FR2669131A1 - Portable telecommunication computer device - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention, dubbed Portable Telecommunication Computer Device, relates principally to a microprocessor-based portable electronic device (1) furnished with a built-in printing mechanism (8) and with mechanical (14) and electronic (35) switching means enabling it to communicate by radio or by wire with public or private telecommunications networks. The device (1) is provided with a removable security computer module (2) which controls, in particular, the keypad (3) and the display (4). The device (1) allows all forms of services and/or facilities requiring the combined use of computerisation and, preferably mobile, telecommunications, together with maximum security of transmission and of usage.

Description

 The present invention relates to a portable telecommunication computer device. This device has all the known functions of microcomputers, including those of printing, of which it provides all the services to which are added all the advantages of the benefits of wireless telephony, supplemented with automatic numbering and one-time connection facilities. , momentary or not, to the wired telecommunications network.

 IT is omnipresent in our daily life, electronic money, office automation, home automation, telematics ..., are colloquial terms, each characteristic of a specific type of service.

 Telecommunications are gradually integrating the delivery of IT services, such as the R.N.I.S. (Digital Network for Service Integration) simultaneously conveying digital speech and digital data from a computer.

 IT and telecommunications tools have evolved dramatically in recent years (miniaturization, cost reduction, performance improvement, etc.). All of these achievements, however, have retained a historic umbilical cord: telephone wire, whether copper wire or optical fiber.

To communicate, computers, terminals and equipment of any kind must be connected to the telephone, PHYSICALLY.

 IT and telecommunications are irreversibly tending towards a gradual merger, particularly in terms of services offered to users. Despite this well-known phenomenon, IT or telecommunications equipment that is newly marketed or soon to be announced retains, depending on the origin of its designer, a construction COMPLETELY typed in IT or telecommunications, a phenomenon which is also historic, which will disappear over time.

 Still with regard to the prior art, today we have automatic telephone boxes, more or less automatic bank counters, services, services, information, electronic information, but we still have to go to the counter from the bank, the insurer, the travel agency ..., to regularize his situation, sign his contract, confirm his order, withdraw his ticket.

In contrast to the above, the portable telecommunications computer, object of the present invention, was thought out, then designed as a communication instrument capable of managing and operating independently.
- acquisition, reception, processing, conservation, transmission of
coded or non-coded digital data,
- reception, transmission, analog and / or digital processing of the
speech,
- the calling and called telephone situations,
- analog (dialing pulse) or digital (DTMF) numbering of a number
subscriber, from:
- a telephone number dialed on the device keypad,
- a pre-recorded number in one of the device memories,
- communication and dialogue between computers or computer systems and / or
telecommunications, and to generate, always autonomously, on demand or automatically as the case may be, any supporting documents, tickets, receipts or receipts in accordance with the nature and requirements of the operations carried out, thereby enabling access to services, new services and / or to improve existing services such as, by way of non-limiting examples
- automatic bookkeeping, in several currencies, of telephone accounts
personal,
- tele-shopping and / or tele-booking of goods and / or services with
payment paid, immediate or deferred directly from any
geographic location, accessible by radio or wire,
- automatic or induced, immediate or deferred tele-payment, in different
coins, all notes, invoices, statements, receipts ..., of all kinds,
regular or punctual,
- remote management of insurance portfolios,
- remote loading, with direct or deferred remote settlement, of credits
currencies, currencies, tokens, units of consumption, access, etc ...

- the remote updating of a situation and / or an accounting account,
banking or financial,
- the remote updating of programs, visits, schedules, with TOTAL freedom of MOBILITY and MANEUVER for the operator equipped with such a device.

The main object of the present invention and the resulting device is to:
- remove the compulsory easements, limitations and restrictions of use generated
by a permanent wired connection of any IT device to the networks
telecommunications,
- extend the possibilities of access to existing services,
- allow the creation and operation of new services or new
benefits,
- improve the quality of the services offered,
- simplify the terms of access and use of said services,
- secure commercial, banking, financial operations and transactions,
etc. .. carried out punctually or regularly by telecommunication,
- protect the owner or beneficiary user of a commu
notice against any untimely, misuse, malicious or fraudulent use
duleuse of it.

Another advantage, characteristic of the device, object of the invention, resides in that the micro-circuit å microprocessor containing, in particular, the operating programs, can be removable and used for other purposes, either in isolation, is associated with other suitable devices, not described here, as being outside the scope of the present invention. I1 consists of:
A computer device communicating by radio or wire with public or private telecommunications networks, comprising, in a portable box, at least one central microprocessor unit associated with memories, logic circuits and specialized I / O circuits. connecting to telecommunications networks and a computer module of a format comparable to a pocket calculator or a credit card that can be removably attached to the portable housing comprising, also, microprocessor, internal and / or external memories, circuits logic and I / O including serial type allowing it to communicate and control the central unit incorporated in the housing also comprising a printing mechanism also incorporated in the main housing, controlled by the central unit of said housing, using preferably sensitive type paper in a roll, controlled by an optical device electronic end of paper detection, as well as mechanical and electronic switching means allowing it to choose and / or according to the need to operate in wireless or wired transmission mode programmed so that it provides security and protection maximum both with regard to the transmission of data and against any untimely use.

 Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will emerge from the following description, illustrated by the appended figures which relate to an example, without limitation, of the possibilities of making the device which is shown here in a version where the computer control and its program and data memory, the keyboard and the display, constitute a single removable module.

 It goes without saying that it is perfectly possible to produce variants in which: only the computer and / or its memory or memories would be removable, taking up in this the known principles of electronic keys and cards with microprocessors and / or memories , or even a version in which no organ would be removable.

- Figure l is a representation of the entire device
FIG. 2 is a representation of the positioning, holding device,
ejection and communication of the removable computer module with the rest of the
device,
- Figure 3 is a logic diagram of the electronic circuits of the device and the
removable computer module,
FIG. 4 is a manual telephone numbering algorithm and
automatic.

 Referring to the figures, the computer device 1, object of the invention, comprises a rigid, portable box B, preferably in the form of a portable telephone handset, containing in particular a central coordination and microprocessor interface unit 31, provided memories and associated internal circuits, electronic input / output circuits connected to specialized peripheral elements, described below, making it possible, in particular, to dialogue and / or exchange digital and / or analog information with networks of public or private telecommunications.

 The device 1 further comprises a computer module 2 in the form of a flat portable box of a format substantially similar to that of a pocket calculator or a credit card, which module 2 is preferably detachably fixed in a shaped housing combined with housing B.

Module 2 collects, as a whole, the functions of a portable electronic checkbook, from the same inventor, described in French Patent No. 2,634,920
In order to facilitate the good understanding of the following description, we recall below the essential characteristics of the latter. Thus the removable computer module 2 contains, in particular, a specific micro-circuit 38 containing 2 associated microprocessors to their internal memories (RAM ROM and EEPROM) by appropriate circuits controlling, at least, a data memory 39, an alphanumeric and function keyboard 3, an alphanumeric display 4, for example of the liquid crystal type, and a device for serial type link 27 and 28, which can be galvanic, optoelectronic, or wireless, also provided with an autonomous energy source in the form of exchangeable or rechargeable batteries.

 In addition to the functions of electronic checkbook, the micro-circuit 38 of module 2 benefits from an extensive and specific programming system, called Programmable Temporary Programming Micro (MPTP) fully integrated into the miro-circuit 38, generating, by simple configuration, virtual and momentary programs allowing in particular the dialing and automatic calling of a telephone subscriber, either from a number dialed on the keyboard 3 of module 2, or from a number pre-recorded in one of the memories of the micro-circuit 38 or of the data memory 39, as well as the punctual execution of micro-programmed tasks and functions ensuring the realization of the requested commercial applications. It goes without saying that the micro-circuit 38, as well as the unit central microprocessor interface 31 could be programmed according to the usual techniques.

The device 1 which operates under the control of the module 2 described above is
with a microphone 5 and a loudspeaker 6 both fixed on one of the faces of the
box B thus reconstituting the handset of a conventional mobile telephone.

A locking member 7 constituted for example by a push button, recreates the
telephone off-hook / on-hook functions is preferably located for reasons
ergonomic on one of the side walls of the housing B.

A printing mechanism 8, controlled by the interface microprocessor 31 under
control of the specific micro-circuit 38, and located in the vicinity of one of the ends of the
box B, for example lower, uses a roll paper 9, preferably of the type
sensitive, requiring no ink ribbon or ink refill and which is stored and
maintained in the extension of the mechanism 8 in a housing / cover 10 fixed amovi
securely in box B, allowing easy renewal of the paper. The paper,
printed, leaves the housing B through an opening 41, located at the end of the housing B and
comprising, in particular, a mechanical means for cutting paper such as a toothless part
on one side of the opening 41 for example. An opto-electronic device 11, such as
for example the Motorola 354-02 opto-switch, connected to the interface 31 microprocessor
detects the end of the paper roll 9, thus preventing any operation, when empty, of the
mechanism 8 as well as the virtual edition of any document. The printing mechanism 8 and the opto-electronic switch 11 are known and do not require a more detailed description.

By way of illustration and preferably fixed to one of the side walls of the housing
B opposite to that comprising the member 7 we find:
a connector, specialized and known, with optical fiber 12 making it possible to connect,
wired, device 1 to the local analog or digital switched network,
ISDN type for example, via a common type line adapter 42,
- a female connector 13, JACK type allowing recharging of the battery
internal 40, housed in the housing B of the device 1, by an external source
energy such as for example:
- the battery of an automobile, via the specific adapter 43 which comprises
in particular a voltage reducing ZENER diode,
- the SECTOR current via the specific adapter 44 which notably includes a
transformer-rectifier-current regulator assembly,
a two-position selector button 14 connected to the interface microprocessor 31,
which controls and operates, according to the position of the selector button 14, the switch
signals 35, one of the inputs / outputs of which is connected to connector 12, allows
both to the device 1 to communicate either in radio mode, when the button
selector 14 is in the CC (Cellular Communication) position, either in
wired, when the selector button 14 is in the CL (Communication
Local),
- a mechanical switch 15, connected to the battery 40 controlling the placing under
on / off of circuits, organs and mechanisms incorporated in the
device B box 1.

 An antenna 16, removably attached to the housing B, or integral with the latter while being foldable, provides the UHF links between the device 1 and the local public or private transceivers. This antenna 16 is connected to the signal switch 35 via the UHF transmitting 36 and receiving 37 elements 37 connected respectively to an input and an output, specific to the switch 35.

The attachment of the module 2 in the housing 22 of the housing B is ensured by a push button 17 movable in a guided fashion along the longitudinal axis of the housing B between a locking position b of the module 2 and of release a of the latter. In the locked position b the push button 17 is partially supported on the corresponding external face of the module 2 and compresses two spring blades 25 and 25 partially integral with the bottom of the housing 22 which are preferably of the same material as the housing
B, and which eject the module 2 when the button 17 is in the release position a, thus releasing the module 2.

 FIG. 2 also shows the connection device, of the serial type, which removably connects the device 1, to the module 2. The device shown here comprises two opto-electronic pairs of transmitter 30 and receiver 29, fixed for example on the inner wall vertical of the housing 22, opposite opposite to the receiver 28 and transmitter 27, fixed, for example, on one of the sides of the module 2. It goes without saying that this type of connection can be replaced for any other type of technique galvanic or wireless, for example.

 FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of the electronic circuits controlled by the interface microprocessor central unit 31 itself controlled by the module 2, previously described, which execute the modulation / demodulation, digital coding / decoding, mixing and separation of digital data and speech, as well as technical, purely telephone, automatic dialing and telephone line management functions. The central unit 31 also controls the printing mechanism 8 under the control of the opto-switch 11 and of the specific micro-circuit 38 of the module 2.

 The circuit 32 is an asynchrome / synchrome converter of digital data with variable transfer speed and programmable by the central unit 31 controlled by the micro-circuit 38. It processes the digital data which it transmits or receives from the universal digital transmitter 33 which , as the case may be, mixes or separates the digital data coming from or going to the micro-circuit 38 with the digital data coming from or intended for the coder / decoder (CODEC) 34 which digitizes the sounds transmitted by the microphone 5 or converts the digital sounds into signals analog applied to speaker 6.

 The electronic switch 35 switches the digital and / or analog signals, as a function of the position of the selector 14 and under the control of the interface central unit 31, either to a radio transmission to the transmitter 36, with frequency modulation, or a reception. radio frequency of the receiver 37 with frequency demodulation, both connected to the antenna 16, or to the local wired network through the connector 12.

 FIG. 4 represents the algorithm of a virtual program of automatic numbering and of automatic or manual communication generating, according to the configurable time microprogramming method, either from a key of the keyboard 3 of module 2 a manual procedure, M, 45, or from a program, X, an automatic procedure 52, Px. Other detailed, non-limiting examples of the micro-circuit 38 are described in French patent No. 2,634,920.

 In the case of interactive manual procedure 45, the display 4 brings up a message 46, such as for example "Direct Call?" And in this positive case 47, the display 4 brings up a new message 48 of the type "Dial N ... ", the operator must then dial the desired number 49 using the keyboard 3 of the module, according to a procedure already described in the aforementioned patent, which is stored 54 in one of the internal memories of the micro-circuit 38 before transmission. to the interface central unit 31 for execution; in the opposite case (negative response to operation 47) the display 4 displays a message 50, of the "Directory Reference" type indicating to the operator that he must dial the keypad 3 of the module 2, the reference, numeric and / or alphabetical, designating the telephone number to be searched for in the directory contained in one of the internal or external memories of the micro-circuit 38, which after extracting the sought number resumes the procedure common to operation 54.

 In the case of an automatic procedure 52 resulting from the execution of a program X by the micro-circuit 38, the latter initiates an automatic sequence of transfer 53 of the call number indicated in the program X with the value to be loaded into the counter 60, T, (Attempts), indicating the successive number of dialings which may have to be executed by the Interface 31 central unit, before resuming the procedure common to operation 54.

The micro-circuit 38 then takes up the stored data 54 and transmits an execution order comprising, in particular, the telephone number to be dialed, the status of the communication, manual or automatic 57 and the value of the counter, T, 60, to the interface central unit 31 which will execute the automatic dialing sequence 55 and which, depending on the call report 56 (free line or busy signal) and the status 57 of the communication, will execute, as the case may be, the following operations
a / the call record 56 indicates that the line is busy and that, according to the
status 57, this is a manual procedure, display 4 shows a
message 57 such as "Busy - Callback? n, If response 59 is positive,
the central unit Interface 31 resumes the procedure in operation 55, if the
response 59 is negative the display 4 then shows a message 68 from the
like "Other Call?" and in the case of a positive response 69, the microphone
circuit 38 resumes the procedure at operation 46, otherwise it
returns under control of the monitor program, also described in the patent
pre-cited,
or, according to statute 57, it is an automatic procedure and in this
case after a 60 microprogrammed delay, the Interface 31 central unit decrements
of a unit the counter 60, T, and continues the procedure in operation 55 until
establishment of the communication or until the counter 60 equals zero,
which then causes the sending of a failure account of the Interface central unit
31 to the micro-circuit 38, which regains control and, possibly, the for
continuation of program X according to the instructions given by the latter to the microphone
circuit 38
b / the call record 56 indicates that the line is free and that, according to the
status 57, or it is a manual procedure and then the central unit
Interface 31 activates the electronic circuits concerned contained in the
box B, allowing the loudspeaker 6 to emit the call tone and,
when the called party appears 62, the calling party activates the organ 7 which establishes the
communication 63, which will be interrupted 64, by a new action of
the caller on the organ 7, thus allowing the release of the line and the
return to operation 68 already described,
either, according to statute 57, it is an automatic procedure and in this case
the Interface central unit will ensure automatic execution, by the
electronic circuits which it controls:
- the automatic take of line 65,
- the transmission and / or reception of one or more messages 65,
- automatic release of line 67,
- sending an execution report to micro-circuit 38 which will resume
control and execution of the program X 52.

 Thus, the device 1, object of the invention, makes it possible to produce a simple, reliable, 100% mobile communication computer, usable in all places and in all circumstances, corresponding perfectly to the evolution of needs and uses in terms of IT. and telecommunications and also meeting the definition of services of the future.

Claims (10)

1. Computer device (1) communicating by radio or by wire with  telecommunications networks, public or private, characterized in that it  comprises a portable housing (B) containing a central microprocessor unit,  associated with memories and specialized input / output circuits putting it in  link with telecommunications networks and a computer module (2) of a  format comparable to that of a pocket calculator or an amovi credit card  firmly attached to the portable housing (B) and comprising, in particular, a micro-circuit  main processor (38) driving the central processor unit (31)  serving as an interface, controlling an alphanumeric keyboard and functions (3) a  display (4) preferably with liquid crystal, incorporated in the computer module  removable (2) and, at least, an internal or external memory containing the programs  control and management, as well as the data, corresponding to the applications and  commercial uses such as, for example: the remote booking of goods and / or  services accompanied by a tele-payment. 2. Device according to claim 1 characterized in that it comprises a mechanism  printer (8) controlled by the central microprocessor unit (31) under the  micro-circuit control (38) allowing, in particular, editing, controlled and  validated, of any written proof, such as, for example, ticket, receipt,  receipt, and any document necessary depending on the applications of the device (1). 3. Device according to claim 2 characterized in that the printing mechanism  (8) preferably uses sensitive type paper and rolls controlled by a  opto-electronic end of paper detection means, which paper, after printing  sion, spring from the housing (B) through a slot-shaped opening (41)  provided with a means for cutting paper. 4. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the computer module (2)  communicates with the central microprocessor unit (31) by a type link  bi-directional serial provided, for example, by a set of opto couples  electronic or galvanic. 5. Device according to claims 1 and 4, characterized in that the units cen  micro-processor (31) and micro-circuit (38) channels are personalized by coding  preventing any interchangeability between module (2) and device (1). 6. Device according to claim 4, characterized in that it comprises means  mechanical (14) and electronic (35) for switching the device (1) into  mode of transmission by radio or wire.  7. Device according to claim 1 characterized in that the computer module (2)  is removably locked by a button (17) in a housing (22) of the housing  portable (B). 8. Device according to claim 7, characterized in that the module (2) is posi  actuated in the housing (22) by coding means (18, 19, 20, 21) and  lateral support (23, 24). 9. Device according to claim 7, characterized in that it comprises means  module ejection (2) its housing (22) in the release position of the button (17)  and preferably made up of two leaf springs partially secured to the  bottom of the housing (22). 10. Device according to claims 1 and 4, characterized in that the device (1)  includes at least one programmable or fixed or removable microprocessor and / or  configurable.