WO2010079358A2 - Communication system - Google Patents

Communication system Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2010079358A2
WO2010079358A2 PCT/GB2010/050019 GB2010050019W WO2010079358A2 WO 2010079358 A2 WO2010079358 A2 WO 2010079358A2 GB 2010050019 W GB2010050019 W GB 2010050019W WO 2010079358 A2 WO2010079358 A2 WO 2010079358A2
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
computing device
communication
software program
identified
further computing
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/GB2010/050019
Other languages
French (fr)
Other versions
WO2010079358A3 (en
Inventor
Juraid Anwer
Original Assignee
Key Criteria Connect Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Key Criteria Connect Ltd filed Critical Key Criteria Connect Ltd
Publication of WO2010079358A2 publication Critical patent/WO2010079358A2/en
Publication of WO2010079358A3 publication Critical patent/WO2010079358A3/en

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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
    • H04W76/00—Connection management
    • H04W76/10—Connection setup
    • H04W76/15—Setup of multiple wireless link connections
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
    • H04W76/00—Connection management
    • H04W76/10—Connection setup
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L12/00—Data switching networks
    • H04L12/28—Data switching networks characterised by path configuration, e.g. LAN [Local Area Networks] or WAN [Wide Area Networks]
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
    • H04W84/00—Network topologies
    • H04W84/02—Hierarchically pre-organised networks, e.g. paging networks, cellular networks, WLAN [Wireless Local Area Network] or WLL [Wireless Local Loop]
    • H04W84/10—Small scale networks; Flat hierarchical networks
    • H04W84/12—WLAN [Wireless Local Area Networks]
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
    • H04W84/00—Network topologies
    • H04W84/18—Self-organising networks, e.g. ad-hoc networks or sensor networks
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
    • H04W40/00—Communication routing or communication path finding
    • H04W40/24—Connectivity information management, e.g. connectivity discovery or connectivity update
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
    • H04W72/00—Local resource management
    • H04W72/02—Selection of wireless resources by user or terminal
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
    • H04W8/00—Network data management
    • H04W8/005—Discovery of network devices, e.g. terminals
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
    • H04W8/00—Network data management
    • H04W8/26—Network addressing or numbering for mobility support

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a communication system and method for communication between two or more computing devices such as, for example, desktop computers and mobile devices, such as, for example, mobile computers, personal digital assistants (PDAs) or mobile phones.
  • computing devices such as, for example, desktop computers and mobile devices, such as, for example, mobile computers, personal digital assistants (PDAs) or mobile phones.
  • PDAs personal digital assistants
  • the term 'static' is used here to indicate a device that it primarily in a single location when it is in use.
  • a desktop computer may be considered to be such a static device.
  • the static device may be moved within a particular location (e.g. within a room) or between locations for different sessions of use (e.g. between different rooms or buildings).
  • the term 'mobile' is used here to indicate a device that can be used on the move.
  • a laptop computer with a wireless connection is not static within the strict meaning of the word. It is possible for example that a laptop or palmtop computer might function as either the static device (when connected to a broadband connection) or as a mobile device (when connected to a wireless connection such as 3G or WiFiTM).
  • a device manager on a computing device is the software that manages communications and channels with another device.
  • the device manager software connects to another device using a single channel at a time which means that if a file transfer takes place across a particular channel the other device is effectively not capable of taking another request until the file transfer has occurred. If this file is large it may take several minutes to complete the transfer. Currently during this time no other file transfer can occur as only the one communication chosen can be used at any one time.
  • the current invention differs from those systems and methods currently in use in that it allows more than one communication channel to be used at any particular time between two or more specifically identified and selected computing devices of interest.
  • One advantage of this is that a user will be able to transfer more than one file at the same time between each of the specifically selected computing devices. This may be done by using different types of communication channels to transfer files of differing sizes. This also then has the further advantages of providing security for transfer of data between the computing devices and it is a time saving opportunity for the user.
  • the current invention also exploits and makes better use of the existing communication channels available for use by computing devices. This is done by using further computer programs that enable the best and most efficient use to be made of the interfaces available for communication between computing devices.
  • the invention thus provides a more cost effective and reliable communication system which also makes more efficient use of the speed and signal strength of communication channels than is currently available.
  • a first aspect of the invention comprises a communication system operable to enable communication between two or more computing devices, the communication system comprising:
  • the first software program being configured to identify a unique device identification code allocated to at least one further computing device for selection of the identified further computing device;
  • the further computing device being connected to or within connecting range of the first computing device
  • - a second software program being beatable in the first computing device or being beatable in the further computing device; - the second software program being operable to identify and select possible communication channels between the first computing device, and the or each identified and selected further computing device;
  • the second software program being configured to select and enable a first and at least a second communication channel between the first computing device, and the or each identified and selected further computing device so that the first and at least a second communication channel are simultaneously operable;
  • the second software program containing logic which is operable to select and enable communication channels in order based on their bandwidth.
  • a plurality of communication channels are selected and connected between the first computing device, and the or each identified and selected further computing device so that the plurality of communication channels are simultaneously operable.
  • a communication channel may be a wireless channel such as, for example, BluetoothTM, GPRS, Wi-FiTM, infrared, 3G or GSM.
  • a communication channel may also be a wired channel such as a cable.
  • a communication channel may be used to communicate data from the identified and selected further computing device to the first computing device or from the computing device to the identified and selected further computing device.
  • the communication data may be data files of varying sizes such as, for example, video files, music files, photo files, contact information files, calendar information files, text message files, battery level information files, or signal strength information files.
  • the identified and selected further computing device may be a mobile computer, a mobile phone, a PDA, a portable media player, or the like.
  • the first or further computing device may be a static device such as a desktop computer or a mobile device such as a mobile computer, a mobile phone, a PDA, a portable media player or the like.
  • a second aspect of the invention comprises a method of communication between a first computing device and at least one further computing device, the method comprising: - locating one or more further computing devices which are connected to or which are within connecting range of a first computing device by means of a first software program operable to implement a device identification logic, the first software program being located in the first computing device;
  • identifying possible communication channels between the or at least one of the identified and selected further computing devices and the first computing device by means of a second software program, the second software program being operable to identify and select possible communication channels between the first computing device and the further computing device, and the second software program being beatable in the first computing device or being beatable in the further computing device;
  • a plurality of communication channels are selected and connected between the first computing device, and the or each identified and selected further computing device so that the plurality of communication channels are simultaneously operable.
  • the method of communication between a first computer and at least one identified and selected further computing device may further comprise communicating data from the or each computing device to the first computing device, or from the first computing device to the or each identified and selected further computing device.
  • the first or further computing device may be a static device such as a desktop computer, or a mobile device such as a hand-held computer, a laptop computer, mobile phone, a PDA, a portable media player or the like.
  • Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram showing prior art device management data flow between software of a desktop computing device and a mobile computing device connected to the desktop computing device;
  • Figure 2 shows a schematic diagram showing device management data flow between software of a first computing device and a further computing device connected to the first computing device according to the invention.
  • FIG. 1 A schematic view of a prior art embodiment of the data flow from a desktop computing device to a mobile computing device is shown in Figure 1.
  • the communication system of the invention for enabling communication between two or more computing devices, and comprises firstly a first software program operable to implement a device identification logic.
  • This first software program is located in a first computing device.
  • the first software program is configured to identify a unique device identification code allocated to at least one further computing device for selection of the identified further computing device.
  • the further computing device is connected to or within connecting range of the first computing device.
  • a second software program is also beatable in the first computing device or it is beatable in the further computing device.
  • the second software program is operable to identify and select possible communication channels between the first computing device, and the or each identified and selected further computing device.
  • the second software program is configured to select and enable a first and at least a second communication channel between the first computing device, and the or each identified and selected further computing device so that the first and at least a second communication channel are simultaneously operable.
  • the second software program contains logic which is operable to select and enable communication channels in order based on their bandwidth.
  • a plurality of communication channels may be identified and selected between the first computing device and the or each identified and selected further computing device, and thus a plurality of communication channels between these computing devices may be operated simultaneously by the communication system of the invention.
  • FIG. 2 A schematic view of one embodiment of the data flow of the communication system 10 according to the invention is shown in Figure 2. It will also be understood that even though Figure 2 only depicts the communication channels of BluetoothTM and cable being able to be operated simultaneously, further embodiments of the invention comprise a plurality of communication channels. These communication channels can include, for example, BluetoothTM, GPRS, Wi-FiTM, infrared, 3G, GSM, and/or cable, and any of these communication channels may be operated at the same time as the others according to the invention. It will further be understood that there may also be various combinations of channels being operated simultaneously and that this includes the possibility of more than one of each type of communication channel being operated simultaneously, such as, for example, more than one cable channel.
  • a computing device which forms part of the system of the invention is capable of storing media and personal information manager (PIM) content.
  • PIM personal information manager
  • Such a computing device may be static such as a desktop computing device or may be a mobile computing device such as, for example, a laptop computer, a hand-held computer, personal digital assistant (PDA) or the like.
  • the mobile computing device may comprise any one of a number of hand-held mobile devices such as a mobile phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a personal and portable media or multimedia player, such as an audio or MP3 player, and the like.
  • mobile computing devices acted independently of the user's desktop computing device and information stored on the mobile computing device was only managed using the mobile computing device on which it was stored.
  • mobile computing devices such as, for example, mobile phones, personal and portable media or multimedia players, PDA's, laptop computers and netbook computers become more and more powerful, they have also become capable of storing information that users want to transfer onto their desktop or home computers, or onto other mobile computing devices.
  • This information is stored in various types and sizes of files and may comprise, for example, video files, music files, photo files, email files, contact information files, calendar information files, text message files, battery level information files, signal strength information files, and the like.
  • the transfer can take a number of minutes, effectively 'blocking' the mobile device for any other type of communication while the transfer takes place.
  • the only option available when the user wanted to transfer more than one data file was to display a progress bar which informed the user about how much time was still required for any particular file to be completely transferred.
  • Most modern mobile devices have two methods of communication, wired and wireless.
  • communication channels possible between desktop computing devices and mobile computing devices or similarly between mobile computing devices and other mobile computing devices.
  • These communication channels each have a single unique transport mechanism for communicating between the devices and each communication channel is qualified by its bandwidth.
  • These communication channels are mapped by the software program of the device manager in the desktop computing device or mobile computing device, as the case may be. Examples of these communication channels includes, but is not limited to, wireless communication channels such as BluetoothTM, GPRS, Wi-FiTM, infrared, 3G, or GSM, or wired communication channels such as a cable.
  • the communication system and method of the invention comprises the use of parallel multi-channel communication between two or more computing devices that allows each computing device to communicate with and transfer data files between the further computing device(s) by being able to use all possible communication channels present simultaneously.
  • the current invention allows a software program to be installed in one of the computing devices, such as a desktop computing device or in a mobile computing device to categorise content of a data file which is to be communicated as high, or low bandwidth, and then to make a decision about which communication channel to use to transfer the data file.
  • the software program connects using a single channel at a time which means that if a data file transfer takes place across that channel the computing device such as a mobile computing device is effectively not capable of taking another request until the file transfer has occurred. If this is a large data file it may take several minutes to complete.
  • the current invention includes two software programs which allow multiple data files to be transferred in parallel and simultaneously between one computing device and another computing device. If a large data file is sent across from the one computing device to the other computing device it is still capable of communicating over the other available channels and simultaneously transferring other data files.
  • the first computing device To identify and select a further computing device, the first computing device according to the invention must be able to manage its own unique identifier that never changes, even after a re-boot. All mobile phones also contain a unique identifier that is called the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI). Other mobile computing devices may also contain an IMEI or they may be identified by an abstract value called a Unique Identifier (UID) which is specific to each device. According to the invention, the first computing device includes the first software program which identifies each computing device connected to it or within connecting range thereof by identifying the unique IMEI or UID of each mobile device.
  • IMEI International Mobile Equipment Identity
  • UID Unique Identifier
  • the point of first contact is when the first software program which forms part of the device manager software of the first computing device is run and it is asked to discover devices that are connected (or paired) with the first computing device.
  • the device manager in the first computing device will use all communication channels available on the first communication device to discover any further computing devices within connecting range of the first computing device.
  • a list will be displayed on the first computing device screen or on the further computing device screen, as the case may be, and the user must then select a further computing device from the list.
  • the device manager software will connect to the selected further computing device and retrieve the IMEI or UID for that computing device.
  • the further computing device is then registered with the device manager software of the first computing device and catalogued internally using its IMEI or UID.
  • the point of second contact is once the device manager software has acquired an IMEI or UID for a particular further computing device, a second software program which is located on either the first computing device or on the further computing device can begin its scanning to locate other further communication channels that may be available between the two devices.
  • the device manager will instruct the computing device to use periodic scanning on all possible communication channels to discover additional further computing devices in the proximity of, or physically connected to the first computing device.
  • the second software program located on the first computing device or located on the further computing device selects and enables an additional communication channel such as, for example, BluetoothTM, Wi-FiTM, 3G, GSM or cable to that further computing device. Any such additional communication channel is selected and enabled in order based on its bandwidth. Preferably the communication channels which are 'faster' are selected and enabled for use to transfer data files before the 'slower' communication channels.
  • a permanent binding is made for this additional channel inside the device manager so that both communication channels are used the next time the further computing device is connected to the first computing device.
  • Each channel is qualified by its bandwidth and mapped to data types internally by the device manager.
  • the device manager will, for example, move media such as music, videos and photos over high bandwidth channels and will move personal information management (PIM) or text messages over low bandwidth channels. The transfer of these files may occur simultaneously with the use of the current system. If the device manager has only one communication channel open to further computing device everything will go across that single channel.
  • the device manager If the device manager is operating in multi-channel mode and one of those communication channels disappears, such as, for example, when the user disconnects the cable, the device manager will temporarily block the communication channel that is no longer available and will divert all file transfer traffic with the existing open communication channels. This provides a large increase in the reliability of transferring files.
  • the current invention uses the device's Unique Identifier (UID) or IMEI to manage the device across multiple simultaneous connections using all the available channels that the device exposes.
  • UID Unique Identifier
  • IMEI IMEI
  • the first computing device's software queries the further device and records its UID or IMEI.
  • the computer software then periodically queries all additional further computing devices in the neighbourhood (wired or wireless) and queries each one in turn for its UID or IMEI. If a UID or IMEI is returned that the computer software already knows about, it can bind to the device on a new channel because it is able to deduce that the device on the new channel is the same device that is already connected using an existing channel.
  • the computing device's software is able to bandwidth speed test each communication channel and decide the relative speed when compared to the current connected channels. If only a single communication channel is open then all information must go across that channel. If two or more channels are available the computing device's software decides which one is the fastest channel. Once the fastest channel is deduced it is used to transfer media related files which are the larger file size. The other slower bandwidth channels are used to query the further computing device for diagnostics and for transfer of smaller files such as calendar, contacts and text messages. This invention allows the first computing device's software to continue communicating with the further computing device and to transfer data files even when a large file transfer is in progress.
  • a user firstly connects a mobile computing device via cable directly to their home desktop computing device (desktop computer).
  • Computer software comprising a first computer program and a second computer program according to the invention installed on the desktop computer then opens a communication channel and queries the mobile device for its Unique Identifier (UID).
  • the UID for the mobile device is retrieved and stored by the desktop computer software.
  • the desktop computer software scans the BluetoothTM network neighbourhood to discover which mobile devices are in connecting range. A number of mobile devices respond and the desktop computer software then retrieves the UID for each mobile device that responds.
  • a comparison is then made with the stored UID inside the desktop computer software to see if any of the new UIDs match. If a match is found the software then connects to the mobile device on the BluetoothTM communication channel and then 'pairs' that channel with the current wired communication channel.
  • the software then performs a speed check and deduces that the cabled channel is the 'fastest' channel out of the identified and selected connected channels.
  • the computer software then creates an internal rule that allows only large files to be transferable over the cable channel and all other, smaller files are then able to be transferred simultaneously with the large files over the BluetoothTM connection.
  • the computer software is now able to communicate with the mobile device, even when a large file transfer is in progress.
  • the computer software will continue to do periodic checks to deduce if another communication channel becomes available for connection to that device, and the communication channels are selected and enabled in order based on their bandwidth.
  • the software would identify and select possible communication channels between the desktop computer and the further mobile device. These communication channels would then be enabled to be used for the transfer of files between the devices simultaneously, and they are selected and enabled for use in order of their bandwidth by the software on the desktop computer.
  • a further example comprises a communication system where a first software program which is able to implement device identification logic is installed in a first computing device which is a laptop computer.
  • the first software program on the laptop computer is able to identify a specific further computing device which is within connecting range to the laptop computer. This is achieved by the software program querying the further computing device for its Unique Identifier (UID).
  • the UID for the further computing device is retrieved and stored by the laptop computer software.
  • a second software program which is installed in the identified mobile device allows possible communication channels between the two devices, the laptop computer and the further computing device, to be identified and selected. Initially only one such communication channel may be identified and selected for communication purposes, and the further communication channels may be identified and selected later as they become required. If more than one communication channel between the laptop computer and the uniquely identified further computing device is required, these communication channels may be identified and selected.
  • the first software program of the laptop computer undertakes another scan to discover which additional further computing devices, such as mobile phones, other mobile computing devices or PDAs, are in connecting range. If an additional computing device is located, the further device is queried for its Unique Identifier (UID), and the UID for the further device is retrieved and stored by the laptop computer software if the uniquely identified additional further computing device is specifically required by the user for communication with the laptop computer.
  • UID Unique Identifier
  • the additional further device also comprises a second software program installed thereon and this second software program is used to scan the communication networks available to it to discover which possible communication channels between the two devices, the laptop computer and the additional further device, can be identified and selected. Any communication channels available and required may be identified and selected for communication purposes.
  • Either the first software program in the laptop computing device or the second software program in the additional further computing device may perform a speed check to deduce which of the communication channels is the 'fastest' channel out of the connected channels.
  • the computer software then creates an internal rule that allows only large files over the 'fastest' channel, such as, for example, a cable connection and all other, smaller files are to be transferred over the 'slower' channels such as, for example, a BluetoothTM connection.
  • the laptop computer is able to communicate with the further computing device, even when a large file transfer is in progress. In the same way files of different sizes may be transferred between the devices simultaneously and the channels used to transfer these files are selected based on their bandwidth.
  • the software will continue to do periodic checks to deduce if another communication channel becomes available for connection to that device, and the further communication channels are selected and enabled in order based on their bandwidth.
  • a user has a first computing device in the form of a mobile phone which has a first software program that is able to implement a device identification logic located therein.
  • the user's mobile phone periodically checks to see if there is any new computing device in the area around where the user is currently located.
  • the mobile device does this by periodically scanning the neighbourhood within connecting range thereof to check if there is a second or further computing devices with which it wants to communicate.
  • the first software program in the user's mobile phone is configured to identify a unique device identification code allocated to possible further computing devices for selection of one or more of the identified further computing devices of specific interest.
  • a second software program may be located in a user's mobile phone or if it is not, it may be located in one or more further computing devices which form part of the system of the invention.
  • Such a further computing device is located by the mobile phone during one of its periodic scans and the second software program, in the mobile phone or in the further computing device, is then able to identify and select possible communication channels between the user's mobile phone, and the identified and selected further computing device.
  • the second software program is configured to select and enable a first and at least a second communication channel between the user's mobile device and the identified and selected further computing device.
  • the first and the at least second communication channel are able to operate simultaneously and the second software program contains the logic which is able to select and enable communication channels between the mobile device and the further computing device in order based on their bandwidth. It is usually preferable to select and enable the communication channels with the broadest bandwidth available first, such as 3G broadband, and then the communication channels with lesser bandwidth sequentially thereafter, such as GPRS.
  • the first communication channel that is selected and enabled between the user's mobile device and a further computing device such as a mobile computer is a "hook" or signaling channel.
  • This first communication channel is a way in which the user's mobile phone performs a "handshake" with the further computing device therefore signaling authentication.
  • the second and further communication channels may be used for the actual payload transmission, that is, the transfer of the data itself between the mobile phone and the further computing device.
  • This data may be, for example, digital photographs and text messages stored on the user's mobile phone which can then be transferred to the user's mobile computer which was been identified and selected when the user entered his or her home.
  • the largest files for transfer from the user's mobile phone to the mobile computer can then be transferred by means of the selected and enabled communication channel that has the largest and fastest bandwidth.
  • the smaller files, such as text messages can be transferred simultaneously by means of the selected and enabled communication channel that has the smaller and slower bandwidth.
  • the user's mobile phone will continue to periodically check to see if there is any new computing device of specific interest for communication in the area around the user as the user moves from place to place, and building to building.
  • the system of the current invention thus makes the best use of and efficiently exploits existing interfaces for communication channels that are available. These communication channels are used in the most cost effective, reliable and time saving way, and the system also makes the best use possible of available bandwidth speed and signal strength.

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Abstract

A communication system and method for enabling communication between two or more computing devices, the communication system comprising a first software program operable to implement a device identification logic being located in a first computing device; the first software program being configured to identify a unique device identification code allocated to at least one further computing device for selection of the identified further mobile device; the further computing device being connected to or being within connecting range of the first computing device; a second software program being locatable in the first computing device, or being locatable in the further computing device; the second software program being operable to identify and select possible communication channels between the first computing device, and the or each identified and selected further computing device;the second software program being configured to select and enable a first and at least a second communication channel between the first computing device, and the or each identified and selected further computing device so that the first and at least a second communication channel are simultaneously operable; and the second software program containing logic which is operable to select and enable communication channels in order based on their bandwidth.

Description

Communication System
Technical field
[0001] The invention relates to a communication system and method for communication between two or more computing devices such as, for example, desktop computers and mobile devices, such as, for example, mobile computers, personal digital assistants (PDAs) or mobile phones.
Background art
[0002] Currently communication between computing devices such as personal computers and mobile devices is by means of a variety of communication channels available such as a static connection provided by a cable, or some kind of wireless communication such as, for example, Bluetooth™, GPRS, Wi-Fi™, or infrared.
[0003] The term 'static' is used here to indicate a device that it primarily in a single location when it is in use. A desktop computer may be considered to be such a static device. The static device may be moved within a particular location (e.g. within a room) or between locations for different sessions of use (e.g. between different rooms or buildings). The term 'mobile' is used here to indicate a device that can be used on the move. Clearly a laptop computer with a wireless connection is not static within the strict meaning of the word. It is possible for example that a laptop or palmtop computer might function as either the static device (when connected to a broadband connection) or as a mobile device (when connected to a wireless connection such as 3G or WiFi™).
[0004] A device manager on a computing device is the software that manages communications and channels with another device. Currently the device manager software connects to another device using a single channel at a time which means that if a file transfer takes place across a particular channel the other device is effectively not capable of taking another request until the file transfer has occurred. If this file is large it may take several minutes to complete the transfer. Currently during this time no other file transfer can occur as only the one communication chosen can be used at any one time.
[0005] The current invention differs from those systems and methods currently in use in that it allows more than one communication channel to be used at any particular time between two or more specifically identified and selected computing devices of interest. One advantage of this is that a user will be able to transfer more than one file at the same time between each of the specifically selected computing devices. This may be done by using different types of communication channels to transfer files of differing sizes. This also then has the further advantages of providing security for transfer of data between the computing devices and it is a time saving opportunity for the user.
[0006] The current invention also exploits and makes better use of the existing communication channels available for use by computing devices. This is done by using further computer programs that enable the best and most efficient use to be made of the interfaces available for communication between computing devices. The invention thus provides a more cost effective and reliable communication system which also makes more efficient use of the speed and signal strength of communication channels than is currently available.
Disclosure of the invention
[0007] A first aspect of the invention comprises a communication system operable to enable communication between two or more computing devices, the communication system comprising:
- a first software program operable to implement a device identification logic being located in a first computing device;
- the first software program being configured to identify a unique device identification code allocated to at least one further computing device for selection of the identified further computing device;
- the further computing device being connected to or within connecting range of the first computing device;
- a second software program being beatable in the first computing device or being beatable in the further computing device; - the second software program being operable to identify and select possible communication channels between the first computing device, and the or each identified and selected further computing device;
- the second software program being configured to select and enable a first and at least a second communication channel between the first computing device, and the or each identified and selected further computing device so that the first and at least a second communication channel are simultaneously operable; and
- the second software program containing logic which is operable to select and enable communication channels in order based on their bandwidth.
[0008] Preferably a plurality of communication channels are selected and connected between the first computing device, and the or each identified and selected further computing device so that the plurality of communication channels are simultaneously operable.
[0009] In one form of the invention a communication channel may be a wireless channel such as, for example, Bluetooth™, GPRS, Wi-Fi™, infrared, 3G or GSM. A communication channel may also be a wired channel such as a cable.
[0010] A communication channel may be used to communicate data from the identified and selected further computing device to the first computing device or from the computing device to the identified and selected further computing device. The communication data may be data files of varying sizes such as, for example, video files, music files, photo files, contact information files, calendar information files, text message files, battery level information files, or signal strength information files.
[0011] The identified and selected further computing device may be a mobile computer, a mobile phone, a PDA, a portable media player, or the like.
[0012] The first or further computing device may be a static device such as a desktop computer or a mobile device such as a mobile computer, a mobile phone, a PDA, a portable media player or the like.
[0013] A second aspect of the invention comprises a method of communication between a first computing device and at least one further computing device, the method comprising: - locating one or more further computing devices which are connected to or which are within connecting range of a first computing device by means of a first software program operable to implement a device identification logic, the first software program being located in the first computing device;
- identifying the or at least one further computing device connected to or within connecting range of the first computing device by means of the first software program identifying a unique device identification code allocated to the at least one further computing device;
- selecting the identified at least one further computing device;
- identifying possible communication channels between the or at least one of the identified and selected further computing devices and the first computing device by means of a second software program, the second software program being operable to identify and select possible communication channels between the first computing device and the further computing device, and the second software program being beatable in the first computing device or being beatable in the further computing device;
- selecting a first communication channel between the or at least one of the identified and selected further computing devices and the first computing device;
- connecting a first communication channel between the or at least one of the identified and selected further computing devices and the first computing device;
- selecting at least a second communication channel between the same identified and selected further computing device and the first computing device;
- connecting at least a second communication channel between the identified and selected further computing device and the first computing device so that the first and at least a second communication channel are simultaneously operable; and
- selecting and enabling communication channels in order based on their bandwidth by means of logic contained in the second software program. [0014] Preferably a plurality of communication channels are selected and connected between the first computing device, and the or each identified and selected further computing device so that the plurality of communication channels are simultaneously operable.
[0015] The method of communication between a first computer and at least one identified and selected further computing device may further comprise communicating data from the or each computing device to the first computing device, or from the first computing device to the or each identified and selected further computing device.
[0016] The first or further computing device may be a static device such as a desktop computer, or a mobile device such as a hand-held computer, a laptop computer, mobile phone, a PDA, a portable media player or the like.
Brief description of the drawings
[0017] The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein:
Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram showing prior art device management data flow between software of a desktop computing device and a mobile computing device connected to the desktop computing device; and
Figure 2 shows a schematic diagram showing device management data flow between software of a first computing device and a further computing device connected to the first computing device according to the invention.
Detailed description of the invention
[0018] A communication system and method for communication between a first computing device and one or more further computing device(s) according to the invention will now be described in more detail. A schematic view of a prior art embodiment of the data flow from a desktop computing device to a mobile computing device is shown in Figure 1.
[0019] The communication system of the invention for enabling communication between two or more computing devices, and comprises firstly a first software program operable to implement a device identification logic. This first software program is located in a first computing device. The first software program is configured to identify a unique device identification code allocated to at least one further computing device for selection of the identified further computing device. The further computing device is connected to or within connecting range of the first computing device. A second software program is also beatable in the first computing device or it is beatable in the further computing device. The second software program is operable to identify and select possible communication channels between the first computing device, and the or each identified and selected further computing device. The second software program is configured to select and enable a first and at least a second communication channel between the first computing device, and the or each identified and selected further computing device so that the first and at least a second communication channel are simultaneously operable. The second software program contains logic which is operable to select and enable communication channels in order based on their bandwidth.
[0020] According to the invention a plurality of communication channels may be identified and selected between the first computing device and the or each identified and selected further computing device, and thus a plurality of communication channels between these computing devices may be operated simultaneously by the communication system of the invention.
[0021] A schematic view of one embodiment of the data flow of the communication system 10 according to the invention is shown in Figure 2. It will also be understood that even though Figure 2 only depicts the communication channels of Bluetooth™ and cable being able to be operated simultaneously, further embodiments of the invention comprise a plurality of communication channels. These communication channels can include, for example, Bluetooth™, GPRS, Wi-Fi™, infrared, 3G, GSM, and/or cable, and any of these communication channels may be operated at the same time as the others according to the invention. It will further be understood that there may also be various combinations of channels being operated simultaneously and that this includes the possibility of more than one of each type of communication channel being operated simultaneously, such as, for example, more than one cable channel. [0022] A computing device which forms part of the system of the invention is capable of storing media and personal information manager (PIM) content. Such a computing device may be static such as a desktop computing device or may be a mobile computing device such as, for example, a laptop computer, a hand-held computer, personal digital assistant (PDA) or the like. The mobile computing device may comprise any one of a number of hand-held mobile devices such as a mobile phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a personal and portable media or multimedia player, such as an audio or MP3 player, and the like.
[0023] Previously, mobile computing devices acted independently of the user's desktop computing device and information stored on the mobile computing device was only managed using the mobile computing device on which it was stored. As mobile computing devices such as, for example, mobile phones, personal and portable media or multimedia players, PDA's, laptop computers and netbook computers become more and more powerful, they have also become capable of storing information that users want to transfer onto their desktop or home computers, or onto other mobile computing devices. This information is stored in various types and sizes of files and may comprise, for example, video files, music files, photo files, email files, contact information files, calendar information files, text message files, battery level information files, signal strength information files, and the like.
[0024] Current software programs written for a desktop computing device are now able to interact with mobile computing devices, such as a mobile phone, and so on, and send or receive data files and text messages in accordance with protocols created by the mobile device manufacturers. These software programs in the desktop computing device will communicate with the mobile computing device and send data files in sequential order to the mobile device. This communication with the mobile device is handled sequentially and the software program in the desktop computer is only able to send or receive one data file at a time over any given communication channel. This is a physical limitation of the available communication channels and applies to currently available software programs used for these purposes. When transferring large data files such as, for example, movie video files and music or audio files, the transfer can take a number of minutes, effectively 'blocking' the mobile device for any other type of communication while the transfer takes place. Prior to the current invention the only option available when the user wanted to transfer more than one data file was to display a progress bar which informed the user about how much time was still required for any particular file to be completely transferred.
[0025] Most modern mobile devices have two methods of communication, wired and wireless. There are various types of communication channels possible between desktop computing devices and mobile computing devices or similarly between mobile computing devices and other mobile computing devices. These communication channels each have a single unique transport mechanism for communicating between the devices and each communication channel is qualified by its bandwidth. These communication channels are mapped by the software program of the device manager in the desktop computing device or mobile computing device, as the case may be. Examples of these communication channels includes, but is not limited to, wireless communication channels such as Bluetooth™, GPRS, Wi-Fi™, infrared, 3G, or GSM, or wired communication channels such as a cable.
[0026] The communication system and method of the invention comprises the use of parallel multi-channel communication between two or more computing devices that allows each computing device to communicate with and transfer data files between the further computing device(s) by being able to use all possible communication channels present simultaneously. The current invention allows a software program to be installed in one of the computing devices, such as a desktop computing device or in a mobile computing device to categorise content of a data file which is to be communicated as high, or low bandwidth, and then to make a decision about which communication channel to use to transfer the data file. [0027] In traditional system design the software program connects using a single channel at a time which means that if a data file transfer takes place across that channel the computing device such as a mobile computing device is effectively not capable of taking another request until the file transfer has occurred. If this is a large data file it may take several minutes to complete.
[0028] The current invention includes two software programs which allow multiple data files to be transferred in parallel and simultaneously between one computing device and another computing device. If a large data file is sent across from the one computing device to the other computing device it is still capable of communicating over the other available channels and simultaneously transferring other data files.
[0029] To identify and select a further computing device, the first computing device according to the invention must be able to manage its own unique identifier that never changes, even after a re-boot. All mobile phones also contain a unique identifier that is called the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI). Other mobile computing devices may also contain an IMEI or they may be identified by an abstract value called a Unique Identifier (UID) which is specific to each device. According to the invention, the first computing device includes the first software program which identifies each computing device connected to it or within connecting range thereof by identifying the unique IMEI or UID of each mobile device.
[0030] The point of first contact is when the first software program which forms part of the device manager software of the first computing device is run and it is asked to discover devices that are connected (or paired) with the first computing device. The device manager in the first computing device will use all communication channels available on the first communication device to discover any further computing devices within connecting range of the first computing device.
[0031] Once the further computing devices have been discovered, a list will be displayed on the first computing device screen or on the further computing device screen, as the case may be, and the user must then select a further computing device from the list. Once the computing device has been selected, the device manager software will connect to the selected further computing device and retrieve the IMEI or UID for that computing device. The further computing device is then registered with the device manager software of the first computing device and catalogued internally using its IMEI or UID.
[0032] The point of second contact is once the device manager software has acquired an IMEI or UID for a particular further computing device, a second software program which is located on either the first computing device or on the further computing device can begin its scanning to locate other further communication channels that may be available between the two devices.
[0033] The device manager will instruct the computing device to use periodic scanning on all possible communication channels to discover additional further computing devices in the proximity of, or physically connected to the first computing device.
[0034] When additional devices are discovered during periodic scanning by the device manager they are queried for their IMEI or UID. If an IMEI or UID is discovered that has already been catalogued by the device manager, the second software program located on the first computing device or located on the further computing device selects and enables an additional communication channel such as, for example, Bluetooth™, Wi-Fi™, 3G, GSM or cable to that further computing device. Any such additional communication channel is selected and enabled in order based on its bandwidth. Preferably the communication channels which are 'faster' are selected and enabled for use to transfer data files before the 'slower' communication channels.
[0035] A permanent binding is made for this additional channel inside the device manager so that both communication channels are used the next time the further computing device is connected to the first computing device. Each channel is qualified by its bandwidth and mapped to data types internally by the device manager. In multi-channel mode the device manager will, for example, move media such as music, videos and photos over high bandwidth channels and will move personal information management (PIM) or text messages over low bandwidth channels. The transfer of these files may occur simultaneously with the use of the current system. If the device manager has only one communication channel open to further computing device everything will go across that single channel.
[0036] If the device manager is operating in multi-channel mode and one of those communication channels disappears, such as, for example, when the user disconnects the cable, the device manager will temporarily block the communication channel that is no longer available and will divert all file transfer traffic with the existing open communication channels. This provides a large increase in the reliability of transferring files.
[0037] At present, if a user wishes to send a large file to such a first computing device it has to go over a single channel and this will block all other file transfers to and from the computing device because the communication channel acts like a queue. The current invention's multi-channel communication system and method will allow the user to interact with the computing device via a communication channel even when a file transfer is taking place, as communication with the computing device will not be blocked because of the file transfer.
[0038] The current invention uses the device's Unique Identifier (UID) or IMEI to manage the device across multiple simultaneous connections using all the available channels that the device exposes.
[0039] When a further computing device is connected to the system using one of the aforementioned channels, the first computing device's software queries the further device and records its UID or IMEI.
[0040] The computer software then periodically queries all additional further computing devices in the neighbourhood (wired or wireless) and queries each one in turn for its UID or IMEI. If a UID or IMEI is returned that the computer software already knows about, it can bind to the device on a new channel because it is able to deduce that the device on the new channel is the same device that is already connected using an existing channel.
[0041] Typically the computing device's software is able to bandwidth speed test each communication channel and decide the relative speed when compared to the current connected channels. If only a single communication channel is open then all information must go across that channel. If two or more channels are available the computing device's software decides which one is the fastest channel. Once the fastest channel is deduced it is used to transfer media related files which are the larger file size. The other slower bandwidth channels are used to query the further computing device for diagnostics and for transfer of smaller files such as calendar, contacts and text messages. This invention allows the first computing device's software to continue communicating with the further computing device and to transfer data files even when a large file transfer is in progress.
[0042] Specific examples illustrating the functionality of the system and method of communication of the current invention follow below.
[0043] In a first example of the communication system according to the invention, a user firstly connects a mobile computing device via cable directly to their home desktop computing device (desktop computer). Computer software comprising a first computer program and a second computer program according to the invention installed on the desktop computer then opens a communication channel and queries the mobile device for its Unique Identifier (UID). The UID for the mobile device is retrieved and stored by the desktop computer software. After a period of time the desktop computer software scans the Bluetooth™ network neighbourhood to discover which mobile devices are in connecting range. A number of mobile devices respond and the desktop computer software then retrieves the UID for each mobile device that responds. A comparison is then made with the stored UID inside the desktop computer software to see if any of the new UIDs match. If a match is found the software then connects to the mobile device on the Bluetooth™ communication channel and then 'pairs' that channel with the current wired communication channel.
[0044] The software then performs a speed check and deduces that the cabled channel is the 'fastest' channel out of the identified and selected connected channels. The computer software then creates an internal rule that allows only large files to be transferable over the cable channel and all other, smaller files are then able to be transferred simultaneously with the large files over the Bluetooth™ connection. The computer software is now able to communicate with the mobile device, even when a large file transfer is in progress. The computer software will continue to do periodic checks to deduce if another communication channel becomes available for connection to that device, and the communication channels are selected and enabled in order based on their bandwidth.
[0045] If a further mobile device with a new UID is discovered by the software on the desktop computer, the software would identify and select possible communication channels between the desktop computer and the further mobile device. These communication channels would then be enabled to be used for the transfer of files between the devices simultaneously, and they are selected and enabled for use in order of their bandwidth by the software on the desktop computer.
[0046] A further example comprises a communication system where a first software program which is able to implement device identification logic is installed in a first computing device which is a laptop computer. The first software program on the laptop computer is able to identify a specific further computing device which is within connecting range to the laptop computer. This is achieved by the software program querying the further computing device for its Unique Identifier (UID). The UID for the further computing device is retrieved and stored by the laptop computer software. A second software program which is installed in the identified mobile device allows possible communication channels between the two devices, the laptop computer and the further computing device, to be identified and selected. Initially only one such communication channel may be identified and selected for communication purposes, and the further communication channels may be identified and selected later as they become required. If more than one communication channel between the laptop computer and the uniquely identified further computing device is required, these communication channels may be identified and selected.
[0047] After a period of time the first software program of the laptop computer undertakes another scan to discover which additional further computing devices, such as mobile phones, other mobile computing devices or PDAs, are in connecting range. If an additional computing device is located, the further device is queried for its Unique Identifier (UID), and the UID for the further device is retrieved and stored by the laptop computer software if the uniquely identified additional further computing device is specifically required by the user for communication with the laptop computer.
[0048] The additional further device also comprises a second software program installed thereon and this second software program is used to scan the communication networks available to it to discover which possible communication channels between the two devices, the laptop computer and the additional further device, can be identified and selected. Any communication channels available and required may be identified and selected for communication purposes.
[0049] Either the first software program in the laptop computing device or the second software program in the additional further computing device may perform a speed check to deduce which of the communication channels is the 'fastest' channel out of the connected channels. The computer software then creates an internal rule that allows only large files over the 'fastest' channel, such as, for example, a cable connection and all other, smaller files are to be transferred over the 'slower' channels such as, for example, a Bluetooth™ connection. The laptop computer is able to communicate with the further computing device, even when a large file transfer is in progress. In the same way files of different sizes may be transferred between the devices simultaneously and the channels used to transfer these files are selected based on their bandwidth. The software will continue to do periodic checks to deduce if another communication channel becomes available for connection to that device, and the further communication channels are selected and enabled in order based on their bandwidth.
[0050] In another example of the communication system according to the invention, a user has a first computing device in the form of a mobile phone which has a first software program that is able to implement a device identification logic located therein. The user's mobile phone periodically checks to see if there is any new computing device in the area around where the user is currently located. The mobile device does this by periodically scanning the neighbourhood within connecting range thereof to check if there is a second or further computing devices with which it wants to communicate.
[0051] The first software program in the user's mobile phone is configured to identify a unique device identification code allocated to possible further computing devices for selection of one or more of the identified further computing devices of specific interest.
[0052] A second software program may be located in a user's mobile phone or if it is not, it may be located in one or more further computing devices which form part of the system of the invention. Such a further computing device is located by the mobile phone during one of its periodic scans and the second software program, in the mobile phone or in the further computing device, is then able to identify and select possible communication channels between the user's mobile phone, and the identified and selected further computing device.
[0053] The second software program is configured to select and enable a first and at least a second communication channel between the user's mobile device and the identified and selected further computing device. The first and the at least second communication channel are able to operate simultaneously and the second software program contains the logic which is able to select and enable communication channels between the mobile device and the further computing device in order based on their bandwidth. It is usually preferable to select and enable the communication channels with the broadest bandwidth available first, such as 3G broadband, and then the communication channels with lesser bandwidth sequentially thereafter, such as GPRS.
[0054] Preferably the first communication channel that is selected and enabled between the user's mobile device and a further computing device such as a mobile computer, is a "hook" or signaling channel. This first communication channel is a way in which the user's mobile phone performs a "handshake" with the further computing device therefore signaling authentication. The second and further communication channels may be used for the actual payload transmission, that is, the transfer of the data itself between the mobile phone and the further computing device. This data may be, for example, digital photographs and text messages stored on the user's mobile phone which can then be transferred to the user's mobile computer which was been identified and selected when the user entered his or her home. The largest files for transfer from the user's mobile phone to the mobile computer, such as the digital photographs, can then be transferred by means of the selected and enabled communication channel that has the largest and fastest bandwidth. In the same way the smaller files, such as text messages can be transferred simultaneously by means of the selected and enabled communication channel that has the smaller and slower bandwidth.
[0055] The user's mobile phone will continue to periodically check to see if there is any new computing device of specific interest for communication in the area around the user as the user moves from place to place, and building to building.
[0056] The system of the current invention thus makes the best use of and efficiently exploits existing interfaces for communication channels that are available. These communication channels are used in the most cost effective, reliable and time saving way, and the system also makes the best use possible of available bandwidth speed and signal strength.

Claims

Claims
1. A communication system for enabling communication between two or more computing devices, the communication system comprising:
- a first software program operable to implement a device identification logic being located in a first computing device;
- the first software program being configured to identify a unique device identification code allocated to at least one further computing device for selection of the identified further computing device;
- the further computing device being connected to or being within connecting range of the first computing device;
- a second software program being beatable in the first computing device, or being beatable in the further computing device;
- the second software program being operable to identify and select possible communication channels between the first computing device, and the or each identified and selected further computing device;
- the second software program being configured to select and enable a first and at least a second communication channel between the first computing device, and the or each identified and selected further computing device so that the first and at least a second communication channel are simultaneously operable; and
- the second software program containing logic which is operable to select and enable communication channels in order based on their bandwidth.
2. A communication system as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the second software program is configured to select and enable a plurality of communication channels between the first computing device, and the or each identified and selected further computing device so that the plurality of communication channels are simultaneously operable.
3. A communication system as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein a communication channel is a wireless channel.
4. A communication system as claimed in claim 3, wherein the wireless communication channel is Bluetooth™, GPRS, Wi-Fi™, infrared, 3G or GSM.
5. A communication system as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein a communication channel is a wired channel.
6. A communication system as claimed in claim 5, wherein the wired communication channel is a cable.
7. A communication system as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein a communication channel is used to communicate data from the identified and selected further computing device to the first computing device or from the first computing device to the identified and selected further computing device.
8. A communication system as claimed in claim 7, wherein the data is data files of varying sizes and includes video files, music files, photo files, contact information files, calendar information files, text message files, battery level information files, or signal strength information files.
9. A communication system as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the first computing device is a desktop computer, a mobile computer, a mobile phone, a PDA or a portable media player.
10. A communication system as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the further computing device is a desktop computer, a mobile computer, a mobile phone, a PDA or a portable media player.
11. A method of communication between a first computing device and at least one further computing device, the method comprising:
- locating one or more further computing devices which are connected to or which are within connecting range of a first computing device by means of a first software program operable to implement a device identification logic, the first software program being located in the first computing device;
- identifying the or at least one further computing device connected to or within connecting range of the first computing device by means of the first software program identifying a unique device identification code allocated to the at least one further computing device;
- selecting the identified at least one further computing device;
- identifying possible communication channels between the or at least one of the identified and selected further computing devices and the first computing device by means of a second software program, the second software program being operable to identify and select possible communication channels between the first computing device and the further computing device, and the second software program being beatable in the first computing device; or being beatable in the further computing device;
- selecting a first communication channel between the or at least one of the identified and selected further computing devices and the first computing device;
- connecting a first communication channel between the or at least one of the identified and selected further computing devices and the first computing device;
- selecting at least a second communication channel between the same identified and selected further computing device and the first computing device;
- connecting at least a second communication channel between the identified and selected further computing device and the first computing device so that the first and at least a second communication channel are simultaneously operable; and
- selecting and enabling communication channels in order based on their bandwidth by means of logic contained in the second software program.
12. A method as claimed in claim 11 , wherein a plurality of communication channels are selected and connected between the first computing device, and the or each identified and selected further computing device so that the plurality of communication channels are simultaneously operable.
13. A method as claimed in claim 11 or 12, which further comprises communicating data from the or each identified and selected further computing device to the first computing device, or from the first computing device to the or each identified and selected further computing device.
14. A method as claimed in any of claims 11 , 12 or 13, wherein the first computing device is a desktop computer, a mobile computer, a mobile phone, a PDA or a portable media player.
15. A method as claimed in any of claims 11 to 14, wherein the further computing device is a desktop computer, a mobile computer, a mobile phone, a PDA or a portable media player.
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