System and method for customizing wireless communication units
30 claims: 14 independent, 16 dependent
- 1PATENTKRAV 1. System för kundanpassning av trådlösa, kommunikationsenheter ' (10;10';MS) för användning i ett trådlöst kommunikationssystem inkluderande ett antal switchningsanordningar (20;20';BSC1;BSC,BS) anordnade över det trådlösa kommunikationssystemets täckningsområde, där varje trådlös, kommunikationsenhet (10;10';MS) innefattar medel som möjliggör etablerande av kontakt med en switchningsanordning (20;20';BSC1;BSC;BS), ecknat därav att varje kommunikationsenhet (10;10';MS) är generisk och innefattar hanteringsmedel, som innefattar programexekverande medel att mj ukvara relaterande till trådlösa kommunikationsenheter tillhandahålles i ett antal lagringsmedel (5,6,7) som är tillgängliga över ett globalt datakommunikationsnåt, (10;10';MS) inkluderar att varje generisk kommunikationsenhet indikerande medel för att kommunicera till en switchningsanordning (20;20';BSC1;BSC,BS), med vilken kontakt är etablerad, att mjukvara begåres, att switchningsanordningen (20;20';BSC1;BSC,BS), eller kommunikationsmedel anslutna därtill tillhandahåller information relaterande till kommunikationsenhetens (10;10';MS) befintlighet och att, med användning av sagda lägesinformation, mjukvara relaterande till en speciell generisk kommunikationsenhet (10;10';MS) laddas ner via sagda switchningsanordning eller kommunikationsmedel med användning av sagda globala datakommunikationsnåt, till sagda kommunikationsenhet (10;10';MS).
- 2System enligt patentkrav 1, 512 110 kännetecknat därav att lagringsmedlen innefattar ett flertal databaser som innefattar åtminstone en masterdatabas (5) och fördelaktigt ett flertal kopierade databaser (6) .
- 3System enligt något av föregående patentkrav, kännetecknat därav att åtminstone ett flertal kommunikationsmedel eller switchningsanordningar innefattar lokala lagringsmedel (7) för att lokalt hålla mjukvara som år kopierad från databasen(databaserna) (5,6).
- 4System enligt något av föregående patentkrav, kännetecknat därav att sagda indikerande medel innefattas av kommunikationsenhetaktiveringsmedel och att den första gången en kommunikationsenhet aktiveras, begärs mjukvara automatiskt.
- 5System enligt något av patentkraven 1-3, kännetecknat därav att en indikation om att mjukvara begärs av en kommunikationsenhet (10;10';MS) tillhandahålles genom användarinteraktion, exempelvis ett kommando att mjukvara begärs eller liknande.
- 6System enligt något av föregående patentkrav, kännetecknat därav att switchningsanordningen består av en basstation (20,20';BS,BSC).
- 7System enligt patentkrav 6, kännetecknat därav 'i I att når en kommunikationsenhet (10;10';MS) aktiveras eller när mjukvara begärs, etableras kontakt med den närmaste, eller en näraliggande, basstation (20,20';BS'BSC) och att sagda basstation tillhandahåller information relaterande till basstationens egna befintlighet, där sagda information är en indikation på kommunikationsenhetens befintlighet och att när kontakt etableras mellan kommunikationsenheten och basstationen, tillhandahålles information om kommunikationsenhetsidentitet till basstationen.
- 8System enligt något av föregående patentkrav, kännetecknat därav att det globala kommunikationsnätet är Internet.
- 9System enligt patentkrav 7 eller 8, kännetecknat därav att en kanal för överföring av mjukvara sätts upp mellan en kommunikationsenhet och en switchningsanordning, exempelvis den närmaste basstationen, när mjukvara begärs och att en mjukvaruöverföringskanal tillhandahålles mellan basstationen och en databas som innehåller mjukvara.
- 10System åtminstone enligt patentkrav 3, kännetecknat därav att när mjukvara begärs, sattes en kanal för överföring av mjukvara upp mellan kommunikationsenheten och switchningsanordningen, och att mjukvara överföres från de kopierade, lokala lagringsmedlen (7) till kommunikationsenheten (10;MS).
- 11System enligt patentkrav 9 eller 10, kännetecknat därav att ett mjukvaruöverföringsprotokoll, exempelvis FTP eller ADP används för att överföra mjukvara till kommunikationsenheten (10;10';MS).
- 12System enligt något av föregående patentkrav, kännetecknat därav att pulltekniken används för att ladda ned kundanpassad basmjukvara till kommunikationsenheten (10;MS).
- 13System enligt patentkrav 9, kännetecknat därav att switchningsanordningen, exempelvis basstationen (20;20';BS,BSC), håller information om ett antal databaser för att dirigera en förfrågan till en lämplig databas relaterande till en mjukvarubegäran från en kommunikationsenhet åtminstone om den inte innehåller/kommunicerar med lokala informationshållande medel, exempelvis en kopierad databas, en cache eller en Castanet™ proxy.
- 14System enligt något av föregående patentkrav, kännetecknat därav att en applikation som innefattar generiska inställningsmedel laddas ned till kommunikationsenheten, där sagda applikation tar emot och hanterar applikationer och/eller innehåll som skall levereras med användingar av sagda globala datakommunikationsnåt och vilka via en standardprocedur våljes automatiskt av användaren av kommunikationsenheten.
- 15System enligt patentkrav 14, kännetecknat därav 1 10 att utvalda mjukvaru-applikationer/innehåll automatiskt och dynamiskt eller med anvåndar-interaktion tillhandahålles till kommunikationsenheten med användning av pushteknik.
- 16System enligt något av föregående patentkrav, kännetecknat därav att hanteringsmedlen (8), som innefattar exekveringsmedel, består ett JAVA™ chip.
- 17System enligt patentkrav 15 eller 16, kännetecknat därav att generiska instållningsmedel innefattar en Castanet-tuner eller liknande som automatiskt laddas ned till lagringsmedel (123,124) i kommunikationsenheten.
- 18System enligt patentkrav 16, kännetecknat därav att i switchningsanordningen är server-informationshållande medel (12) , exempelvis en Castanet proxy, anordnade och att sändande medel, exempelvis en Castanet-sändare (11;11') och ett antal repeterare fördelar och hanterar kanaler mot kommunikationsenheten.
- 19System enligt något av patentkraven 1-13, kännetecknat därav att generiska, standardinställningsmedel tillhandahålles i kommunikationsenheten och att pushteknik används för att ladda ned kundanpassad basfunktionalitetsmjukvara såväl som uppdaterande, ny, applikations-, tjånste-mjukvara, till kommunikationsenheten.
- 20System enligt patentkrav 19, 512 110 kännetecknat därav att standardinställningsmedlen innefattar en Castanet-tuner och att när mjukvara begärs, laddas kundanpassade inställningsmedel ned för att ersätta standardinställningsmedlen.
- 21System enligt något av föregående patentkrav, kännetecknat därav att den generiska kommunikationsenheten (10;10';MS) inkluderar basfunktionalitet och att front-end-funktionaliteten, dvs. kundanpassad basfunktionalitet, tillhandahålles genom nerladdning av mjukvara, dår basfunktionalitet automatiskt och dynamiskt uppdateras/uppgraderas/modifieras med användning av nerladdning av mjukvara över det globala datakommunikationsnåtet.
- 22System enligt något av föregående patentkrav, kännetecknat därav att programmeringsspråket JAVA används och att tjänster osv. laddas ned som applikationer eller JAVA-applets.
- 23Kommunikationsenhet (10;10';MS), exempelvis en cellulär telefon, en trådlös telefon eller en hybridtelefon, innefattande basfunktionalitet inkluderande medel för att etablera kontakt med en switchningsanordning (20;20';BSC1;BSC,BS), kännetecknad därav att kommunikationsenheten är generisk och att den innefattar hanteringsmedel inkluderande processmedel (8) för programexekvering och att kundanpassad basfunktionalitet laddas ner till kommunikationsenheten via ett globalt datakommunikationsnät med användning av lägesinformation som tillhandahålles av switchningsanordningen med vilken kontakt etableras för att tillhandahålla kundanpassad basmjukvara. 512
- 24Kommunikationsenhet enligt patentkrav 23, kännetecknad därav att bas- och kundanpassad bas-funktionalitet dynamiskt uppdateras via sagda globala datakommunikationsnät och att applikationer, tjänster, såväl som ny mjukvara osv. laddas ned till kommunikationsenheten automatiskt eller genom användarinteraktion, exempelvis kommandon etc.
- 25Kommunikationsenhet enligt patentkrav 23 eller 24, kännetecknad därav att hanteringsmedlen (8) består av ett JAVA chip och att Castanettuners laddas ned till lagringsmedel (123,124) anordnade i kommunikationsenheten.
- 26Förfarande för att kundanpassa en kommunikationsenhet (10;10';MS) för användning i ett mobilt kommunikationssystem, kännetecknat därav att det innefattar stegen att:etablera kontakt mellan kommunikationsenheten (10;10';MS) som är generisk och en switchningsanordning (20;20';BSC1;BSC,BS) i det mobila kommunikationssystemet, inkluderande en begäran om mj ukvara, sätta upp en kommunikationskanal mellan kommunikationsenheten och switchningsanordningen för överföring av mjukvara, tillhandahålla lågesinformation som är relevant för den generiska kommunikationsenheten (10;10';MS), via sagda switchningsanordning (20;20';BSC1;BSC,BS) ladda ner mjukvara till sagda kommunikationsenhet över ett globalt datakommunikationsnät.
- 27Förfarande enligt patentkrav 26, kännetecknat därav att det innefattar steget att:tillhandahålla en begäran om mjukvara den första gången som en kommunikationsenhet aktiveras.
- 28Förfarande enligt patentkrav 26 eller 27, kännetecknat därav att pulltekniken används för att ladda ner kundanpassad basmjukvara till kommunikationsenheten.
- 29Förfarande enligt patentkrav 27 eller 28, kännetecknat därav att pushtekniken åtminstone används för dynamisk (automatisk) nerladdning av uppdaterad/modifierad mjukvara och/eller ny mj ukvara.
- 30Förfarande enligt patentkrav 26, 27 eller 28, kännetecknat därav att pushtekniken används för att ladda ner mjukvara till kommunikationsenheten och att basfunktionaliteter som initialt tillhandahålles i telefonen automatiskt och dynamiskt uppdateras/ modifieras/ersåttes med användning av pushtekniken. 512 110 1/9
Independent claims30
143 paragraphs in 11 sections, as filed
(54)
PATENT INVENTOR INVENTOR'S OFFICE NAME (56) (57)
CALLED PUBLICATIONS:
Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson, 126 25 Stockholm SE Joakim Birgersson, Malmö SE
Cegumark AB
Systems and procedures for customizing wireless communication devices
WO Al 9632679 (G06F 13/00), WO Al 9713382 (H04Q 7/22) SUMMARY:
The present invention relates to a system and a method for customizing wireless generic communication devices (10) for use in wireless communication systems. A wireless generic communication unit (10) includes means enabling the establishment of contact with a switching device (20) and handling means including program executing means (8). Software related to the wireless communication devices is provided in a number of storage means (5,6,7) available over a global data communications network. Location information is provided, and, using said location information, software relating to a particular generic communication unit (10) is downloaded via said switching device using the global data grain communication network to the communication unit (10). The invention also relates to such a generic communication unit.
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MS
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ΠΓ1 ITI 1 II Π TCP / P
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The numbers in brackets indicate international identification code, INiD code. Letters in clamps indicate international document code.
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E29 P33SE AB / not 1998-10-12
PRIORITY TRANSLATION
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a system and a method for customizing wireless, generic communication devices, respectively. The invention also relates to a generic wireless communication device.
BACKGROUND OF THE ART
The use of wireless communication devices, such as cellular telephones, is rapidly increasing worldwide. This means that the number of destination markets is steadily growing. The markets differ in a number of respects because different languages are used, different cultural aspects have to be taken into account and so on. and also in other respects different needs and requirements must be taken into account. This complicates the situation of manufacturers of wireless communication devices, because for each market different software sets for communication devices intended for each particular market must be provided, which cause complex and continuously changing situations as the markets evolve continuously. Appropriate software intended for a market must be introduced in communication devices intended for each specific market and there is also a tendency for more specific, local adaptations of the phones that require creation
512 110 of even more specially adapted software sets. Communication devices, such as cellular telephones, for example, also tend to become more and more complex to handle for users to enable an increased ability to provide for adaptation to user-specific needs and services. Therefore, for example, cellular phones are becoming more and more like computers and allow a high degree of programmability. A common problem today is that users do not care about all the functionalities and services that are actually provided through the phones because it is too complicated which means that the provision of customization options and service offerings is not benefited to an extent that corresponds to the intent of telephone manufacturers, service providers etc. .
US-A-5,046,082 discloses a system that allows remote access to cellular telephone RACT programming through PSTN. Operational data is stored in the cellular remote access telephone and it contains a erasable memory for storing such operational data and processing means connected to the memory programmed to manipulate the operating data, an audio bus for transmitting audio frequency signals, and a modem comprising an audio part connected to the bus and a the data part connected to the process means. The modem can be operated to communicate data between the process means and said audio bus. The system further includes signal detecting means for detecting audio signals having predetermined parameters. This invention relates to the internal structure of a telephone and it is intended for analog systems and thus does not solve the problems of providing a comprehensive flexibility, simple telephones and in particular it does not relate to digital communication systems.
JP-A-7 067 174 shows one
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digital mobile phone system includes an extended software download feature and DE-A4 321 381 discusses downloading new or changed software to a memory in a phone using a personal computer. However, none of these documents show a truly personalized or market-adapted telephone that is easy to manufacture and handle, such as distributing, for manufacturers and easy and flexible to handle for the user.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
What is needed, therefore, is a system and a method for customizing wireless communication devices such as cellular telephones, cordless telephones, any kind of hybrid communication devices, etc.
A system and a method are also needed by which the production of communication units intended for a number of different markets, which requires them to meet a number of different needs and implementations, is facilitated, made more efficient and cost effective. A system and a method are also needed by which local implementation requirements and niche of the communication units can be further expanded without affecting the manufacturing process, distribution of communication units, etc.
Even more particularly, a system and a method by which the basic functionality can be changed, updated in an efficient and uncomplicated manner and without causing complications for the end user, is needed. the subscriber or user, of a communication device. Even more particularly, a system and a method by which the end-user is needed
512 110 an uncomplicated and effective approach gains access to available service implementations that exist locally in a market and also to newly introduced services or even services and applications that have not yet been introduced on the market.
A communication device intended for wireless communication such as a cellular telephone, a cordless telephone, any kind of a hybrid communication unit, etc. is also needed, which can be highly customized without causing complications either for the end user or for the manufacturer, which can be easily updated and through which services available in the market as well as unforeseeable services that could be introduced or become available can be provided. without requiring the user to keep themselves informed of improvements, Updates can be introduced and also without requiring the user to know how to program their communication device.
Therefore, a system is provided for customizing wireless communication devices to be used in a wireless communication system, including a number of switching devices arranged over the coverage area of the wireless communication system. Each communication unit comprises means for enabling the establishment of contact with a switching device. The communication device is generic and the software related to wireless communication devices is provided in a number of storage means that are accessed over a global data communications network. Each generic communication unit includes indicating means for indicating to a switching device, or a communication means that communicates with the switching device when contact is established (eg at the first contact), that software is requested. Each generic ς 1 ο -i 1 η □ ι ί- i I Ο communication unit further includes handling means for processing the software. The switching device or communication means provides information related to the communication device's existence (or simply the switching device's own existence) and using said location information, software relating to a particular generic communication device is downloaded to the communication unit via said communication means or switching device using the global data communication network.
In a particular embodiment, software related to generic communication devices is stored in a plurality of databases including a master database and a number of copied databases accessed via the global data communications network. Single sourcing can be implemented in different ways. In one embodiment, all relevant software is provided in a master database that is accessed directly. Alternatively, a number of copied databases are provided which are accessed.
In an advantageous embodiment, a plurality of the communication means, or the switching devices themselves, include means for keeping software copied from the databases. Advantageously, said means provided in the switching devices or in communication means connecting thereto are copied software databases.
In a particular embodiment, the indicating means are included in the communication device's activating means themselves in such a way that the first time a communication device is activated, software is automatically requested. According to various embodiments, it does not have to be the first time, or it
512 110 need not only be the first time, but agents that activate the request can be provided which indicate when software is requested and especially by which it is pointed out when software is required which is necessary for the operation of the telecommunications unit, also called customized base software, unlike base software which is software which is common to each telecommunications device regardless of where and how it should be used.
In an alternative embodiment, the indicating means are separated from the activating means.
However, activation of the telecommunications unit is required to obtain the location information, and possibly also any other information provided by the switching device or communication means.
In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the communication means consists of the switching device itself. Advantageously, the switching devices are the base stations of the mobile communication system. When a communication unit is activated, contact is established with the nearest or neighboring base station. In some special cases, a user of a communication device wants to be provided with software that does not correspond to the location of the nearest, or a neighboring, base station. For example, a user may purchase a communication device in a country other than his or her home country, which uses a different language, etc. The desired customization can then be provided for in different ways. The master database (and advantageously also copied databases) contains all relevant software, regardless of its existence, and through the means of indication a choice can be made in terms of language etc. This means that the data communication network is used. In an advantageous embodiment, means for user interaction are provided. In an alternative embodiment, the telecommunication network is used to find the home switching device in which the location information is provided and thus the relevant software is downloaded.
Advantageously, the global communications network is the Internet and when a communication device is activated, a Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol (TCP / IP) channel is set up between the communication device and a switching device, such as, for example, the nearest base station. A software transfer agent, e.g. an FTP file transfer protocol is advantageously used to transfer software to the communication device. When software is requested (automatically or through user interaction) by a communication device, the switching device, or especially the base station, is provided with information relating to the communication device such as, for example, identity, e.g. IMSI (International Mobile Subscriber Identity), PIN (Personal Identification Number), model, etc. In one embodiment, so-called pull technology utilizes to download customized (base) software to the communication unit. In a particular embodiment, the switching device, such as, for example, the base station, contains information on a number of databases to direct a request to a suitable database related to the software request made by a communication unit. Advantageously, the switching device, especially the base station, sends a database query to a copied database located locally in the base station.
In a particularly advantageous embodiment, applications are downloaded to the communication unit. The application receives and handles applications and / or content to be delivered to the communication unit using the global data communication network, where said applications have been selected by
512 110 the user of the communication device. In a particular embodiment, applications can be downloaded without the customized base functionality being downloaded in accordance with the invention without being provided in any conventional manner. Whether the customized base software is downloaded according to the inventive concept or in any other way, selected software applications / content are provided dynamically, automatically or via user interaction to the communication unit using push technology. Whether the customized base software is provided using the inventive concept or any known concept, the customized base software as well as base software necessary for the operation of the phones can be dynamically updated and preferably automatically updated / modified via push technology. In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the handling means provided in the communication units consist of a JAVA ™ chip. In a particularly advantageous embodiment, Castanet ™ tuners are downloaded or can be downloaded to storage means provided in the communication unit, which can be executed by the handling means, for example a Java chip. In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the switching device, such as, for example, the base station, is provided with server means, for example a Castanet proxy, while a Castanet transmitter means, for example a Castanet transmitter and a number of handlers, distribute and handle a number of channels, ie. application or content to be distributed over the data communication network, for example the Internet, to the communication device. For example, Castanet (by marimba ™) is available (97-04-29) on ww.marimba. com / datasheets / castanet and the contents are hereby incorporated by reference thereto.
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In an alternate preprogrammed i to download embodiment examples, generic handling means are the communication unit and push technology used software, customized basic software as well as applications, changes, automatic, dynamic updates, new software. The generic handling means may be customized through user interaction provided or alternatively, after the switching device, software may have been loaded to the communication unit by the base station.
an embodiment
TM
Castanet tuner, the generic there software consists years
Castanet transmitters adapt especially down to advantageous especially the handling means of one available directly via one and a number of repeaters. Advantageously, the base functionality is updated / upgraded / modified automatically and / or dynamically using the data communication network, for example the Internet.
the base functionality is updated in the customized way. Especially is a manufacturing stage which is the Global Advantageous etc. installed on the same standard tuner can replace itself customized downloaded that replaces the generic standard tuner.
the communication unit is activated, ie one when tuner
In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the JAVA ™ programming language is used and services can be downloaded as well as applications and so-called JAVA applets, compare for example Are JAVA chips better than general purpose CPUs? Or will new compilers make them obsolete ?, Peter Wayner, November 1996, BYTE p. 79-88, which hereby incorporates hair into by reference thereto. Java ™ language; An overview is available on April 26, 1997 at www. java soft. com. 80 / docs / Overviews / java / java-overview which is also incorporated herein by reference thereto.
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The invention also provides a method for customizing a generic communication unit for use in a communication system. The method comprises the steps of establishing contact between the communication unit and a switching device in the mobile communication system, setting up a communication channel between the communication unit and the switching device intended for software transfer, providing location information relevant to the generic communication unit and via said switching device downloading a communication over said communication unit. data communication network, and processing the downloaded software in the handling means in the mobile communication unit. In an advantageous embodiment, the method comprises the steps of providing a request for software, i.e. customized base software, the first time the communication unit is activated or alternatively when an indication is provided that software is needed. In one embodiment, downloading of customized base software is performed to the communication unit using the pull technique, while, for dynamic (automatic) downloading of updates / modifications of the base software as well as of customized base software, the push technique is used. Alternatively, the push technology is used to download customized base software as well. Push technology is also used to download applications, services, etc. subscribed to as well as new software, new applications, etc.
Therefore, there is also provided a communication unit, such as, for example, a cellular telephone, a cordless telephone, or a hybrid communication unit comprising base functionality software and means enabling contact establishment with a switching device, such as, for example, a base station, and handling means to receive and manage customized
512 110 base software and applications / content selected by the user of the communication device. Advantageously, the handling means include program executing means. In a particular embodiment, the telephone includes handling means consisting of a JAVA ™ chip. However, other programming languages can of course also be used, the essential year that the communication unit contains program executing means for executing programs that are downloaded through a global communication network such as the Internet. In alternative embodiments, an intranet may be used.
It is an advantage of the invention that wireless communication devices, such as, for example, cellular telephones or cordless telephones, can be made generically regardless of which is the intended market and adjust themselves in the destination market or to the home market either on site or by pointing out which is the home market or which are the desired characteristics. It is also an advantage of the invention that the manufacturing process is facilitated since a generic communication unit is produced without requiring separate storage facilities and without the need for the provision of new software each time a new, and different, market is introduced. It is also an advantage of the invention to provide customized base software as well as back-end functionality, ie. Features that are essential to the communication device's performance in the communication system, and which are set during the process, can be dynamically updated either without any interaction with the user or the producer at all, or through simple interactive commands. It is also an advantage that a user can subscribe to services and applications that are automatically accessed without requiring the user to perform any programming or perform any complicated steps, etc.
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BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The invention will be further described hereinafter in a non-limiting manner with reference to the accompanying figures in which:
Fig. 1 schematically illustrates downloading of customized base software according to an embodiment of the invention,
Fig. 2 schematically illustrates software download using push technology to a communication unit in which customized base software has been downloaded according to Fig. 1;
Fig. 3 schematically illustrates a communication unit to which customer-adapted basic software as well as new and / or updating software and / or services, applications are downloaded using push technology,
Fig. 4 is a schematic block diagram of a cellular telephone according to the invention,
<td>Fig. 5</td><td>schematically illustrates the implementation the inventive concept in a GSM system,</td><td>of</td><td>the</td>
<td>Fig. 6</td><td>schematically illustrates an implementation</td><td>of</td><td>the</td>
<td></td><td>the inventive concept of mixed, incompatible, cellular communication systems,</td><td colspan="2">e.g.</td>
Fig. 7 is a flowchart illustrating download of customized base software using the pull technique;
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Fig. 8 is a flowchart illustrating the download of updating software, new software or software related to subscribed services, etc., and
Fig. 9 is a flow diagram illustrating downloading of customized base software using the push technique.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
In Figure 1, the communication unit is assumed to be a cellular telephone (MS) 10. However, it should be clear that it may also be a cordless telephone, some kind of a hybrid telephone or any other kind of communication unit. The cellular telephone is used in a cellular communication system of which only one base station is illustrated for clarity, and since, in this embodiment, the base station is the only part of the cellular communication system which is essential. Although the base station 20 is here illustrated only as a base station, it should be understood that the invention is of course also applicable to the GSM system, in which case the base station is a base station controller (BSC) connected to a base transceiver station (BTS). The cellular phone is 10 years generic which means that before customized base software is installed, it could be used anywhere, with any kind of software, etc. Advantageously, the only software initially found in the phone is the smallest possible software required to establish contact with, for example, a base station, some control logic, etc.
According to an advantageous implementation of the invention, a set of cellular telephones is produced, for example, in a first country. Since phones are generic, the manufacturer does not have to worry about the destinations of the cellular phones because the same
512 110 generic phone can be used anywhere and it is customized locally on site, ie. in the country of destination or in the region of destination or any other special area. In addition, a telephone can be provided with any desired software, regardless of where it is actually activated anywhere. However, the desired properties,
e.g. language etc. is indicated using a schedule or the like. Alternatively, some information is provided regarding country, region or the like and the particular characteristics associated with said region, country, etc. is provided automatically, i.e. the appropriate software is downloaded.
In Figure 1, it is assumed that the cellular telephone has been distributed to a country / region or any given location where it is to be registered. The cellular telephone 10 is turned on, or activated. The cellular telephone then, in a conventional manner, finds (1) the nearest base station 20. According to the invention, a channel is set up (2) between the cellular telephone and the base station 20 which includes a protocol which allows software transfer. In this particular embodiment, the Internet is used as a global data communications hub for software downloads. However, the invention is not limited to using the Internet; in alternative embodiments, global, global in the sense that they cover a particular area, network, e.g. intranet, used as an alternative to the Internet. They can also be used in combination with the Internet. Other global or future data communication networks can of course also be used; the principle remains the same. However, if the Internet is used as a global data communications hub, the channel set up between the cellular telephone 10 and the base station 20 is, for example, a TCP / 1P (Transmission Control) channel.
Protocol / Internet Protocol). TCP / IP also includes a number of sub-protocols such as, for example, Small Message Transfer Protocol i
512 110 (SMTP) for Email, File Transfer Protocol (FTP), etc. Via the software transfer protocol, e.g. FTP, files can be transferred to the cellular telephone 10. When the phone is turned on or activated and has found the nearest base station, the cellular telephone 10 provides the base station 20 with identification information containing, for example, the telephone model, IMSI (International Mobile Subscriber Identity), PIN etc. and it also informs the base station 20 that it is requesting software, i.e. this customized base software. In a favorable embodiment, these procedures take place automatically. In an alternate embodiment, user interaction is required, for example, the user activates indicating means to inform the base station that software is being requested. A special command may be provided to indicate that customized base software is requested, etc. As referred to above, basic functionality is provided, i.e. backend functionality related to features that are vital to the performance of the phone in the system, during manufacture; what is requested is thus the front-end functionality referred to herein as the customized base functionality, such as, for example, locally customized menus, languages, etc., which also relates to all special local customizations of the phone that are available (locally) and which will be , or may become available in the future.
When the base station 20 receives the information given by the cellular telephone, it provides the local or geographical parameters of the base station. Various types of information can be provided, some selectable parameters can be provided, etc. The relevant parameters can also be provided via separate communication means connected to the base station, or included in the base station. The base station
512 110
20, or the communication means, uses the information from the cellular telephone 10 and further the location information and sends a request via TCP / IP 3 to a local software database 7, if there is one in the base station 20 or if one is connected to the base station. The base station 20 or communication means in the illustrated embodiment contains a copied software database 7 which is a copy of a software database 5 available over the Internet. In a particular embodiment, only one master software database 5 is accessed, but in an alternative embodiment there are a number of copies 6 of the master software database 5 that can be accessed via the Internet. In the latter case, a higher degree of redundancy is provided. When a copied software database 7 is provided in or adjacent to the base station 20, no access via the telecommunications network is required when the cellular telephone 10 requests software.
However, if no local software database 7 is available, the request is transmitted to a suitable software database in accordance with a schedule or database table (not shown) provided in the base station 20. Such a table can be provided for in many different ways, the essential being that the information is provided. . The requested customized base functionality is then downloaded 4.2 over the global data communications network, here the Internet, via the base station 20 to the cellular telephone 10, where it is activated. Base station 20 includes management means (not shown) for serving / directing requests to databases and software to the telephone.
512 110
The telephone 10 includes handling means which include program executing means. The phone will be further discussed with reference to Figure 4.
In an advantageous embodiment, the JAVA ™ programming language was used by Sun Microsystems, see for example The JAVA ™ language: An overview of JavaSoft which is incorporated herein by reference thereto. The JAVA concept includes programming language-generating applications and JAVA applets. Advantageously, the handling means consists of a JAVA chip which is integrated into the cellular telephone. JAVA chips are discussed in Byte, November 1996, pages 79-88, SUN gambles on JAVA chips by Peter Wayner discussed above. A JAVA chip is a dedicated JAVA processor which, like the so-called pico JAVA chip, based on Sun's pico JAVA core architecture, understands JAVA exchange code without the need for an interpreter or just in time (JIT) compiler. A JAVA chip executes JAVA byte code without converting it to any other CPU instruction and it does not need any extra memory or cache space (required when a general purpose processor runs a job with a byte interpreter or a just in time compiler). JAVA has a comprehensive set of routines to make it easy to work with TCP / IP protocols such as HTTP and FTP. Of course, any other programming language that provides a similar functionality can also be used.
In an advantageous embodiment, the software database Castanet ™, by Marimba ™, includes tuners. Castanet ™ is used to distribute and maintain software applications and content over the Internet and to dynamically provide updated information automatically. A Castanet tuner is an application that
512 110 monitors, receives and manages channels selected by a channel subscriber. A Castanet channel is any application or content that can be distributed over the Internet or an intranet. A Castanet transmitter is an application that runs on a network server that handles the distribution and maintenance of channels. By implementing an application such as a Castanet channel, the download of software provides flexibility in development and distribution as it provides subscribers with an application that will automatically improve over time as new features are added. Channels are stored locally. Castanet includes a tuner client and a transmitter server, where the tuner allows end users to subscribe to application channels that are spread by various transmitters over the Internet or corporate networks. The tuner (in the software database) that is loaded is given by the geographical (or other) parameter (s) and the base station sets or decides which channels the tuner subscribes to via standard (automatic) subscription. If the Castanet ™ concept is used, Castanet's Application Distribution Protocol (ADP) is advantageously used to reflect code and data over a network connection as a software transfer protocol, ie. it is an example of an alternative to FTP. ADP is discussed briefly in marimba, available on May 28, 1997 at www.marimba.com/press/castanet-net.7. With the use of
Castanet ™, allows channel applications to communicate data back to the server, the transmitter. Via the ADP protocol, software is updated in near-real-time, requiring very little bandwidth. It should also be noted that not only JAVA code can be run but also, for example, DLLs (Dynamic
Library), C, C ++ objects can also be spread and managed.
Link
512 110
Figure 2 illustrates an embodiment in which the push technology is used to download updating software and / or applications and / or brand new software that a subscriber can subscribe to (and / or services). The cellular telephone 10 comprises storage and handling means 8 for receiving locally adapted and / or requested software over one or more channels 13, 14 as defined in the handling means 8. Advantageously, a number of different services are available to the subscriber / user. According to one embodiment of the invention, the services are downloaded as applications that are small and contain interfaces, protocols, etc. required to reach third-party content providers. In a particular embodiment, the applications above are JAVA applets or applications. These services, the customized basic functions as well as the basic functions, are advantageously updated (dynamically) with or without user interaction, ie. either they require user interaction or it happens automatically as with the push technology. An example of push technology is Castanet as referenced above.
According to the invention, a number of sources are provided, e.g. databases and transmitters, and possibly also repetition means, to distribute and maintain channels to accessible customers, such as cellular telephone 10. In an advantageous embodiment, Castanet ™ transmitters and repeaters were used. In a particularly advantageous embodiment, server means, for example a Castanet Proxy Server 12, are used in the base station 20 to provide for particularly fast access and to save bandwidth. Database copies are then provided and the software can be obtained directly from the server means 12.
The cellular telephone 10 here receives through a software transfer protocol, ADP, in the channel (s) such as Castanet tuner. Advantageously includes locally customized software
e.g. FTP or Castanet is defined in a downloaded handling means or program executing means 8 a JAVA chip. The cellular telephone 10 informs the base station and the source that it is available, for example, the downloaded tuner in it a request to the source 15,11.
15.16, which means that the cellular telephone makes feedback information from the cellular telephone 10, i.e. the user, to the transmitter 11, is also enabled. The software database 5 as implemented in the present embodiment includes, inter alia, a number of Castanet tuners. The tuner that is loaded is given by the low information parameter in the base station 20 which in turn also decides which special channels the tuner automatically subscribes to. Examples of Castanet channels are a Castanet tuner through which the tuner can update / replace itself, language channels that enable a language and / or cultural adaptation according to a geographical parameter or parameters, routines and telephone functionalities of services that can be provided are E-mail, database access , etc. Examples browsing, system integration, (with PIN code integration), c and other broadcasts. With Dtet, interactive banking and news use is made possible by the municipality in the market and off with market surveys etc.
Figure 3 relates to a handling agent that is preprogrammed when produced. The handling means the user, who for example answers one of the channels to be requested. Alternatively, the information can be exemplified in which in the cellular telephone 10 '
8 'can be adjusted by number of questions controlling
<img file="SE512110C2_D0013.tif" />
<img file="SE512110C2_D0014.tif" />
<img file="SE512110C2_D0015.tif" />
’1
512 110 base station 20 ', for example, the nearest base station, when a contact is established for the first time between the cellular telephone and the base station. The operation is essentially the same as that described above with reference to Figure 2, with the difference that the software need only be available from source 5 'of a central transmitter 11' and possible repeaters (not shown); such as a Castanet transmitter and repeater. No pull database is needed in the base station which includes Castanet tuners, for example. In this case, the push technology is thus used both to download customized basic software as well as services, applications, updates and new or additional software.
In Figure 3, the preprogrammed handling means 8 'are adapted by the user. When the telephone 10 'is activated, the base station 20' adds location information and channels for transmitting software 2 ', 4' are set up. In this embodiment, the base station 20 need not include any copied database and software is transmitted using the global data communications network from the source database 5 'of such means 11'. Requests / software are routed etc. via server / routing means 18 '. Of course, a number of repetition means may be provided, although not explicitly shown in Figure 3.
In a particular embodiment, a Castanet standard tuner (or similar means) is initially provided, i.e. Prior to downloading customized basic software has taken place. When the phone is activated (or software is requested), the tuner replaces itself, ie. a customized tuner is downloaded.
Figure 4 illustrates a schematic block diagram of a cellular telephone with a radio part 111 which in a known manner
512 110 includes receiving and transmitting means for receiving and transmitting radio signals and to which an antenna, 113, is connected.
The transmitter means and the receiver means share on the antenna 113 i
Radio portion 111 includes time multiplex.
modulate, demodulate and balance on i
111 is supplied from a power source 112.
also means to be provided which also include known methods. radio section
An interface part 114 A / D, D / A converter, multiplexing agent, etc. also on one
115 includes coding, decoding, well known methods. Interleaving controller, a PCM interface, a SIM interface communicating with a SIM card 122, etc. and a central processor unit * (CPU), etc.
The control portion
115 is in turn connected signal processor communication part (DSP) (COM) includes bl. a.
(also for signal processing agents,
116 that year connected a digital to one
117th The signal processing means in a manner known per se) means
116 for voice coding / decoding etc. Communication portion 117 includes
PCM encoding / decoding means. It receives speech data from a microphone 119 and transmits voice data to a loudspeaker 118, respectively, and it communicates with the microprocessor in the control portion 115.
Basic storage means (SM) 120, for example, an EEPROM (Electrical Erasable PROM) is provided as well as a RAM (Random
Access Memor) 121. However, it should be clear that this is just one example of an implementation. The operation of the cellular telephone as such will not be described further here as it is known per se and many different access techniques can be used such as time division multiple access (TDMA), code division multiple access (CDMA) or frequency sharing multiple access (FDMA), etc.
However, according to the present invention, additional processing means 8 are provided for executing downloaded software.
In a
512 110 advantageous embodiment, said program process means comprises a JAVA chip. In the illustrated embodiment, two flash memories FL1, FL2, 123, 124 are provided for redundancy reasons. The downloaded software (in a particular embodiment, so-called Castanet tuners, etc.) is stored in one of the flash memories 123, 124. Thus, conventional processing means are provided for the conventional handling of the telephone while separate processing means, (program processing means 8) are provided for managing downloaded software. In an alternate embodiment, common process means are used for both functionalities.
Figure 5 illustrates very schematically part of a GSM system. Bass receiver stations BTS1 and BTS2 are connected to a base station controller BSC1 while BTS3 and BTS4 are connected to BSC2. BSC1 and BSC2 are both connected to MSC / VLR. When mobile station MS is activated, it finds the nearest base station which in this case is BTS1. In fact, it does not have to be the closest base station but rather the base station with which the signaling transmission conditions are the best. As referred to earlier in the application, the mobile station MS is generic and includes only base software and it may have been produced anywhere. A channel is set up between MS and BTS1 that supports software transfer. BSC1 provides location information for BTS1 and a channel for transmitting software over a global data communications network, the Internet, which is available in one or more databases, is set up. Software relates to basic functionality as well as services, applications and new software, etc. as discussed above. A copied database can be provided in BSC1. The management software provided in the mobile station processes the downloaded software. The software, for example customized base software, is downloaded to
512 110 software storage means, for example a flash memory as discussed above with reference to Figure 4.
Figure 6 is a figure similar to Figure 5 with the difference that two different cellular communication systems, namely GSM and D-AMPS, are illustrated. The cellular communication systems are given for exemplary reasons only, the concept is applicable to other alternatives such as, for example, ADC, PDC, PCS, DCS, 1800, DSC 1900 to the same degree. The figure is included only to illustrate the principle that different communication networks that communicate with different frequencies, protocols etc. can use the same principle and the same source to provide a generic telecommunications unit with customized base software. In addition, the base software can be updated automatically or through user interaction. Various services, updates, applications, etc. are available in one and the same way, using one and the same global data communications network, regardless of where the mobile communications network is. For both GSM and D-AMPS, location information is provided in the base station (BSC and BS respectively) and channels are set up to transmit software.
Figure 7 is a schematic flow diagram illustrating the download of basic functionality software to a generic mobile station including application execution management means. The generic mobile station is turned on, 101, and finds the nearest base station to which it connects, 102. A software transfer channel is set up between the mobile station and the base station, for example, TCP / IP which includes a file transfer protocol, 103. In another example, a Castanet ™ ADP protocol is set up. Other alternatives are also possible. The mobile station then provides the base station with information related to its identity (IMSI, PIN) and possibly also some
512 110 additional information, including a software request, 104. In one embodiment, a software request is automatically provided the first time the generic phone is activated.
Alternatively, some form of user interaction is needed. The base station then provides information on its existence, 105. A software query is then provided, 106. An investigation is performed to determine if the base station contains any copied software database, 107. If there is a copied software database in the base station, the request is directed to said local base software, 108th If there is no local software database in the base station, a suitable global database is found using information contained in the base station, for example in a table or the like, 107A. The request is then transferred to said global database, 108A. Using the software transfer protocol, software is downloaded to storage in the mobile station, 109, and in the handling means in the mobile station, program code is executed and the software is activated, 110. The generic mobile station has thus been provided with customized base functionality, also called front-end functionality as discussed earlier in the application, which may for example consist of it being provided in the language used locally around the base station. Other local customizations are also advantageously provided for.
Figure 8 is a very schematic flow diagram illustrating a way of downloading software to a mobile phone that has already been provided with customized basic functionality, for example as described with reference to Figure 7. Alternatively, the concept is applied to a telephone that has been provided with customized functionality on by any suitable or conventional means.
512 110
Here, it is assumed that the handling means in a mobile station MS include server (tuning) means that allow the reception of one or more channels. In an advantageous embodiment, as referred to above, a Castanet tuner has been downloaded. A request is provided, 201, by the handling means via the base station to the source, for example a Castanet transmitter. Via transmitting means, software is then provided to server (storage) means, for example a Castanet proxy located in the base station, 202, using the software transfer protocol. The software is then provided to the mobile station in the channels defined in its tuning means, such as a Castanet tuner,
203rd Feedback information can be provided to the source,
204, i.e. the transmitter or manufacturer.
Figure 9 is a flowchart schematically describing the embodiment described with reference to Figure 3. It is assumed that a generic mobile station (MS) is provided with pre-programmed tuning means, for example, it contains a standard Castanet tuner. As in Figure 7, the mobile station when activated, 301, is connected to the nearest base station, 302. A software transfer channel is set up between the mobile station and the base station, and identification information is provided to the base station, 303. The base station then provides location information describing its location, 304, and a request is sent to a software database available via the data communications network or provided locally. the base station, 305. Then, a new tuner is built or retrieved from a database using the location information provided by the BS and the information provided by the MS to replace the standard tuner initially present in the mobile station,
306th The new tuner then starts to handle one or more
<img file="SE512110C2_D0016.tif" />
512 110 customized base software channels (eg Castanet channels),
307th Thus, the adaptation information is provided in this embodiment of the base station and it contains the channels on which the mobile station subscribes. Customized base functionality is automatically transmitted by transmitter funds to the mobile station, 308. The customized base functionality is then processed in the mobile station's handling means, 309. For updating basic functionality as well as customized basic functionality, applications, services, new software, etc. the principle as described with reference to Figures 2 and 8 is applicable.
It is an advantage of the invention to reduce manufacturing costs. In addition, the production time is reduced. Another advantage is that the storage of the telecommunications units becomes more efficient: just in time. Yet another advantage is that the time to market and the time to the customer are significantly reduced. More services can be provided as well as more advanced services and the software is always up to date.
512 110
Contents11
25 sheets
Sheet 1 Sheet 2 Sheet 3 Sheet 4 Sheet 5 Sheet 6 Sheet 7 Sheet 8 Sheet 9 Sheet 10 Sheet 11 Sheet 12 Sheet 13 Sheet 14 Sheet 15 Sheet 16 Sheet 17 Sheet 18 Sheet 19 Sheet 20 Sheet 21 Sheet 22 Sheet 23 Sheet 24 Sheet 25
24 members in 14 offices
Priority claims2
| Document | Office | Kind | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9702322 | Sweden | A | |
| SE19970002322 | – | – | – |
Members24
| Document | Office | Kind | |
|---|---|---|---|
| SE9702322D0 | Sweden | D0 | |
| SE9702322L | Sweden | L | |
| WO9858506A1 | World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) | A1 | |
| AU8049798A | Australia | A | |
| NO996246D0 | Norway | D0 | |
| SE512110C2This record | Sweden | C2 | |
| NO996246L | Norway | L | |
| EP0983697A1 | European Patent Office (EPO) | A1 | |
| EE9900592A | Estonia | A | |
| BR9810041A | Brazil | A | |
| CN1267431A | China | A | |
| US6138009A | United States of America | A | |
| KR20010013890A | Republic of Korea | A | |
| ID27816A | Indonesia | A | |
| IL133300A0 | Israel | A0 | |
| AU741028B2 | Australia | B2 | |
| JP2002503426A | Japan | A | |
| EE03655B1 | Estonia | B1 | |
| CN1123244C | China | C | |
| KR100527362B1 | Republic of Korea | B1 | |
| EP0983697B1 | European Patent Office (EPO) | B1 | |
| DE69832978D1 | Germany | D1 | |
| DE69832978T2 | Germany | T2 | |
| JP3818394B2 | Japan | B2 |
1 legal event, as the office reported them to INPADOC
Events
| Event | Code | |
|---|---|---|
| Patent has lapsedLapsedNUG | NUG |
Numbers
- Publication, DOCDB
- 512110
- Publication, EPODOC
- SE512110
- Application
- 9702322
- Application, DOCDB
- 9702322
- Application, EPODOC
- SE19970002322
Titles2
- Swedish
- System och förfarande för att kundanpassa trådlösa kommunikationsenheter
- English
- Systems and procedures for customizing wireless communication devices
Classification
- CPC, 2
- G06F8/60
- H04W8/245
- IPC, 6
- G06F9 445
- H04B1 16
- G06F13 00
- H04L29 06
- H04W8 24
- H04W12 06
