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

The present invention relates to systems and methods for converting communications in a communication network, in particular applications from a portable device within a "non-native" communication network, that is, a communication network that is not originally intended to communicate with the portable device. Regarding systems and methods for use.

Communication systems are becoming more complex as the number of different types of communication devices increases and the number of different types of communication networks increases. For example, portable or wireless devices, wired or wireless telephones, desktops or portable computers, etc. are often used in one or more communication networks. Each of these devices has different standards or protocols for transmitting different types of information. These pieces of information are, for example, audio data, audio data, and video data. Due to the different communication standards and protocols between different communication networks, each communication device is designed to operate on a particular communication network. For example, a typical radiotelephone designed to operate natively within a global system (GSM) communication network for mobile cannot communicate within a non-native code division multiple access (CDMA) communication network. Another example is native bluetooth. BLUETOOTH (Trademark) Typical portable devices designed to operate within communication networks do not operate within non-native GSM networks. That is, it is necessary to increase the interoperability of many communication devices used in many communication networks so that various applications can be used in both native and non-native communication networks.

Further, some communication devices are required to convert communication before sending and receiving information. An example of this communication conversion is communication that is encrypted or decrypted by a security application. Encrypted communication is treated as security communication because only a communication device having an algorithm or key that properly decrypts it can understand the communication. For example, when transmitting highly important or confidential information, the communication is scrambled using an encryption algorithm or key, for example, and transmitted as security communication. The received security communication can be restored to the original explicit communication using the corresponding decryption algorithm or key. In this way, private security communications take place over many public communications networks.

Solutions for performing security communications using public communications networks, such as payphone exchange networks or wireless communications networks, have many drawbacks. Many of the communication devices used here are not portable. For example, these communication devices include desktop devices and require a physical connection between a wired telephone and its base unit, or from a base unit and a wall interface to a payphone exchange network. Depending on whether the security communication is voice or data, some devices are required to convert the contents of the physical connection. For example, some devices need to be connected to a computer for security data communication. The request for connection switching such as the number of pieces requires various connections and disconnections according to the purpose of use, which causes dissatisfaction of the user. Furthermore, these communication devices need to have individual security applications in them. Having individual security applications in this way results in an increase in the chances of unauthorized leakage of security information of communication devices. In addition, there is an article disclosing about encryption technology in the Controlled Cryptographic Item (CCI). This CCI device is defined as a security telecommunications or information processing device, and the associated cryptographic components are used. This cryptographic component is handled by a specially formed controller, but at extra cost due to its processing, retention or limitation. Moreover, some of these security communication devices are not compatible with any wired telephone. Finally, many of these are very expensive.

As described above, there is a demand for improved systems and methods capable of mutual communication between communication devices and communication networks, and in particular, applicable systems for conversion of communication based on various public communication networks. And methods are desired.

In one embodiment of the invention, the communication system has a first application module and a first interface module. This first application module can be connected to a first portable communication device operating within a native communication network having a native communication standard. This first application module can convert the output native communication to the output non-native communication, or the input non-native communication to the input native communication. This input native communication is compatible with the native communication network, and the output non-native communication is compatible with the non-native communication standard used for the non-native communication network. The first interface module communicates with the first application module and can connect to a second communication device that can be used in non-native communication networks. The first interface module can carry native and non-native communications.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the communication accessory includes an interface system, which is capable of communicating with a non-native device, a portable device with an application module, and at least two of the non-native communication networks. And. The communication accessory further includes a switch mechanism that switches between at least the first mode and the second mode. In the first mode, the switch mechanism converts the communication between the non-native device and the non-native communication network by the application module of the portable device. In the second mode, the switch mechanism allows communication between the non-native device and the non-native communication network without conversion by the application module of the portable device.

Security communication accessories according to still other embodiments of the present invention include an interface system that communicates between a non-native device and a portable device having an application module and at least two of the non-native communication networks. This communication accessory further has a switch mechanism having at least a first mode and a second mode. In the first mode, communication is performed between the non-native device and the non-native communication network via the portable device security application, and in the second mode, the portable device security application is communicated between the non-native device and the non-native communication network. Communicate without going through.

According to still another embodiment of the present invention, the communication accessory comprises a plurality of interface systems and an exchange system connecting the interface systems to each other. Interface systems include non-native interface systems, payphone exchange network interface systems, and portable device interface systems. Non-native device interface systems can connect to non-native devices. The payphone exchange network interface system can connect to the payphone exchange network. The portable device interface system can be connected to a portable device that has an application module. In addition, the switching system can transmit communications between at least two of the non-native device interface system, the payphone exchange network interface system, and the portable device interface system. The exchange system includes at least a first connection state and a second connection state. In the first connection state, the switching system connects the non-native device interface system and the payphone exchange network interface system via the portable device interface system, and the transmitted communication is converted by the application module. In the second connection state, the switching system connects the non-native device to the payphone exchange network and bypasses the portable device interface system.

In yet another embodiment, the communication system has a communication accessory and a portable device. This communication accessory has an interface system for transmitting communication, and the communication accessory can connect at least to a non-native device and a non-native communication network. The portable device has an application module and can be connected to communication accessories. The interface system has at least a first mode of operation and a second mode of operation. In the first mode, the interface system transforms the communication between the non-native device and the non-native communication network by the application module of the portable device. In the second mode, the interface system allows communication between the non-native device and the non-native communication network without conversion by the application module of the portable device.

According to still another embodiment, the communication conversion method between the non-native device and the non-native communication network includes the step of receiving the first communication from either the non-native device or the non-native communication network. Further, the process includes sending the first communication to the portable device having the application module, and receiving the second communication having the converted portion of the first communication converted by the application module from the portable device. This communication conversion method further includes a step of transmitting the second communication to a non-native device or a non-native communication network different from the one. In this way, according to the method of the present invention, the communication between the non-native device and the non-native communication network is selectively converted by the application module of the portable device.

The communication system 11 of one embodiment shown in FIG. 1 has a native portable communication device 18 having an application module 20 for converting communication between the portable device and the non-native communication device 14 connected to the non-native communication network 16. including. The application module 20 converts native standard communication into non-native standard communication and transfers communication between the native portable communication device 18 and the non-native communication device 14 between the native communication network 13 and the non-native communication network 16 to each other. Try to do it. Further, in other cases, the application module 20 can perform communication conversion such as adding a security function to the communication. Thus, the application module 20 can have any application installed in hardware or software to convert the original analog or digital data before passing through a non-native communication system or device. That is, the native portable communication device 18 having the application module 20 can provide a mobile system capable of converting communication to various communication networks.

The native portable communication device 18 includes an operation module 38, which enables the portable device to be used within the native communication network 13 having a native communication standard. The application module 20 operates so that the output native communication 15 is converted to the output non-native communication 17, and the native portable device 18 can be used for the non-native device 14 and the non-native network 16. Further, the application module 20 converts the input non-native communication 19 into the input native communication 23 to enable further interaction. The communication thus converted is adapted for each network, the input native communication 23 is adapted to the native communication network 13, and the output non-native communication 17 is the non-native communication network 16 used by the non-native communication network 16. Conforms to native communication standards.

Further, the interface module 25 is connected to the application module 20, further connected to the interface module 27 of the non-native communication device 14, and also connected to the native communication network 13. For example, interface modules 25, 27 include mechanical connections such as cables, or include infrared light (IR) or other non-contact connection mechanisms. The interface module 25 transmits or receives native or non-native communications 17, 19 and also transmits or receives to and from the application module 20.

The non-native communication device 14 includes an operation module 29 for operating the non-native device within the non-native communication network 16 having a non-native communication standard. As a result of interaction with the native portable communication device 18, the non-native device 14 achieves high communication functionality based on the functionality of the application module 20, sending and receiving translated communication over the non-native network 16 or native. It can send and receive to and from network 13.

By implementing the communication method 31 of FIG. 2, the system 11 of FIG. 1 enables communication between an end user having a native portable communication device and a non-native communication network. In this embodiment, the end user generates an input (shown in block 33) to the native portable communication device in the form of output native communication. This native communication is supplied to the application module and converted to output non-native communication (shown in block 35).

The output non-native communication represents native communication, but has a transmission format suitable for the non-native communication network. For example, native communication involves one or more native commands, but also the corresponding non-native commands. The application module contains multiple native and non-native commands, determines the corresponding non-native command, and modifies the native communication format to replace the native command with the corresponding non-native command. Decisions made by such application modules are made on the basis of known relationships between native and non-native commands, or by trial and error. For example, in a trial-and-error method, the application module selects one of several non-native commands and uses this selected first non-native command to convert the native communication to the first non-native communication. , Transmit this non-native communication. If the non-native communication device rejects this non-native communication, the application module selects a second command from a plurality of non-native commands to form a second non-native communication. Attempts to communicate with such non-native communication devices will continue until the proper form of non-native communication is discovered.

The communication method 31 is implemented, and the output non-native communication (block 35) is transmitted to the non-native communication device (block 37). The non-native communication device receives the output non-native communication and checks the compatibility with the non-native communication network (block 39). If this communication is not compatible, a signal that rejects this communication is sent back to the native portable device and the conversion operation is repeated (block 41). If the non-native device detects that the non-native communication is compatible, the communication is transmitted to the non-native communication network (block 43).

In another communication method 45 shown in FIG. 3, system 11 enables communication between a non-native device used in a non-native communication network and an end user having a native portable communication device. In this embodiment, the non-native device receives non-native communication from the non-native network (block 47). The non-native device sends non-native communication to the native portable device (block 49). The native portable device receives the non-native communication, the non-native communication input by the application module is converted, and the input native communication is transformed into the native portable device and the native communication network. This translated native communication is transmitted from the native portable device to the end user (block 51). The conversion of communication by this application module is performed in the same manner as the communication method 31 (Fig. 2), but the direction of the conversion is the opposite direction, that is, the conversion of communication from non-native to native. The native communication of this converted input is transmitted to the operation module or interface module of the native device and the conformity of the communication is checked (block 53). If the communication is not suitable, a signal rejecting the communication is transmitted to the application module (block 55) and the conversion process is repeated (block 51). If the communication is successful, it will be output to the end user (block 57).

In this way, in any of the communication methods 31 and 45, the application module operates as a virtual modem and enables mutual communication between the native portable communication device and the non-native communication device. Further, this mutual communication enables the non-native device to use the function of the application module and enables communication with the non-native communication network.

In another embodiment of FIG. 3, the communication system 21 has an interface device or communication accessory 12, thereby among a native portable device 18 having a non-native communication device 14, a non-native communication network 16, and an application module 20. Communication is transmitted between at least two of them. The communication accessory 12 includes a switch system 22 having at least a first mode and a second mode. In the first mode, the switch system 22 connects the non-native device 14 and the non-native communication network 16 via the portable device 18. With this first mode of connection, the application module 20 transforms the communication through the communication accessory 12 between the non-native device 14 and the non-native communication network 16. In the second mode, the switch system 22 bypasses the portable device 18 and connects the non-native device 14 to the non-native communication network 16. The connection in this second mode allows virtually direct communication between the non-native device 14 and the non-native communication network 16 via the communication accessory 12, or at least in this second mode, the application module. Communication is performed without conversion by 20. That is, the communication between the communication system 10 and the communication accessory 12 performed via the switch system 22 selectively gives the conversion by the application module 20 of the portable device 18 to the communication performed via the communication accessory.

For example, in one embodiment, the communication accessory 12 is a security wired telephone device for encrypting or decrypting telephone voice or data calls over a non-native communication network 16 such as a public switched telephone network (PSTN). Can be used as. In this case, application module 20 includes a security application having an encryption / decryption algorithm. Encrypted input security communication from the non-native communication network 16 is performed by the application module 20 by the operation of the communication accessory 12 which has the switch system 22 in the first mode and is connected to the portable device 18 via the interface. A decrypted explicit communication is formed for conversion and transmission to the non-native device 14. Alternatively, the output explicit communication from the non-native device 14 is encrypted as security communication and transmitted to the non-native communication network 16. When the switch system 22 is in the second mode, the communication accessory 12 allows explicit communication between the non-native device 14 and the non-native communication network 16. That is, in this embodiment, the communication accessory 12 serves as an interface for the portable device 18, converts a standard wired telephone device into a security voice / data wired telephone device using the security application in the application module 20, and communicates with a public communication network. Is possible.

Communication accessory 12 is one of bump-in-the-code communication modules, docking stations, dual device chargers, and other similar devices used as interfaces between non-native devices and non-native communication networks and portable devices. It may include one or a combination thereof. The communication accessory 12 includes at least a non-native device interface 24, a non-native communication interface 26, and a portable device interface 28, which are selectively connected via a switch system 22. Any for connecting the non-native device interface 24, the non-native communication network interface 26, and the portable measure interface 28 to the non-native device 14, the non-native communication network 16, and the portable device 18 to the communication accessory 12, respectively. It may include a type of connector. For example, suitable interfaces 24, 26, 28 include mechanical connectors such as RJ-11 ports, USB ports, RS-232 ports, radio frequency (RF) or radio frequency transponders, and infrared light (IR). Alternatively, it may include other optical transponders or radio transmitters / receivers such as electrical / magnetic transmitters / receivers or modems. Interfaces 24, 26, and 28 may include a plurality of interfaces for connecting a plurality of devices, systems, and components that complement the above devices and systems. For example, the non-native device interface 24 can include a first interface for connecting a wired handset telephone and a second interface for connecting a base unit. Further, the non-native device interface 24 and the portable device interface 28 may include a cradle or other mechanism for holding or supporting the non-native device 14 and the portable device 18, respectively.

As described above, the communication accessory 12 includes a switch system 22 for interconnecting interfaces 24, 26, 28 to transmit communication. The switch system 22 may include various forms of hardware or software for selectively transmitting communication between these interfaces 24, 26, 28. For example, the switch system 22 may include one or more multiplexers for connecting various circuits for transmitting signals to each other within the communication accessory 12. These multiplexers can be controlled by a command signal from the portable device 18 to selectively change their circuit configurations. In one embodiment, for example, the default configuration allows non-impedance transmission of voice communication between the non-native device interface 24 and the non-native communication network interface 26. The multiplexer preferably has 2, 3, 4 or more states, and has a configuration capable of signal transmission corresponding to all operating states. In addition, the "security" or "red" connection of the switch system 22 should be independent and separate from the explicit or "black" connection. This guarantees the independence of the communication converted by the application module 20.

In addition, the communication accessory 12 is hardware, software, for controlling the internal operation of its various parts, or for allowing the non-native device 14, the non-native communication network 16 or the portable device 18 to interact with each other. Includes an interface operation module 30 with one or a combination of firmware. However, the interface operation module 30 may be optionally added to the communication accessory 12. The interface operation module 30 used in the embodiment includes a microcontroller, a central processing unit (CPU), a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an input / output port (I / O), operating system software, and an application. Includes software, interface software, and one or various combinations of various circuits. Further, for example, the interface operation module 30 can output status signals indicating various states of the communication accessory 12. For example, as a state signal, an identification signal transmitted to the non-native device 14 or the portable device 18 to indicate the presence of a communication accessory, or a line state signal that informs the non-native device 14 or the portable device 18 of the state of another device. Or, for example, a signal that informs the portable device 18 that the non-native device 14 has been unhooked and is already connected to the call, or that it is connected to the portable device 18 or the non-native communication network 16 communication device 12. It can include the signal shown in device 14, or one or more monitor signals indicating the mode or state of all or part of the switch system 22. These monitor signals are sent to one or more parts of the functional mechanism 32 provided attached to the communication accessory 12. The details will be described below.

The interface operation module 30 provides functional and operational auxiliary functions to the communication accessory 12, the associated non-native device 14, and the portable device 18, respectively. This operational mode is over-the-air to a portable device 18 that does not interfere with the clear voice transmission path, secure voice, secure data, clear-to-security conversion, battery charging operation, and non-native device 14 operation. (OTA) Includes call reception, transmission of transparent calls from the connected portable device 18 to the non-native device 14, and so on. In addition, the interface operation module 30 performs auxiliary operations for various types of communication protocols or applications used with the communication accessory 12. These include, for example, analog or digital data or voice, conversion protocols such as Pulse Code Modulation (PCM), security and written voice through Internet Protocol (VoIP) communications, group services / group communications applications such as SIP, SDP, TCP. / IP and UDP protocols, Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) protocols, and other similar protocols.

As mentioned above, the communication accessory 12 includes a non-taken or higher functional mechanism 32 for controlling or assisting its operation. Examples of suitable functional mechanisms 32 are tactile input / output devices such as virtual or mechanical keypads or user units, virtual or mechanical function keys, audio or visual such as speakers or displays or light emitting devices. Includes outputs, user interfaces, tactile inputs and outputs, and mechanisms used with other similar sound-related devices. For example, a virtual or mechanical keypad or user input is used to dial a telephone number or to select input on a non-native device 14 or portable device 18. Virtual or mechanical function keys can be used to control specific behaviors or features of devices or networks connected via communication accessories 12 or other interfaces. An audio or visual output device can be linked to the device / network via a component or interface of a communication accessory. This makes it possible to obtain information signals regarding the status, state or mode of these components or devices / networks. For example, the non-native device 14 or the portable device 18 can be used by the speaker sound by using the speaker. Further, by using the light emitting device, it is possible to indicate that the power of the communication accessory 12 is turned on, or to notify one or more mode states of the switch system 22. An analog or digital answering device can be connected to the non-native device 14 or the portable device 18 to have an automatic answering function. The user interface can be used to operate the communication accessory 12 to operate one of the interface devices / networks, or to display, for example, the identification information of the input call.

The communication accessory 12 can be connected to the power module 34 connected to the remote power source 36. As a result, operating power or backup power can be supplied to the communication accessory 12, the non-native device 14, or the portable device 18. The remote power source 36 includes an AC power source or a DC power source such as a battery, a generator or a power grid, and the like. For example, the power module 34 supplies operating power to the switch system 22, the non-native device 14, the interface operation module 30, and the functional mechanism 32. Further, for example, the power module 34 can charge the battery of the portable device 18 or make the light emitting device of the functional mechanism unit 32 emit light. In addition, the power module 34 includes various other devices for connecting and powering communication accessories 12 such as converters, backup / emergency power supplies, cords and the like. The converter is used to convert the power received from the remote power source 36 into a form of power suitable for each connected device. A backup or emergency power source, such as a battery pack, can be used for the communication accessory 12 or interface device, for example, when power is cut off from the remote power source 36.

The non-native device 14 includes various devices used for communication with a non-native communication network such as PSTN. Desirable examples of non-native device 14 include standard wired telephone handsets, portable wired telephone handsets, modems, and computers. The non-native device 14 includes a speaker, a receiver, a keypad, a display, and an input / output, an answering machine, or a function key that controls various operations of the device.

The non-native communication network 16 includes various public or private communication networks having communication standards that are incompatible with the communication standards of the native communication network 13. Non-native communication networks 16 carry analog or digital communications and include voice, data, video and other similar types of information. Desirable examples of non-native communication networks 16 are public switched telephone networks (PSTNs), integrated services digital networks (ISDN), fiber distributed data interface (FDDI) networks, FDDI full duplex technology (FFDT) networks, and others as well. Includes various types of networks.

The portable device 18 supports the application module 20 and includes various devices that can work with the communication accessory 12. For example, portable devices 18 include personal computers, wireless devices such as mobile phones and satellite phones, personal digital assistants, pagers, two-way communicators, and other portable or pocket-sized electronic devices. The portable device 18 includes at least an operation module 38, and is composed of hardware, software, firmware, etc. for communicating with the communication accessory 12 and the application module 20. The operation module 38 sends and receives information and operation commands to and from the communication accessory 12 by the portable device 18 and to the device / network connected to the communication accessory 12 via the interface. Further, the portable device 18 includes a power module 40 for supplying power for the operation of the device. The power module 40 includes other systems for device connection and power supply, such as converters, cords, DC or AC power supplies, solar power supplies, and inductive power supplies. The power module 40 can be connected to the power module 34 of the communication accessory 12 and can receive power from the bottom. For example, if the portable device 18 is a radiotelephone having a battery pack as the power module 40, the communication accessory 12 connected to the portable device can be used as a battery charger. In addition, the portable device l8 includes one or more devices such as speakers, receivers, keypads, displays, inputs / outputs, difference ring machines, or function keys to control its operation.

FIG. 5 shows a docking station 50, which is another embodiment of the communication accessory, and shows a case where the communication accessory 12 and the non-native device 14 are integrated as one unit. The docking station 50 has a housing 52, and is used as a container for storing the components of the communication accessory 12 inside the housing 52. The docking station 50 has a first cradle 54 that holds a non-native device 14, such as a PSIN telephone handset, and a second cradle 56 that has a portable device 18, such as the Calcom QSec-800® radio. Hold the phone. Further, the docking station 50 has a plurality of functional mechanisms 32 such as a keypad 58, a speaker 60, a power-on indicator light 62, and a first mode or security call (call) indicator light 64. The docking station 50 operates the application module 20 (not shown) of the portable device 18 via the switch system 22 (not shown) to communicate between the non-native device 14 and, for example, a payphone exchange network. Convert.

FIG. 6 shows yet another embodiment of the communication accessory, the dual desktop charger 70, which operates as a "bump-in-the-code" communication module. In this embodiment, the dual desktop charge 70 has a housing 72 that houses a switch system 22 (not shown), has a spare battery charging port as the first cradle 54, and as the second cradle 56. Portable device 18 For example, has a portion for holding a Calcom QSec-800® radiotelephone. The dual desktop charger 70 also has a first wired device 76, for example a first wired interface 74 connected to a telephone handset, and a second wired connected to a second wired device 78 such as the telephone base 80. Includes interface 78 and. The dual desktop charger 70 also includes a first mode or security call (call) indicator light 64. It lights up while the switch system 22 (not shown) is operating in primary or security mode.

As shown in FIG. 7, the communication accessories 12, 50, 70 of each embodiment are used in implementing a method of converting communication between a non-native device and a non-native communication network 90. This method involves receiving communications from either a non-native device or a non-native communication network (Box 92). The conversion method comprises transmitting the first communication to a portable device or radiotelephone having an application module (box 94). For example, the transmission of this communication involves switching the communication accessories 12, 50, 70 to the first mode. Communication is then handled by application modules of portable devices, including, for example, radiotelephone security applications. This conversion method further comprises the step of receiving a second communication from a portable device or radiotelephone. This second communication contains the conversion component of the first communication converted by the application module (Box 96). As described above, this conversion component includes an encryption / decryption component of communication by the security application. Further, this conversion method includes the step of transmitting a second communication to the non-native device or the other of the non-native communication network. The other and the one are not the same (Box 98). Thus, the communication is sent from one of the non-native device and the non-native communication network to the other which is not the same, and is received by the other which is not sending the communication. The communication is transformed by the communication accessory, i.e. the form of communication, before the communication is sent and yet received. This conversion involves converting the encrypted communication to the original explicit text and vice versa. That is, according to the embodiment of the above method, the communication between the non-native device and the non-native communication network is selectively converted by the portable device.

The above description of each embodiment of the present invention has been made so that those skilled in the art can manufacture and use the present invention. It is self-evident that various modifications of these embodiments will be readily available to those skilled in the art and that the principles of the invention set forth herein can be applied to various other embodiments without the need for any inventive consideration. .. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described herein, but extends to the broadest technical scope as described in the principles and novel features of the invention and the claims described herein. ..

<figref num="1">Schematic of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present invention, comprising a native portable device having an application module used within a native communication network and capable of communicating with a non-native communication network.</figref><figref num="2">A flow chart showing an example of a method of communicating between an end user having a native portable communication device and a non-native communication network.</figref><figref num="3">A flow diagram showing an example of a method of communicating between a non-native device used for a non-native communication network and an end user having a native portable communication network.</figref><figref num="4">The schematic which shows the structure of the embodiment of the communication system including a communication accessory, a wireless communication device, a non-native device, and a non-native communication network.</figref><figref num="5">The block diagram which shows the embodiment of the communication accessory formed as a docking station.</figref><figref num="6">A block diagram showing another embodiment of a communication accessory formed as a dual desktop charger.</figref><figref num="7">A flow chart showing an example of a method of converting communication between a non-native device and a non-native communication network, for example, a public telephone exchange network.</figref>