Systems and methods for utilizing an application from a native portable device within a non-native communications network

System and method for using application program in local portable equipment in non-local communication network

[0001] Background and Related Technology

[0002] The present invention relates to a system and method for modifying communication within a communication network, and more particularly to a system and method for utilizing applications from mobile devices within a "non-native communication network, or in other words However, the "non-local" network is a communication network with which the mobile device is not expected to communicate in the first place.

[0003] The complexity of the communication system is increasing due to the increasing number of different communication devices and different communication network types. For example, mobile or wireless devices, wired and wireless phones, and desktop and laptop computers are increasingly used with one or more communication networks, each with different standards and protocols to transmit all different types of information. This kind of information includes, for example, voice data, audio data, and video data. Due to the differences in communication standards and protocols between various communication networks, a given communication device is generally designed to operate within a specific communication network. For example, a wireless telephone that is generally designed to operate on a global mobile ("GSM") communication network cannot communicate on a non-local code division multiple access ("CDMA") communication network. In another example, a portable device generally designed to operate on a local Bluetooth tm communication network cannot operate on a non-local GSM network. Therefore, it is necessary to improve the interoperability between various communication devices and various communication networks so that applications can be used on local and non-local communication networks.

[0004] In addition, in some cases, a party receiving or sending information desires to modify the communication before it is received or transmitted. An example of a modified communication is a communication encrypted or decrypted by a security application. The encrypted communication is called secure communication, because only the party with the appropriate decryption algorithm or key can understand it. For example, a party sending sensitive or confidential information may wish to send it as a secure communication, such as by using an encryption algorithm or key to scramble the communication. After receiving the secure communication and applying the corresponding decryption algorithm or key, one party can obtain the original or clear communication. Therefore, private and secure communication can be obtained on various public communication networks.

[0005] Current solutions for establishing secure communication on public communication networks, such as public switched telephone networks or wireless networks, have several disadvantages. Most secure communication products are not portable. Generally, these products include those that require a physical interconnection between a wired telephone transmitter and receiver and its landline unit, or require physical interconnection between the landline unit and the wall interface to the public switched telephone network Desktop unit. Depending on whether it is voice or data communication that is to be secured, some products may require that the connection be physically changed. For example, some products require connection to a computer for secure data communication. These requirements that must be constantly changed have caused consumer dissatisfaction due to the continuous connection and disconnection of various devices based on usage. Moreover, these products require security applications to reside locally within the product. Local presence of security applications may result in tampering with the security of the product. In addition, items with encryption technology can be considered as controlled cipher items ("CCI"). CCI products are defined as secure telecommunications or information processing equipment with related cryptographic components, which are managed by a special group of control requirements, which may increase additional costs due to special handling, storage and export restrictions. In addition, some of these secure communication products are not completely compatible with any wired telephone type. In the end, most of these products are very expensive. [0006] Therefore, it is desirable to have an improved system and method for interoperable communication between various devices and networks, and according to various A more flexible system and method for modifying communication in a public communication network.

Summary of the invention

[0007] In an embodiment, the communication system includes a first application module and a first interface module. The first application

The sequence module can be connected to a first mobile communication device that is operable in a local communication network using a local communication standard. The first application module can be used to convert the output local communication into the output non-local communication, or can be used to convert the incoming non-local communication into the incoming local communication. The incoming local communication is compatible with the local communication network, and the output non-local communication is compatible with the non-local communication standard associated with the non-local communication network. The first interface module communicates with the first application module and can be connected to a second communication device that operates in a non-local communication network. The first interface module is used to send and receive local and non-local communications.

[0008] In another embodiment of the present invention, the communication accessory includes an interface system for communicating with at least two of a non-local device, a portable device with an application module, and a non-local communication network. The communication accessory also includes a switching device having at least a first and a second mode of operation. In the first mode, the switching device allows the communication between the non-local device and the non-local communication network to be modified by the application module of the portable device. In the second mode, the switching device allows the communication between the non-local device and the non-local communication network without being modified by the application module of the portable device.

[0009] In another embodiment, the secure communication accessory includes an interface system for communicating with at least two of a non-local device, a portable device with a secure application, and a non-local communication network. The communication accessory further includes a switching device having a first operation mode and a second operation mode. In the first mode, the switching device routes communication between the non-local device and the non-local network through the security application of the portable device. In the second mode, the switching device connects the non-local device and the non-local communication network without routing communication through the portable device's security application.

[0010] In another embodiment, the communication accessory includes a plurality of interface systems and a switching system interconnecting the interface systems. The interface system includes a non-local interface system, a public switched telephone network interface system, and a portable device interface system. The non-local device interface system can be connected with non-local devices. The public switched telephone network interface system can be connected to the public switched telephone network. The portable device interface system can be connected to a portable device with an application module. The switching system is used to send communication between at least two of the non-local device interface system, the public switched telephone network interface system, and the portable device interface system. The switching system includes at least a first connection state and a second connection state. Non-local connection interface system through the portable device access port system and the public switched telephone network interface system such that the communication transmitted by the modified application module. In the second connection state, the switching system connects the non-local device to the public switching network and bypasses the portable device interface system.

[0011] In another embodiment, a communication system includes a communication accessory and a portable device. The communication accessory has an interface system for sending communication, wherein the communication accessory is connected with at least one non-local device and a non-local communication network. The portable device is provided with an application program module, wherein the portable device is connected to the communication accessory. Moreover, the interface system has at least one first operation mode and a second operation mode. In the first mode, the interface system allows the communication between the non-local device and the non-local network to be modified by the application module of the portable device. In the second mode, the interface system allows the communication between the non-local device and the non-local communication network without modification by the application module of the portable device.

[0012] In another embodiment, a method of modifying a communication between a non-local device and a non-local communication network includes receiving a first communication from the non-local device or the first of the non-local communication network. The first communication is directed to a portable device with an application module. A second communication is received from the portable device, wherein the second communication includes a conversion of the first communication implemented by the application module. And the method further includes directing the second communication to either the non-local device or the second of the non-local communication network, wherein the first and the second are different. Therefore, the method allows communication between a non-local device and a non-local communication network, which can be selectively modified by the application module of the portable device. [0013] Brief description of the drawings

[0014] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a communication system including a local mobile communication device operable on a local communication network and having an application module that enables communication with a non-local communication network;

[0015] FIG. 2 is a flowchart of an embodiment of an operation method that allows end users with local mobile communication devices to communicate with non-local communication networks;

[0016] FIG. 3 is a flowchart of an embodiment of a method of operation that allows communication between a non-local device associated with a non-local communication network and an end user with a local portable communication device;

[0017] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a communication system, including embodiments of communication accessories, wireless communication devices, non-local devices, and non-local communication networks;

[0018] FIG. 5 is another embodiment of a communication accessory in the form of a docking station;

[0019] FIG. 6 is a similar view of another embodiment of a communication accessory in the form of a dual desktop charger (charger)

[0020] FIG. 7 is an embodiment of a method for modifying communication between a non-local device and a non-local communication network, such as a public switched telephone network.

Detailed ways

[0021] Referring to FIG. 1, an embodiment of the communication system 11 includes a local portable communication device 18 with an application module 20 that modifies the portable device and non-local communication connected to the non-local communication network 16. Communication between devices 14. The application module 20 converts the communication between a local standard and a non-local standard to allow interoperability between the local portable communication device 18 and the non-local communication device 14, the device 18 being in the local communication network 13, the device 14 Within the non-local communication network 16. In addition, the application module 20 may modify the communication in other ways, such as applying security functions to the communication. In this way, the application program module 20 may include any application program implemented in hardware or software that modifies the original analog or digital data before it is transferred to the non-local communication system or device. Therefore, the local portable communication device 18 with the application module 20 provides a mobile system that enables modified communication on various communication networks. The local portable communication device 18 includes an operation module 38, which makes it possible for the portable device to operate in the local communication network 13 with a local communication standard. The application module 20 can be used to convert the output local communication 15 into the output non-local communication 17, which enables the local portable device 18 to communicate with the non-local communication The local device 14 interacts with the non-local network 16. In addition, the application module 20 can be used to convert the incoming non-local communication 19 into the incoming local communication 23 to have greater mutual operability. The modified communication is therefore compatible between networks because the incoming local communication 23 is compatible with the local communication network 13, and the output non-local communication 17 is compatible with the non-local communication standard associated with the non-local communication network 16.

[0022] In addition, the interface module 25 communicates with the application module 20 and is connected to the interface module 27 of the non-local communication device 14, and is connected to the local communication network 13. For example, the interface modules 25, 27 may include mechanical interconnections, such as through cables, or may be physically interconnected, such as through infrared (IR) waves or other connectionless mechanisms. The interface module 25 can be used to send and receive local and non-local communications 17, 19, to or from the application module 20 for transmission.

[0023] The non-local communication device 14 includes an operation module 29, which enables the non-local device to operate in a non-local communication network 16 having a non-local communication standard. Through the interaction with the local portable communication device 18, based on the capabilities of the application module 20, the non-local device 14 obtains an enhanced communication function, that is, to send and receive modified communications through the non-local network 16 or become mutually compatible with the local network 13. operating.

[0024] Referring to FIG. 2, in a method of operation 31, the system 11 allows communication between an end user with a local portable communication device and a non-local communication network. In this embodiment, the end user generates a

Input in the form of local communication (module 33). The local communication is sent to the application module, which modifies the local communication and converts it into an output non-local communication (module 35).

[0025] The output non-local communication represents local communication, but its transmission format is compatible with the non-local communication network. For example, local communication may include one or more local instructions, and the instructions may have corresponding non-local instructions. The application module that may include multiple local and non-local instructions can determine the corresponding non-local instructions and modify the form of local communication to replace the local instructions with the corresponding non-local instructions. This determination of the application module can be based on a known relationship between local and non-local instructions, or it can be based on a trial-and-error process. For example, in a trial-and-error process, the application module may select one of multiple non-local commands, use the first selected non-local command to convert the local communication into the first non-local communication, and send the non-local communication. If the non-local communication device rejects the non-local communication, the application module may select the second of the plurality of non-local instructions and establish the second non-local communication. Communication attempts with non-local communication devices will continue until a suitable form of non-local communication is found.

[0026] Continuing the method of operation 31, the output non-local communication (module 35) is sent to the non-local communication device (module 37). The non-local communication device receives the output non-local communication and checks its compatibility with the non-local communication network (module 39). If the communication is not compatible, a signal rejecting the communication is sent back to the local portable device (module 41) and the modification process is repeated (module 35). If the non-local device finds a compatible non-local communication, it forwards the communication to the non-local communication network (module 43).

3, in another method of operation 45, the system 11 allows communication between a non-local device related to a non-local communication network and a user with a local portable communication device. In this embodiment, the non-local device receives non-local communications from the non-local network (module 47). The non-local device sends the non-local communication to the local portable device (module 49). The local portable device receives the non-local communication, and the application module modifies the incoming non-local communication to convert it into the incoming local communication compatible with the local portable device and the local communication network, and sends the modified communication in the local portable device To the end user (module 51). The communication conversion of the application module occurs in the same manner as described in the method of operation 31 above (Figure 2), but in the opposite direction, that is, switching from non-local to local compatibility. The newly modified incoming local communication can be sent to the operation module or interface module of the local device, and the local device checks the compatibility of the communication (module 53). If the communication is not compatible, a signal rejecting the communication is sent back to the application module (module 55) and the conversion process (module 51) is repeated. If the communication is compatible, it is output to the end user (block 57).

[0028] Therefore, in the two methods of operation 31, 45, the application module acts as a virtual modem, allowing mutual operability between the local portable communication device and the non-local communication device. In addition, this mutual operability allows non-local devices to utilize the functions of the application module to communicate with the non-local communication network.

[0029] Returning to FIG. 3, in another embodiment, the communication system 21 includes an interface device or communication accessory 12 for use in a non-local communication device 14, a non-local communication network 16, and a local portable device with an application module 20 18 send communication between at least two. The communication accessory 12 includes a switching system 22 having at least a first mode and a second mode. In the first mode, the switching system 22 connects the non-local device 14 and the non-local communication network 16 through the portable device 18. This first mode connection allows communication through the communication accessory 12 between the non-local device 14 and the non-local communication network 16 to be modified by the application module 20. In the second mode, the switching system 22 bypasses the portable device 18 connecting the non-local device 14 and the non-local communication network 16. The second mode connection allows direct communication between the non-local device 14 and the non-local communication network 16 through the communication accessory 12, or the second mode allows at least communication that does not need to be modified by the application module 20. Therefore, the communication system 10 and the communication accessory 12 allow the communication through the communication accessory to be selectively modified by the application module 20 of the portable device 18 through the switching system 22.

[0030] For example, in one embodiment, the communication accessory 12 may be used as a secure wired telephone product to encrypt and decrypt wired voice and data calls through a non-local communication network 16, such as the public switched telephone network ("PSTN"). In this example, the application module 20 includes a secure application with encryption/decryption algorithms. In the first mode, the operation of the communication accessory 12 that has the switching system 22 and interfaces with the portable device 18, for example, allows the encrypted or secure communication to enter from the non-local communication network 16 to be modified by the application module 20 so as to be sent to the non-local device. Decryption of 14 means clean communication. Alternatively, the output clean communication from the non-local device 14 can be encrypted to form a secure communication that can be sent to the non-local communication network 16. The operation of the communication accessory 12 with the switching system 22 in the second mode allows clean communication between the non-local device 14 and the non-local communication network 16. Therefore, in this example, the communication accessory 12 interfaces with the portable device 18 to utilize the secure application program in the application module 20 to convert the standard wired telephone device into a secure voice/data wired telephone device for communication with the public communication network.

[0031] The communication accessory 12 may include a "bump-in-the-cord" (bump-in-the-cord) communication module, plug-in station, dual-device charger, or any other device that can be connected between a non-local device, a non-local communication network, and a portable device. One or a combination of similar types of equipment for the interface. The communication accessory 12 includes at least one non-local device interface 24, a non-local communication interface 26, and a portable device interface 28, which can be selectively connected through the switching system 22. The non-local device interface 24, the non-local communication network interface 26, and the portable device interface 28 may respectively include any type of connectors to correspondingly sendably connect the non-local device 14, the non-local communication network 16, and the portable device 18 to Communication accessories 12. For example, suitable interfaces 24, 26, 28 may include mechanical connectors, such as RJ-11 ports, USB ports, RS-232 ports, wireless transmitting/receiving devices such as radio frequency ("RF") or radio wave transponders, infrared (IR) or other light wave transponders and electrical/magnetic transmitters/receivers, and modems. The interfaces 24, 26, and 28 may include multiple interfaces for connecting to multiple complementary devices/systems or parts of such devices/systems. For example, the non-local device interface 24 may include a first interface for connecting with a corded phone and a second interface for connecting with a base unit. In addition, non-local device interface 24 and the portable device interface 28 may include supports or other structures to accommodate or support the non-native device 14 and the portable device 18 accordingly.

[0032] As described above, the communication accessory 12 includes a switching system 22 for radiatingly interconnecting interfaces 24.26 and 28. The switching system 22 may include any type of hardware or software for selectively connecting between the interfaces 24.26.28 Routing communication. For example, the switching system 22 can include one or more multiplexers for interconnecting various routing circuits in the communication accessory 12. These multiplexers can be controlled by command signals from the portable device 18, using To selectively change its routing configuration. In another embodiment, for example, the default configuration would allow voice communication to flow unimpeded between the non-local device interface 24 and the non-local communication network interface 26. The multiplexer may Two, three, or four states or more to provide the required routing for all possible operating modes. In addition, the safe or "red" part of the switching system 22 can be independent or isolated from the clean or "black" part to The integrity of the communication modified by the application module 20 is further ensured.

[0033] In addition, the communication accessory 12 may include an interface operation module 30, which has one or more hardware, software, and firmware or a combination thereof for controlling the interoperability of various components of the communication accessory 12, or To help interoperability with non-local devices 14, non-local communication networks 16, or portable devices 18. However, it is worth noting that the interface operation module 30 may be an optional component of the communication accessory 12. Example embodiments of the interface operation module 30 may include a microcontroller, central processing unit ("CPU"), random access memory ("RAM"), read only memory ("ROM"), input/output ("I/O" ) One or various combinations of ports, operating system software, application software, interface software, and various circuits. In addition, for example, the interface operation module 30 may provide status or status signals to indicate various statuses of the communication accessory 12. status/

Examples of status signals include: an identification signal that can be sent to a non-local device 14 or portable device 18 to indicate the presence of a communication accessory; one or more line status signals that can be sent to a non-local device 14 or portable device 18 to indicate The status of other devices, such as a signal to the portable device 18 to indicate that the non-local device 14 is offline or connected to a call, or a signal to the non-local device 14 to indicate that the portable device 18 or the non-local communication network 16 is connected to the communication device 12 And one or more monitoring signals indicating the mode or state of all or part of the switching system 22, where the monitoring signals can be sent to one or more functional devices 32 associated with the communication accessory 12, which will be described in more detail below discussed.

[0034] The interface operation module 30 can provide function and operation support for each operation mode of the communication accessory 12, the associated non-local device 14, and the portable device 18. These modes of operation include: clean voice through; secure voice; secure data; clean and secure transfer (clear); battery charging operation; receiving over-the-air (OTA) calls on the portable device 18 without actively interfacing with non-local devices 14; and transparency Calls are sent or forwarded from the connected portable device 18 to a non-local device 14. In addition, the interface operation module 30 can help support any type of communication protocol or application available for the communication accessory 12, such as: analog or digital data or voice; conversion protocols such as pulse coding Modulation ("PCM"); secure and clean voice through Internet Protocol (VoIP) communication; group service/group communication applications, such as applications using SIP, SDP, TCP/IP, and UDP protocols; integrated services digital network (ISDN) protocol ; And those other agreements.

[0035] As described above, the communication accessory 12 may include one or more functional devices 32 to control or supplement the operation of the communication accessory. Suitable examples of the functional device 32 include any inductive input or output device, such as a virtual or mechanical keyboard or user input, virtual or mechanical function keys, audio or video output devices such as speakers or displays or light emitting devices, analog or digital answering machines, users Interfaces, tactile input or output devices, and other similar devices used with telephone-related equipment. For example, a virtual or mechanical keyboard or user input can be used to dial a phone number or select input on a non-local device 14 or portable device 18. Virtual or mechanical function keys can be used to control specific operations or features of the communication accessory 12 or any interface device/network. The audio or video output device can be linked to any component of the communication accessory 12 or any device/network component that interfaces with it to send signaling information, such as the status or mode related to this kind of component/device/network. For example, the speaker can be used to form a speaker phone for a non-local device 14 or a portable device 18. In addition, for example, a light emitting device may be used to indicate that the communication accessory 12 has power or to signal one or more modes of operation of the switching system 22. An analog or digital answering machine can be connected to a non-local device 14 or a portable device 18 to provide automatic answering capabilities. The user interface can be used to operate the communication accessory 12 or an interface device/network, or for example to display incoming calls Byidentification information.

[0036] The communication accessory 12 may also include a power supply module 34 connected to the remote power supply 36 to provide operating or backup power to the communication accessory 12, the non-local device 14, and/or the portable device 18. The remote power source 36 may include any AC or DC power supply, such as a battery, generator, or grid. For example, the power module 34 may provide operating power to the switching system 22, the non-local device 14, the interface operation module 30, and the functional device 32. In addition, for example, the power module 34 may provide power to charge the battery associated with the portable device 18, or to illuminate the light emitting device associated with the functional device 32. In addition, the power module 34 may include other components such as transformers, backup/emergency Power supplies, cables, and any other systems used to connect to each other and provide power to the communication accessory 12. The converter can be used to convert the power received from the remote power source 36 into a specification usable by the connected device. A backup or emergency power source, such as a battery board, may be used to provide power to the communication accessory 12 and interface devices when power from the remote power source 36 is interrupted.

[0037] The non-local device 14 may include any means for communicating with a non-local communication network such as the PSTN. Suitable examples of non-local devices 14 include standard cable wired telephones/receivers, portable wired telephones/receivers, modems

CN 1745536 Β

Modem and computer. The non-local device 14 may include one or more speakers, receivers, keypads, displays, input/output, answering machines, or function keys for controlling various operations of the device.

[0038] The non-local communication network 16 may include any public or private communication network whose communication standard is incompatible with the communication standard of the local communication network 13. The non-local communication network 16 may carry analog or digital communication, and may include voice, data, video, and other similar types of information. Suitable examples of non-local communication networks 16 include public switched telephone networks (PSTN), integrated services digital networks (ISDN), fiber optic distributed data interface (FDDI) networks, FDDI full duplex technology (FFDT) networks, and other similar types of networks.

[0039] The portable device 18 may include any type of device that supports the application module 20 and operates with the communication accessory 12. For example, portable devices 18 may include personal computers, wireless devices such as cellular or satellite phones, personal digital assistants, pagers, two-way communicators, and other handheld pocket-sized electronic devices. The portable device 18 may include at least an operating module 38, which may add hardware, software, and firmware for communication with the communication accessory 12 and the application module 20. The operation module 38 can enable the portable device 18 to use the communication accessory 12 or any device/network that interfaces with the communication accessory to send and receive information and operating instructions. In addition, the portable device 18 may include a power supply module 40 for supplying power to the operation of the device. The power module 40 may include, for example, a transformer, a cable, a DC or AC power source, a solar power source, an inductive power source, or any other system for interconnecting and powering equipment. The power module 40 can be connected to the power module 34 of the communication accessory 12 to receive power supply. For example, if the portable device 18 is a wireless phone with a battery board such as the power module 40, the communication accessory 12 can act as a battery charger when connected to the portable device. In addition, the portable device 18 may include one or more speakers, receivers, keyboards, displays, input/output, answering machines, or function keys for controlling various operations of the device.

5, another embodiment of the communication accessory or plug-in station 50 integrates the communication accessory 12 and the non-local device 14 into a single device. The insertion station 50 includes a housing 52, which provides a support or housing for the communication accessory 12. The plug-in station 50 has a first bracket 54 for supporting the transmitter and receiver of a non-local device 14, such as a PSTN phone, and a second bracket 56 for supporting a portable device 18, such as a Qualcomm QSec®-800 wireless phone. In addition, the plug-in station 50 has various functional devices 32, such as a keyboard 58, a speaker 60, an on indicator 62, and a first mode or safe call indicator 64. The plug-in station 50 enables the application module 20 (not shown) of the portable device 18 to modify the communication between the non-local device 14 and, for example, the public switched telephone network through the switching system 22 (not shown).

[0041] Referring to FIG. 6, another embodiment of the communication accessory or dual desktop charger 70 serves as a "bundle" communication module. In this embodiment, the dual desktop charger 70 includes a housing 72 that includes a switching system 22 (not shown) and forms a first bracket 54, which determines the backup battery charging port, and also includes a second bracket 56 for supporting Portable device 18, such as a Qualcomm QSec ® 800 wireless phone. The dual desktop charger 70 also includes a first wired interface 74 for connecting to a first wired device 76, such as a receiver and receiver of a telephone, and a second wired interface 78 for connecting to a second wired device 78, such as a telephone landline 80. . The dual desktop charger 70 additionally includes a first mode or safe call indicator light 64 to indicate that the appropriate switching system 22 (not shown) is operating in the first or safe mode.

[0042] Referring to FIG. 7, in operation, any embodiment of the communication accessory 12.50.70 may be used to modify the method of communication between the non-local device and the non-local communication network 90. The method includes receiving the first communication from the first of a non-local device or a non-local communication network (block 92). The modification method includes directing the first communication to a portable device or wireless phone with an application module (block 94). For example, pointing to this type of communication may involve switching the communication accessory 12, 50, 70 to the first mode of operation. The communication can then be operated by an application module of the portable device, which can include, for example, a security application on a wireless phone. The method also includes receiving a second communication from the portable device or wireless phone, where the second communication includes

Conversion of the first communication performed by the application module. As mentioned above, this conversion may include encryption or decryption of communications by a security application. Moreover, the method includes directing the second communication to the non-local device or the second of the non-local communication network, where the first and second are not the same (block 98). Therefore, the communication can be sent by a non-local device or a non-local communication network, and can be received by the one that is not sent between the two. After the communication is sent, but before it is received, the communication is modified by the application module of the communication accessory, thereby converting the communication. This kind of conversion will include the conversion of secure communications to clean communications, or vice versa. Therefore, the above-described embodiments of the method allow communication between a non-local device and a non-local communication network that is selectively modified by the portable device.

[0043] The above description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention enables those skilled in the art to make or use the present invention. Various modifications of these embodiments are obvious to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein can be applied to other embodiments without using creative ability. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments shown here, but should be in accordance with the broadest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein and the appended claims.