EP0915447B1 - Communication method and apparatus - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a Communication method according to claim 1, such as known from EP 0 566 482 A1. Furthermore concerns the present invention a corresponding Device or a communication system for Execution of the procedure. 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 such as 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. Next is a high degree of timeliness of the 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 established. 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 at the same time against a newer one Exchange version what given the large number of 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 end devices common today, the operating sequence is which is made up 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 his.

ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION

The communication method according to the invention with the Features of claim 1 and the corresponding terminal according to claim 9, the service provider device according to Claim 12 and the communication system according to claim 13 point over 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, optimal 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.

In the respective subclaims there are advantageous ones Developments and improvements of claim 1 specified communication method or of the claim 9 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 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 Station transmitted decoding control programs. this makes possible easy retrofitting of operating modules later.

According to a further preferred development, the return message 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.

DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the invention are in the drawings shown and in the description below 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 flow between a terminal and a service provider with an operating menu selection with embedded submenus per menu item; and

Fig. 4

is a schematic representation 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.

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.

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 reports, 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 control modules according to the 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 the 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 provides. 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 from the data from the data provider device 5 and the message structure 3 from its memory 2 messages 6, 7 and 8 that presented separately according to the different cases I, II and III are. Messages 6, 7 and 8 are based on the Message structure 3 and assign the data to be transmitted corresponding module contents that the terminal 9 the Show users on the display device 17 in menu form should. Each message 6, 7, 8 contains a symbol for the Memory address ("diamond" in case I, star "in II, "Arrow" at III) of the associated control module 14, 15 or 16, each stored in the memory 13 of the terminal 9 is.

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 difference between the control modules 14, 15 and 16 is here, for example, by the different positions the presentation of the current module contents on the Display device 17 according to the display representations 18, 19, 20 clarifies. The placeholders a, b, c for the module content are in the message structure 3 in the memory 2 the service provider facility again. The current The module contents here consist of texts, Symbols and phrases, for which the symbols are exemplary "Triangle", "Circle" and "Cross" are assigned.

The one from the service provider device 1 via the air interface (GSM, DAB = Digital Audio Broadcasting etc.) broadcast messages 6, 7 and 8 are from the terminal 9 received via an antenna 25 and in the receiving unit 10 processed so far that it is decoded by the and control module 12 can be processed. The Broadcasting, reception and reception unit 10 are assumed to be known. The decoding and control module 12 decodes the transmitted signal into its Bitstream selects based on the respective by the symbol in the message 6, 7, 8 designated memory address the associated Control module 14, 15 or 16 from memory 13 of the terminal 1 and sets the module contents "triangle", "Circle" or "cross" accordingly on the display device 17 of the terminal 9. The case shows 18 the display representation on the display device 17 according to message 6, 19 according to message 7 and 20 according to message 8.

The individual control modules 14, 15 and 16 are therefore in 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 indicated by 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 show another display on the display device 17. The remaining reference numerals correspond to those of FIG. 1.

After the basic principle for communication in Fig. 1 to select a sequence of operating modules 14, 15, 16 2 is a further development of this Basic principle illustrated, where it is the service provider a previous control module is enabled (here "diamond") following control module (here "star") depending on a selection by the user. In this way, an operating sequence arises from the sequence of at least two operating modules with activation of an action of 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.

What is specific to the present case is that the selection of a particular menu item by the user through the Input unit 21 takes place. Here the user selects the display 18 exemplifies the element "Circle" and this and possibly additional information regarding the process, the terminal 9 shares the Service provider device 1 in feedback 22 with, for example via the GSM. The service provider facility 1 receives the feedback 22 with the "circle" as selected menu item and sends accordingly the new message 23 with new menu content for the corresponding Control module with the memory address "star" in the Terminal 9. The processing of this message in terminal 9 is carried out as described above. A Presentation of the menu content according to message 23 is shown as 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 a Terminal and a service provider with an operating menu selection with embedded submenus per menu item.

In Fig. 3 for reasons of clarity Individual display of the end device components is omitted. In addition, 26 denotes a message for calling a "Rhombus" operating module with embedded "triangle" content and "circle" 28 or 30 and 31 a display of the Main menu.

32 denotes an associated with the menu item "triangle" Sub message or a sub command to call the operating module "Star" when "triangle" is selected by the User. 34 denotes an associated with the menu item "circle" Sub message or a sub command to call of the "Arrow" operating module when "Circle" is selected 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 from the service provider device 1 to the terminal 9 sent. The main menu exists in the present case So from the menu contents "triangle" and "circle". In the present However, the content of the case may be following submenus for "triangle" and "circle" respectively directly in the form of the known messages (see above transmit messages 6, 7, 8) immediately. Doing so saves the decoding and control module 12 the sub-messages 32 and 34 in a memory, expediently its main memory, between. The user has on his display device 17 first a display representation, such as it is represented schematically by reference number 31. This representation is limited to the symbols "Triangle" and "circle". The logically underlying content of message parts 32 and 34 are not yet visible.

Only when the user makes a corresponding selection the display 35 appears in accordance with the sub-message 32 when selecting the "triangle" of the main menu or the display representation 36 corresponding to the sub-message 34 when selecting the "circle" of the main menu on the Display device 17.

The user can choose from the menu contents shown last make a selection as described in the description of Fig. 2 was explained. He selects in the display 35 the "circle", so the old menu content "Triangle" from the menu display through the new selection "Circle" replaced (case I). In case (II) the "circle" replaced by the "cross" according to the user's choice. After completing the selection, for example by confirmation of the user, the service provider device 1 the selection - here both "circle" and also "cross" - communicated in message 38. So it is possible to select several menu contents and in one Send process to the service provider device 1 send. So this type of communication is more effective because both the notification and the feedback make better use of the transmission capacity and avoid it 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 device, 48 a message from the further service provider device 47 and 49 is a display representation in response to the message 48th

The service provider device 1 transmits in the present If the message 40 with message parts embedded therein 43 and 44 for actions "A" and "B" to the terminal 9. The display device 17 accordingly appears a display representation, as denoted by 41, so a "triangle" and a "circle". For each of these Menu items that the user can select is the Terminal 9 also communicated in the message which Actions "A" or "B" should execute it. These actions For example, "A" or "B" contain the address of one new service provider facility (e.g. the telephone number or an email address) and a coded request for Information.

The terminal 9 thus builds after the selection by the user in the menu that described in action "A" or "B" Connection and sends the request 46 with the content "C" to the further service provider facility 47 the request "C" is described in the action "A" or "B" or is transmitted by the terminal according to the Command generated. The other service provider facility 47 then sends a message 48 of the one described above Type with content that is in response to query 46 of the terminal 9, and a memory address for Calling up the "Star" operating module in the terminal device 9. The display 49 corresponding to message 48 appears thereupon 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 Entry can 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 further 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 is 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 the sake of 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).

In particular, 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. LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS 1 Service provider device 2 Memory of 1 3 message structure 4a, b, c module content 5 Data provider Setup 6,7,8 reports 9 terminal 10 receiver unit 12 Decoding and control module 13 Memory of 9 14,15,16 operating modules 17 display 18,19,20 display images 21 input unit 22 feedback 24 display presentation 25 antenna 26 Message with embedded parts for submenus 28.30 Part for main menus 32.34 Part for sub-menus 31,35,37 display images 38 feedback 40 Message with embedded parts for actions 41.49 display images 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 (13)

1. Communication method for definition of an operating procedure for a man machine interface (17; 21) for a second station (9) which can be connected for communication purposes to a first station (1) and in which a number of control modules (14, 15, 16), which each correspond to a predetermined input and/or output sequence for the man machine interface (17; 21), are provided in advance, with a command (6; 7; 8; 23; 26; 40) for calling one or more control modules (14, 15, 16) in a desired call sequence in accordance with the control procedure being transmitted from the first station (1) to the second station (9);
   characterized in that

   the first station (1) is a service provider device for traffic telematics services, and the second station (9) is a mobile terminal;

   the contents of the control modules (14, 15, 16) result in appropriate menus being output on the man machine interface (17; 21); and

   the second station (9) transmits to the first station (1) an acknowledgement (22; 38; 46) of the selection of at least one menu element by means of an input on the man machine interface (17; 21).
2. Communication method according to Claim 1, characterized in that the command (6; 7; 8; 23; 26; 40) for calling the control module or modules (14, 15, 16) is transmitted in the form of a message structure (3) which has an address for the control module or each of the control modules (14, 15, 16).
3. Communication method according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the message structure (3) has a content (4) for the or for each of the control modules (14, 15, 16).
4. Communication method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control modules (14, 15, 16) comprise decoding and control programs which are stored in the second station (9) in advance.
5. Communication method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control modules (14, 15, 16) comprise decoding and control programs which are transmitted from the first station (1) to the second station (9).
6. Communication method according to Claim 1, characterized in that the acknowledgement (22; 38; 46) initiates the transmission of a further command (23; 48) in order to call one or more control modules (14, 15, 16).
7. Communication method according to Claim 6, characterized in that the command (26) has sub-commands (28; 30) for calling one or more control modules (14, 15, 16) as a function of selection of at least one menu element by means of an input on the man machine interface (17; 21).
8. Communication method according to one of Claims 6 or 7, characterized in that the command (40) has sub-commands (42; 44) for creating a communication link with a further third station as a function of a selection of at least one menu element by means of an input on the man machine interface (17; 21).
9. Apparatus for carrying out the tasks of the mobile terminal (9) for the method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a memory (13) in which the control modules (14, 15, 16) are stored such that they can be called individually, by means for receiving commands from the first station, and by means for transmitting an acknowledgement to the first station.
10. Apparatus according to Claim 9, characterized in that the apparatus has a decoding and control module (12) which is connected to the man machine interface (17; 21), with the latter having a display device (17) and an input device (21).
11. Apparatus according to one of Claims 9 or 10, characterized in that the apparatus has a bidirectional transmitting/receiving device, in particular a GSM device.
12. Apparatus for carrying out the tasks of the service provider device (1) for the method according to one of Claims 1 to 8, characterized by a memory (2) in which the structure of the control modules (14, 15, 16) is stored, and a device (1; 5) for creating commands (6; 7; 8; 23; 26; 40) or sub-commands (28; 30; 42; 44) for calling one or more control modules (14, 15, 16) on the basis of the structure of the respective control module (14, 15, 16) to be called.
13. Communication system for carrying out the method according to one of Claims 1 to 8 with an apparatus according to at least one of Claims 9 to 11 and an apparatus according to Claim 12.

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