RU2297101C2 - Data processing in wireless network - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: wireless computer networks enabling use of remote display devices.

SUBSTANCE: proposed invention enables use of device for remote Internet content display and its output. Main portable computing device has cellular or satellite communication modem for connection to Internet and wireless data transport system for data exchange with additional device. Main device extracts cellular data from Internet and transfers them to additional device for display. Additional device has user graphics interface that can be controlled by main device.

EFFECT: ability of data generation and display using main portable computer and remote additional display device.

26 cl, 20 dwg

Description

This application claims priority based on Provisional Application for US Patent No. 60 / 287,381, filed May 1, 2001, entitled "Method and Device to Extend Device Capabilities", the contents of which are included in this description in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to wireless computing networks and, in particular, to a method and device that allows the use of remote display devices to display Internet content (information-relevant content) in full using a portable computing device.

State of the art

The advent of a Web browser for navigating the Internet and the development of wireless computer networks offers broad prospects for wireless e-commerce and wireless Internet access. There are five main ways to provide wireless Internet services.

The first way is to simply eliminate the need to use cables in a computer network by using wireless transceivers to create lines of communication between computers. The second way is to connect a computing device to a cell phone and use this phone to connect to a wireless network. A third method is to display the abbreviated Internet content on a cell phone screen using the Short Message Service (SMS) or the Wireless Application Protocol (WAP). A fourth way is to synchronize the wireless transfer of data between mobile devices (such as laptops or handheld computers) and desktop computers. And finally, the fifth solution is to implement the capabilities of a cell phone in small portable computing devices configured to display Internet content.

However, each of these solutions requires a compromise that limits the real-world opportunities offered by mobile e-commerce.

One way to eliminate “wired” connections is to use a central transceiver configured to create and maintain an RF channel between it and a computing device (including personal computers, or PCs, personal digital information devices (PDAs), laptops and laptops). The central transceiver provides the remote device with wireless access to network resources using wireless protocols such as 802.11b, Bluetooth ™ or HomeRF, which generally operate at non-licensable frequencies, such as 2.4 GHz. The computing device must contain a wireless modem and a transceiver for exchanging information with a wireless network and operate at the same frequency using the same wireless protocol. To manage the exchange of information necessary for interaction between these wireless devices, both the central transceiver and the wireless device must have the appropriate software installed.

One of the variants of this model is implemented in the latest modification of portable computing devices - a tablet computer. The tablet computer looks like a touch screen the size of a laptop, equipped to be able to establish communications via Wi-Fi (synonymous with IEEE 802.11b) or Bluetooth. To allow you to connect to the Internet or another network, the tablet computer will wirelessly connect to a wireless local area network (LAN), as described above. Information is entered mainly through the touch screen, which, being larger than the display devices in PDAs and portable devices, provides a more convenient user interface compared to handheld devices.

Another option has taken the form of set-top boxes, which can also be equipped with a wireless adapter board to enable users to navigate the World Wide Web wirelessly using their televisions and remote controls. A significant difference here is the use of a TV as a display device. In other words, the use of the set-top box imitates the functionality of the previously described wireless transceivers to provide network connectivity.

Although each of the above solutions provides some degree of portability, since cables are not required for transferring content to display devices, all of them are limited by the signal transmission range in a wireless LAN that provides a network connection. This means that computing devices are dependent on a wireless LAN and cannot provide the same level of service when not available. This is only an “in-office” or “home” solution. Apart from this freedom from cables, each of the devices using the wireless network functions as if it were wired directly to the network.

The second model currently in use is the connection of a PDA, or portable computing device, with a cell phone to provide greater mobility. In this embodiment, virtually any computing device that can be connected to a cellular telephone can provide Internet content, provided that the cellular telephone or computing device has an available modem and software necessary to support the display of content (for example, a browser). In this configuration, you can use wires, for example, a portable device can be connected to the phone via a data cable using a connection via the RS232 interface, but in other respects this configuration is completely portable. Alternatively, the portable device may use a wireless connection, for example via Bluetooth or another wireless protocol, to connect to a cell phone. A wireless connection can also be made using infrared transceivers between a cell phone and a PDA device. However, the use of infrared radiation requires such a positioning of both devices so that their infrared transceivers face each other in order to be able to exchange information.

The difficulty with this approach is that the user must carry many devices with him everywhere in order to have wireless access to Internet content. In the case of infrared communications, the user must ensure that such devices are installed on the line of sight for this to work. The next problem is that most of the displayed Internet content was not created taking into account the limited capabilities of PDA screens or portable devices and, therefore, the content is not easy to view with this configuration. Such devices, in addition, have limited input capabilities due to their small size. Together, these restrictions can create inconvenience for mobile users.

In response to the limitations that characterize portable computing devices and mobile phones, and in an effort to provide Internet content to users regardless of their location, a markup language for portable devices was developed, known today as a markup language for wireless systems (WML) and supported by a special protocol, named Wireless Application Protocol (WAP). Thus, WAP is not a device, but a protocol. In fact, it was designed with the specific goal of providing access to Internet content via cell phones. Of course, the development of WAP solved many problems associated with wireless communications, for example, the delay in signal processing, disconnection, and device classification (to take into account the limited capabilities of each device in terms of screen size, power management, and information input features). However, the main postulate of WAP is that devices with the ability to work on this protocol should only support text and elementary bitmap images. The restrictions imposed by WAP may disappoint those users who use this protocol to view Internet content at their desktop.

A competitor to WAP emerged in Japan in the form of an i-mode browser developed by NTT DoCoMo that displays Internet content in the standard format of the Hypertext Markup Language (HTML). The i-mode standard is supported by the NTT network, which does most of the work in preparing Internet content for display on a limited-sized user phone screen. At the same time, i-mode capabilities are also limited by the screen size of the mobile device.

Another form of Internet content available to mobile phones is the Short Message Service (SMS). This option allows the user to send short text messages of 250 characters or less to mobile phones by entering a text message on their phone, dialing the intended recipient's number and sending this message to the network server to forward it to the recipient. The server software interprets the call as SMS and stores this message on the server. Then the server calls the recipient and sends this message to the screen of his phone. If the recipient is currently unavailable, the message will be left on the server and the recipient will be notified about it after his phone is switched on or his line becomes available for calls.

Due to the limited input capabilities of most portable devices, PDA manufacturers have long recognized the need for data exchange between portable devices and other devices that have great capabilities for viewing and processing such data (for example, PCs and laptops). Therefore, in order to support the transfer of information from portable devices to computers (and other portable devices) and in the opposite direction, such manufacturers have developed software and hardware data synchronization. In fact, the consortium, created in 1999 to standardize such data synchronization, has developed a new markup language, SyncML (markup language for synchronizing devices on a network). This standard aims to mitigate the effect of incompatibilities between third-party clock circuits.

Regardless of the synchronization method used, the principle remains the same. The data must be stored as a file or record on both the portable device and the PC, and the software needs to check the status of the data to determine if there have been changes or additions to the file or record since the last synchronization. If the data on the two devices is different, then the data will be copied to the device (laptop or PC) that contains an older copy or lost a copy. You can do the same with deleted files by deleting a file or record from both devices based on the delete flag associated with certain data.

Such synchronization is necessary in order to avoid data loss and to ensure the availability of such data for a portable device. However, processing such data in a portable device may become difficult due to the limited screen size and limited input capabilities of such devices. Synchronization is a reflection of the desire of portable computing devices to be fully functional within their capabilities. Users are still responsible for initiating and specifying the characteristics of such synchronization. As a result, errors will occur and data may be lost. It also reduces portable devices to the level of an “observer” rather than a real computing device. The ability to display information is not the greatest strength of a portable device due to the usually small size of the viewed image and the lack of color or contrast of the image (few pixels).

There is a strong trend towards combining telephony with laptop computers. This option provides the combination of software built into most PDA devices, for example, calendars, telephone directories, record editors and gaming features, with the capabilities of a cell phone. Both cell phone manufacturers and PDA manufacturers are bringing the implementation of this option closer by developing the capabilities of their respective devices. Phone makers have combined PDA capabilities with their mobile phones / pagers to create a range of smart phones (“smartphones”). To do the same, portable device manufacturers are incorporating cell phone capabilities into their devices. Currently, these proposed tools are mostly complementary to PDA components. However, the situation is likely to change with the advent of new models with built-in wireless capabilities. The same is true for manufacturers of two-way pagers who use a similar approach, providing in their devices the expansion of functionality to the level of computers.

Regardless of the approach used, combining mobile phones with computing devices still means a dilemma for users. Now users have at their disposal ultraportability, but are still limited by a small viewing space and low input capabilities characterizing a portable device. In order to fully support the capabilities of wireless Internet, the above-mentioned disadvantages must be addressed in these devices.

Thus, in the art there is a need for methods and devices that allow the use of alternative display devices to display content that is unsuitable for display on limited screens of portable devices.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides methods and devices for processing data in a wireless network, where the interaction of two or more devices provides functionality that cannot be obtained using a single device. The methods described herein can be implemented in cell phones, PDAs, laptops, and other mobile devices and can allow users to wirelessly control other devices that are capable of displaying Internet content in full. In particular, the present invention provides wireless data processing on the Internet using remote display devices and laptop computers.

Accordingly, one aspect of the present invention is a method of processing data on a network using a main device and an auxiliary device, the main device comprising a central data processing unit, a memory, a user input device, means for wirelessly connecting to a network, and means for wirelessly connecting to an additional device and wherein the additional device comprises an operating system, a graphical user interface, and wireless means connected Ia with the main device, and this method comprises the steps of:

a) establishing a wireless two-way connection between the primary and secondary devices;

b) establishing a wireless network connection between the host device and the computer network;

c) generating command data in order to synchronize the auxiliary device with the main device and to control the secondary device from the main device and transmit command data to the secondary device;

d) receiving user-entered commands and transmitting these commands as interface data from the primary device to the secondary device;

e) receiving data and data requests generated by the auxiliary device, and transmitting these data and data requests to the computer network through the main device; and

f) receiving data from the computer network and transmitting network data to the auxiliary device through said main device.

According to another aspect, the present invention may comprise a main computing device, which includes a central data processing unit and memory, and which comprises:

a) a means of wirelessly connecting to a computer network;

b) means for wirelessly connecting to an additional device comprising an operating system and user feedback means;

c) means for generating command data in order to synchronize the auxiliary device with the main device and to control the additional device from the side of the main device;

d) means for receiving user-entered commands and generating interface data;

e) means for receiving network data and network data requests from an additional device and transmitting them to a computer network;

f) means for receiving network data from a computer network; and

g) means for transmitting command data, interface data, and network data to the auxiliary device.

According to a further aspect, the invention may comprise a computer program implemented on a computer-readable medium which, when operating on a main device, comprising means for wirelessly connecting to a computer network and means for wirelessly connecting to an additional device comprising an operating system, a graphical user interface, and means for wirelessly connecting to the main device , allows the main device to control the secondary device, and this program contains:

a) a code segment that generates command data for synchronizing the auxiliary device with the primary device and controlling the secondary device from the primary device;

b) a code segment that processes the commands entered by the user for the main device and generates interface data;

c) a code segment that receives network data and network data requests from an additional device and transmits them to a computer network;

d) a code segment that receives and processes network data coming from a computer network; and

e) a code segment that causes the transfer of command data, interface data, and network data to an additional device.

According to another aspect, the present invention may include a computing device, which includes a Central data processing unit and memory and which contains:

a) a means of wirelessly connecting to a computer network;

b) means for wirelessly connecting to an additional device comprising an operating system and a graphical user interface;

c) logic means that generates command data for synchronizing the accessory device with said computing device and controlling the accessory device from said computing device;

d) a logical means that processes the command data;

e) a logic tool that processes user-entered commands and generates interface data;

f) a logical means that receives network data and network data requests from an additional device and transmits them to a computer network;

g) a logical means that receives network data from a computer network; and

h) a logical means that causes the transfer of command data, interface data and network data to an additional device.

List of drawings

The invention will now be described using exemplary embodiments of it and with reference to the accompanying simplified and schematic drawings, in which:

1A is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of the present invention.

1B is a schematic diagram of an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

1C is a schematic diagram of an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an illustration of a possible packet structure that can be used by the method of the present invention to exchange information between devices of the present invention.

Figure 3 - the simplest relationship between two devices that use the present invention.

4 is a relationship between two devices separated by an intermediate device.

5 is a relationship between two devices separated by a repeater device.

6 is an illustration of what may be the relationship of one additional device with many basic devices.

7 is a branched connection of one main device with many additional devices.

Fig - mechanism for providing an intermediate device access to the network as the primary and secondary devices that are connected to it.

9A is a data transmission mechanism based on fully multiplexed data streams using only one signal for transmission.

9B is a data transmission mechanism based on partially multiplexed (interface and command data) data streams using two signals for transmission.

9C is a data transmission mechanism based on partially multiplexed (network and command data) data streams using two signals for transmission.

Fig. 9D is a data transmission mechanism based on partially multiplexed (network and interface data) data streams using two signals for transmission.

9E is a data transmission mechanism based on three data streams using three signals for transmission.

10 is a flowchart illustrating the initiation and termination of a session.

11 is a block diagram of a sequence of operations illustrating the management of additional and main devices.

12 is a flowchart illustrating the exchange of information between the primary and secondary devices.

13 is a flowchart illustrating the transmission of interface data to an additional device.

14 is a flowchart illustrating the management of network connections and network data flow.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides methods and devices for processing data in a wireless network. When describing the present invention, the following terms have the following meanings, unless otherwise indicated. All terms not defined here are generally accepted in the art.

The term “network data” refers to data and data requests sent either from a network or from a network.

The term “interface data” refers to data resulting from the conversion of interface commands entered by a user on the main device, examples of such data are pointer movements and keyboard input.

The term "command data" refers to data sent either by the main device or by an additional device to control the session and operation of each device.

The term “Bluetooth” refers to a wireless protocol standard developed by the Bluetooth Special Interest Group for a cost-effective small form factor radio technology that enables communication between mobile computers, mobile phones and other portable devices, as well as the ability to access the Internet.

In one embodiment of the present invention, a primary mobile device, such as a portable computer with wireless connectivity, is used to display Internet content wirelessly on an additional device that includes a display device. As a result, the main device retains its mobile properties, mainly the ability to receive content wirelessly, but can take advantage of the functionality and connectivity of nearby additional devices. This method does not reduce the level of independence of the main device. It will work in the same way as in the usual case, when it is isolated from other devices. However, it can expand its capabilities with other devices that support the methods proposed by the present invention.

One particular embodiment of the present invention is depicted in FIG. 1A. In this embodiment, the main device (24), for example, a hybrid of a cell phone and a PDA, is connected to an additional display device (38, 38 '), which has its own operating system, a central processing unit (CPU), video tools, a program for navigating the network and graphical user interface. The main device (24) controls an additional device (38, 38 ') for displaying Internet content in full. Without its own Internet connection, the additional device receives content through the main device (24) using the methods described here. The accessory device may be, but is not limited to, a general purpose computer and monitor, either a desktop or laptop, a printer, or an intelligent monitor or television. In one embodiment of the present invention, the accessory device may comprise a projector (38 ') having a flashlight size that would need to project an image only a few feet away to create images corresponding to a full-sized computer monitor or television screen. At the same time, the portability of a cell phone and a projector will allow the user to move to any place, still accepting and browsing the same Internet content.

The methods of the present invention differ from the models known in the art in that they provide complete flexibility in creating a network even in the absence of a home or office network. Therefore, this will work the same way both inside and outside the home or office and will provide the same level of access in both cases. This quality is achieved by creating a network "as needed." If the secondary device can access an existing network, this method allows the secondary device to use this network under the control of the main device. In the absence of a network, this method allows you to provide the network wirelessly through the main portable device.

The method proposed by the present invention differs from WAP and SMS in its ability to provide full Internet access, especially to the contents of the World Wide Web, and not only provide text and elementary bitmap images for users located in remote areas. It is not necessary that the content is "cut out" from HTML for its delivery; the original content can be displayed while the main portable device is in close proximity to an additional display device capable of displaying this content.

The method proposed by the present invention provides a peer-to-peer data exchange mechanism. The information entered by the user from the main device comes in real time to the additional device for processing. In this case, the main device expands the capabilities of the additional device. In one embodiment of the present invention, the additional device comprises a display device, an operating system, a browser integrated as a graphical user interface, and also means for wirelessly connecting to the main device. In one embodiment of the present invention, the additional device may be a smart monitor that contains an operating system, a browser, and means for establishing wireless communication, but may not contain any user input devices or other means of establishing communication with the network.

The main device implements both a user input mechanism and a network connection. Although synchronization support may still be provided, this system has the ability to pass user input simultaneously with data routed through a wireless network connection supported by a portable device.

The present invention enhances the beneficial properties of the small footprint and mobility that characterize portable devices and PDAs. This is achieved due to the fact that wireless communication allows you to bring the viewing area in the literal sense of "outside the enclosure." When displaying content in conjunction with nearby additional display devices, the portable device can retain its portable qualities. Since the speed of wireless information exchange increases when using 2.5 and 3rd generation telephony, for example, IMT2000 and UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunication System) standards, it may become possible to deliver Internet content at speeds comparable to broadband.

Thus, the present invention relates to methods and devices for such a system, which allows at least one main device to control at least one additional device, while at the same time providing simultaneous connection to the network for the additional device. This will allow both primary and secondary devices to have such access to content and acquire such functionality that may not be available when using the capabilities of each of them individually. And, in addition, this allows this network connection to move together with the main device, as a result of which the user is never left without a connection to the network while cellular or satellite telephony services are available.

Before a session can begin, both devices must be configured to establish a connection using this method. Both the main device (one or several) and the additional device (one or several) must contain software and / or hardware that supports this method. In each of the devices, this software can be implemented as an application running inside the operating system, the operating system itself, an embedded application, or firmware encoded in the processor. The hardware may be any logical device, synchronous or asynchronous, configured to execute this software. In one embodiment of the present invention, an integrated circuit can be created to combine all the hardware and software in one chip. The main device can be any device, including the following, but not limited to: personal digital information devices (PDAs), pagers, laptop computers, mobile phones, watches, TV remote controls, or any other portable device configured to wired and / or wireless connection and having the capabilities of cellular or satellite telephony.

All primary and secondary devices should preferably have a unique device identification number, which can be a string of unencrypted text containing a device identifier that is understandable to a person, and further may include one or more encryption keys, information about its own capabilities and those capabilities that it Allowed to be shared with other devices. Depending on the level of security required in the current environment, a device database may be stored in the device’s memory containing information about previously connected devices and information about the possibilities provided by the current device to other similar devices.

If the primary and secondary devices are configured to allow them to control another device remotely, or to allow this device to control them, then one or more primary devices can initiate a connection to the secondary device. The transmission medium can be any transport mechanism that uses any protocol that supports networking, for example, TCP / IP (Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol).

In one embodiment of the method of the present invention, the application layer connection is established over the connection established by the wireless network as such. In one embodiment of the present invention, mutual detection and connection of devices is done locally using wireless protocols. The device serving as the main one can then interrogate each of the devices connected in this way in order to determine whether it supports the remote control capabilities prescribed by this method. A broadcast message will also query the status of other devices to determine if a connection to such devices is possible. Each device supporting this method and properly configured will send its identification information in response to the main device. Then the main device will prepare a list of all such devices and display this list to the user in a format suitable for display by the main device. After the primary and secondary devices have successfully exchanged the information required for the connection, the session becomes possible, but it is not yet active.

The user can then select one or more devices to activate the control session using the input methods supported by the main device. This can be a keyboard, pointing device, touch panel or other input device (including voice activation), either available in the main device or controlled externally via a cable or docking device. Then the user can activate the session by issuing instructions to the main device using the user interface available in it to establish a control channel with one or more selected additional devices. In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, rule-based automated activation can occur when such devices appear in close proximity or are connected to each other, with detection and connection occurring at the application level, data link layer or transport layer.

During the initialization of an active session between two devices, an exchange of identification information, device descriptions and information about network capabilities. After this exchange is completed, the session becomes active and the main device can transmit control information (user input) to the additional device to control its functionality. It is possible to encrypt the connection between the primary and secondary devices, this feature depends on the appropriate configuration of these devices. Such encryption includes encryption of individual keystrokes, if so provided by the configuration. This should prevent the detection and recording of passwords and other critical information by other devices not authorized to carry out this exchange of information.

Optional devices can be configured to limit the types of resources that the primary device is allowed to use. So, the auxiliary device can maintain a database containing the identification numbers of various main devices and contain a list of resources that can be used by each main device. For example, an additional device can be configured to allow a specific primary device (identified by its identifier) to only use its network connection. For an environment in which multiple primary and / or secondary devices are to be used, this database will also contain priority levels for each primary device. This allows some major devices to have a higher level of session management.

The main device, which is not allowed to use the existing network of the additional device, if any, will be informed during the setup process that the additional device does not have an available network connection and that the main device will be denied using such connections if they appear. If the auxiliary device is configured to establish an alternative network connection, the main device will provide it with its own network connection, and network requests will be routed through the communication network of the main device.

The host device can also be configured in such a way that only its own resources should be used when establishing a network connection. An example of such a scenario is when an additional device does not have a network connection and all content should be accessed through the main device. Another possible example is when a user must connect to a private network through a corporate network gateway in order to access confidential information. If the main device uses the network connection of the additional device (which can be characterized by greater speed and reliability), the main device will be prohibited from accessing the required content. Establishing your own network connection allows the main device to access the desired content.

If there is a conflict in the settings (i.e., both the primary and secondary devices are configured to use only their own network connections), the user will be notified about this before activating the session.

When the primary device initiates a session with the secondary device, network connectivity may not begin immediately. In one embodiment of the present invention, a network connection will only start to be established after starting an application that requires it; for example, if a browser opens on an additional device. This allows you to increase security and reduce costs when using the network by applying the principle of "network on demand" instead of a permanent connection. However, other options using the principle of constant connection, also do not go beyond the scope of the present invention.

To initiate a connection to the network, the user must run an application, such as a Web browser, on the additional device, which then requests a network connection. After that, the additional device will check its settings and session parameters provided by the main device and decide which network connection should be used. If the auxiliary device does not have any network connection, then the connection will be established through the main device. If the auxiliary device has its own connection and is allowed to use this connection with the main device, then the connection will be established through the additional device. If the primary and secondary devices do not have available connections, an error message will be displayed to the user. In one embodiment of the present invention, the auxiliary device can simultaneously use both its own connection and the connection of the main device, this may be required when one application requires access to the network of the main device, and another application requires access to the local network.

A session can be terminated directly by the user using the interface of the main device. Otherwise, the session may be terminated if the connection is disconnected as a result of distortion of the transmission medium, physical removal of the device from the network, power-off of one or both devices participating in the session; or when changing the settings of the additional device to terminate communication with the main device.

As shown in FIG. 1A, in one embodiment of the present invention, the base system (20) comprises a main device (24) and an additional device (38), the main device providing a connection to the Internet or another computer network and transmitting content received from Internet or other computer network, an optional device. An additional device provides remote visual display of content and provides a graphical user interface, which in the usual case can be seen and with which you can interact in a browser window.

As shown in the diagrams of FIGS. 1B and 1C, in general, the main device (24) is a portable computing device comprising a transceiver (22), a processing and control unit (28), a user interface (26) for input and output, and means ( 30) network connections. The transceiver (22) of the main device transmits to the transport system (52) and receives data streams from it, and the transport system then transmits the data stream to the transceiver (40) of the additional device through the transport system (54) of the additional device. In one embodiment of the present invention, the transport system (52) uses a wireless protocol such as Bluetooth.

The user device interface (26) of the main device may comprise an input device, which may be the following, but not limited to: pointer control, a keyboard, a touch panel, voice control, or some other alternative input device, and a feedback device, which may be the following, but not in a limiting sense: an image carrier such as a liquid crystal screen (LCD) or a cathode ray tube (CRT) screen. In one embodiment of the present invention, the input device and the feedback device are combined in a single touch screen, for example, the Palm ™ family of PDA devices.

The processing and control unit (28) is used to manage the data and its distribution inside the main device (24). It can be a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a digital signal processor or an integrated circuit; however, it can also be a synchronous or asynchronous logical device of any type, configured to implement the data management and distribution functions required to put the present invention into practice. The unit (28) for processing and control of the main device should contain memory (which may include a hard disk drive, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), flash memory or a combination thereof), software software (which may include an operating system and a Web browser) and the hardware required to interconnect all components of the device (24).

The network connection tool (30) is used to obtain external content both by the main device and (through the main) auxiliary device. In the usual case, it will be a wireless connection via a cellular or satellite network using a cellular or satellite modem, but it can also be through any other network with any protocol.

The additional device (38) comprises a transceiver (40), a processing and control unit (34), a user interface (36), which, first of all, will be a screen that allows displaying a graphical user interface. The additional device may include means (32) for connecting to the network, but this is not necessary. The transceiver (40) of the auxiliary device will process three data streams (42, 44, 46), which will then enter the transport system (54), and the transport system (54) will transmit a wireless signal to the transport system (52) of the main device.

The user interface (36) may also comprise an input device, which may be the following, but not limited to: pointer control, keyboard, touchpad, voice control, or some other alternative input device. It is not necessary that the auxiliary device contains any means for inputting information by the user, since all user input can be provided by the main device. The user interface will in most cases be a feedback device, for example, an image carrier such as a cathode ray tube screen or a liquid crystal screen.

Block (34) processing and control of the additional device is used to manage data and their distribution inside the additional device (38). It can be a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a digital signal processor or an integrated circuit; however, it can also be a synchronous or asynchronous logical device of any type, configured to implement the data management and distribution functions required to put the present invention into practice. The processing and control unit (34) must contain memory (which may include a hard disk drive, RAM, ROM, flash memory, or a combination thereof), software (which may include an operating system and a Web browser) and hardware means (graphic adapters, Ethernet adapters) required to interconnect all components of the additional device.

In the basic implementation of the present invention, one main device works in conjunction with one additional device. However, more complex systems that do not fall outside the scope of the present invention would allow several primary devices to connect to one secondary device, one primary device to connect to multiple secondary devices, or several primary devices to connect to multiple secondary devices.

To determine what information needs to be sent to organize data flows (42, 44, 46) between the main (24) and additional (38) devices, the transport system (52, 54) works directly with transceivers (22, 40) and blocks (28 , 34) processing and management. In practice, transport systems (52, 54) and transceivers (22, 40) may be part of the processing and control units (28, 34) or may be a combination of hardware and software located both inside and outside these units. An example is Bluetooth (TCP / IP), where most of the multiplexing and data preparation work is done inside the processing and control unit using the Bluetooth stack (TCP / IP), and only the modulation and connection functions are performed by external Bluetooth hardware (Ethernet , Token ring, 802.11b).

In one embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 1B, both the primary and secondary devices comprise means for connecting to a computer network. In this embodiment, the desired content can be provided through the main device or through an additional device, depending on which of them has access or better access to this content.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 1C, the accessory device does not comprise a means of connecting to a computer network. In this embodiment, all external content should be delivered via the network connection of the main device. This modification can also be applied where the additional device has a network connection, but does not have access rights to the required content. If the secondary device stores the desired content in a memory that it can access, then the primary device can control the secondary device to display this stored content. In this state of things, the main device is just a remote controller.

Both the main device (24) and the auxiliary device (38) shown in FIG. 1B or FIG. 1C may contain other components or other devices may be connected to them.

There are three types of information that is transmitted between transceivers (22, 40): network data (42, 304), command data (44, 306), and interface data (46, 308). Transport systems (52, 54) of both the primary and secondary devices allow the preparation of data streams for optimal transmission through the medium (56). Although other configurations of data streams are possible, FIGS. 9A-9E generally outline five basic data transfer arrangements. Some of these circuits may use transport controllers (312), as well as multiplexers and demultiplexers (310, 316), which must be described before considering the corresponding circuits.

For all of the above data transfer arrangements shown in FIGS. 9A-9E, the data transfer is bidirectional. So, the three transmitted data streams (304, 306, 308) from the first transceiver (300) sent to the second transceiver (302) are subjected to the same processing as if these three data streams were transmitted by the second transceiver (302) to the first transceiver (300) . In the block diagram of the system shown in FIG. 1B, the transceivers (22, 40) are identical to the transceivers (300, 302) shown in FIGS. 9A-9E; thus, the transport systems (52, 54) are combinations of multiplexers / demultiplexers (310, 316) and transport controllers (312), and the medium (56) carries all the signals (314, 318, 320, 322, 324, 326, 328, 330, 332, 334).

The transport controller (312) can be several levels of software, can be implemented as hardware / firmware, or be a combination of these two options. A transport controller (312) packs, composes, modulates, and transmits data. This controller will also receive, demodulate, decompress and decompose the received data to retrieve information transmitted by another device. The packaging and linking process will include any or all of the following operations: formatting, compaction, electronic signature supply, encryption, and the addition of error correction. In the process of unpacking and decomposing, the initial transmitted information will be extracted by error correction, verification, decryption, decompression, and restoration of the received data in the manner necessary. The transport controller (312) also filters the received data, which is not part of the proposed method or part of the process of exchanging information between devices. In addition to the above, the transport controller (312) will also control the connection between two or more devices, including channel loss and other characteristics. In addition, it is possible that the transport controller (312) does not modify the data at all.

The multiplexer / demultiplexer (310, 316) can be any device implemented by software, hardware, or a combination of them that combine (multiplex) several input information streams to create a smaller number of output information streams. Multiplexed streams can be split (demultiplexed) to obtain the original information streams. An example of software multiplexers (310, 316) is the GSM TS 07.10 standard, a subgroup of specifications of which is used in the Bluetooth protocol.

When exchanging information between devices (24, 38) using multiplexed (in whole or in part) data streams, a software multiplexer with a packet structure having an industry standard, for example, GSM TS 07.10 or Bluetooth RFCOMM, can be used. The structure of the package (100) described below is given as an illustration of the result of using a multiplexer, which is determined by a specific application, which can be used in addition to or instead of industry standard multiplexers. This packet structure (100) is shown in FIG. The package (100) consists of two parts: the header (110) and the module (120).

The header (110) consists of the transport identifier (130), encryption status (175), identifier (140) of the receiving device, identifier (150) of the source device, type (160) of the module and length (170) of the module. The transport identifier (130) contains transport information required by the protocol over which the packet (100) is forwarded. For example, it could be a Bluetooth ID. The encryption status (175) indicates which level of encryption is being used. The identifier (140) of the receiver device is the address of the receiver device to which this packet (100) is to be delivered; It has a fixed size. The identifier (150) of the source device is the address of the device from which the packet (100) originates, and also has a fixed size. The type (160) of the module indicates whether the information in the module (120) is an instruction (44), interface data (46) or network data (42) and is only 1 byte in size. The length (170) of the module indicates the number of bytes in the module (120). This parameter has a size of 2 bytes and is a number from 1 to 65536.

Module (120) contains information to be transmitted. In one embodiment of the present invention, three different packet types are defined and used (100). The first is a command data packet (44), which will contain commands designed to synchronize and configure the two devices; This package is bidirectional. The second is an interface data package (46), which contains cursor move commands, pointer move commands, keyboard commands, and voice data; it is unidirectional. The last packet is the network data packet (42), which is bidirectional.

The entire packet (100) after the transport identifier (130) or only the module (120) can be encrypted before transmission, then transmitted and decrypted in the corresponding receiver. The encryption level of the packet (100), module (120) or an indication of the absence of encryption is stored in the encryption status (175) parameter. This can enhance the security of the entire process, especially in a wireless environment in which multiple receivers can receive the same data. It can also prevent a situation where a modified device pretends to be another device listed in the database as trusted (a device that is normally allowed to exchange information). If encryption is used, then the encryption algorithm and the corresponding hardware should be able to save time at a given data arrival rate, otherwise a packet loss can be expected.

A packet (100) is sent starting with bit 0 of the header (110) in a bitwise sequence. This packet can be processed bit by bit as it is received, or the entire packet (100) can be read and then processed; or a header (110) can be bitwise processed followed by bitwise processing of the entire module (120). The transport identifier (130) may be excluded and not transmitted, depending on the requirements of the transport protocol, the software or firmware level below this method will check the packets (100) and determine what data should be sent. It is this level that will determine whether or not to exclude the transport identifier (130). The size of the transport identifier (130) will vary depending on the transport protocol used. Processing of packets is carried out using the blocks (28, 34) of processing and control.

The processing and control unit (28, 34) of the device receiving the packet (100) will first view the encryption status (175) to check and verify whether any decryption is required. Then, the processing and control unit (28, 34) will check the identifier (140) of the receiver device to make sure that it matches the internal identifier that was programmed in this unit. If these two identifiers do not match, the remainder of the packet (100) is discarded. If the identifiers match, the device will check the identifier (150) of the receiver device to see if a session with the transmitter has begun. If the session is already active, processing will continue. If the receiver already has an active session with another device and is not allowed to have more than one active session, then the rest of the packet (100) is discarded. If the receiver does not have an active session, then processing will continue in the sense of initiating a session. If the identifier of the receiver (140) and the identifier (150) of the source are the same, then the processing will be stopped and the rest of the packet (100) will be discarded.

Once it is verified that the packet (100) for the receiver comes from the corresponding transmitter, the processing of the header (110) will continue. Now the device scans the type (160) of the module and determines this type. If it is a command data packet (44), then it may contain commands for establishing or disconnecting a connection, synchronization parameters, a description of network capabilities, etc. If this is an interface data packet (46), then it may contain cursor movement data or interface data, and if it is a network data packet (42), it will contain network data. Then the device will check the length (170) of the module and get the module (120).

Now, when both the type (160) of the module and the module (120) are removed, the receiver processing and control unit (28, 34) will work accordingly with the module (120). This may include decrypting it before continuing. After that, the processing and control unit (28, 34) either executes a command, sends interface data to the device interface (26, 36), sends network data to the application that requests them, or sends network data via the network connection tool (30, 32). Processing and control units (28, 34) are also responsible for converting packets into a form suitable for their recipient. For example, you may need to rearrange the network packet as an Ethernet packet, or you may need to convert mouse movements to calls to a graphical user interface or application programming interface (API). This transformation can be performed by the transport system (52, 54); this can somewhat reduce the load on the processing and control unit (28, 34).

The first data transfer arrangement shown in FIG. 9A includes forwarding information using a single signal (314) transmitted through the medium to one or more devices that may have an active connection. The medium can be a free space, an electric wire, an optical fiber, or any material that allows the exchange of information using electrical, magnetic, electromagnetic, optical, mechanical, or other means of transmission and reception. A single signal (314) consists of three different data streams (304, 306, 308), which are multiplexed (310). Before propagating, this signal also passes through a transport controller (312) to prepare for transmission accordingly. The opposite of the described process takes place when receiving and restoring the transmitted signal (314).

The second data transmission arrangement (Fig. 9B) includes sending information using two signals (318, 320) transmitted through the medium to one or more devices that may have an active connection. These two signals (318, 320) consist of three different data streams (304, 306, 308), of which command data (306) and interface data (308) are multiplexed (316), and the network data stream (304) remains unchanged. Before they are distributed, these two signals (318, 320), in addition, pass through one or more transport controllers (312) for appropriate preparation for transmission. The opposite of the described process takes place when receiving and restoring transmitted signals (318, 320).

The third data transmission organization scheme (Fig. 9C) includes the transfer of information using two signals (322, 324) transmitted through the medium to one or more devices that may have an active connection. These two signals (322, 324) consist of three different data streams (304, 306, 308), of which command data (306) and network data (304) are multiplexed (316), and the interface data stream (308) remains unchanged. Before they are distributed, these two signals (322, 324), in addition, pass through one or more transport controllers (312) for appropriate preparation for transmission. The opposite of the described process takes place when receiving and restoring transmitted signals (322, 324).

The fourth data transmission arrangement (Fig. 9D) includes forwarding information using two signals (326, 328) transmitted through the medium to one or more devices that may have an active connection. These two signals (326, 328) consist of three different data streams (304, 306, 308), of which the interface data (308) and network data (304) are multiplexed (316), and the command data stream (306) remains unchanged. Before they are distributed, these two signals (326, 328), in addition, pass through one or more transport controllers (312) for appropriate preparation for transmission. The opposite of the described process takes place when receiving and restoring transmitted signals (326, 328).

The fifth data transmission arrangement (FIG. 9E) includes forwarding information using three signals (330, 332, 334) transmitted through the medium to one or more devices that may have an active connection. These three signals (330, 332, 334) consist of three different data streams (304, 306, 308) that are not multiplexed. Before they are distributed, these three signals also pass through one or more transport controllers (312) to prepare for transmission accordingly. The opposite of the described process takes place when receiving and restoring transmitted signals (330, 332, 334).

In one embodiment of the present invention, to connect the main device to the additional device, the following sequence of steps should be performed. The user will inform the processing and control unit (28) through the user interface (26) that he wants to establish a connection. The first thing that needs to be done is the processing and control unit (28) of the main device should connect the transceiver (22) and the transport system (52) and supply power to them, if it has not already been done. Then, the main device will broadcast a request for an identification command, which is command data (44). It will be accepted by all additional devices located in this area. Then the additional device (38) will check whether it is currently participating in the session, and if so, then check whether it is allowed to establish another connection. If the additional device (38) is not allowed to start another session, or for any reason it is forbidden to start a session with the requesting main device (24), then the request will not be considered and no information will be sent to the requesting main device (24); otherwise, the additional device (38) will then send an identification command that will contain a user-friendly description of the device. As a result, the main device (24) will receive a list of all available devices and display to the user descriptions that are human-readable using the user interface (26). Then the user will select the devices (optional) (38) with which an attempt will be made to establish connections. After such a selection, the main device (24) initiates the connection process by exchanging the corresponding sequence of commands with each device that the user has chosen to connect - this will happen starting from the first selected additional device (38) and continue to the end of the list.

One of the options for implementing this method could include the use of a database in an additional device (38), which contains trusted main devices (24), the connection with which will occur automatically. The main devices (24), not listed in this database of trusted devices, will have to send encryption keys and other information during the first connection. There may even be a separate process for adding core devices (24) to the trusted device database in order to minimize the risk of encryption keys being transmitted through an insecure environment.

Another embodiment of this method could, in addition, provide the main device (24) with a quick connection method that will make possible a minimal degree of interaction with the user when connecting to one or more additional devices (38). For example, in an office where the same additional devices (38) are connected every day, the main device (24) may contain a list of additional devices (38) in the “work” category, which will allow the user to connect to all additional devices (38) from this list with minimal effort.

The exchange of a sequence of commands for establishing a connection begins with the fact that the main device (24) sends the connection request command to the desired additional device (38). Auxiliary device (38) receives this command and sends back a confirmation. The main device (24) receives this confirmation and sends to the additional device (38) a command data packet (44) containing the desired network configuration. The option device (38) receives this command and checks if this network configuration is compatible with its own settings. If so, then it sends back a confirmation; otherwise, it sends back a command indicating the required network settings. The main device (24) receives this command, and if it is a confirmation, then the main device (24) will continue the process, otherwise it will output to the user using the feedback provided in the user interface (26) a message indicating that network settings conflict and that this session will continue offline ("off-line") (without connecting to an external network). Depending on which resources are being accessed, some other settings may also be forwarded, such as encryption keys, event wait periods, and functionality; however, after the network parameters are agreed upon, the communication session can begin to be used. If either the main device (24) or the additional device (38) at any time receives a command (or event) of non-confirmation, then the connection process will be terminated. If during the exchange of a sequence of commands a response from another device does not arrive within a certain waiting time, the connection process will be terminated.

If the main device (24) is connected to more than one additional device (38), the user must select each and all of the additional devices (38) that should receive the interface data. In fact, the user may want to send data to only one device, or may want to send data to several devices. The main device (24) will have to choose which of these devices is allowed to use its network connection, established using the means (30) of connecting to the network, since only one additional device (38) can be granted access to this connection at a given time . At the same time, the user can replace an additional device that is allowed to use its network connection during operation without the need to re-establish the connection.

Several methods can be used to exchange information with multiple devices. Six alternative schemes for organizing the relationship between devices are described herein, but they do not limit the methods available to those skilled in the art.

As shown in FIG. 3, the first interconnection scheme involves two devices, one main device (200) and one additional device (204). These devices have a common communication interface (202) and use this interface to exchange information between them. This interface (202) includes hardware, a transmission medium, and protocol conversion necessary to put into practice the part of this method that relates to the exchange of information.

As shown in FIG. 4, the second interconnection scheme in its simplest form employs three devices: one main device (206), one intermediate device (210) and one additional target device (214). The intermediate device (210) works as a combination of the main device (24) and the additional device (38) and will contain the minimum hardware and / or software required to implement the main (24) and / or additional (38) devices. It is not necessary that the two communication interfaces (208, 212) be the same interface, since the intermediate device (210) may contain several communication interfaces. Therefore, the interface (208) between the main device (206) and the intermediate device (210) will not necessarily be the same as the interface (212) between the intermediate device (210) and the auxiliary device (214).

In a typical configuration, the main device (206) can exchange information with either an intermediate device (210) or an additional target device (214). In this case, the intermediate device (210) can either interpret the data sent directly to it, or move packets between the main device (206) and the additional target device (214), if necessary. The intermediate device (210) can also provide the main device (206) with a list of additional devices that might otherwise be unavailable, and thus provides the main device (206) with the ability to establish a connection with these additional devices. The main device (206) “sees” the additional target device (214) through the intermediate device (210), while the main device (206) does not need to know what the interface (212) of communication between the intermediate device (210) and the additional target device (214).

In addition, adding another primary device to the beginning of the circuit, and / or inserting one or more intermediate devices between the primary and secondary devices, and / or adding an additional device to the end of the circuit will result in a circuit. In this case, N devices can be connected together, while the main device has the ability to exchange information with N-1 additional devices through N-1 communication interfaces, which can differ from each other. As a side effect when creating a circuit, devices that would otherwise be out of reach or inaccessible become available to the main device.

As shown in FIG. 5, the third interconnection scheme in its simplest form employs three devices: one primary device (216), one intermediate repeater device (220), and one additional target device (224). The intermediate repeater (220) operates as a conversion / regeneration device and will contain the minimum hardware and / or software required to perform any necessary data conversion and regeneration. It is not necessary that the two communication interfaces (218, 222) be the same interface, since the intermediate repeater (220) may contain several communication interfaces. Therefore, the interface (218) between the main device (216) and the intermediate repeater (220) will not necessarily be the same as the interface (222) between the intermediate repeater (220) and the secondary device (224).

In a typical configuration, the main device (216) can exchange information only with the additional target device (224). In order to transfer information, the intermediate repeater device (220) can convert between two communication interfaces (218, 222) or, in the case of similar interfaces (218, 222), regenerate the signal between the main device (216) and the additional device (224). The intermediate repeater (220) may also provide the main device (216) with a list of additional devices that might otherwise be unavailable, and thus provide the main device (216) with the ability to establish a connection with these additional devices. The main device (216) “sees” the additional target device (224) through the intermediate repeater (220), while the main device (216) does not need to know what the interface (222) of communication between the intermediate repeater (220) is in reality ) and an additional target device (224). The intermediate repeater (220) may also be invisible to any of the two devices - the primary and secondary, for example, it can list all the devices and interfaces required to exchange information with each of these two devices, and then use this list to interpret and rearrangement of packets for transmission over the corresponding communication interface (218, 222).

To provide the ability to connect devices remote from each other over long distances, and / or conversion between many different communication interfaces, additional intermediate repeater devices can be added to the middle of this circuit. In this case, N repeater devices can be connected together, while the main device (216) can exchange information with the additional target device (224) via N + 1 communication interfaces, which can differ from each other.

As shown in FIG. 6, the fourth interconnection scheme utilizes several main devices (226, 228, 230) exchanging information with one additional device (234) using one common communication interface (232), many private communication interfaces (232), or a combination of these two options. In this configuration, the first main device that has connected to the secondary device (234) is transferred session management when the other primary device is connected to the secondary device (234). Before the second main device is connected to the additional device (234) (i.e., one main device (24, 200) is connected to one additional device (38, 204)), the session is managed according to the rules specified for the first interconnection scheme. As a leader, the main device can transfer control of additional devices (234) to another main device if necessary. As an additional condition, the main devices (226, 228, 230) do not need to establish trusting relationships with each other; however, they must establish trust with an additional device (234). Since the main device can receive undivided control of the session, a priority system must be installed in the additional device (234).

If the auxiliary device (234) must use the additional network connection through the main device, then the first leader of the session is the default network provider. Then, the leader can transfer the responsibilities of the network provider to another primary device, without giving in to his management. The leader is only the main device, which is allowed to send interface commands to the auxiliary device (234). If the manager transfers control to the interface, then management is also transferred to the main device to which control is transferred. Essentially, the manager controls the interface. When the manual changes, the network connection provider does not change. If the main device providing the network connection is disconnected or the network connection is broken, the manager will be required to re-establish the network connection either by transferring responsibility or by requesting the restoration of the connection through the current provider.

In preferred embodiments of the present invention, it is contemplated that the secondary device can operate with multiple primary devices simultaneously, in which case it should have priority levels for various trusted primary devices. Primary devices that are not trusted are assigned the lowest priority level, if they are allowed to establish a connection at all. The ability to assign priority levels determines how the manual is distributed, and allows primary devices with higher priority levels to capture the leadership of the secondary device. The priority level in the secondary device can also be set when establishing a relationship between the primary and secondary devices. The interaction between the main devices (226, 228, 230) and the auxiliary device (234) will develop, as described below.

First, the first main device (226) establishes a connection with an additional device (234). When a second main device (228) establishes a connection with an additional device (234), the additional device (234) transfers the leadership to the first main device (226), if the second main device (228) does not indicate that it wants to take over the connection and has equal or higher priority level compared to the first main device (226). After two or more main devices are connected, the leadership can be captured by any of them having a higher priority level than the current leader.

If the priority level of the non-leader of the main device is equal to or lower than the priority level of the leader, then this main device can send a request to the additional device (234) that it wants to receive session management. After that, the current leader can be informed about this with a simple message from an additional device (234). In fact, an additional device (234) controls the entire process by transmitting the relay (manual) to one of the main devices (226, 228, 230), which wants to control it.

If the manager disconnects or wants to give up their leadership, the leadership will be transferred to the primary device with the highest priority level, which is connected for the longest time and is not the current leader. If the main device, which is different from the leader, wants to manage the session from now on, it can send a request to the additional device (234) that it wants to manage the session, at this moment the additional device (234) notifies the session manager that the other main The device requires a manual. At any point in time, the leader can give up control of the session.

As shown in Fig. 7, the fifth interconnection scheme involves the use of one main device (236) for broadcasting to several additional devices (240, 242, 244) (or for exchanging information with several additional devices (240, 242, 244) independently) in one session using one or more communication interfaces (238). For broadcast, all devices must use a common communication interface (238); this should ensure that all devices receive the broadcast message. However, for non-broadcast sessions, a different communication interface can be used between the primary and each additional device.

When establishing a communication session with any additional device (240, 242, 244), the main device (236) must first perform the same actions as for the case of establishing private relations between devices. The difference appears when the main device (236) establishes a connection with more than one additional device (240, 242, 244). When connected to two or more additional devices (240, 242, 244), the main device (236) has the ability to send interface information to any combination of additional devices (240, 242, 244) and can use any available from these additional devices (240, 242, 244) network connection (s). If a specific network connection is no longer available, the main device (236) can automatically switch between additional devices (240, 242, 244) to maintain a communication session with the network. Additional devices (240, 242, 244) may automatically refuse to use the network connection of the main device (236), if any.

The main device (236) may also have additional capabilities. It can broadcast network data (42) in addition to interface data (46). At the same time, several additional devices (240, 242, 244) will become “dummy” terminals for the main device (236) and this device will manage all aspects of the session, except for the interpretation of information.

Between one main device (206) and one additional device (214) there may be intermediate devices (210). This concept can be extended to the option of several additional devices (240, 242, 244) connected to one main device (236). The main device (236) will have one or more additional devices (240, 242, 244) connected to it through one or more communication interfaces (238). Each additional device (240, 242, 244), in turn, can be connected to one or more additional devices (248, 256, 260) through one or more communication interfaces (246, 254, 258). This branching can continue until P (250) hierarchical levels are created. Each intermediate device (240, 242, 244) below the main device (236) and to the last additional device (248, 256, 260) in each branch will be able to forward packets to the corresponding additional device (248, 256, 260). These intermediate devices (240, 242, 244) will also be able to transform the hierarchical level communication interface (238) immediately above them into the hierarchical level communication interface (246, 254, 258) directly below them.

As shown in FIG. 8, a sixth interconnection scheme utilizes a connection structure between three or more devices, where only one device (266) has a desired network connection. In this case, the intermediate device (266) is used for the same purposes as if it were a proxy server in a typical local network. Each additional device (270, 272, 274) may request the use of a network connection of the intermediate device (266). The main device (262) can also use the network connection of the intermediate device (266), but it does not need to obtain permission; instead, the main device (262) should only inform the intermediate device (266) that it uses it as a network provider.

In a typical application, the intermediate device (266) could be a network router, and the primary device could be the device used by the network administrator. Using the main device (262), the network administrator could configure the router and access its network resources to load a Web page or check his email. The router connects to many additional devices (270, 272, 274) in the additional network using Ethernet or another communication interface (268) for the local network; for this reason, the network administrator could contact each of the additional devices (270, 272, 274) to check its status, provided that he can access each additional device independently, regardless of the router and provided that the interface ( 268) Communication is hassle-free.

All of the above relationships organization schemes can be combined in various forms to obtain the resulting relationships between one or more primary devices and one or more additional devices. When connecting a plurality of primary and secondary devices, a combination of one or more of these interconnection arrangements can be applied.

If the user applies this method as an active application running in the main device (24), then this device will send all the interface data to the additional device (38) through the interface data stream (46). As the keyboard data in the interface data stream (46), events such as “keystroke”, “key down” or “key up” will be sent, as well as the status of the modification keys (Ctrl control, Alt alternative, shift shift shift, upper case lock CapsLock and etc.) and the pressed key. As pointer data, the interface data (46) will contain the direction of movement and one interface command will be sent to start and another interface command to end this movement. If the button is pressed on the pointer, the button-down event and the button-up event will be sent when it is released; in addition, the status of the modification keys will be sent. The add-on device (38) is responsible for ensuring that these interface commands work with the existing interface - this is often done by accessing software using this method to the application program interface in the add-on device (38). There are other schemes and formats that can be used to transfer interface data between the primary and secondary devices - the above is just one of the possible ways to do this.

A preferred method for transferring command and / or interface data between the primary and secondary devices is described in US Patent Application No. 60 / 352,228, which is owned by the applicant and is pending, entitled "A Method and Device to Provide Pointer Control and Movement Using Minimal Data" ( "A method and apparatus for providing pointer control and movement using a minimum of data") and filed January 29, 2002, the contents of which are incorporated by reference in the text of this description.

If the additional device (38) requires network capabilities from the main device (24), then the following sequence of events will take place. The auxiliary device (38) will send a command to the main device (24) indicating that it should be prepared to begin establishing a connection through the network connection means (30). Then, the main device connects the network connection means (30), which is any circuit required to create a network connection (this can be a modem, Ethernet connection, etc.). After all preparations are made for establishing a network connection, the main device (24) will send an additional device (38) a command indicating that it can start sending network data (42). Now the additional device (38) will establish a connection with the network provider through the means (30) for connecting to the network of the main device (24). In the case of a cell phone connection, this can be several modem commands with subsequent packets using the PPP protocol (point-to-point protocol), all of which are considered network data (42). After that, the additional device (38) will use the network connection via the network connection tool (30) as its own, sending network data (42) and receiving them. Upon completion of the network session, the additional device (38) will send the main device (24) a command to disconnect and disconnect the network connection tool (30). If network data (42) is sent without a preliminary command to start establishing a connection to the network, then this data can either be discarded or can initiate a connection depending on the settings of the main device (24). There are other schemes and formats that can be used to send network data and establish a connection between the primary and secondary devices - the above is just one of the possible ways to do this.

An additional device (38) will contain settings related to its network capabilities and which devices are allowed to connect to it. During the successive connection steps, the auxiliary device (38) will determine whether the main device (24) will be allowed to use the means (32) for connecting to the network of the additional device (38), as another option, the main device (24) may indicate what should be used exclusively means (30) for connecting to the network of the main device (24). After the session is started and some application has informed that it needs content from the external network, the additional device (38) will look through its settings and accordingly initiate the network session. Such complete control of the network connection through the means (30, 32) allows you to protect the resources of the internal network, and also allows the user to access the services of a private network, accessible only through his own means (30) of connecting to the network.

If this method is implemented in a certain system, provided that the network data (42) is multiplexed with other streams, then the size of the network data segment (42) should be kept small in order to ensure that the interface data (46) is interleaved with the network data (42) in order to maximize approximations to the perception of the process as passing in real time. If large segments of network data are used (42), then the available bandwidth may not be sufficient for the proper transfer of interface (46) and command (44) data. As a result, the device will become difficult to use, since the pointer will not move smoothly, the display of keystrokes by the interface will occur with a delay of several seconds, speech and sound may contain intermediate breaks.

To terminate the session, the device (24, 38) breaking the connection sends a disconnect command to the other device (38, 24). After that, the receiving device will respond with an acknowledgment packet, which is the command data (44), to inform that the disconnect command has been received. The disconnection process consisting of successive steps can be started if the exchange of information between the two devices does not occur within a certain waiting period, which can be set during the initial connection procedure. After the disconnection process is completed, both devices (24, 38) should be in the same state in which they were before the start of the session. Both devices (24, 38) can carry out quick disconnection, which will make it possible to disconnect all connected devices at once.

Flowcharts

10, 11, 12, 13, and 14 are flowcharts of one embodiment of a preferred method of the present invention. Figure 10 illustrates the method and how it works in the case when one main device is connected to one additional. When the user decides to use the main device (600), he turns on the device (602). During this step, any firmware or drivers needed to implement this method will be downloaded. After that, the system will either automatically launch the software that implements this method, or the user will launch this software (604). After downloading the software, the device will first check if there are (606) any known devices, which can be done by looking at the configuration database located in the main device. If there are no known devices, the system will wait for the user to indicate the function performed (612). If known devices exist, then when performing this method, it will then be determined whether the communication session with one of these known additional devices should begin automatically (608). If not, the system will wait for the user to indicate the function to be performed (612); otherwise, it will try to establish a connection with this option device (610).

Waiting for the user to indicate the function to be performed (612), the system will be in a standby state. When the user indicates the function to be performed, the system will determine which function to perform. First, she will check whether this function is a search for new devices (614). If so, the system will start the search procedure (620); otherwise, it will ask the user if he wants to start a communication session with an additional device (616). If this is the case, then when performing this method, it will be checked whether the device (624) has been selected and a communication session will be started with the selected device (610); otherwise, the system will return to the idle state (612). If the user did not want to start a communication session with an additional device, the system will check whether the user wants to stop this method (618). If the user has not indicated that he wants to do this, the system will return to the standby state (612); otherwise, the execution of this method will stop (622).

If the user wants to manage available devices from the list (620), then when performing this method, it will be further verified, as shown in Fig. 11, how the user wants to use these devices. First, the main device displays a list of devices supporting this method from which the user can select (640). If you need to add devices (642), then during this method it will be checked whether the user wants to add devices manually (644). The device selection can be made from a file or manually set by the user; in any case, these devices will be added to the device database (652). If the user wants to find any devices automatically, then automatic detection can be applied if such a function is available (646); otherwise, the system will not be able to add any devices to the database, stop performing the device management function (662) and return to the standby state (612). If the automatic detection process finds devices (648), these devices will be added to the database (650), at this point the system returns (662) to the wait cycle (612).

If the user chooses to remove devices from the database (654), he will choose which devices to remove. Then these devices will be deleted from the database (656). After that, the system returns (662) to the wait cycle (612). If the user has selected the modification of the device parameters in the database (658), he will select the devices whose properties need to be changed. Then the user will modify the metadata for these devices in the database (660). After which the system returns (662) to the wait loop (612).

In order to start a communication session using this method (610), as shown in FIG. 12, the main device must first determine whether (682) the desired additional device is available. This can be done using the discovery protocol or simply by trying to establish a connection with the device. If an additional device is available, a physical communication channel will be installed (684) (this includes establishing wireless connections using protocols such as Bluetooth, 802.11b, etc.). In the subsequent execution of this method, the main device will request an additional device to determine whether it still supports the execution of this method (686), and then will coordinate the parameters (688) (i.e., network creation parameters, trust relationships, etc. .). After agreeing the parameters during the subsequent execution of this method, the main device will notify the user (690) that an active session with the required additional device is available. If the user wants to end the session (698), the primary device will send a disconnect command to the secondary device. This command will also delete the physical channel. If the physical channel is broken at any point in time, then both the secondary and the main devices are automatically disconnected. After disconnection, the system returns (704) to the wait loop (612).

After establishing a communication session, the system will wait (692) either for user input to the main device, or network data or data requests from the additional device. If the user enters interface data (696), the system will process this data, proceeding to the process of processing interface data (702). In the process of processing the interface data (702), as shown in FIG. 13, the interface commands will be packaged so that they correspond to this method (722). Then, the main device will transmit this packed interface data to the auxiliary device (724). An add-on device receives this packed interface data and decompresses them to obtain the corresponding initial interface data (726). After that, these interface data will be processed by an additional device (728) in accordance with its own set of instructions and the result will be issued to the user as feedback by this device (730). The system will then return to a wait cycle (732) to wait for subsequent input (692). This process can be repeated many times until the session is terminated.

The user, through the interface data sent by the main device, can initiate a request for network data by the additional device (728). The auxiliary device independently determines whether network data should pass through the main device or access to such data should occur directly through a network that is already available to the additional device. If they must go through the main device, then the additional device will send a network data request to the main device (692, 694; FIG. 12). Then the main device will check whether it has an already established connection to the network (742; Fig. 14). If not, it will attempt to establish a connection (744). If the connection is not established before the end of the waiting period (746), then the additional device will be notified that there is no connection (754). If a connection to the network has already existed or has become available at the moment, and network data or a request has been received from an additional device, the system will transfer this data or request to the network (748). If a connection to the network was already available or became available at the moment and network data or a request was received from the network for an additional device, the system will transfer this data to the additional device (750). The option device may also instruct the primary to disconnect from the network if it no longer needs this network connection (752). (This can be done by sending the user device interface data (696) to the auxiliary device while the network is processing the previous data request, and this information will inform the additional device that the session has ended.)

When the current network data or request is processed, the system will return to the input cycle (756). This input / reaction process can be repeated many times until the session is terminated.

Examples

Assuming that display devices, such as monitors, are made with the described capabilities, the present invention can be practiced to control monitors installed in restaurants, airports, enterprises, and even automobiles to achieve the same result. It will not matter if the main device that is used is a cellular phone, PDA, laptop computer, wireless watch, or other wireless device while it is using this method and the described configuration.

Embedded systems will no longer be limited to the limits of their own display devices. Such systems may use the previously described miniature projector or wireless tablet computer to display more diagnostic information than is reproduced using their own imaging tools. As a result, a production worker will be able to immediately order spare parts wirelessly via the Internet using an integrated system located even in the most remote areas of the enterprise.

Instead of imposing content on passers-by passing by outlets, as many supporters of using Bluetooth technology currently offer, stores equipped with monitors that use the present invention will be able to invite people to see their menus, product catalogs, product ingredients, etc., and all this - from the sidewalk in front of the outlet. This allows the user to control the content that people are dealing with, instead of broadcasting such content to everyone indiscriminately who passes by.

People will be able to book movie theater tickets at the end of the queue by projecting the movie theater website onto any suitable surface using the microprojector described above. Or they will be able to work on the bus or train, using the case cover or a sheet of paper as a screen to display the content sent by their cell phone to the microprojector.

Even if the present invention is not directly implemented in such devices, one can also imagine that monitors or televisions can be manufactured with ports for installing micro drives (miniature disk drives) or flash memory devices that support wireless operation using one of the wireless communication protocols , for example Bluetooth or 802.11b, and the use of the present invention would provide wireless network services to such display devices. The user will only need to carry a cell phone and a micro drive. It would be possible to use any monitor or TV that is not connected to a computer, but having the appropriate port for installing a micro drive, for connecting a micro drive and establishing a wireless connection to the network via a cell phone to display Internet content on a monitor or TV screen.

For existing monitors and TVs, i.e. of conventional devices, a similar micro-drive / wireless device can be installed between the display device and any of the existing broadband services (cable or Ethernet) devices in the same way as for game consoles and set-top boxes used with TVs. The use of a primary wireless device to provide Internet content to a display device via a wireless micro drive will be prioritized over signals received by means of broadband communications - if the primary device is not just used as a controller. As a result, the main control device will interact with the content that it simultaneously provides to the micro drive / display unit. Turning off the main control device or terminating the wireless connection described in the present invention will automatically restore the signal provided by the available broadband communication means.

In addition to displaying Internet data, this method can be used to allow a cell phone to intercept a call coming from a landline telephone (i.e., using a regular landline telephone line), or make a call using the latter by wirelessly connecting to a landline telephone using Bluetooth. The user can select a wired telephone as a managed device and issue a command to answer the wired telephone from a cell phone. If the user uses the microphone and speaker of a cell phone to answer a call coming into a wired telephone line, then audio signals (speech) can be transmitted wirelessly. In this case, the user will not need to pay for "airtime" in the cellular network when talking via land line using Bluetooth.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications, adaptations, and changes may be applied to the above-described specific embodiments of the present invention without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims. The various features and elements of the described invention can be combined in a way that is different from the combinations described or claimed in the materials of this application without going beyond the scope of the present invention.

Claims (26)

1. A method of processing data in a network using a main device and an additional device, the main device comprising a central data processing unit, a memory, a user input device, means for wirelessly connecting to a network and means for wirelessly connecting to an additional device, and the additional device contains an operating a system, a graphical user interface comprising display means, and means for wirelessly connecting to the main device, the method contains stages in which a) establish a wireless two-way connection between the main device and the auxiliary device; b) establish a wireless network connection between the host device and the computer network; c) generate command data to synchronize the auxiliary device with the main device and to control the additional device from the main device and transmit the command data to the additional device; d) receive user-entered commands on the primary device and transmit these user-entered commands as interface data from the primary device to the secondary device; e) receive data and data requests generated by the auxiliary device on the main device and transmit these data and data requests to the computer network from the main device; f) receive computer network data and data requests from the computer network on the main device, and transmit computer network data and data requests to the auxiliary device from the main device. (g) controlling the accessory device wirelessly using the primary device so that the secondary device displays computer network data using the display means of the secondary device. 2. The method according to claim 1, in which the computer network is the Internet, and the computer network data contains Internet content. 3. The method according to claim 2, in which the additional device further comprises a browser, and the display means comprises a screen. 4. The method according to claim 3, in which the interface data contains commands for controlling the movement of the pointer and commands for pressing the buttons of the pointer, as well as keyboard input. 5. The method according to claim 1, in which at least two types of data from the interface data, command data and computer network data are interleaved or multiplexed inside the main device before being transferred to the additional device. 6. The method according to claim 5, in which all three types of data from the interface data, command data and computer network data are interleaved or multiplexed inside the main device before being transferred to the auxiliary device. 7. The method according to claim 1, in which all three types of data from the interface data, command data and computer network data are sent as three separate signals. 8. The method according to claim 1, in which the main device can be connected to many additional devices either simultaneously or sequentially. 9. The method according to claim 1, in which many of the main devices can be connected to one or more additional devices either simultaneously or sequentially. 10. The method according to claim 1, in which between the main device and the additional device, at least one intermediate device is placed, and this intermediate device is configured to individually exchange information with the main device and the additional device. 11. The method according to claim 10, in which at least two intermediate devices are placed and each intermediate device exchanges information with the main and additional devices or another intermediate device located in the circuit directly next to it. 12. The method according to claim 1, in which the additional device is connected to its own computer data network and can independently carry out its own data requests in response to interface data received from the main device. 13. The method according to claim 1, in which the data transmitted between the main device and the secondary device is encrypted. 14. A portable computing device, which includes a central data processing unit and memory, and which contains a) a means of wirelessly connecting to a computer network; b) means for wirelessly connecting to an additional device comprising an operating system and a graphical user interface comprising a display means; c) means for accepting user-entered commands and generating interface data; d) means for receiving computer network data and data requests from an additional device and transmitting them to a computer network; e) means for receiving computer network data and data requests from a computer network; f) command data generating means for synchronizing an additional device with said portable device for controlling the additional device from said portable device and for causing the additional device to display computer network data using said display means; and g) means for transmitting command data, interface data, as well as computer network data and data requests to the accessory device, whereby said portable device can wirelessly control the accessory device so that the device additionally displays computer network data using said display means. 15. The device according to 14, in which the means of wireless connection to a computer network comprises a cellular or satellite modem. 16. The device according to 14, in which the means of wireless connection with an additional device comprises a transport system based on radio frequency communication. 17. The device according to clause 16, in which said transport system uses the Bluetooth protocol. 18. The device according to clause 16, in which said transport system uses the IEEE 802.11b protocol. 19. The device according to 14, in which the computer network is the Internet. 20. The device according to claim 19, in which the additional device further comprises a browser and a means for receiving user-entered commands receives interface data generated from cursor movement control commands and pointer button pressing commands, as well as keyboard input. 21. The device according to clause 16, in which said transport system contains separate transport controllers for each type of data from computer network data, command data and interface data. 22. The device according to claim 20, which further comprises a multiplexer / demultiplexer for multiplexing two or more types of data from computer network data, command data and / or interface data. 23. A method for controlling an additional device from the side of the main device during network processing of data, the method being implemented on a computer-readable medium such that when implemented on the main device containing means for wirelessly connecting to a computer network and means for wirelessly connecting to an additional device including an operating system and / or virtual machine, and / or means of interpretation, graphical user interface and means of wireless connection with the main device , said method allows the main device to control an additional device, wherein the computer-readable medium comprises a) a code segment that generates command data for synchronizing the additional device with the main device and controlling the additional device from the side of the main device; b) a code segment that processes the commands entered by the user for the main device and generates interface data; c) a code segment that receives computer network data and data requests from an additional device and transmits them to a computer network; d) a code segment that receives and processes network data and data requests from a computer network; and f) a code segment that causes the transfer of command data, interface data, as well as computer network data and data requests to an additional device. 24. The method of claim 23, wherein the computer-readable medium further comprises a code segment that multiplexes two or more types of data from command data, interface data, and computer network data for transmission to an additional device. 25. A computing device, which includes a central data processing unit and memory, and which contains a) a means of wirelessly connecting to a computer network; b) means for wirelessly connecting to an additional device comprising an operating system and a graphical user interface; c) logic means that generates command data for synchronizing the accessory device with said computing device and controlling the accessory device from said computing device; d) a logical means that processes the command data; e) a logic tool that processes user-entered commands and generates interface data; f) a logical means that receives computer network data and data requests from an additional device and transmits them to a computer network; g) a logical means that receives computer network data and data requests from a computer network; and h) a logical means that causes the transfer of command data, interface data, as well as computer network data and data requests to an additional device. 26. The device according A.25, optionally containing logical means that multiplexes two or more types of data from command data, interface data and computer network data for transmission to the additional device.

Images