Digital and voice data transmission system connected to a telephone extension and configured by smart cards

p0001digital and voice data transmission system connected to a telephone set and configured by chip cards

p0002Technical area

p0003The invention provides a message exchange system manuscripts by a telecommunications network, comprising a plurality of connecting to each slate to prepare, transmit to a remote slate, receive, view, and manage data types or texts graphics such as diagrams or drawings of handwritten generated using a stylus on the slate communicating, and possibly during telephone conversation, as well as many other additional applications.

PRIOR ART

p0005The PCT 97/0097 previous document already described a connecting slate including a touch screen addressable pixel by pixel in response to the pressure of a pen, a microprocessor capable of managing data associated with ROM and RAM, said stylet to create messages to be transmitted by the carrier stream for local use and the telephone network for use between remote slates, and via a suitable modem. This complex device uses a combination of powerline and telephone lines and has a fixed functionality by design because not open various applications, which makes it more suitable for professional use. Furthermore it does not describe the functionality consisting of real-time exchange handwritten messages while pursuing a telephone call.

p0006The current evolution of technology in the field of telecommunications has led to a variety of devices whose features are often oversized by compared to some public needs, with a corresponding cost of acquisition and often unnecessarily high use.

p0007For example the use of the Internet enables communication between people to exchange messages or data but requires the purchase of a computer, with the associated disadvantages of high cost, complexity of use and a rapid obsolescence, and durations implemented inadequate to meet the need to simply exchange handwritten messages.

p0008Disclosure of Invention

p0009The object of the invention is therefore to overcome the aforesaid drawbacks.

p0010To this end, the invention relates to a data transmission system comprising a first device consists of a telephone set and a connecting slate (2), both connected to the telephone network, and a second device also consists a telephone and a connecting slate, said communicating slates being addressable touch screen stylus type, said system comprising multiplexing means for simultaneous transmission of voice signals provided by the telephone and data Interconnecting provided by slate, characterized in that each slate is reduced format type "passport" and includes:

p0011- A microprocessor coupled between a smart card reader and the touch screen, the smart card reader capable of receiving a plurality of smart cards each one dedicated to a specific application, - and in that each chip card is programmed to exchange data with the smart card reader and allow configuration of the touch screen corresponding to the specific application that was dedicated to him, the updating of the programming software for each of the smart cards that can be performed by download via the telephone network or the Internet. The invention has the advantage that it allows people, regardless of the distance separating them, to exchange in delayed time handwritten messages, or work ^ in real time on a single handwritten content over a telephone communication. It allows two interlocutors during telephone call each equipped with a slate Interconnecting the invention to prepare together and edit text or graphic manuscript. As a further advantage, the use of smart card allows establishing communication dedicated to specific applications and constantly potentially modifiable by downloading between electronic slates over telephone lines, these communications can take place by simultaneous transmission of data sent by electronic slate and speech transmitted by a handset.

p0012Brief Description of Drawings

p0013Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent in the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings which show:

p0014Figure 1 slate communicating according to the invention associated with a telephone set, both being connected to the telephone network. Figure 2 of constituent subsets of the system according to the invention.

p0015Figure 3 a module architecture to the invention the simultaneous transmission of data and voice.

p0016Detailed Description of the invention

p0017According to one embodiment of a slate communicating according to the invention, it is in the form of a small housing (1), the "passport" size of a few millimeters thick, intended to be placed next from any telephone and connects to it preferably by means of a telephone socket, like a computer modem. According to another embodiment of the invention slate communicating is integrated directly into a telephone. Preferably the screen (2) slate Interconnecting displays virtual keys which minimizes the number of physical keys in order to reduce manufacturing costs and optimize floor space. These virtual keys may optionally be configurable depending on choices made by the user or based on an inserted smart card.

p0018According to one of the invention embodiments, the flat housing (1) includes on one side a graphic display (2) Touch able to be addressed at the elementary pixels using any stylus. The screen of the slate communicating is performed according to techniques known to the state of the art to cause, under the effect of the pressure of a stylus, the stimulation and the addressing of pixels on the screen (2) slate Interconnecting all the coordinates (x, y) pixel addressed by the pen pressure is stored in a RAM (5) integrated in the invention and displayed on the screen slate communicating in real time. The electronic slate consists essentially of a microprocessor (3) managing a set of ROMs (4), RAM (5), a screen (2) and data communication over the telephone network (6) via the modem (7) possibly simultaneously with the voice. A set of application software stored in ROM

p0019(4) ensures the functionality of the invention.

p0020Such software can be stored as necessary, either in RAM (5) or in plug memory modules (14). A set of modules can significantly increase the memory capacity of the invention or may store software corresponding to heavier applications from a smart card inserted into a card reader chip (17). Possibly it can be added to the microprocessor SIM abbreviation of the Anglo-Saxon word map "Subscriber Identification Module" is not shown, to allow as is done for cellular communication networks of the GSM, for example, a remote identification slate Interconnecting or its owner.

p0021Each smart card has the ability to define a new feature to the slate. This smart card can perform security operations, such as access restrictions, another card will store the coordinates of the usual contacts, another will allow playing lotto or lottery. In this case the software stored in said card will configure the display (2) slate communicating to show the items or pictures for playing games audits. Other cards allow authentication or identification, these cards can optionally be used in combination with a PIN is entered on the phone keypad or a keyboard on the screen slate communicating.

p0022Among the many feasible uses security by the invention are:. the online payment secure through the use of a credit card or bank smart,

p0023. the issuing authorization or consultation of messages received,

p0024. recording permission message on the card. the development and transmission of an electronic graphic signature.

p0025For the latter use a dedicated memory card is assigned to a single user. The introduction of said card into the reader prompts the user to draw his signature on the screen slate communicating and introducing a confidential code previously selected. The correspondence between the reference map, associated with the name of the holder, and the code entered is used to authorize the transmission of the signature previously drawn. In addition to the electronic signature graphic can also be transmitted to other information whose analysis will allow the recipient to dispose of items of additional authentication, such as by correlation between the name and the said information. A basic single data can also act as a trusted third party, the allocation of cards subject to a procedure to guarantee the identity of the wearer. The use of, 1a SIM card can on that enhance the security of tansactions.

p0026All other means of known authentication can also be implemented, such as those that allow fingerprint recognition or recognition of signature.

p0027One of the features of the invention allows two distant interlocutors to simultaneously talk on the phone and exchanging graphics or create a chart in common, through their adjoining slates. Everything happens as if the two distant interlocutors were side by side on the same slate writing communicating.

p0028This functionality represents a new revolution in the world of public communications.

p0029To achieve this function of simultaneous voice and data several solutions are known in the prior art but these often use algorithms that require high computing power. In keeping with the spirit of the invention, namely a small size, low cost and a mainstream product, we will develop the following two simple methods, sufficient and consistent with the objectives of the invention:

p00301 / The first technique is to exploit the presence of intervening silences during the whole conversation. It is shown that the part of silences during any conversation usually represents more than fifty percent of the total duration of the call. It is possible to use these silences to transmit the coordinates (x, y) of the pixels addressed by a stylus and stored in RAM (5) of a slate to the remote slate.

p0031The use of silence to the data transmission may be performed for example as follows: given that a very large majority of cases (90%) a silence longer than 200 milliseconds, the microprocessor of a slate Interconnecting with new pixels addressed to transmit will book 150 milliseconds for the transmission of data each time it detects a pause exceeding 50 milliseconds. During the 150 milliseconds reserved for the transmission of data the voice transmission is cut in both directions of communication. The logic circuit providing the voice data multiplexing is shown in Figure 1. A silence detection, voice and listening, greater than 50 milliseconds disconnects transmission of the speech by a two-position switch (8) and actuates a monostable (9), the "timer" is set to 150 milliseconds, the said monostable activates a door (10) during 150 milliseconds to each of the above silence, allowing data stored in RAM (5) to be transferred via the modem ( 7) to the telephone network (6). This operation is repeated as long as the silence and that data is to be transmitted. Following a period of 150 milliseconds of the data set and in the absence of further data to be transmitted, the switch (8) restores the sound link. Upon receipt of a signal from the remote slate characteristic of a start of data transmission, the receiving slate cutting the voice during 150 milliseconds and receives the data. Such a procedure will simply achieve a nearly simultaneous transmission of voice and data without affecting the quality of voice communication, or by assigning it to possibly marginally in the case of communications over great distances.

p0032So soon as a slate connected to a communication of current computer has in RAM (5) a set of coordinates (x, y) sent through pen pressure not yet transmitted to the remote slate, the microprocessor will wait for the next 50 milliseconds of silence to transmit a dimming control signal for a duration of 150 milliseconds level of listening and voice for both parties, signal monitoring data to transmit. The coordinates (x, y) received at the remote slate are then stored in the RAM thereof. Only new pairs (x, y) sent by the stylus, and stored in RAM (5), will be transmitted.

p0033After a silence of 50 milliseconds detected, priority is given during the following 150 milliseconds to transfer data, not voice. The duration of 150 milliseconds is quite sufficient to transmit all the data awaiting transmission. Indeed, if we consider the following assumptions majorantes: speed route 5 centimeters per second manuscript on average,

p0034. a pitch between pixels 0.3 millimeters,

p0035. a coding of the coordinates of pixels on a total of 16 bits,

p0036. a total absence of data compression function. a rate silences in conversation equal to 50%, the average rate to be transmitted is approximately 2.4 Kbits / s. Given the time that can be assigned to this transmission, consisting of periods of 150 milliseconds can cover up to 37% of the time (50% x 150ms / 200ms), the need for speed during a data transmission period is 6,4Kbits / s. Such a rate is largely compatible state of the art today can transmit up 56Kbits / s in a conventional telephone band of 3 KHz.

p0037The use of this first technique for simultaneous voice and data ensures simply a transfer of data in near real time under good phonic conditions. Only a very slight deterioration in speech and listening can occasionally occur during a telephone conversation that happen satellite due to the untimely occultation first milliseconds or tens of milliseconds of a voice signal.

p00382 / The second single technique presented is to reserve some of the bandwidth of the transmission to transfer data.

p0039The transfer of data can for example be provided to one of the high and low ends of the bandwidth. The small amount of data to be transmitted per unit time permits indeed not amputate a small part of the total bandwidth, which indicates a marginal deterioration in the quality of voice communication.

p0040The data signals transmitted as stated above slate A to slate B and vice versa, in the passband for example greater than 3 kHz could disrupt somewhat the simultaneous voice communication by generating audible noise signals . To remedy this inconvenience, there is a highly attenuating filter, for example, 20 decibels, voice and listening located in this part of the bandwidth ranging beyond 3 KHz, this upper part of the bandwidth being devoted to the transmission of data. The level and attenuation of said cut-off frequency can be adjusted according to the actual communication quality.

p0041In a variant of this second technique a procedure will help to define the cutoff frequency in the band. For this ongoing series or discontinuous frequency is sent with the signal characteristic defined above by slate which emits first, said frequency range covering a portion of the bandwidth in the acute e.g. above 2.5 kHz and up 3.4 kHz. The microprocessor (3) of the slate that receives said characteristic signal and the series of associated frequencies will determine the cutoff frequency where the reception level of said signal is attenuated by 10 dB for example. The same procedure is carried out reciprocally, the transmission quality is not always symmetrical. Each slate having thus determined the optimum cutoff threshold of the audio band will communicate to each other said cut-off threshold in the initial protocol. This simple procedure can optimize the quality of voice while making inaudible data simultaneously transmitted over the telephone network.

p0042The state of the art for transmitting over 5βKbits / s in a band of 3 kHz, flows estimates reported above demonstrate that it is appropriate to allocate less than 10% of the width of the bandwidth in the transmission Datas.

p0043The presentation of these two techniques is given as examples, other simultaneous communication techniques of voice and data on a single transmission channel are possible and known to the state of the art.

p0044The means presented in this description may be applied to integrated version in a fixed telephone incorporating a slate communicating permanently visible or removable or protected by a flap. The invention is perfectly integrated in a mobile phone, or a mobile phone accessory, using the GSM network, a satellite network or equivalent or even more locally using the "DECT" standard, said the laptop while having a slate Interconnecting performing the functions described above. According to one embodiment of the invention, the device can connect to any type of network including the Internet, via computer or not. To do this, the invention will have parallel connections connectors and / or serial and / or USB. Connecting via a computer can help to ensure the function of authorization of credit card payments through the banking smart card reader to set different purchases, or to affix his signature accompanied by the identification elements at the bottom of a contract that display on the screen of said computer to be sent to a contractor.

p0045The invention is particularly geared towards ease of use, and can especially connect to the Internet without a computer, a pluggable memory module (14) integrating the login process on said network, stores the addresses normally used to obtain a fast connection to suitable sites. This module integrates more software / D conversions of voice. Such a configuration will allow to exchange large messages appearing in both handwritten forms on communicating and vocal slates on the corresponding connected phones, for the cost of a local call.

p0046The invention makes it possible to mass-market a new product at very low cost on the order of that of a simple telephone, true "Sticky" "registered trademark" e-enabling:

p0047. prepare messages in the form of text and / or graphics manuscripts using a stylus on the touch screen slate, so prepared transmit messages to other slate located remotely using the telephone network,

p0048. receive, view and manage (delete or keep in memory) messages previously prepared or received from remote slates, two speakers each equipped with a slate to prepare and edit together in real time and in-call, text and / or graphic manuscript that display simultaneously on the slate of the two interlocutors.

p0049Among the uses of that functionality include:

p0050. the possibility for remote two people to trace a map 'while chatting on the phone. the possibility of working together on the same pattern; everything then passing as if distances did not exist, the ability to communicate with remote dumb persons and / or deaf. To send a handwritten message from a slate to another slate the required duration is very short, typically less than the length corresponding to the tax base of a telecommunication operator. The invention thus allows to send a handwritten letter message type instantly, until the end of the world for the cost of a local call, or, more generally, for the cost of a communication which time is just seconds.

p0051The decisive advantages of the invention reside in. that the product is very simple in terms of functionality and achievable with conventional technology and low costs, making it suitable for wide dissemination to the general public, it will not suffer in principle to fad or obsolescence, the need to exchange handwritten messages being permanent, giving the invention are likely to become, like a phone, a new standard.

p0052In addition, the base operating system stored in ROM will be enriched by smart card inserted in the invention, or optional pluggable memory module, each smart card that can reconfigure the invention for a new application. Thus, said invention can be declined to infinity as for applications already identified to date for other applications remaining to imagine. Furthermore the invention can also receive software or data by the classical pathway of RAM for download from a dedicated server.

p0053The smart card can also provide security functions, such as functions or authentication functions of authorizations such as:

p0054. the authorization to issue a message to a given number, permission to display the slate received messages.

p0055The security features of the card can be strengthened by the combination of the presence of the card and entering a PIN either on the phone keypad associated with the invention, either a numeric or alphanumeric keypad drawing on slate communicating through an integrated or software stored in the smart card. The level of security can be achieved a good level if it is used in smart card incorporating a microprocessor managing a set of own memories such as EPROM EEPROM, said microprocessor being programmed to cooperate with the microprocessor of the invention. The security level is further increased by the simultaneous use with that of the smart card with a SIM card that enables remote identification of slate communicating. This last feature has the advantage that it allows personalized exchanges of information dissemination groups such as hypermarket, banks, insurance companies etc .. and their clients. For example, in a game organized by a large area, slate communicating to each client identified by the number of its SIM card, will receive the list of winners, and each winner will contact the large area to receive their prizes. As another example, the use SIM card may allow the identification and matchmaking players winning in horse racing with the agency responsible for these races.

p0056The smart card also ensures a multitude of applications, such as: providing formulas greeting type to be transmitted to remote slates,

p0057. provide useful data such as contact details of participating merchants at a promotional operation,. playing public games such as bingo, the trifecta, the louse, chess, checkers game, the "Game Boy", etc .. the boxes of instant games in the case of bingo, the introduction of a dedicated card, prepaid example, shows the traditional grid lotto by which the player is asked to tick boxes with the stylus, the player's choice is then automatically transmitted to a host whose number is stored in the smart card, the value thereof being decremented by the amount corresponding to the game. in the case of a scratch game, scratch areas on the screen of the touch slate, the action of the stylus they showing virtually hidden information, allow to conduct surveys with the general public, it being prompted to answer questions on screen slate communicating with the introduction of the smart card, allow multiple promotions, the card for supporting the dissemination of advertisements and various games. allow to follow a set of hospital patients, allow to collect information through an interactive questionnaire distributed to a population sample testing a new drug or a new molecule, allow the application in the field of quality procedures, also with an interactive quiz.

p0058The shapes and dimensions provisions of the various components and sub-assemblies, and features may vary within the limits of equivalents, without change to this general conception of the invention that has just been written.