EP1927253A1

EP1927253A1 - Method and arrangement for position-dependent configuration of a mobile appliance

Info

Publication number: EP1927253A1
Application number: EP06778385A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Jürgen Luers
Original assignee: Siemens AG
Current assignee: Unify GmbH and Co KG
Priority date: 2005-09-21
Filing date: 2006-08-30
Publication date: 2008-06-04
Also published as: US8458374B1; US8386655B2; DE102005045182B4; DE102005045182A1; WO2007033890A1; US20090024765A1; US20130132540A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a method and an arrangement for configuration of a mobile appliance (MGl, MG2) in a communication arrangement, with a communication address that is linked to its location (Rl, ..., RIO) in each case being assigned to the mobile appliance (MGl, MG2). For this purpose, the location (Rl, ..., RIO) of the mobile appliance (MGl, MG2) is determined in a first step, a configuration which is linked to the determined location (Rl, ..., RIO) is checked in a second step from a database, and this determined configuration is assigned to the mobile appliance (MGl, MG2) in a third step.

Description

description

METHOD AND ARRANGEMENT FOR LOCALLY CONFIGURING A

MOBILE DEVICE

The invention relates to a method for the configuration of a mobile device according to the preamble of patent claim 1, and to an arrangement for carrying out a method for configuring a mobile device according to the preamble of patent claim 11.

Devices used in communication networks (voice networks, data networks, etc.) are provided with communication addresses by means of which the devices (communication devices) are used. Thus, telephones or telephone-like devices are assigned telephone numbers, computers and computer-like devices (laptop computers, PDAs, WLAN clients, etc.) use IP addresses (IP = Internet Protocol), computer printers and similar - Liehe peripheral devices are also addressed via IP addresses or network names, etc .. Either the devices such addresses are already assigned by the manufacturer, or they are assigned to the devices manually, one also says: administered. Finally, it is often common in components (devices) in computer networks, for example, to automatically assign communication addresses to a device, for example by means of the DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) method.

In other devices, such as the phones, it is often the case that the device itself is not a communication ^¬ tion address (in this case, a phone number) is assigned, but the physical port with which they are connected to a communication system.

It is often desired to assign a specific communication address to a device from a supply of communication addresses based on location. Thus, game, in hotel rooms for the installed there communication devices (telephones) or the corresponding section on the communication system ^¬ numbers used are either identical to the number of rooms or zumin- least partly from parts of the room number are made. For example, has a telephone in the room R315 (third floor, Zim mer ^¬ 15) the internal number 315 or 9315 above. Another example of such a location-based Kommunikationsad ^¬ resse is a computer printer (network printer), which is operated in a conference room and is accessible via a computer network as a "printer conference room 1." Such "plain text addresses" are usually computer network internally in one IP address or another "technical" Kommunikationsad ^¬ resse revaluable, for example, by a so-called. "DNS server" (DNS = Domain Naming Service).

Existing devices that have a "location-aware" Kommunikati ^¬ onsadresse be replaced with new equipment - at ^¬ play, the mentioned network printer -, the new device have the communication address and other location relevant con ^¬ figurations data of the replaced unit to be assigned manually while. when replacing a corded telephone (which is thus in the context of this patent application, a mobile device), for example, in the hotel room mentioned, the previous communication address (phone number) is maintained because the new phone is operated at the previous port (interface) must in the case of new equipment or when replacing a cordless, mobile device (for example, DECT telephone) the desired spatial or location-linked communication address manually assigned to the new or replaced device.

Similar administration processes also occur with other address-based devices, such as a barcode reader, which are used in the incoming goods department of a large factory. There, each goods receipt (gate, ramp, oa) is associated with a barcode reader, each delivered goods is ges ^¬ cannt and thus communicated to a merchandise management system which goods receipt has received which goods at what time. When exchanging such a scanner (barcode reader) usually connected to the data network, this new scanner must either be assigned the corresponding location-related communication address, which is not customary in the case of the usual IP addresses, or the existing communication address / The IP address of the scanner must be linked to the new location of the device. Both are associated with a high manual effort.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to simplify the configuration of mobile devices in communication arrangements.

The object is achieved by a method according to the patent claim 1 and by an arrangement according to the patent claim 11.

To achieve the object, a method for configuring a mobile device in a communication arrangement is proposed, wherein the mobile device is assigned a respective associated with his location communication address. In this case, a first step of the overall location of the mobile is determined rätes checked a linked with the determined site configuration in a second step from a database (configuration data), and rejected in a third step this determined configuration to the mobile device ^¬. By such a method it is possible to quickly and easily assign a mobile device, a location-based configura ^¬ tion or use location-based configuration data to a mobile device.

The solution of the object also provides an arrangement for carrying out the aforementioned method, with a detection device for detecting the location of the mobile device, with a database for storing a plurality of configurations associated with one location in each case for mobile devices, and with an assignment device for retrieving one of the location-related configuration from the database and for assigning this retrieved configuration to the mobile device. In this case provided with a few or even by no NEN user intervention a mobile device with a related to its current location (as described communication address), so that one can be with the location Shortcut ^¬ te configuration, in a new installation or replacement of the mobile device further used ,

Advantageous embodiments of the method according to the invention are specified in the dependent claims. The features and advantages described herein apply mutatis mutandis to the inventive arrangement, and vice versa.

Inadvertent reconfiguration, for example, for short-term change of location of the mobile device, is prevent ver ^¬ by a user if the allocation of the configuration only after input of an assignment command. Alternatively or additionally, a minimum time is providable that must elapse after a change of location, before an instruction for ^¬ a modified configuration is made.

Advantageously, a differentiation is made in the database for types for devices, so that a plurality of configurations, for example one for each type or for each functionality, can be provided for each location, whereby based on the type or functionality of the device to be configured ^¬ one of these configurations is used.

Arrangements with frequently changing places of use of the mobile devices can be updated in a timely manner by carrying out the first method step repeatedly and after each determination of the location of the mobile device checking whether the configuration currently assigned to the mobile device is linked to the last determined location Case of non-compliance to the user by means of a User interface, the possibility for command input of the To ^¬ weisungsbefehls is offered.

The method saves a lot of manual effort if a wireless communication device is used as the mobile device, because such devices are known to be used frequently in a mobile location.

The method is particularly suitable for saving administration overhead in voice communication arrangements, for example private branch exchanges, in that the assignment of the configuration comprises an assignment of a communication address, for example an extension telephone number. A particularly common application is in this case covers off when the communications device is used in a building containing more ^¬ reren spaces, wherein a plurality of the spaces is depending ^¬ weils associated with a room number and associated with the respective location of the communication device Kommunikati ^¬ onsadresse at least partially with a Part of the respective room number of the location is identical. The same advantage he gives ^¬ when it comes to wired Kommunikationsgerä ^¬ te that are renewed or reinstalled and so ^{¬ represent} with mobile devices.

If (angebun particular wireless ^¬ Denes) as the mobile device is a computer peripheral device is used, beispielswei ^¬ se a W-LAN or WiFi / WiMax device, the addressing can be simplified with the method in a (wireless) data network. The same applies to wired network components which are subjected to a change of location. A particularly advantageous use results if the computer peripheral device used is a printer and / or a scanner and / or a fax machine, wherein the location-based configuration to be assigned is configured in such a way that the mobile and / or non-mobile further devices assigned to the same location have access to this computer peripheral device. Such devices may, for example, Renz evacuate in Konfe ^¬ be advantageously used, so that present Persons with their computers without elaborate address input on the basis of a device or its communication address ^¬ ordered name, for example, a comment ei ^¬ ner URL (Uniform Resource Locator) or a path, each using peripheral devices in their vicinity.

In the second step, in addition to the communication address, further configuration data associated with the current location of the mobile device can be transmitted to the mobile device, which serve for activating and / or deactivating functions of the mobile device, transmitted to the mobile device and transmitted to the mobile device be applied. This enables them in their functionality, for example with regard ih ^¬ rer user interface to be adapted to the particular site.

A particularly precise location determination is possible if the device for detecting the location is part of the mobile device. For this purpose, satellite-based position receivers such as GPS receivers are advantageous. Alternatively, network-based position detection systems can be set a ^¬, for example, covered by several radio base stations anyway field strength values (radio measurement data) can be used for the data received from a mobile wireless device transmissions to a triangulation. Then no additional hardware for position detection is ^¬ sets are. An evaluation of signal propagation times of a radio transmission to several radio base stations can also be used to determine the position.

Embodiments of the method according to the invention are explained below with reference to the drawing. They also serve to explain an embodiment of an inventive arrangement.

The single figure shows an arrangement of two mobile devices and two radio base stations in a multi-room environment. In the figure, two DECT phones are shown as mobile devices MGL, MG2, which are supplied by two radio base stations BSL, BS2. The radio base stations BS1, BS2 are part of a private communication network, which is otherwise not shown in the figure. The arrangement shows an example of a part of a building, in ^¬ example, a floor of a hotel with the rooms Rl to RIO. In addition to the designations for the mobile devices MG1, MG2, the numbers to be assigned are also shown in the figure "+49 89 123 101", "+49 89 123 102", the last 3 digits each showing the extension numbers in a private private branch exchange.

Of course, instead of the DECT communication network shown here, another - for example, a wired - communication network can be considered. Instead of the voice communication terminals (DECT phones) shown here, computers or computer-like devices can also be considered, for example WLAN terminals and the associated access points.

In the illustrated arrangement, it is envisaged that each mobile device MG1, MG2 can be reached at a telephone number associated with the respective room number of the rooms R1 ... RIO in which the mobile device MG1, MG2 is respectively located. In the exemplary considered hotel, this means that it is expected that the mobile device MGl in the room Rl with the name "Rl" gets the extension number 101 (telephone number "+49 89 123 101") assigned, while the mobile device MG2 in room R2 with the number "R2" of "+49 89123102" can be reached and a possible device in space RIO under the call ^¬ number "+49 89123110". Thus is possible a signifikan ^¬ ter part of the place name (room number) also a significant component of the communication address (telephone number or extension number). This is achieved by (not shown) in the communi ^¬ nikationsanlage to which the radio base stations BSl, BS2 are connected, a assignment means is used for this purpose. The allocation device determines the location of the mobile devices MG1, MG2 used at regular intervals, for example once a day.

Instead of this "time control", a so-called "event-controlled" method can also be used. In this case, an incentive can be used to start the process. So also wirelessly linked mobile devices are often connected to a grid-connected power supply (power supply unit) in ^¬ play. A change of location is usually also connected to an interruption of the power supply, so that a restart of the device takes place. This restart then gives rise to a new position determination and thus a new allocation of configuration data.

The location is determined here by a query of the reception field strength, with which each of the mobile Gerä ^¬ th MGl, MG2 transmitted radio signal to the radio base stations BSL, BS2 (and other radio base stations) is receivable; The mobile devices MG1, MG2 are caused to transmit a corresponding radio signal by means of a test data transmission. From the relation of the respective

Measured values (radio measurement data) can be used to determine the location of the mobile devices MG1, MG2. Such - and other, more precise - methods for locating mobile devices MG1, MG2 are well known in the literature and will not be further explained here.

After recording the locations, so first the coordinates of the mobile devices MGl, MG2 (also not shown) grips the assignor to a database in which are stored ^¬ ordinates for geographic Koor for each of the rooms R, RIO areas that face the of the respective rooms Rl ... RIO describe. Furthermore, in the database, the respective rooms Rl... RIO are each communicated as configuration data. associated with the telephone service je ^¬ Weils a first number (for example, with the extension number ^¬ numbers 101, 102, ..., 110) and for the fax service more numbers (for example, extension numbers 901, ...., 910) are stored. The allocation device calls for the DECT phones now provided for the rooms Rl, R2 Kon ^¬ figuration data and thus the phone numbers, in this case the phone numbers "+49 89 123 101", "+49 89 123 102" (ie the extension numbers 101, 102), and compares these numbers with the ones currently assigned to the mobile devices MGl, MG2

Phone numbers. While in this embodiment, the mobile device MGl is already assigned the phone number "+49 89 123 101" correct way, the phone number assigned to the mobile device MG2 ^¬ (eg extension number 104) deviates from the nominal number "+49 89 123 102 "off.

The assignment device now initiates a corresponding output in the user interface (display) of the mobile device MG2 in an optionally adjustable step, which informs the user that a change in the number of the extension numbers from 104 to the extension number 102 is intended. The user now has the option to approve this change or not. Usually, the user will reject the change of the communication address (telephone number) in those cases in which he only lingers briefly in the "foreign" room R2, otherwise the mobile device MG2 will now be assigned the telephone number "+49 89 123 102". In the embodiment shown here, the Rufnummernzu ^¬ order takes place in a database of the (not shown) Kommu- nikationsssystems; in mobile devices, another one

Of course, this change in the communication address can be made in the affected mobile device MG2 itself.

Of course, the process of position determination (location determination) and the subsequent assignment of a location-dependent configuration and thus a communication address also by a simple manual operation to be triggered. Thus, for example, when replacing a defective mobile device MGl in space Rl by another, currently not otherwise used mobile device MG2 from ei ^¬ nem other room this mobile device MG2 be instructed by calling a corresponding function of its user interface to make contact with an assignment device and Thus, a new configuration, here: a communication ^¬ assigned address, in this case ^{beispielswei ¬} se the phone number "+49 89 123 101." Alternatively, a manual input of the current or applicable

Location; in the latter case, the mobile ^device does not need to be brought to its intended location for the configuration.

A further embodiment is a computer peripheral device, for example a network printer, which is operated with a wireless interface (eg WLAN adapter) in a radio data network. Will be such a computer peripheral device inserted into a particular room, for example, in the conference room of a company, the new location of the network printer through a Zuweisungsein ^¬ can sense, for example, by triangulation using the radio measurement data from multiple access points registered. Since ^¬ with can be reconfigured the name of the network printer in a network-wide available list of available network printer, for example, the name "Farbdrucker_Konferenzraum". Members of the conference room then have when using their mobile computers (laptops) the possibility, if required the list to display the available network printer and to select and use the printer located near it via the "Color printer conference room" entry located there. The term "Farbdrucker_Konferenzraum" represents in this case the reference to a communication address (for example IP address, URL or path) where the printer. It is seen that here ^¬ at the printer associated configuration not forced ^¬ provisionally in the unit in question itself is applied, but in another network component, for example in a so-called printer server (printer server, spooler or the like).

With the data necessary for the basic configuration (eg a communication address), further location-dependent information can be retrieved from the database. As may be noted, for example, in the database that in the space Rl no trunk calls may be routed in ^¬ play as to prevent abuse. In this case, the user interface of the mobile device MG1 is influenced by the additional configuration data such that the possibility of entering an external telephone number ent ^¬ falls. Similarly, for example, the mentioned network printer may be controlled such that when used in a "public" conference room, the use of

(expensive) special paper or the printing of high-resolution color graphics or other costly and time-consuming documents is blocked.

Another embodiment is a so-called barcode reader

Each time a goods receipt is posted, a location of the scanner is stored in the merchandise management system, and the geographic location of the location can be specified by locating location information at any time, in a similar way to the examples described above Goods receipt and there ^{¬ be} traced with, for example, a responsible for the process area of a larger warehouse.

Claims

claims

1. A method for configuring a mobile device (MGl, MG2) in a communication arrangement, wherein the mobile device (MGl, MG2) is in each case a pointed associated with its location (Rl, ..., RIO) communication address to ^¬, characterized in that in a first step the location (Rl, ..., RIO) of the mobi ^¬ len device (MGl, MG2) is determined, in a second step from a database with the determined location (Rl, ..., RIO) linked configuration is queried, and in a third step, this determined configuration to the mobile device (MGl, MG2) is assigned.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the assignment of the configuration takes place after input of an assignment command of a user.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that the first method step is carried out repeatedly that after each determination of the location (Rl, ..., RIO) of the mobile device (MGl, MG2) is checked whether the the mobile device ( MGl, MG2) currently assigned configuration with the last determined location (Rl, ..., RIO) is linked, and in the case of a non-conformity to the user by means of a user interface, the possibility for command input of the assignment command is offered.

4. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that as the mobile device (MGl, MG2) a wireless communication ^¬ onsgerät is used.

5. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that associated with the mobile device with the assignment of a communication ^¬ .

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that the communication device is used in a building having a plurality of rooms, wherein a plurality of the rooms is assigned in each case a room number and the respective location (Rl,

..., RIO) of the communication device associated Kommunikati ^¬ onsadresse at least partially with a part of the respective room number of the location (Rl, ..., RIO) is identical.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that as the mobile device (MGl, MG2), a computer peripheral device is used.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that as the computer peripheral device, a printer and / or a scanner and / or a fax machine is used, wherein the location-related assigning configuration is designed such that the same location (Rl, ... , RIO) associated mobile and / or non-mobile further devices (MGl, MG2) have access to this computer peripheral device based on a designation assigned by the designation.

9. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an activation and / or deactivation of functions of the mobile device (MGl, MG2) is carried out by the configuration.

10. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that a distinction is made in the database according to types and / or functionalities for mobile devices (MG1, MG2) and to at least one location (R1,..., RIO). multiple and type and / or radio ^¬ tionality differentiated communication addresses are stored, wherein in the second step a selected based on the type and / or functionality of the mobile device to be configured (MGl, MG2) of these communication addresses is used as a result of the query.

11. Arrangement for carrying out one of the aforementioned methods, characterized by a detection device for detecting the location (R1,..., RIO) of the mobile device (MG1, MG2), a database for storing a plurality of each with one location (R1, ..., RIO) associated configurations for mobile devices (MGl, MG2), and an assignment device for retrieving one of the location-related configurations from the database and assigning this retrieved configuration to the mobile device (MGl, MG2).

12. The arrangement according to claim 10, characterized in that the means for detecting the location (Rl, ..., RIO) is part of the mobile device (MGl, MG2).

13. Arrangement according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that the device for determining the location (Rl, ..., RIO) of the mobile device (MGl, MG2) for accessing at least a plurality of radio base stations (BSl, BS2) of the radio network, the base stations being designed to provide radio measurement data relating to the mobile device (MG1, MG2) to the detection device for detecting the location (R1, ..., RIO).