JP2009517781A - Simple multipurpose communication device and information client - Google Patents

Abstract

To one or more wireless networks suitable for distribution and operation within the constraints of economic and infrastructure constraints commonly found in developing countries, and supporting voice and / or data communications Device and thin client system for simple and low cost multi-purpose communication and data information access device capable of establishing and maintaining a connection of

Description

  The present invention relates to the field of information processing systems, and more particularly to simple communications and access to information.

  Computer systems are widely used to provide data processing capabilities in many areas of today's modern society. Personal computer systems typically have a system processor (mostly a microprocessor), associated volatile and non-volatile memory, a display monitor, a keyboard, one or more diskette drives, a fixed disk storage device, and an optional printer. It can be defined as a system unit. Such personal computer systems are primarily designed to provide individual computing power to a single user (or group of users in the case of a personal computer functioning as a computer server system) and are affordable for individuals or small businesses to purchase. An information processing system set at a price.

  Known computer systems include various hardware components and include specific software applications such as word processors, e-mail programs, and programs that remotely access content over the Internet (often called clients). Can be preloaded. One component of the Internet is the World Wide Web ("Web"), which is a globally connected network that allows access to a large number of web pages. A web page is a collection of information, and a user can view it using browser application software. Browser software, sometimes referred to herein as “browser”, is a special purpose software application program that requests a web page via a communication link and presents the requested content to the user.

  Web pages can capture a variety of multimedia content such as text, graphics, audio including music and speech, animations, and video images. Web pages containing audio components can be viewed and listened to using a browser. Web pages are interconnected using hypertext that allows users to navigate from one web page to another, or to graphics, binary files, multimedia files, and many other Internet resources. ing.

  The web is running on a client / server model that allows a server computer system to send a web page of information to a remote client computer system. The server computer system (server system) has a software web page constituting a website as will be described later in addition to a hardware server. The two terms “hardware” “server” and “site” are sometimes used interchangeably.

  The remote client system can present a web page by using a browser such as Netscape Navigator (registered trademark) or Microsoft's Internet Explorer (registered trademark). The browser software functions as a client that contacts a web server and requests information or resources. The web server finds the information and sends it to the web browser, which renders the result on the user's computer. Web pages are defined using a description language called Hypertext Description Language (HTML). HTML provides a set of standard tags that define how a web page's text, graphics, and multimedia files should be represented by a browser on a remote client computer. HTML also has commands for linking web pages to other web pages and other internet resources.

  However, personal computers with a general-purpose operating system capable of storing and executing multiple software programs, printing functions, full-function communication with the Internet, and other functions common to personal computers This is considered to be out of reach for some groups. In many cases, such a population may not even be able to use electricity or ground-based telecommunications, or the reliability of such an infrastructure may be low. In other cases, such a population may not have the skills and knowledge to operate a typical and common computer system. Thus, there is a need to provide devices with simple and reliable communication and information access capabilities to a large population of the world population who cannot purchase or support modern general purpose computer systems.

  The present invention is suitable for distribution and operation within the economic and infrastructure constraints commonly found in developing countries, and is compatible with voice, video and data communications. An apparatus and system for a simple and low cost multipurpose communication and data information access device (hereinafter referred to as "multipurpose communication device") capable of establishing and maintaining a connection to a wireless network.

  In one embodiment, the present invention relates to an environment for managing accounts between an Internet service provider and a plurality of multipurpose thin client communication devices. Each of the multipurpose thin client communication devices has an associated unique ID. The environment includes a server access point that allows the plurality of multipurpose thin client communication devices to interact with the Internet service provider, a verification module that verifies whether the multipurpose thin client communication device should access the Internet, and a plurality of And a determination module that determines whether the multipurpose thin client communication device is a legitimate system based on the above criteria. The Internet service provider uses the determination to manage the business part of the relationship with the user of the multipurpose thin client communication device.

  In another embodiment, the present invention comprises a processor, a communication device connected to the processor, and a non-volatile storage device connected to the processor, such that a plurality of multipurpose communication devices can connect to an Internet service provider. It is related with the apparatus to do. The communication device interacts with the plurality of multipurpose communication devices and the Internet service provider. The non-volatile storage device includes an account management module and a browser module. The account management module enables the Internet service provider to manage each account of the plurality of multipurpose communication devices. The browser module enables each of the plurality of multipurpose communication devices to individually connect to the Internet service provider.

  In another embodiment, the present invention relates to a client-server architecture for providing low-cost information access having a plurality of multipurpose thin client communication devices each having an associated unique ID and a server access point. The server access point enables the plurality of multipurpose thin client communication devices to interact with an Internet service provider. The server access point determines whether the multipurpose thin client communication device is a legitimate system based on a plurality of criteria and a verification module that verifies whether the multipurpose thin client communication device should access the Internet. A determination module.

  Accordingly, the present invention provides information access and voice communication functions in a predetermined subset by linking voice to a unique user identifier while performing voice communication and information access wirelessly over a wide area information network such as the Internet. Can be used.

  The present invention can be more clearly understood with reference to the accompanying drawings, and its numerous objects, features, and advantages will be apparent to those skilled in the art. When the same reference number is used across multiple drawings, it refers to the same or similar elements.

  Referring to FIG. 1, a block diagram of an environment 100 for providing a low cost multipurpose communication device to multiple users is shown. More specifically, multiple multipurpose communication devices 110 may use a thin client access point (AP) over a wireless communication link using protocols such as, but not limited to, GSM / GPRS, 802.11x, or 802.16. ) 120. The thin client access point 120 is connected to the distribution network 130.

  The distribution network 130 aggregates the access point channels 122 and may be connected to an Internet service provider (ISP) 140 using one or more communication links 132. The communication link 132 includes, but is not limited to, a dedicated telephone line, a wireless connection, a broadband connection, or any communication link capable of supporting voice communication and data communication. In another embodiment, the distribution network is one or more wireless interfaces such as, but not limited to, 802.11, GSM, ISDN, EDGE or GSM 3.0, 802.16 interfaces, or a mesh One or more wired interfaces such as (but not limited to) the V.90 model, ISDN, XDSL, etc. that form the network may be included.

  Internet service provider 140 is connected to the Internet or other information network via one or more broadband communication links 142. The communication link 142 includes a digital subscriber line (DSL), a T1 leased line, a wired direct connection link such as an integrated service digital network (ISDN) or cable connection, a wireless connection such as a cellular 802.16 or satellite network, a local area This includes, but is not limited to, a local data transfer system such as Ethernet or token ring over a network, or any communication link capable of supporting data communication with an information network. The Internet or other information network 150 provides access to multiple web servers 160.

  The environment 100 provides a system for allowing multiple users to access information at a low cost. A user who wants to access information on the Internet connects to the access point 120 using the multipurpose communication device 110. The communication device 110 essentially executes “thin client” software, which implements a communication protocol with a “thin client” application running on the access point. An example of a “thin client application” is a “thin client web browser”.

  Multipurpose communication device 110 includes communication hardware and software that enables multipurpose communication device 110 to establish a communication link with access point 120. Access point 120 includes hardware and software that enables communication device 110 to establish a communication link with Internet service provider 140. The Internet service provider 140 receives a request transmitted from the browser and executes software for reading the request. When a user inputs a request for information by inputting a command to the multi-purpose communication device 110, the multi-purpose communication device 110 transmits this command to a “thin client” executed at the access point. The command is a request for information or the like, such as searching for a document or a specific web page related to a specific topic. In this case, the web browser thin client application interprets this command as a command for a particular web page and sends it to the internet service provider. The Internet service provider 140 monitors requests for information on the plurality of web servers 160 and executes an application program that services the requests. The application program forwards the request to the appropriate web server 160 via the Internet 150, and in response, the web server 160 sends the requested information to the Internet service provider 140 (ISP). The Internet service provider 140 sends information to the appropriate access point, which sends the information to the user's multipurpose communication device 110.

  Each web server 160 on the Internet has a known address, and the user provides this address to a web browser to connect to the appropriate web server 160. If a certain type of information is sought, the user can access a server running a “search” program that returns the addresses of a number of pages containing the type of information that is sought. Since the web server 160 may include multiple web pages, the user also specifies which web page to view in the address. This address, also called a universal resource locator (URL), is a series of numbers that indicate the server and the position of the page on the server, and is like a postal address. For simplicity, a domain name system has been developed that allows users to specify servers and documents using names that are easily remembered instead of numbers. In the URL, it is possible to further specify a specific page in a group of pages belonging to the content provider by adding additional information to the end of the domain name. Internet URL links can be defined and pre-configured within a browser running on a particular access point 120 to target a field of interest. Such areas include, but are not limited to, web-based email, search engines, news, weather services, and predetermined information sources. The information presented on the display device of the multipurpose communication device 110 is provided by a browser executed at the access point to which the multipurpose communication device 110 is connected. For this reason, a web link is provided on the communication device 110. You can browse.

  A combination of one or more multipurpose communication devices 110 and an Internet service provider 140 provides a system that allows a plurality of users to perform voice communication via voice over IP (VOIP). A user who wants to perform communication via voice communication uses the multipurpose communication apparatus 110 including a microphone and a simple speaker. The microphone is connected to an analog-to-digital converter (ADC), and the speaker is connected to a digital-to-analog converter (DAC). When the user speaks into the microphone, the voice is converted into digital information by the microphone and the ADC. When a VOIP application is running on the access point (AP) instead of a browser, the digital information is interpreted as a voice packet and sent to the ISP along with the telephone number transmission information. The ISP recognizes that this is a call, converts the packet to an Internet Protocol (IP) packet, interprets the transfer information, and sends the IP packet to the called party over the Internet. Conversely, when a voice packet addressed to a specific user who owns the communication device 110 is sent to a specific AP, this is recognized by the ISP 140, and the ISP recognizes this packet as a VOIP connected to the destination user. Send to thin client application. The thin client application converts digital data in a voice packet into data, converts the digital data into an analog signal that can be heard by the DAC of the communication device 110, and this signal is converted into voice by the speaker of the communication device 110. .

  Referring to FIG. 2, a block diagram of multipurpose communication device 110 is shown. The multipurpose communication device 110 includes a thin client controller 202 connected to a digital input device 205 such as a keyboard, a touch sensor pad, a touch screen, or a joystick type device. The thin client controller 202 is also connected to a wireless communication device 211 such as a GSM / GPRS cellular transceiver or an 802.11x or 802.16 IP transceiver. The thin client controller 202 is also connected to a digital output device 214 such as a display device such as, but not limited to, a multi-line display, graphic display.

  The thin client controller 202 also includes a nonvolatile storage device in which the thin client software 240 is stored. The thin client software includes software for interpreting input commands and software that expresses output information received from the access point 120. The thin client software also has a unique user identifier (UUID). For example, the UUID 250 can be stored in a read only memory device (ROM) in a thin client controller or a fixed wiring integrated circuit. Thin client software also includes software for controlling the communication device 211, analog interface circuitry (ADC or DAC), and analog signal processing circuitry associated with the microphone and speaker subsystem. The client controller 220 also includes a RAM for storing execution program and related data. Further, the combination of the thin client controller and software implements necessary digital signal processing in order to process data input from the DAC / data input from the ADC.

  The implementation of the controller 202 is determined based on cost / function trade-off evaluation. In one embodiment, the memory in the controller 202 is not accessible to end users and may be changed during manufacturing. In either case, the memory interface is usually unterminated to save cost and power consumption. In one embodiment, the controller 202 is a low cost and low power application specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

  In one embodiment, the analog I / O devices 207, 216 of the multi-purpose communication device 110 are for external headsets capable of full-duplex audio for audio playback or applications such as voice over IP (VOIP). A headphone / microphone integrated jack. In another embodiment, the microphone 216 and the speaker 207 may be built in the thin client multipurpose communication device 110.

  Multipurpose communication device 110 is portable and can therefore be battery powered. The battery can be recharged using an external AC / DC adapter, along with an onboard regulator that can supply enough power to supply the system with all the necessary voltages.

  Referring to FIG. 3, the thin client access point 120 is basically a dedicated thin client server for serving a multipurpose communication apparatus connected to the AP. The main components of the thin client server AP are its processor 302, a memory 306 such as a random access memory (RAM), and an I / O controller 304 that interfaces the I / O devices to the system bus 312. The AP usually does not have a dedicated keyboard and display as a server, but can have a connector for the I / O device 305. Typically, the thin client AP is programmed remotely via the communication interface 313 for IP address assignment. The communication interface is connected to the I / O controller 304. When the communication channels of the thin client 110 and the distribution network 130 are different, there are a plurality of communication transmitters for the communication device 311 to communicate with the thin client and the communication device 313 to communicate with the distribution network. . One interface may support both a thin client and a distribution system. In addition, non-volatile memory devices such as a read only memory (ROM) 307 and a hard disk drive (HDD) 308 are also connected to the I / O controller.

  The nonvolatile storage devices 307 and 308 store a plurality of software modules. More specifically, BIOS 320, operating system 330, communication software 340, unique user identifier (UUID) 350, and thin client application 360 are stored in non-volatile storage, downloaded to RAM and executed by processor 302. Is done. For example, UUID 350 may be stored in a read only memory device (ROM) or a fixed wiring integrated circuit.

  The implementation of the RAM 306 is determined based on a cost / function trade-off evaluation.

  In one embodiment, the non-volatile storage device 307 of the thin client AP includes a ROM device for storing and booting from the BIOS 320. The ROM device can be updated in the field using the patch RAM by software operations performed via a wireless communication link. The software mechanism for updating the BIOS 320 is part of the system software update process and is not noticed by the user.

  In one embodiment, there are multiple mechanisms for putting the multipurpose communication device 110 into the HDD image recovery mode. One method is to press a button. This button is normally a hidden button that the user does not know about its existence and cannot accidentally press. An example of this is a button that requires a paper clip or a small object to be pushed into a hole in the housing in order to activate the button. Image restoration can be performed by software operations that are addressed via a wireless communication link and may be hidden from the user.

  Referring to FIG. 4, the multipurpose communication device thin client software 240 includes an input command module 410, an output command module 412, a wireless communication module 414, and a UUID module 416. Thin client software does not include application software such as browser software. The browser function provided to the multipurpose communication device 110 is provided via the access point 120.

  The input command module 410 has a simple protocol that interprets and encapsulates commands provided by an I / O input device such as a keyboard, touch screen or microphone and relays the commands to the thin client AP 120. The output command module also has a simple protocol for interpreting commands received from the thin client AP 120 and presenting data received from the thin client AP 120 to an output device such as the display 214 and the speaker 207. The wireless communication module 414 is necessary for encrypting and decrypting packets exchanged between the thin client and the AP and media access control (MAC) software necessary for transmitting and receiving information to and from the access point 120. Software. An example of such software is IEEE 802.11 security software.

  Referring to FIG. 5, the access point software comprises a plurality of silos 510a, 510b,... That virtually interact with access point hardware 512 via a hypervisor 514 (also referred to as a virtual machine monitor or VMM). The access point hardware is based on a processor that supports virtualization by hardware, such as an AMD processor using Pacifica technology. Each of the silos 510 has an instantiation of the operating system 330, one or more applications 360 (such as a web browser 520), an account management module 518, and a security module 522. The browser function provided to each multipurpose communication apparatus 110 is provided via a web browser in each silo. In addition, one of the silos (such as 510a) functions as a system management silo and further includes a software update module 530 and an image recovery module 532.

  The operating system 330 is a Windows-based operating system or a Linux-based operating system, but is not limited thereto. The Windows operating system or Linux operating system uniquely has a plurality of configurable operating parameters that can affect the performance of the system. Regardless of the operating system implemented, the processor 302 implemented in the access point 120 is used to evaluate the individual characteristics of all operating systems for the relationship between their values and their impact on system performance. sell. These configuration settings may be set in advance in the installed image.

  In one embodiment, the access point 120 is shipped with the access point 120 and the multipurpose communication device 110 communicating with the access point 120 including all software applications 360 necessary to function as a thin client / server pair. Is done. Access point 120 is not designed to allow a user to install application software. Applications can be added or updated via the update module 530, typically by software operations performed by the system administrator via the communication link, and may be hidden from the user.

  The access point 120 allows for the maintenance of software images for various scenarios, such as operating system security patches, application patches, BIOS updates, new drivers and / or applications. A mechanism for patch management can be built into the software. There is a minimum requirement for the Internet service provider 140 to have a patch function. Alternatively, operating system maintenance may be managed directly by the operating system vendor's infrastructure. For example, Windows can be maintained using a standard Windows Update service, but a mechanism for maintaining the system is provided by the Internet service provider.

  Access point 120 has the ability to browse the Internet and save bookmarks and other data to the system, which are constrained by available volatile memory and user privileges. The access point also has a function that allows a plurality of communication devices 110 to browse the Internet and store bookmarks and other data in the access point. User configuration settings are stored in access point 120. All user data is stored in a location that the user can access directly without knowing how to navigate the file system. This user data is isolated from the rest of the operating system to prevent corruption of the data by viruses or programs from other silos or other means. User data remains even if the system image is fully restored and will not be overwritten unless a catastrophic disk hardware failure occurs.

  The browser function that can be used in each multipurpose communication device 110 is provided through the browser module 520 of the access point 120. Each multipurpose communication device 110 has a separate browser module instantiation and user data in its own silo 570b, c,. Thus, each multipurpose communication device 110 can have unique user data stored in the access point 120.

  The security module 522 in each silo 510a, b, c,... Provides security functions between the access point 120 and the thin client communication device and between the AP 120 and the Internet service provider 140 for all the communication devices 110. In one embodiment, the operating system supports secure virtualization to ensure user program and data isolation. One such operating system, Microsoft Vista Windows Vista, and its successor Unity, are stored using a Trusted Platform Module (TPM). The key used for data encryption, user authentication, and secure packet transmission can be stored securely.

  Referring to FIG. 6, a flowchart of an interaction between the account management module 518 and the net service provider 140 for providing a low cost multipurpose communication device to multiple users is shown. More specifically, in step 610, the user initiates an Internet session with multipurpose communication device 110 by accessing the Internet using multipurpose communication device 110. A connection with the Internet service provider 140 is established via the communication device 110 and the access point 120. Next, in step 620, the user provides a username and password to the Internet service provider. Next, in step 622, the Internet service provider 140 determines whether the user is an authenticated / authorized user. If the user is not an authorized user, at step 624, the Internet service provider denies access to the Internet. If the user is an authorized user, at step 626 the internet service provider authorizes the session and the user is connected to the internet via the internet service provider 140.

  Further, in step 630, while the user provides the user name, the multipurpose communication device 110 provides the UUID to the Internet service provider 140 in the background without the user's knowledge or without the user's operation. Provide in. Next, in step 632, the Internet service provider determines whether the multipurpose communication device is a genuine / legitimate device. The Internet service provider 140 determines whether the multipurpose communication device 110 is a legitimate system based on a plurality of criteria. Such criteria include whether a multipurpose communication device has recently been paid, the multipurpose communication device 110 has been reported stolen, or there is a duplicate of the same device (ie, an illegal copy of the device has been created) The location where the device establishes the connection matches the assumed location, but is not limited thereto. Basically, the internet service provider 140 can use this determination to manage the business part of the relationship with the user. For example, when the multipurpose communication apparatus 110 is assigned to a certain user, this determination can determine whether or not the assignment period is ongoing. If the system is a legitimate system, in step 626, the user is connected to the Internet via the Internet service provider.

  Next, at step 640, the Internet service provider 140 may monitor the Internet session based on certain criteria such as the duration of the connection. In step 642, the Internet service provider 140 may periodically determine whether the connected multipurpose communication device 110 is a genuine / legitimate system based on this monitoring. If the connected multipurpose communication device 110 is a genuine / legitimate system, at step 626, the Internet service provider 140 continues to authorize the session. If the connected multipurpose communication device 110 is not a legitimate system, in step 644, the Internet service provider 140 terminates access to the Internet.

  The present invention is suitably adapted to obtain the advantages inherent in itself in addition to the advantages described above. Although the invention has been illustrated and described, and has been defined with reference to specific embodiments of the invention, such reference is not meant to limit the invention, and no such limitation is inferred. Don't be. The present invention is capable of considerable variations, modifications and equivalents in form and function as would occur to one of ordinary skill in the art. The illustrated and described embodiments are examples only, and are not exhaustive of the scope of the invention.

  For example, the embodiments described above comprise modules that perform specific tasks. The modules described here may comprise hardware modules or software modules. The hardware module can be implemented in an application specific circuit or by some form of programmable logic device. Software modules include script batches or other executable files. The module may be stored on a machine readable medium such as a flash memory card or a computer readable storage medium. Storage devices used to store software modules according to embodiments of the present invention include semiconductor-based memories that can be permanently, detachably or remotely connected to a microprocessor / memory system. is there. Thus, the module can be stored in the memory of the computer system, and the computer system can be configured to perform the functions of the module. Other new types and various types of computer readable storage media can be used to store the modules described herein. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the separation of functionality into multiple modules is exemplary. In other embodiments, the functions of multiple modules may be combined into a single module, or the functions of the modules may be separated in other ways. For example, a software module may call a plurality of submodules so that each submodule performs its function and passes control directly to another submodule.

  It will also be appreciated that, for example, all software described with respect to a multipurpose communication device may operate as, for example, a signal embedded in a carrier wave.

  It will also be understood that, for example, other multipurpose communication device architectures and access point architectures are within the scope of the present invention.

  For example, although the embodiment described here assumes a wireless channel, the communication channel may generally be wired or wireless.

  Therefore, the present invention is limited only by the spirit and scope of the appended claims, and completely includes equivalents in all respects.

1 is a block diagram of a system for providing a low cost multipurpose communication device to a plurality of users. The system block diagram of a multipurpose communication apparatus. The block diagram of an access point. The block diagram of the software of a multipurpose communication apparatus. The access point software block diagram. The flowchart of the account management process of the system for providing a low-cost multipurpose communication apparatus to a some user.

Claims (6)

An environment for managing accounts between an Internet service provider and a plurality of multipurpose thin client communication devices each having an associated unique ID,
A server access point that enables the plurality of multipurpose thin client communication devices to interact with the Internet service provider;
A verification module for verifying whether a multipurpose thin client communication device should access the Internet;
A determination module that determines whether the multipurpose thin client communication device is a legitimate system based on a plurality of criteria;
An environment in which the Internet service provider uses the determination to manage a business portion of a relationship with a user of a multipurpose thin client communication device.   The environment of claim 1, wherein the plurality of criteria includes whether a recent payment for the multipurpose thin client communication device has been made.   The environment of claim 1, wherein the plurality of criteria includes whether the multipurpose thin client communication device is reported to be stolen.   The environment of claim 1, wherein the plurality of criteria includes whether a copy of the multipurpose thin client communication device exists.   The environment of claim 1, wherein the plurality of criteria includes whether a location where the multipurpose thin client communication device has established the connection matches an assumed location.   The environment of claim 1, wherein the access point includes a browser module that enables each of the plurality of multipurpose thin client communication devices to browse the Internet.

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