LU88213A1 - Communication center for computers - Google Patents

Description

Definition The evolution in computing has turned in recent years to communication. However, all progress inevitably comes up against various problems that have not been solved to date: all communication between computers must lead to a connected computer, all data transfer must necessarily end up in a storage area.

A problem, that of data transfer, was solved by the construction of a specific device, the modem, which recently became the faxmodem. The faxmodem, using existing and proven technology, although being a key element of digital communication, does not solve the above problems.

In practice, Γ PC user notes that the devices that have to manage their digital communication have one, two or all of the following disadvantages: a: the computer must be connected to be able to send and receive data; b: when the communication device is in operation, it can influence the operation of the computer to which it is attached; c: the device needs the PC to operate. The user expects certain facilities from digital communication. To date, practically the only device partially helping it in the task is the faxmodem. For want of anything better, the user then expects from the faxmodem things that it by nature cannot achieve.

What the user expects basically is the management of his digital mail: reception, sending, which can be achieved by faxmodem, BUT ALSO storage and management of mail at any time and in any quantity. This defines the specific field of action for which we want to develop and build a specific device.

It was therefore necessary to design a completely new device. For this, it was necessary to define the Perimeters of the problem First, the problem does not exist for companies with PCs operating day and night. However, a large part of the potential users are either individuals or small and medium-sized businesses which switch off their workstations in the evening. Unfortunately, they too have a vital need for permanent access.

For these users, it is imperative to have a device that is accessible 24 hours a day. In addition, should they be able to send, receive and manage an adequate quantity and number of messages with reliability such as the user can be away for a few days without fear of missing their messages.

Incidentally, since it involves designing a device that centralizes communication management, the device should be able to operate in multimedia, connection to television networks, etc.

If a computer with a faxmodem is disconnected, another computer trying to contact it will find access blocked. The faxmodem value becomes zero. It is therefore necessary to give the other computer the possibility of depositing its mail. You must create a "repository" for digital mail, a digital mailbox, a digital telecommunication management center, hence the name "T (elé) -COM (munication) PCMailbox".

We expect from this device: the delivery of mail in both directions regardless of the presence of the user or a connected computer, the guarding of the mail until the return of the user. This is how we have developed the digital mailbox from existing material.1

The only valid proof of the concept is first its realization, then the proof of its operation by practice.

How to build a computer mailbox that functions as a personal post office with counters open 24 hours a day, even outside office hours.

The solution lies in the approach to the problem.

We define the PC components that the device needs: to store the information, we will use a hard drive, which will contain the data to be sent and the data received, the hard drive mainly needs two elements: electricity and processor. as well as all the components directly related to the operation of these elements (hard-disk controller, graphics card etc.), and a power supply unit ·

We find that the necessary components are inexpensive parts and whose most simple and reliable models do the trick.

Now that the Pcmailbox has its own source of electricity, it is independent and can work around the clock at all times.

The decision to use a hard drive that can operate independently generates the rest of the concept.

To operate a hard drive, you need a processor and a graphics card. However, as long as we have a hard drive, a processor and a graphics card, as we add a simple faxmodem card serving as slot of our mailbox, we therefore have a new type of device where we can install all necessary or desirable software, programs and command suites.

So that it is possible for us to present a device of the type described in perfect working order and meeting all the above criteria. 1 The faxmodem is to the Pcmailbox what the slot is to the mailbox. In ordinary life, we would find it abnormal that the postman does not deliver the mail, because the correspondent is not at home. We assume automatically that in this case, the postman will deposit the mail in the mailbox by sliding it through the slot.

The current IT situation means that if there is no one at home (the PC is disconnected), the mail cannot be delivered.

Our test model had the following main features: a Hayes-compatible faxmodem, a 20 MB hard drive, a 286 processor.

The graphics card used was the simplest on the retail market. All elements of the Pcmailbox can be exchanged according to the specifications of the user.

We tested several configurations: installation of a multimedia card, reception of television programs, VCR, CD etc., installation of a sound card with voice editor to read ASCII texts, connection of a telephone device etc.

By this last possibility the Pcmailbox also becomes a new automatic "answering machine", a "answering machine-caller". Not only are we able to receive audio messages, but also to send them at any time and in all circumstances. The Pcmailbox therefore becomes a complete communication center with revolutionary performance.

The Pcmailbox can be configured to access a printer.

The various software used (DOS and WINDOWS) worked without any problem.

All these installations can operate independently of the PC.

The Pcmailbox can be installed so that the PC is supplied with electricity by the Pcmailbox. This has certain advantages: the power supply of the PC passing through the Pcmailbox a switch between PCmailbox and PC makes it possible to disconnect and connect the PC. The switch has two (three) positions: ON: the PC is booted, respectively connected, (- OFF: the PC is disconnected,) STANDBY: the PC is disconnected, but the Pcmailbox can connect it.

The Standby has useful advantageous functions: the authorized user can access his PC, even when absent from the office and when the PC is disconnected, when his storage space becomes limited, the Pcmailbox according to the chosen configuration, can connect the PC and drop the following messages on the PC hard drive. The storage capacity of the Pcmailbox is then equivalent to the capacity available on the PC.

As the Pcmailbox is a pure utility device with simple requirements, it is content with proven components, available in quantity at very low prices. B results in extreme reliability and a very attractive price.

The Pcmailbox also has practical secondary advantages: a: it can be easily adapted to all circumstances and requests, since practically all of its components are exchangeable and adaptable to the specific needs of Γ user, b: it can accommodate all faxmodems on the market ; c: a user who already has a faxmodem can install it in the Pcmailbox by purchasing a Pcmailbox without faxmodem. No user will lose any previous investment.

Claims (1)

The Pcmailbox can be built as an external model or an internal model. The internal model differs from the external model only in two ways: its storage space is not as expandable. As a result, the internal model may eventually transfer data more often to the PC's hard drive. the internal Pcmailbox is disadvantaged when the PC breaks down and must go for repair. The internal Pcmailbox is no longer as independent in this case, because it would leave with the computer, unless you make the necessary manipulation to remove the card and put it back in another computer, the same procedure repeated later in reverse. . This in practice poses no problem, if a computer is available. For the latter reason, we first assembled the external model. The external model offers an extremely simplified installation: the two connectors, one on the socket, the other on the computer, are connected. The Pcmailbox is declared to the computer and the general installation is complete. In the event of a PC failure, the external model can be left in place and continues to function naturally. (As in this case the user normally only repairs the computer, we have provided, depending on the model, keyboard and screen sockets. This allows the user to reconnect the keyboard and screen that he has left to be able to work communications, and even to use the Pcmailbox as a backup computer.) The Pcmailbox has reasonable dimensions, it is light and takes up little space. Since it is hardly ever handled, it can be placed in the least bulky place. Its simple construction makes it robust. Conclusion The Pcmailbox is the first transmission device that can receive, send and archive computer or computer communications 24 hours a day, guaranteeing good reception even if the PC to which it is linked is disconnected. D can easily be configured to manage multimedia applications or telephone audio services independently of a computer. We can conclude that the Pcmailbox is a completely new IT equipment and whose unique concept, qualities, performance and flexibility can significantly change communication. The concept of the post office, the invention of the mailbox and the transmission of acoustic signals have revolutionized conventional communication. The Pcmailbox is post office and mailbox of the computer age. It also allows the connection of a telephone and the reception of audiovisual signals and becomes the relay through which the individual is connected to the global network.