FR3075415B1 - MOBILE VIRTUAL NETWORKING PLATFORM - Google Patents

Abstract

A mobile network kit (1000) comprising: - a transportable container (1) housing extractable elements (301), - a latch (21), - a battery (101) and a power socket (23) associated therewith one to another, - a power interface (9), - a central unit forming a server between computer terminals to which it is connected, - at least one data storage device, - a communication interface (9) driven by the central unit to connect to computer terminals, - at least one computer terminal integrated in the container including the extractable part (301), - a display (20) of at least one state relative to the kit.

Description

Mobile virtual networking platform

The invention relates to the field of computer tools facilitating the collaborative work of several users.

In a building, especially offices for professional use, it is common to provide a fixed network infrastructure (wired and / or wireless) allowing several user terminals to connect to a common network. Such infrastructures facilitate IT interactions between several users of a work group, each user connecting to a network via a respective terminal. To secure exchanges, it is also common to limit and control access to such a network.

Members of such a workgroup physically located outside the building can sometimes access the common network remotely. This involves using third party networks such as the internet and / or a mobile phone network. When several members of such a group are physically grouped outside the building and the corresponding network infrastructure, each member accesses the common network remotely, which still requires the use of third-party networks.

In situations in which third-party networks are inaccessible and / or unreliable, particularly in terms of security of exchanges, then several members geographically close to each other but distant from the usual fixed network infrastructure can hardly cooperate with the same level efficiency, practicality and security of exchanges only by using the fixed network infrastructure.

The invention improves the situation.

A mobile network kit is proposed comprising:

- a transportable container and arranged so as to house all the other elements of the kit, the container having an open state in which at least one of the elements can be extracted from the container or stored in the container and a closed state in which said elements are physically inaccessible,

- a lock secured to the container and arranged so as to lock the container in the closed state,

- a battery and a power outlet associated with each other, the power outlet being accessible in the closed state of the container so that the power outlet can be connected to the mains,

- a power supply interface secured to the container and supplied via the battery and including a plurality of power outlets,

a central unit integral with the container and arranged to form a server between computer terminals to which it is connected,

- at least one data storage device connected to the central unit and controlled by a central unit,

a communication interface controlled by the central unit and arranged to connect the central unit to computer terminals, said communication interface being integral with the container and including at least one communication module without fd,

at least one computer terminal integrated into the container and connected to the central unit, each of the integrated computer terminals including at least one extractable part of the container in the open state, each extractable part having shapes and dimensions giving all the extractable parts a state stored in the container allowing the closure of the container. Each of said extractable parts includes:

- a dedicated battery and / or a location suitable for receiving a removable battery,

a power input associated with the dedicated battery and compatible with the power supply interface integral with the container, said power input being arranged so as to be connectable to the power interface integral with the container both the extracted state of the container and both in the stored state in the container.

The kit also includes a display visible from outside the container in the closed state and controlled by a central unit so as to display:

- a state of presence / absence of each of the extractable parts inside the container;

- a state of health of the container components;

- a state of charge of the container battery;

- a state of charge of each or all of the batteries of the extractable parts stored in the container;

a state of the connections of the central unit with computer terminals;

- a state of the connections of the central unit with third party networks; or

- a combination of such states.

Such a kit is autonomous both in energy and in availability of third-party network. This makes it possible to create a virtual local area network independently of any physical infrastructure. Thus, a large number of users can interact by computer via one or more respective terminals via the kit. Such a kit can replace a terminal such as a laptop for a primary user while allowing several other terminals available to secondary users to interconnect via the kit. In this way, a group of several users can work together, in an interconnected way, even when no third-party network is available or when no trusted network can be used. For example, a group of users can interact efficiently and securely during a train journey and when accessibility to the mobile phone network is unreliable. The virtual local area network created by the kit makes it possible to exchange files from one terminal to another or to work jointly on a shared computer file in the virtual local area network. It also allows the use of collaborative tools and services for activities such as co-development. Since the container can accommodate all of the other elements of the kit, the kit can, in practice, be transported by a single person, for example in the form of a briefcase or a bag.

The following features can optionally be implemented. They can be implemented independently of each other or in combination with each other:

- The lock is paired with a mechanical key, an electronic key and / or a biometric characteristic. The opening and / or operation of the kit can thus be restricted to one or more users presumed to be legitimate.

- The kit also includes at least one interface for communication with a third-party network. The communication interface including a network socket, a short-range wireless communication module and / or a communication module compatible with a mobile telephone network. Such a kit can thus be used at will disconnected from any external network or on the contrary to one or more external networks.

- The kit also includes at least one audio and / or video output. Thus, the kit can be connected to display and / or sound diffusion devices when such devices are available.

- The central unit is arranged to encrypt the data stored on each data storage device. This reduces the risk of unauthorized access to data.

- At least one integrated computer terminal also includes a video projector. Images and video can thus be displayed to a group of people, including when no third-party device is available for this purpose.

- The kit has a total mass of less than 5 kilograms. Such a kit is as practical to carry as a laptop.

Other characteristics, details and advantages of the invention will appear on reading the detailed description below, and on analysis of the appended drawings, in which:

- Figure 1 shows an overview of an embodiment of a kit according to the invention;

- Figure 2 shows an internal part of an embodiment of a kit according to the invention;

- Figure 3 is a schematic representation of components of a kit according to the invention; and

- Figure 4 shows an example of use of an embodiment of a kit according to the invention.

The drawings and the description below essentially contain elements of a certain nature. They can therefore not only serve to better understand the present invention, but also contribute to its definition, if necessary.

Figures 1 and 2 show a mobile network kit 1000.

The 1000 kit includes:

- a container 1,

- a lock 21,

a battery 101 and a power outlet 23 associated with each other,

- a power interface,

- a central unit 130,

at least one data storage unit 141, 241,

- a communication interface,

at least one computer terminal 102 integrated into container 1, and

- a display 20.

In the following, we distinguish in the 1000 kit:

- A first assembly 100 grouping, for example on an electronic card, elements controlled by the central unit 130;

the integrated computer terminal 102 including elements which are specific to it, for example grouped together or connected to a common electronic card of the motherboard type, and intended to cooperate with the first assembly 100 as one of the third-party terminals 501 to 507 shown in FIG. 4 and / or to be used by the wearer of the kit 1000 as a personal terminal; and

- elements common to the first set 100 and to the integrated computer terminal 102 such as the container 1, the lock 21, the display 20, the battery 101 and the power outlet 23.

Such a distinction within the 1000 kit is essentially functional and aims to facilitate understanding. Such a distinction is linked to the examples of the embodiments described in detail below. However, such a distinction can vary considerably from one embodiment to another. For example, it is possible to group elements of the first set 100 and elements of the integrated computer terminal 102 on a common electronic card. Certain elements presented as duplicates can take the form of a single element whose functions are shared between the first set 100 and the integrated computer terminal 102. For example, rather than providing a storage member 141 for the first set 100 and a storage member 241 for the integrated computer terminal 102, it is possible to provide a single shared storage member. Such pooling of certain elements can in particular be advantageous in terms of cost, size and reduction in mass of the kit 1000.

Container 1 is transportable, in particular by hand. The container 1 is arranged so as to house all of the other elements of the kit 1000. The container 1 has a closed state and an open state. In the closed state, the elements housed in container 1 are physically inaccessible. In the open state, at least one of the elements of the kit 1000 can be extracted from container 1 or stored in container 1.

In the example described here, the container 1 takes the general form of a briefcase. Container 1 has external shapes and dimensions which meet the criteria of “hand baggage” and “cabin baggage” of airline companies. For example, the container 1 in a closed state can be housed in a parallelepiped of 55 x 40 x 20 cm, and preferably in a parallelepiped of 40 x 30 x 12 cm. The kit 1000, as a whole, has a mass meeting the criteria of “hand baggage” and “cabin baggage” of airline companies, for example a mass less than 5 kilograms. Carrying the 1000 kit by hand is roughly equivalent to carrying a bag containing a laptop.

As a variant, the container 1 can take other forms than that of a briefcase, for example a backpack, a suitcase or a satchel.

In the example shown in Figure 1, the container 1 comprises a cover 2 and a base 3 connected to each other by a hinge. The lock 21 is arranged so as to mechanically lock the cover 2 and the base 3 in the closed position of the container 1. As a variant, the lock 21 can be arranged to electronically / computerally lock the kit 1000, for example by preventing starting in l 'absence of the corresponding key. The container 1 also comprises two retractable feet 26 making it possible to adjust the orientation of the container 1 when placed on a surface. The container 1 further comprises a storage housing 25 intended to receive various objects, for example cables and adapters.

The lock 21 is integral with the container 1. Thus, the lock 21 cannot be accidentally separated from the container 1 and lost. The lock 21 is paired with a mechanical key, an electronic key and / or a biometric characteristic. In the example shown in the figures, the lock 21 includes a biometric sensor, here a digital reader, so that the lock 21 is paired with at least one finger of a user. Thus, only the legitimate user can open the container 1. As a variant, the lock 21 includes an RFID reader associated with a REID chip held by one or more legitimate users.

Display 20 is visible from the outside of container 1 in the closed state. The display 20 is controlled by the central unit 130. The display 20 is arranged to display one or more states relating to the kit 1000. Thus, a verification of the state of the kit can be implemented without it being necessary open container 1. This facilitates logistics and maintenance operations, particularly in the context of a fleet of several 1000 kits to manage, for example within a company. Examples of status data that can be displayed by display 20 will be given below.

The battery 101 is arranged to temporarily supply, in the event of the unavailability of an external source of electricity, all of the electronic components of the kit 1000 and of third-party equipment, such as third-party terminals 501 to 507, via of the power interface.

The power outlet 23 is associated with the battery 101 so that the battery 101 can be recharged by connecting the kit 1000 to the mains when possible. In the example shown in the figures, the container 1 comprises a reel 24 arranged to wind the power cord of the power outlet 23. In addition, an orifice is provided in the container 1, here in the base 2, to extract the power outlet 23 therefrom, including in the closed state of the container 1. The orifice is provided with a protective valve 5, arranged to close the orifice when the power outlet 23 is retracted into the container 1. Thus, the risks of deterioration and infiltration of water are limited, in particular when the container 1 is subjected to shocks or to meteorological events.

The supply interface, considered here as a part of the first assembly 100, is integral with the container 1 and supplied via the battery 101. The supply interface includes a plurality of supply outlets, grouped or not grouped in the container 1. The power outputs can be similar to each other or, preferably, be of different types. Thus, equipment of different types can be supplied by means of the kit 1000.

In the example described here, the power supply interface includes a magnetic induction loop 7 and USB type ports 9, 12. Thus, compatible equipment (belonging or not to the kit 1000) can be recharged either by placing them near the magnetic loop 7 or by connecting them to the ports 9, 12. The magnetic loop 7 is arranged near an external surface of container 1, so that the magnetic loop 7 can be operational and recharge equipment including in the closed state of container 1. At least some of the power ports are accessible from outside the container 1 in the state closed container 1. Thus, the supply ports 12 can be operational and recharge equipment including in the closed state of container 1. In the example described here, access to ports 12 is provided with a valve. 10 protection, arranged to close the unused ports 12. Thus, the risks of deterioration and infiltration of water are limited, especially when the container 1 is subjected to shocks or weather events.

The communication interface, considered here as a part of the first set 100, designates all of the communication means making it possible to connect the central unit 130 to computer terminals (whether or not belonging to the kit 1000). The communication interface includes at least one wireless communication module.

In the example shown in the figures, the power interface includes:

- a set of USB ports 9 inside the container 1 and accessible only in the open state of the container 1,

- an RJ45 port 11, accessible from outside of container 1, including in the closed state of container 1,

- a set of USB 12 ports accessible from outside the container 1,

a port 17 of RJ45 type, accessible only from inside the container 1 and intended here for the integrated computer terminal 102 described in more detail below,

- a near field communication (NFC) module 110,

- a very short range communication module 111 (Bluetooth),

- a short-range communication module (Wifi) 112, here including a 400 antenna.

At least some of the ports can belong to both the power interface and the communication interface, for example the USB ports 9, 12, in the sense that they are capable of transmitting both energy and data, in a manner known per se.

Preferably, the kit 1000 also comprises a communication interface with at least one third network. In the example described here, the communication interface with at least one third-party network includes:

- a network socket, here port 11 of RJ45 type, able to connect to a fdaire network,

the short-range wireless communication module 112, capable of connecting to a Wi-Fi type wireless network, and

a communication module 121 compatible with a mobile telephone network, for example using 4G technology.

In embodiments, the kit 1000 also comprises at least one audio and / or video output, considered here as parts of the first set 100. In the example described here, the kit 1000 comprises:

- an audio output 13, in the form of a port of the coaxial type (or "jack"),

a video output 14, in the form of an HDMI type port, and

- a video output 15, in the form of a VGA type port.

As shown in Figures 1 and 2, part of the ports accessible from outside the container 1, including in the closed state of the container 1, can be physically grouped in an external surface of the container 1. In the example described here, the container 1 further comprises a protective valve 10. The protective valve 10 is arranged to close off a housing into which the ports open. Thus, the risks of deterioration and infiltration of water are limited, especially when the container 1 is subjected to shocks or weather events.

The at least one data storage device is connected to the central processing unit 130 and controlled by the central processing unit 130. In the example described here, the kit 1000 comprises the following data storage devices:

a long-term storage memory 141, here in the form of an SSD type hard disk of several terabytes, and

- a working memory RAM 142.

Here, we distinguish the operating system 140 from the memory 141 for storing data, in particular data files on which we want several users to be able to work collaboratively. In practice, the operating system and the other data can be stored on non-transient recording media analogous to each other, or even be stored on the same media. For example, a single memory can be partitioned so as to separately store the data relating to the operating system 140 and the other data.

The integrated computer terminal 102 includes at least one extractable part of the container 1 in the open state, here a keyboard 301. In variants, the kit 1000 comprises other elements of the extractable integrated computer terminal 102, for example a video projector, a screen, mouse and / or stylus.

Each extractable part has shapes and dimensions giving all the extractable parts a state stored in the container 1 allowing the closure of the container 1. In other words, the extractable parts are mutually arranged so that they can be accommodated simultaneously in the container 1.

In embodiments, each of said extractable parts, including the keyboard 301 in the example of the figures, includes:

- a dedicated battery and / or a location suitable for receiving a removable battery, and

- a power input associated with the dedicated battery and compatible with the power interface integral with the container 1.

The feed inlet is arranged so as to be connectable to the feed interface integral with the container 1 both in the extracted state from the container 1 and both in the stored state in the container 1. By For example, the keyboard 301 can be connected, via a cable, to a USB port 9 opening out inside the container 1.

FIG. 3 represents an example of the internal architecture of the kit 1000. FIG. 3 schematically represents the functional elements of the kit 1000 and their interactions. FIG. 3 is not representative of the physical organization of the elements of the kit 1000. For example, two functional elements shown distinctly in FIG. 3 can be implemented by a common hardware component of the kit 1000.

In the example described here and shown in FIG. 3, the kit 1000 comprises, in addition to the elements visible from the outside, internal elements of the first set 100:

the communication module 121 compatible with a mobile telephone network,

- the near field communication (NFC) module 110,

- the very short range communication module 111 (Bluetooth),

- the short range communication module 112 (Wifi),

a module 120 for managing wired connections relating to ports 11 and 17, for example in the form of a controller for an Ethernet type connection,

- the central unit 130;

a module 150 for managing the long-term storage memory 141, for example in the form of a controller for a SATA type connection associated with a SATA port 151,

- a module 160 for energy management, at the interface between the internal battery 101 and the assembly 100, associated with a power port 161;

- the operating system 140;

Each of the above elements is connected to the central unit 130 and controlled centrally by the central unit 130. The central unit 130 is integral with the container 1. The central unit 130 is notably arranged to form a server between computer terminals to which it is connected via the connection interface.

The central unit 130 can also be called a controller. The central processing unit 130 comprises at least one processor, for example in the form of a system on a chip or "SoC" for "System on a Chip". With the exception of the components of the integrated terminal 102, all of the electronic components of the kit 1000 are connected to the central unit 130. The central unit 130 controls and manages all of the electronic components and performs the software functions of the kit 1000. Since the kit 1000 is intended to be occasionally connected to a third-party network, the software components of the kit 1000, including the operating system 140, can easily be updated, including via wireless communication modules 110 , 111, 112. The central unit 130 is further arranged to control the encryption of the data exchanged with the connected terminals.

The communication interface includes a variety of technologies. This allows the Kit 1000 to adapt to various environments, in particular to various third-party terminals. The plurality of connectors and communication modules makes it possible to adapt the communications means implemented by the 1000 kit at will.

The operating system 140 designates the software part implemented by the central unit 130 to perform the software functions. The operating system 140 takes the form of data stored on one of the data storage members.

In the examples described here, the data received in clear form (not encrypted) is encrypted upon reception by the central unit 130, then is stored in a permanent manner in encrypted form on a data storage member such as memory 141. For example , the data received in clear is temporarily stored on reception by means of flash memory 142. Then, the data in clear is deleted as soon as a corresponding encrypted version is stored in a lasting manner.

Preferably, the data is transmitted in encrypted form to the connected terminals so that it remains unusable in the event of unwanted interception of the transmission by a third party. The data is only decrypted upon receipt by the terminals. Thus, the content of the data in clear version (unencrypted) is not permanently stored in the 1000 kit.

In the example described here and shown in FIG. 3, the integrated computer terminal 102 comprises:

- A module 260 for energy management, at the interface between the internal battery 101 and the integrated computer terminal 102, and associated with a power port 261;

a long-term storage memory 241, here in the form of an SSD type hard disk of several terabytes;

a module 250 for managing the long-term storage memory 241, for example in the form of a controller for a SATA type connection associated with a SATA port 251;

- a dedicated fd 210 connection module, here of the Bluetooth type, to which the wireless keyboard 301 is connected;

- the keyboard 301 forming an extractable part of the kit 1000;

an audio-video output 16, here of the HDMI type, to which a screen 6 is connected;

- the screen 6, fixed or integrated into the container 1, for example on the lower surface of the cover 2;

a video output 19, here of VGA type, to which a video projector 300 is connected; and

- the video projector 300, here in the form of a pico-projector with light-emitting diodes (or LED for "Light-emitting diode") integral with the container 1.

In variants, the screen 6 can be tactile. The screen 6 can be reversibly attached to the container 1, so that the screen 6 is an extractable element from the kit 1000.

The video projector 300 has, here, a lens 8 disposed in an opening of the container 1. The opening is provided with a valve 4. The valve 4 is arranged to close the orifice when the video projector 300 is inactive. Thus, the risks of deterioration and infiltration of water are limited, especially when the container 1 is subjected to shocks or weather events. As a variant, the video projector 300 can be reversibly attached to the container, so that the video projector 300 forms an extractable element from the kit 1000.

FIG. 4 represents a situation of use of the kit 1000 in which the terminals 501 to 507 are interconnected by means of the kit 1000, here by Wifi. The terminals 501 to 507 can be distant by a few meters, for example up to 25 meters, from the short-range communication module 112 (Wifi) of the kit 1000. A device, here in the form of a screen 601, is also connected to the kit 1000. The screen 601 makes it possible, for example, to display a document on which at least part of the users of the terminals 501 to 507 are working simultaneously. The keyboard 301 is, for its part, connected to the kit 1000 by the 'via a Bluetooth type connection and via the dedicated wireless connection module 210. The network socket 11 makes it possible to connect the kit 1000, and therefore indirectly each of the terminals 501 to 507, to an external network when such a network is available. The network socket 11 also makes it possible to supply the terminals of the network under Ethernet protocol from the mobile network (for example of the 4G type) to which the case connects. This is particularly advantageous for terminals without wireless communication means.

The display 20 is controlled by the central unit 130, for example to display:

- a state of presence / absence of each of the extractable parts 301 inside the container, for example in the form of a completeness indicator;

- a state of health of the components of container 1, for example to identify end-of-life and / or damaged modules;

a state of charge of the battery 101 of the container 1;

- a state of charge of each or all of the batteries of the extractable parts 301 stored in the container 1;

- a state of the connections of the central unit 130 with computer terminals (102, 501507);

- a state of the connections of the central unit 130 with third-party networks; or

- a combination of such states.

The mobile and space-saving nature of the kit makes it easy and practical to move. The kit is temporarily independent of the presence of an external power source and can charge a large number of peripherals, whether these peripherals are extractable elements of the kit itself or third-party peripherals such as terminals. The kit is independent of access to a third-party network. It can, for example, be used in a train, a hotel, or a workspace in which one cannot or should not use a local fixed network, in particular for security reasons.

The kit allows you to create a local network, either isolated or in the form of a sub-network when a connection to an external network is available. The central unit 130 and possibly sub-modules make it possible to manage the network in a secure manner by controlling the connections and ensuring the routing. The kit is a combination of a portable server and a personal terminal connected to the portable server.

Generally, the kit components are sized to allow, for example, the local and simultaneous connection of up to 250 terminals. Likewise, storage devices are generally sized to store and make accessible a large quantity of files, a quantity greater than that which can usually be stored on a personal terminal. A working group can then share / exchange files, access software or functions hosted on the kit, work simultaneously on common data, co-develop. This is particularly advantageous when the functions / software are too greedy in resources (energy or calculation) to be supported by a terminal such as a smartphone. Surface encryption of stored data also helps protect data in the event of loss or theft.

The variety of connection technologies used allows terminals of different technologies to interconnect, for example laptops, tablets and smartphones ("smartphones"). Third-party devices can also be used depending on their availability. For example, a fixed screen such as a TV in a hotel can be connected to the kit to become a collaborative display device. In the absence of such equipment, it is possible to project images onto a surface using a video projector.

The kit also makes it possible to form a gateway between the terminals and a third-party network. For example, the kit may allow terminals to connect to the kit by Wi-Fi and access the internet via a mobile phone network. The kit also makes it possible to provide other server functions, for example ensuring a connection to the Internet via a virtual private network (or VPN for "Virtual Private Network"). By connecting to a third-party network, such as the Internet, the kit also allows access to third-party services, for example updating the software hosted on the kit, possibly by accessing an application store in online, or “App Store”, or even backing up data in a virtual space, such as a secure cloud.

The invention is not limited to the examples of kits described above, only by way of example, but it encompasses all the variants that a person skilled in the art may envisage within the framework of the protection sought.

Claims (7)

claims 1. Kit (1000) of mobile network including: - a container (1) transportable and arranged so as to house all of the other elements of the kit, the container having an open state in which at least one of the elements (301) can be extracted from the container or stored in the container and a closed state in which said elements are physically inaccessible, - a lock (21) integral with the container and arranged so as to lock the container in the closed state, - a battery (101) and a power outlet (23) associated with each other, the power outlet being accessible in the closed state of the container so that the power outlet can be connected to the sector, - a power supply interface (9, 12) secured to the container and supplied via the battery and including a plurality of power outlets, - a central unit (130) integral with the container and arranged to form a server between computer terminals to which it is connected, - at least one data storage unit (141, 241) connected to the central unit and controlled by the central unit, - a communication interface (9, 11, 12, 17, 110, 111, 112) controlled by the central unit and arranged to connect the central unit to computer terminals, said communication interface being integral with the container and including at least one wireless communication module (110, 111, 112), - at least one integrated computer terminal (102) in the container and connected to the central unit, each of the integrated computer terminals (102) including at least one extractable part (301) of the container in the open state, each extractable part (301 ) having shapes and dimensions giving all the extractable parts (301) a state stored in the container allowing the container to be closed, each of said extractable parts including: - a dedicated battery and / or a location suitable for receiving a removable battery, a power input associated with the dedicated battery and compatible with the power supply interface integral with the container, said power input being arranged so as to be connectable to the power interface integral with the container both the state extracted from the container and both in the state stored in the container, the kit further comprising a display (20) visible from outside the container in the closed state and controlled by the central unit so to display : - a state of presence / absence of each of the extractable parts (301) inside the container; a state of health of the container components; - a state of charge of the container battery; - a state of charge of each or all of the batteries of the extractable parts (301) stored in the container; - a state of the connections of the central unit with computer terminals (102, 501- 507); - a state of the connections of the central unit with third party networks; or - a combination of such states. 2. Kit according to claim 1, in which the lock (21) is matched to a mechanical key, an electronic key and / or a biometric characteristic. 3. Kit according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one communication interface with a third network, said communication interface with a third network including a network socket (11), a short range df communication module ( 111) and / or a communication module compatible with a mobile telephone network (121), 4. Kit according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one audio and / or video output. 5. Kit according to one of the preceding claims, in which the central unit is arranged to encrypt the data stored on each data storage member (141, 241). 6. Kit according to one of the preceding claims, in which at least one integrated computer terminal (102) also includes a video projector (300). 7. Kit according to one of the preceding claims, in which the kit has a total mass of less than 5 kilograms.