Claims, characterized in that the first station (1) a service provider facility, in particular for traffic telematics services. Communication method according to one of the preceding Claims, characterized in that the second Station (9) a mobile device, especially on board of a motor vehicle. Device for performing the tasks of the second Station (9) in the process according to one of the preceding Claims, characterized by a memory (13) in which the control modules (14, 15, 16) can be called individually are saved. Device according to claim 13, characterized in that that it has a decoding and control module (12), which with the human-machine interface (17; 21), the latter being a display device (17) and an input device (21). Device according to one of claims 13 or 14, characterized characterized that it is a bidirectional transmit / Receiving device, in particular a GSM device, having. Device for performing the tasks of the first Station (1) in the method according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized by a memory (2) in which the Structure of the operating modules (14, 15, 16) is stored, and a device (1; 5) for creating the commands (6; 7; 8th; 23; 26; 40) or subcommands (28; 30; 42; 44)) for Calling up one or more control modules (14, 15, 16) according to the structure of the operating module to be called (14, 15, 16). Communication system for performing the procedure according to one of claims 1 to 12 with a device according to at least one of claims 13 to 15 and one Device according to claim 16.

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