WO2011018552A1

WO2011018552A1 - Method for controlling an apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2011018552A1
Application number: PCT/FI2010/050627
Authority: WO
Inventors: Raine Kajastila; Tapio Lokki; Juha VEHVILÄINEN
Original assignee: Aalto-Korkeakoulusäätiö
Priority date: 2009-08-12
Filing date: 2010-08-11
Publication date: 2011-02-17
Also published as: FI20095835A0

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for controlling an apparatus through a wireless connection by a mobile device, which method comprises sending (225) user interface information through the wireless connection to the mobile device, which user interface information provides for the mobile device an apparatus-specific user interface enabling to control the apparatus by the mobile device, receiving (245) control information relating to the provided apparatus-specific user interface through the wireless connection from the mobile device, and providing (250) a feedback relating to the received control information. The invention also relates to the apparatus, which is controlled through the wireless connection by the mobile device and the mobile device configured to control the apparatus through the wireless connection.

Description

METHOD FOR CONTROLLING AN APPARATUS

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a method for controlling an apparatus through a wireless connection by a mobile device. The invention also relates to an apparatus, which is controlled through a wireless connection by a mobile device. Furthermore, the invention relates to a mobile device for controlling an apparatus through a wireless connection.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Nowadays in public places, e.g. shopping centers, city centers, shops, cinemas, airports, restaurants, streets, sports fields, and parks, occur devices, which provides services such as games and information to people staying at the public places. Therefore, a need for an easy way to control service devices, such as game machines, vending machines, and info machines, and to receive local infor- mation in the public places exists throughout.

One way to control service devices in order to furnish services from service devices is provided through user interfaces integrated into the devices, e.g. buttons, keyboards, and touchpads, whereupon the user of the service device should be in the immediate vicinity for being capable of controlling the service device. Another way to control the service devices is provided by means of dedicated remote controllers, which are constructed to control precisely particular type of service devices. The remote controllers can communicate via a cable or wireless connection, whereupon a distance between a user and the service device can be a little bit greater. However, each remote controller can be used only for controlling one service device.

Yet another way to enable the service device control is perfomed by means of portable devices comprising softwares, which are adapted to control the service devices. The portable devices are capable of communicating with the service device via an air interface. Anyway, the softwares are dedicated only to certain port- able device types, whereupon the user interfaces of the portable devices are predetermined and schematic. The preceding drawbacks of the existing service device control methods have limited a service development and led to services having a limited distribution.

SUMMARY

One object of the invention is to withdraw the above-mentioned drawbacks and provide a method for controlling an apparatus by means of the user interface of the mobile device, which is provided by the apparatus to be controlled and a simple software in the mobile device.

The object of the invention is fulfilled by providing a method for controlling an apparatus, which comprises sending user interface information through a wireless connection to a mobile device, which user interface information provides for the mobile device an apparatus-specific user interface enabling to control the apparatus by the mobile device, receiving control information relating to the provided apparatus-specific user interface through the wireless connection from the mobile device, and providing a feedback relating to the received control information. The object of the invention is also fulfilled by providing an apparatus configured to send user interface information through a wireless connection to a mobile device, which user interface information provides for the mobile device an apparatus- specific user interface enabling to control the apparatus by the mobile device, receive control information relating to the provided apparatus-specific user interface through the wireless connection from the mobile device, and provide a feedback relating to the received control information.

The object of the invention is also fulfilled by providing a computer program product, which, when the computer program product is run in a computer, sends user interface information through a wireless connection to a mobile device, which user interface information provides for the mobile device an apparatus-specific user interface enabling to control the apparatus by the mobile device, receives control information relating to the provided apparatus-specific user interface through the wireless connection from the mobile device, and provides a feedback relating to the received control information. The object of the invention is also fulfilled by providing a carrier medium, which comprises a computer program product, which, when the computer program product is run in a computer, sends user interface information through a wireless connection to a mobile device, which user interface information provides for the mobile device an apparatus-specific user interface enabling to control the apparatus by the mobile device, receives control information relating to the provided apparatus-specific user interface through the wireless connection from the mobile device, and provides a feedback relating to the received control information.

The object of the invention is also fulfilled by providing a method for controlling an apparatus, which comprises providing an apparatus-specific user interface, which enables to control the apparatus through a wireless connection, by user interface information received through the wireless connection from the apparatus, obtaining control information relating to the provided apparatus-specific user interface, and sending the obtained control information relating to the provided apparatus- specific user interface through the wireless connection to the apparatus.

The object of the invention is also fulfilled by providing a mobile device configured to provide an apparatus-specific user interface, which enables to control the apparatus through a wireless connection, by user interface information received through the wireless connection from the apparatus, obtain control information re- lating to the provided apparatus-specific user interface, and send the obtained control information relating to the provided apparatus-specific user interface through the wireless connection to the apparatus.

The object of the invention is also fulfilled by providing a computer program product, which, when the computer program product is run in a computer, provides an apparatus-specific user interface, which enables to control the apparatus through a wireless connection, by user interface information received through the wireless connection from the apparatus, obtains control information relating to the provided apparatus-specific user interface, and sends the obtained control information relating to the provided apparatus-specific user interface through the wireless connec- tion to the apparatus.

The object of the invention is also fulfilled by providing a carrier medium, which comprises a computer program product, which, when the computer program product is run in a computer, provides an apparatus-specific user interface, which enables to control the apparatus through a wireless connection, by user interface in- formation received through the wireless connection from the apparatus, obtains control information relating to the provided apparatus-specific user interface, and sends the obtained control information relating to the provided apparatus-specific user interface through the wireless connection to the apparatus. According to an embodiment of the invention the user of the personal digital assistant (PDA) capable of connecting to a wireless local area network (WLAN) downloads a freeware or shareware e.g. from the Internet into the PDA equipped with a touch screen in order to receive control data and installs the downloaded freeware or shareware as a platform program for apparatus-specific user interfaces. While the user wanders in a shopping center wherein locate several service providing WLAN servers, his/her PDA represents on its display the available services, which are listed according to a signal strength. The user selects one of the services for playing a game displayed on a wide screen on the wall of the shop- ping center. When a connection between the PDA and the selected game server establishes, the server sends wirelessly user interface information to the PDA, wherein the user interface information together with the downloaded platform program provides an apparatus-specific user interface, which is displayed on the touch screen and which enables to control the game displayed on the wide screen. The provided apparatus-specific user interface displays personified game information, which the other players can not see, to the user of the PDA. The player, i.e. the user, controls the displayed game by inputting control commands through the touch screen on the grounds of the apparatus-specific user interface, whereupon the PDA sends the control commands wirelessly to the game server, which per- forms the user's control command and displays the consequence(s) of the performed control command on the wide screen and possibly by means of the loudspeaker system of the game server. Furthermore, it is possible that the consequence^) of the performed control command can be seen on the display of the PDA, whereupon the apparatus-specific interface is updated or totally changed online.

An embodiment of the present invention relates to a method according to independent claim 1.

In addition, an embodiment of the present invention relates to an apparatus according to independent claim 9. Furthermore, an embodiment of the present invention relates to a method according to independent claim 10.

Also, an embodiment of the present invention relates to a mobile device according to independent claim 20. In addition, an embodiment of the present invention relates to a computer program product according to independent claim 21.

Moreover, an embodiment of the present invention relates to a carrier medium according to independent claim 22. Further embodiments are defined in dependent claims.

According to an embodiment of the invention a method for controlling an apparatus comprises sending user interface information through a wireless connection from the apparatus to a mobile device, which user interface information provides for the mobile device an apparatus-specific, and possibly user-specific (personi- fied), user interface enabling to control the apparatus by the mobile device, receiving by the apparatus control information relating to the provided apparatus-specific user interface through the wireless connection from the mobile device, and providing by the apparatus a feedback relating to the received control information.

The term "apparatus" refers to e.g. a computer comprising WLAN transceiver (network card/adapter), Bluetooth, infrared, Wibree, Zigbee, and/or Wireless Universal Serial Bus (WUSB) transceiver configured to communicate through a wireless link. Such computer can be e.g. a computer controlling a public information screen, computer controlling a game displayed on a screen, gaming machine, vending machine, computer configured to provide maps, music, restaurant menus, hotel services, smart codes, measuring information relating to industrial processes, and/or other information to the user of the mobile device. Generally speaking, the apparatus refers to a computer, which is capable of providing a service or information for the user of the mobile device by means of the apparatus-specific user interface and wireless connection. The term "mobile device" refers to a portable device comprising an integrated transceiver or external transceiver, which can be connected to the mobile device (e.g. WLAN, Bluetooth, infrared, Wibree, Zigbee, and/or WUSB transceiver). Such device can be e.g. mobile phone, PDA, wristtop, laptop, or vehicle having an onboard computer. The term "user interface information" refers to instructions, which is transmitted to a mobile device and which accomplishes a user interface for a mobile device, when the instructions are executed in the mobile device by a software run by the mobile device. The term "apparatus-specific user interface" refers to a user interface, which is specific for an apparatus transmitting user interface information and which can also be specific for the user of the mobile device, i.e. personified according to the user, whereupon the user interfaces of the two different mobile device users con- nected to a same apparatus differ from each other. The user of the mobile device is able to control remotely the apparatus by means of the apparatus-specific user interface so that the mobile device is one kind of remote controller.

The term "control information" refers to information, which comprises at least one command in order to control an apparatus. The command or commands, which can be received through a provided apparatus-specific user interface, are performed in the apparatus for obtaining a desired effect (function), e.g. moving a cursor in the display of the apparatus, dialling, browsing, and/or controlling an object on the display.

The term "feedback" refers to e.g. a function in the apparatus, function on the dis- play of the apparatus, sound and/or tactile feedback produced by the apparatus, function in the mobile device, function on the display of the mobile device, sound and/or tactile feeback produced by the mobile device due to information sent by the apparatus, and/or message comprising desired information to the mobile device. The feedback comprises overall a feedback to all senses including also smell and taste.

According to an embodiment of the invention the method, which is disclosed in the previous embodiment, further comprises connecting with the mobile device through the wireless connection, wherein at the first stage the user of the mobile device decides to which apparatus he/she wants to connect while seeing a list or other suitable presenting means comprising one or more available apparatuses, and make a connection to the apparatus transmitting information relating to the the apparatus. The transmitted information can comprise e.g merely information comprising the name of the apparatus, necessary information relating to an interconnection between the mobile device and the apparatus, and/or apparatus-specific user interface information. The name of the apparatus (and service its providing) can be found out even without a two-way connection, e.g. information relating to a quoted service can be included in the identity information of the WLAN router.

According to an embodiment of the invention the method, which is disclosed in any of the previous embodiments, further comprises updating the provided apparatus- specific user interface by sending user interface information, which updates the apparatus-specific user interface in the mobile device, through the wireless connection. The apparatus can send the update information automatically without any external stimulus, the update information can be sent due to an external stimulus (e.g. an action induced by another user causes a need for the updating), and/or the update information can be transmitted by the request of the mobile device.

According to an embodiment of the invention the method, which is disclosed in any of the previous embodiments, wherein providing a feedback relating to the received control information comprises sending feedback information, which creates the feedback relating to the received control information, through the wireless con- nection to the mobile device or another mobile device, or providing the feedback relating to the received control information by the user interface of the apparatus.

According to an embodiment of the invention the method, which is disclosed in any of the previous embodiments, wherein the apparatus-specific user interface is a visual display provided on the display of the mobile device, auditory display pro- vided by the sound producing system of the mobile device, tactile display provided by the suitable means in the mobile device, device capable of providing smell and/or taste, display used by tracking finger, hand or body by camera or other means, or a combination of at least two of the aforesaid displays.

According to an embodiment of the invention the method, which is disclosed in any of the previous embodiments, wherein the wireless connection is provided by a WLAN, e.g. Wi-Fi, wherein an apparatus is connected to a base station (access point/router) or the apparatus itself comprises the base station. Anyway, the apparatus and a mobile device communicates wirelessly through the base station regardless of whether the base station is an external or internal base station. The wireless communication between the mobile device and the base station can be performed by utilising a radio frequency connection (e.g. Bluetooth, Wibree, Zig- bee, and WUSB) or infrared connection.

According to an embodiment of the invention the method, which is disclosed in any of the previous embodiments, wherein the apparatus is an entity providing the ap- paratus-specific user interface for the mobile device. On the other hand, it is also possible that the apparatus-specific user interface is provided by one or more computer locating on the other side of the world and the local apparatus is just configured to provide a wireless connection (cloud computing). Also, it is possible that several base stations are linked as a chain (or net) of base stations on an ex- tensive area so that the cover of the service provided by the apparatus can be ex- panded in the limits of the transmission capabilities of the base stations. In the case of base station chain, the user of the mobile device can easily move from the cover of the first base station to the cover of the second based station and he/she can see nothing which hints that the apparatus-specific user interface is provided through the base station chain because of a seamlessly provided shift between the first and second base stations. Secondly, the apparatus-specific user interface can be different depending which base station in the chain provides the apparatus- specific user interface.

According to an embodiment of the invention an apparatus, which is configured to send user interface information through a wireless connection to a mobile device, which user interface information provides for the mobile device an apparatus- specific user interface enabling to control the apparatus by the mobile device, receive control information relating to the provided apparatus-specific user interface through the wireless connection from the mobile device, and provide a feedback relating to the received control information.

According to an embodiment of the invention the apparatus, which is disclosed in the previous embodiment, is further configured to connect with the mobile device through the wireless connection.

According to an embodiment of the invention the apparatus, which is disclosed in any of the previous embodiments, is further configured to update the provided apparatus-specific user interface by sending user interface information, which updates the apparatus-specific user interface in the mobile device, through the wireless connection.

According to an embodiment of the invention the apparatus, which is disclosed in any of the previous embodiments, is further configured to send, by means of a data transfer unit, feedback information, which creates the feedback relating to the received control information, through the wireless connection to the mobile device or another mobile device, and/or provide the feedback relating to the received control information by a user interface of the apparatus, such as e.g. a display unit or loudspeaker unit.

According to an embodiment of the invention the apparatus, which is disclosed in any of the previous embodiments, wherein the apparatus-specific user interface is a visual display provided on the display of the mobile device, auditory display provided by the loudspeaker unit of the mobile device, tactile display provided by the suitable means in the mobile device, device capable of providing smell and/or taste, or a combination of at least two of the aforesaid displays.

According to an embodiment of the invention the apparatus, which is disclosed in any of the previous embodiments, wherein the wireless connection is provided by a wireless local area network, e.g. Wi-Fi, wherein the apparatus is connected to a base station (access point/router) or the apparatus itself comprises the base station. In any case the apparatus and a mobile device communicates wirelessly through the base station regardless of whether the base station is an external or internal base station. According to an embodiment of the invention the apparatus, which is disclosed in any of the previous embodiments, wherein the apparatus provides the apparatus- specific user interface for the mobile device.

According to an embodiment of the invention a method for controlling an apparatus by means of a mobile device, which comprises providing an apparatus-specific user interface for the mobile device, which apparatus-specific user interface enables to control the apparatus through a wireless connection, by user interface information received through the wireless connection from the apparatus, obtaining control information relating to the provided apparatus-specific user interface, and sending the obtained control information relating to the provided apparatus- specific user interface through the wireless connection to the apparatus. The control information provided by the user of the mobile device is received through e.g. a touchpad, keypad, touchscreen, accelerometers and/or gyroscopes configured to determine the position of the mobile device, joystick, compass, camera tracking, tactile display or combination of at least two of the aforesaid means. According to an embodiment of the invention the method, which is disclosed in the previous embodiment, further comprises downloading a software, which enables to provide the apparatus-specific user interface by the user interface information received through the wireless connection. The software can be a "simple" software, which is possible to download e.g. as a freeware or shareware from a suitable Internet page, and it forms in a mobile device a platform, which due to the received user interface information accomplishes the apparatus-specific user interface. The software is capable of establishing a two-way wireless communication link between a mobile device and an apparatus, drawing graphic on the display of the mobile device, producing sounds, and/or transferring control data through an air interface to the apparatus. Furthermore, this downloadable software can be used in every kind of mobile devices so that a user needs only one software in order to communicate with apparatuses and utilising services provided by the apparatuses.

According to an embodiment of the invention the method, which is disclosed in any of the previous embodiments, further comprises displaying identification informa- tion relating to the apparatus, which can be controlled through the wireless connection. The identification information can be just a name, icon, symbol, and/or other identification sign, which identifies an available apparatus and/or service to which the user can connect wirelessly. The identification information of the available one or more apparatuses (services) can be represented e.g. in the form of the list, wherein the available apparatuses are listed due to a predetermined rules, which can be based on e.g. a user's preferences, strength of the signal, and/or alphabetical order.

According to an embodiment of the invention the method, which is disclosed in any of the previous embodiments, further comprises connecting with the apparatus through the wireless connection. The connection is provided to available and listed apparatuses (services) by e.g. clicking the identification sign of the apparatus, whereupon the connection between the mobile device and the apparatus is established for obtaining a desired service or information.

According to an embodiment of the invention the method, which is disclosed in any of the previous embodiments, further comprises receiving the user interface information providing the apparatus-specific user interface through the wireless connection.

According to an embodiment of the invention the method, which is disclosed in any of the previous embodiments, wherein the user interface information provides the apparatus-specific user interface comprising information focused (personified) to a user of the mobile device alone, whereupon the user interface is a user-specific user interface. The user-specific user interface can comprise information, which other users of the apparatus are not able to see or receive. Such information can be e.g. additional game information relating to a game displayed on the public screen of the apparatus (additional meters, equipments, etc.), service information adapted according to user's personal preferences (airport map, maps generally, menus in restaurants, etc.), or service information provided according to user's interests (music: artists/bands/songs, menus, etc.). According to an embodiment of the invention the method, which is disclosed in any of the previous embodiments, further comprises receiving feedback information, which provides a feedback relating to the obtained control information, through the wireless connection. The feedback information can be e.g. updating information updating the apparatus-specific user interface, graphical message, auditory message, tactile message, or combination of at least two of the aforesaid messages relating to a service to which a user has established a wireless connection, information producing a graphical effect, auditory effect, tactile effect, or combination of at least two of the aforesaid effects. According to an embodiment of the invention the method, which is disclosed in any of the previous embodiments, wherein the apparatus-specific user interface is a visual display, auditory display, tactile display, device capable of providing smell and/or taste, display that is used by tracking finger, hand or body by camera or other means, or a combination of at least two of the aforesaid displays. According to an embodiment of the invention the method, which is disclosed in any of the previous embodiments, wherein the wireless connection is provided by a wireless local area network.

According to an embodiment of the invention the method, which is disclosed in any of the previous embodiments, wherein the controlled apparatus provides the appa- ratus-specific user interface.

According to an embodiment of the invention a mobile device for controlling an apparatus, is configured to provide an apparatus-specific user interface for the mobile device, which apparatus-specific user interface enables to control the apparatus through a wireless connection, by user interface information received through the wireless connection from the apparatus, obtain control information relating to the provided apparatus-specific user interface, and send the obtained control information relating to the provided apparatus-specific user interface through the wireless connection to the apparatus.

According to an embodiment of the invention the mobile device, which is disclosed in the previous embodiment, is further configured to download a software, which enables to provide the apparatus-specific user interface by the user interface information received through the wireless connection.

According to an embodiment of the invention the mobile device, which is disclosed in any of the previous embodiments, is further configured to display identification information relating to the apparatus, which can be controlled through the wireless connection by means of a graphical display, auditory display, tactile display, or combination of at least two of the aforesaid displays.

According to an embodiment of the invention the mobile device, which is disclosed in any of the previous embodiments, is further configured to connect with the apparatus through the wireless connection.

According to an embodiment of the invention the mobile device, which is disclosed in any of the previous embodiments, is further configured to receive the user interface information providing the apparatus-specific user interface through the wire- less connection.

According to an embodiment of the invention the mobile device, which is disclosed in any of the previous embodiments, wherein the user interface information provides the apparatus-specific user interface comprising information focused to a user of the mobile device alone. According to an embodiment of the invention the mobile device, which is disclosed in any of the previous embodiments, is further configured to receive feedback information, which provides a feedback relating to the obtained control information, through the wireless connection.

According to an embodiment of the invention the mobile device, which is disclosed in any of the previous embodiments, wherein the apparatus-specific user interface is a visual display, auditory display, tactile display, or device capable of providing smell and/or taste,.

According to an embodiment of the invention the mobile device, which is disclosed in any of the previous embodiments, wherein the wireless connection is provided by a wireless local area network.

According to an embodiment of the invention the mobile device, which is disclosed in any of the previous embodiments, wherein the controlled apparatus provides the apparatus-specific user interface.

The method according to embodiments of the invention offers to every mobile de- vice a possibility to connect easily with servers locating in public places, e.g. airports, shops, shopping centers, cinemas, bus and railway stations, restaurants, hotels, busses, trains, and libraries, for obtaining personified information. Such servers can provide e.g. public info screens and commercial displays, which are effortless to interconnect in order to seek desired information and store the discovered information into the memory of the mobile device.

The method also offers a possibility to install and use only a single software, which can be a freeware of shareware, as a platform for using all offered services in mobile devices. The software can be merely an unintelligent terminal, which can only e.g. draw graphics on the display of the mobile device, form sounds by the loudspeaker (system) of the mobile device, and/or provide tactile effects by the vibrating means of the mobile device. Thus, it is possible to create an unique personified user interface for each service providing apparatus and for each instance of use since the functionality of the service providing system locates in the service providing apparatuses.

The method also offers a possibility to use a free WLAN connection instead of the data connection of the mobile device, which can be expensice particularly abroad. Besides, the WLAN connection is fast and delayless comparing to the data connection of the mobile device. In addition, services can be used directly without using an Internet browser, whereupon a service-specific user interface can be tailored according to needs and e.g. perfomed considering a linguistic localization.

The verb "to comprise" is used in this document as an open limitation that neither excludes nor requires the existence of also unrecited features. The features recited in depending claims are mutually freely combinable unless otherwise explicitly stated.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Next, the preferred embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which

Figures 1 a-1 d illustrate exemplary views of arrangements comprising a mobile device and an apparatus to be remotely controlled by the mobile device according to a preferred embodiment of the invention,

Figure 2 illustrates an exemplary flowchart of a method according to a pre- ferred embodiment of the invention, Figure 3 illustrates an exemplary view of an apparatus to be remotely controlled by a mobile device according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, and

Figure 4 illustrates an exemplary view of a mobile device used for control- ling remotely an apparatus according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Figure 1 a illustrates an arrangement 100a, wherein a mobile device 1 10, which comprises a touch screen 120 and control buttons 130 in order to receive control commands from a user 140, is capable of communicating with an apparatus 150 (service provider), such as an information server or game server, connected to a display 160 and loudspeakers 170a, 170b by means of a base station 180 connected to the apparatus 150. The communication between the mobile device 1 10 and the base station 180 is provided by using a wireless radio frequency connec- tion 190. The connections between the base station 180 and the apparatus 150 and between the apparatus 150 and the display 160 are illustrated as cable connections in the figure, but naturally the connections can be provided wirelessly. Alternatively, the base station 180 can be integrated into the apparatus 150. Also, the distance between the apparatus 150 and the combination of the display 160 and loudspeakers 170a, 170b can be varied depending on a place and offered service. However, it is possible that the apparatus 150, display 160 and loudspeakers 170a, 170b are integrated as one ensemble. Besides, the wireless connection 190 between the mobile device 120 and the apparatus 150 can be provided without the base station (WLAN router) by a direct e.g. Bluetooth or infrared connection, whereupon the apparatus 150 comprises a Bluetooth or interface transceiver.

The mobile device 1 10 runs a software functioning as a platform, which enables the mobile device 1 10 to receive through the wireless connection 190 information sent by the apparatus 150, which comprises instructions in order to establish in the mobile device 1 10 a user interface relating to the apparatus 150, which, for one, enables the user 140 to control the apparatus 150 and receive personified information, e.g. maps, time tables and game information, from the apparatus 150. The user interface, which is apparatus-specific, is a graphical user interface displayed by means of the touch screen 120. The graphical user interface can comprise e.g. graphical menus and graphical icons, which helps the user 140 to control the apparatus 150 through the touch screen 120.

If the user interface provided by means of the received instructions is an auditory user interface, which comprises one or more auditory items enabling to control the apparatus 150, the control input can be fed e.g. by means of the touch screen 120 or by tilting the mobile device 1 10, which then must comprise acceleration sensors in order to determine a tilting angle and direction. The auditory user interface would enable that the mobile device 110 does not need to comprise a visual display. The mobile device 1 10 provides an auditory space around the user 140 by means of a mobile device loudspeaker, or headphones or one earphone (not shown in the figure), which have a wired or wireless connection to the mobile device 1 10.

The user 140 see on the public display 160 a rally game, wherein couple of players race by controlling rally cars by means of their mobile devices. The game server 150 controls the game, the display 160, and loudspeakers 170a, 170b, and provides personified information, which other players can not see, for each game participants, whereupon the computing capacity of the participant's mobile devices is spared.

The user 140, who has the suitable platform program in his/her mobile device 1 10 equipped with the acceleration sensors for determining the position of the mobile device 110, can easily participate in the rally game provided by the server 150 and displayed by the wide public display 160. Therefore, the user 140 connects the mobile device 1 10 to a WLAN, whereupon a list comprising available services comes up on the display 120 and, then, he/she selects the rally game from the list and user's rally car automatically appears into the game. At the same time, the user 140 receives on the display of his/her mobile device 120 information how to play the rally game and, after that, the meters of the dashboard of his/her rally car.

The display 120 can comprise personified information such as speed, fuel amount, mileage, ranking in the game, used gear, and damages. The user 140 controls the car by tilting the mobile device 1 10 like a joystick.

The collisions of the rally cars is indicated by vibrating the mobile devices of the participants and each car can have a unique motor sound depending on the condition of the motor of the car. The user's unique motor sound is provided only by the loudspeaker of his/her mobile device. Also, a three dimensional auditory space is possible to utilise, whereupon the player 140 can hear the warning signals of the car behind and the motor sounds of the bypassing car from a right direction by using headphones.

The game server 150 can store user's game information, e.g. player's name, car damages, fuel amount, points, game level, and wins, so that players can acquire a new motor for his/her rally car e.g. by means of the collected points. The new acquired motor is then available next day, if the player 140 wants to continue the game playing. The stored game information of the game servers around the world can be collected by a central computer, whereupon it is possible to publish the real-time world ranking of the players and play the game by means of other game servers locating all over the world.

The service, which the server 150 runs, can also be a music band game, wherein players participate in the game as additional musicians. The display 160 and loudspeakers 170a, 170b displays a jamming band and passers-by can connect wire- lessly to the server 150 with their mobile devices. The additional instruments of the band can be a maraca played by waiving the mobile device 110 having the acceleration sensors, synthesizer played by keys on the touch screen 120, and drums played by one or more drum on the touch screen 120.

Alternatively, the server 150 and the public display 160 can be placed in an airport, where is a logo 162 (a simple sticker or marking in a poster), which informs travel- ers and recipients about a WLAN and available wireless services on the airport, nearby the public display 160 displaying information relating to departure and arrival flights. On the other hand, the logo 162 can also be displayed by means of the public display. The user 140 connects his/her mobile device 1 10 to the airport server 150 and receives the same information, which is displayed on the public display 160. The user 140 can save the information of his/her flight, e.g. the number of the check-in desk and flight port into the memory of the mobile device, whereupon the flight information is possible to revise easily later on. Additionally, the server 150 can send the current offers of the tax free shops and the layout of the airport, and if the WLAN covers the whole airport, the server 150 can provide a guidance to a desired flight port or cafe.

Also, the server 150 and the wireless connection 190 can be utilized in context of a vending machine (not shown). So, when the user 140 first time wants to buy e.g. a soft drink from the vending machine, he/she creates an account and password for the wireless service. Paid services (drinks) can be debited e.g. by a telephone bill. Later on, when the user 140 wants to buy a new soft drink, he/she walks near the vending machine and connects the mobile device 1 10 to the server 150. The server 150 provides a user identification and vending machine-specific user interface comprising the icons of the selectable soft drinks on the display of the mobile device 120. Then, the user 140 selects a suitable soft drink by indicating its icon and confirms the transaction by inputting the password.

Figure 1 b shows an arrangement 100b, wherein a user 140, who has a mobile device 1 10 comprising a display 120 and control buttons 130, communicates with a service apparatus 150 through a base station 180 and a wireless connection 190. The connection 190 between the base station 180 and the apparatus 150 is illus- trated as a cable connection, but naturally the connection can be provided wire- lessly. Alternatively, the base station 180 can be integrated into the apparatus 150 or the connection 190 can be provided by a direct Bluetooth or infrared connection.

The service apparatus 150 can be a restaurant server, which is configured to send the menu to the client of the restaurant 140. When the client 140 walks near the restaurant or arrives into the restaurant, he/she can connect to the restaurant service 150 and receive information, which together with a downloaded platform program in the memory of the mobile device provides a restaurant-specific user interface. The client receives through the user interface menus, estimated waiting time, and possibly the number of the free table. The client can make an order through the user interface by pressing a desired meal or drink link (icon) in the menu and as a response the client 140 receives a queue number and estimated waiting time. In the case of a hamburger restaurant the client receives also a notification when the ordered meal is ready and the number of the cash desk, where he/she can pick up the meal.

If the client 140 comes to the restaurant again, the server 150 provides the restaurant-specific user interface for the client 140 by using obtained information, which relates to a previous visit. For example, if the client 140 ordered a fish meal, the server can suggest automatically fish meals from a fish menu or other bargains. The service apparatus 150 can also be utilized in a music shop, wherein it sends music samples to users, who walks by or arrives in the music shop. The user 140 connects to the music server 150 after he/she has noticed a logo indicating the existence of the music service and, then, he/she can browse music albums on the display of his/her mobile device 120. By pressing a displayed music album icon, the user 140 can see songs from the selected music album and by pressing a mu- sic song icon relating to a song the user 140 wants to listen, a song sample is streamed to the user's mobile device 120 and he/she can listen the song sample through a mobile device loudspeaker or headphones.

The server 150 saves information relating to the user 140, and if he/she utilizes the service again, the service can offer automatically new music samples from same bands, which the user 140 listened previously.

In figure 1 c is an arrangement 100c, where a user 140 has a mobile device 110 having a display 120 and control buttons 130, which is capable of communicating with a local server 150 through a base station 180 and a wireless connection 190. The local server 150, which is connected to computers 196, 198 through a communication network 194, e.g Internet, is only configured to provide a local wireless connection to a mobile device 1 10, whose user 140 wants to use an available service, and at least one of the computers 196, 198 is configured to provide a service- specific user interface. This way a service provider or service providers, the com- puters 196, 198, can locate on the other side of the world as the user 140 and the local server 150.

Figure 1 d relates to an arrangement 100d, wherein a user 140 carries a mobile device 1 10, which has a display 120 and one or more control buttons 130. Naturally, the mobile device does not need to comprise any separe control buttons 130 but the user 140 controls the mobile device through e.g. the display 120, which can be e.g. a touch screen. The mobile device 1 10 can communicate with a local service providing server 150 through a chain of WLAN base stations 180a, 180b, 180c and wireless connections 190a, 190b, 190c. The server 150 and the base stations 180a, 180b, 180c can be located in a hotel, wherein it provides for the user 140 a service-specific user interface, which helps the user 140 to navigate inside the hotel building in order to find e.g. user's hotel room, gym, sauna, restaurants, and services provided by the hotel.

Figure 2 discloses a flowchart describing a method according to the embodiment of the invention. During the method start-up in step 205, an apparatus, which provides a wireless service for a mobile device, and the mobile device are turned on and necessary stages before a connection establishment, such as a connection set up definition and different parameters' initialisation relating to a wireless connection, are provided. In step 210 the user of the mobile device downloads a platform software, which enables to provide an apparatus-specific (and user-specific) user interface in the mobile device, from e.g. Internet and installs it. On the other hand, the software can already be as installed in the memory of the mobile device. The user detects available wireless services by starting from the platform software a software module configured to detect existing WLANs ("sniffing"), and when he/she arrives to the cover area of one or more WLANs, the mobile device displays in step 215 a list comprising available services (apparatuses), which are arranged according to a signal strengths. In step 220 the user wants to use the service provided by the apparatus and selects the apparatus from the service list for establishing a connection between the mobile device and the apparatus.

When the connection is established and it is indicated to the apparatus, in step 225 the apparatus checks whether it has previous (stored) information relating to the connected mobile device and if the mobile device is unknown terminal, it sends basic apparatus-spesific user interface information for providing a basic apparatus- spesific user interface to the mobile device. If the mobile device is a previously known terminal, the apparatus can send personified apparatus-spesific user interface information, which provides personified apparatus-spesific user interface in the mobile device. During this step it is also possible to perform the authentication of the mobile device (user), if the service comprises such measure.

During step 230 the mobile device provides the apparatus-spesific user interface, e.g. a graphical user interface on the touch screen, which enables to control the apparatus and to receive personified information, by means of the installed soft- ware and received apparatus-spesific user interface information.

In step 235, if there is need for updating the provided apparatus-specific user interface without a user initiated stimulus, e.g. the apparatus wants to switch the user interface into a power saving mode, the method returns to step 225. The updating step can be provided anytime during the method, if it is necessary and the connec- tion between the apparatus and mobile device exists.

Next, in step 240, the user presses by his/her finger an item on the touch screen for performing a command indicated by the item. The command can be provided also by a button press or mobile device tilt. Then, in step 245, the mobile device sends the obtained control information to the apparatus, which receives the control information comprising a control command, performs the command, and provides the consequence(s) of the command (feedback) in step 250. The feedback can also be an update to current apparatus- specific user interface displayed at mobile device or even sending a completely new type of user interface.

If the user wants to give further control commands in order to control the apparatus, it is possible to return to step 240.

Otherwise, when the apparatus controlling by the mobile device is successfully completed, the control method is ended in step 260.

Figure 3 presents an apparatus 300, which is controlled through an air interface by a mobile device and an apparatus-specific user interface. The apparatus 300 comprises a processor 310 for performing instructions and handling data, a memory 320 for storing data such as instructions, user interface data 322 (not neces- sary), application data relating to the apparatus-specific user interface 324, and stored user information 326, a user interface 330 comprising a display, loudspeaker system, and/or external device such as a vending machine or slot machine (not necessary), and data transfer means 340 for sending and receiving data through wireless and wired connections. Figure 4, for one, illustrates a mobile device 400, which comprises processor 410 for performing instructions and handling data, a memory unit 420 in order to store data such as instructions and application data, a user interface 430, which can comprise a touch screen, buttons, keyboard, and/or touch pad. In addition, the mobile device 400 comprises data transfer means 440 for transmitting and receiv- ing data. The mobile device can also comprise a loudspeaker 450 in order to establish an auditory user interface and/or display 460 for providing a visual or tactile feedback, but not necessary. The memory 420 stores at least a user interface application 422 and software for establishing an apparatus-specific user interface 424. The memory can also comprise a synthesizer application 426 for an auditory display.

The invention has been now explained above with reference to the aforesaid embodiments and the several advantages of the invention have been demonstrated. It is clear that the invention is not only restricted to these embodiments, but com- prises all possible embodiments within the spirit and scope of the invention thought and the following patent claims.

Claims

1. A method for controlling an apparatus, which comprises sending (225) user interface information through a wireless connection to a mobile device, which user interface information provides for the mobile device an apparatus-specific user interface enabling to control the apparatus by the mobile device, receiving (245) control information relating to the provided apparatus-specific user interface through the wireless connection from the mobile device, and providing (250) a feedback relating to the received control information.

2. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the method further comprises connecting (220) with the mobile device through the wireless connection.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the user interface information provides the apparatus-specific user interface comprising information focused to a user of the mobile device alone.

4. The method according to any of claims 1 -3, wherein the method further comprises updating (225, 230, 235) the provided apparatus-specific user interface by sending user interface information, which updates the apparatus-specific user interface in the mobile device, through the wireless connection.

5. The method according to any of claims 1 -4, wherein providing a feedback re- lating to the received control information comprises sending feedback information, which creates the feedback relating to the received control information, through the wireless connection to the mobile device or another mobile, or providing the feedback relating to the received control information by a user interface of the apparatus.

6. The method according to any of claims 1 -5, wherein the apparatus-specific user interface is a visual display, auditory display, tactile display, or device capable of providing smell or taste.

7. The method according to any of claims 1 -6, wherein the wireless connection is provided by a wireless local area network.

8. The method according to any of claims 1 -7, wherein the apparatus is an entity providing the apparatus-specific user interface for the mobile device.

9. An apparatus configured to perform the method of any of claims 1 -8.

10. A method for controlling an apparatus, which comprises providing (230) an apparatus-specific user interface, which enables to control the apparatus through a wireless connection, by user interface information received through the wireless connection from the apparatus, obtaining (240) control information relating to the provided apparatus-specific user interface, and sending (245) the obtained control information relating to the provided apparatus-specific user interface through the wireless connection to the apparatus.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein the method further comprises downloading (210) a software, which enables to provide the apparatus-specific user interface by the user interface information received through the wireless con- nection.

12. The method according to claim 10 or 11 , wherein the method further comprises displaying (215) identification information relating to the apparatus, which can be controlled through the wireless connection.

13. The method according to any of claims 10-12, wherein the method further comprises connecting (220) with the apparatus through the wireless connection.

14. The method according to any of claims 10-13, wherein the method further comprises receiving (225) the user interface information providing the apparatus- specific user interface through the wireless connection.

15. The method according to any of claims, wherein the user interface informa- tion provides the apparatus-specific user interface comprising information focused to a user of the mobile device alone.

16. The method according to any of claims 10-15, wherein the method further comprises receiving (250) feedback information, which provides a feedback relating to the obtained control information, through the wireless connection.

17. The method according to any of claims 10-16, wherein the apparatus-specific user interface is a visual display, auditory display, tactile display, or device capable of providing smell or taste.

18. The method according to any of claims 10-17, wherein the wireless connec- tion is provided by a wireless local area network.

19. The method according to any of claims 10-18, wherein the controlled apparatus provides the apparatus-specific user interface.

20. A mobile device configured to perform the method of any of claims 10-19.

21. A computer program product configured to perform the method of any of claims 1 -8 or 10-19, when said computer program product is run in a computer.

22. A carrier medium comprising the computer program product according to claim 21.