WO2001077977A1

WO2001077977A1 - Communication system

Info

Publication number: WO2001077977A1
Application number: PCT/AU2001/000326
Authority: WO
Inventors: Hector Daniel Elbaum
Original assignee: D & E Consulting Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2000-04-07
Filing date: 2001-03-23
Publication date: 2001-10-18
Also published as: AUPQ676600A0

Abstract

A communication system and display is disclosed which includes at least one central server (12) provided by a service provider for the provision of services to a number of customers. Each customer has a display device (20) which can communication with the server by a communication like (24) and which has both a high bandwidth transmission link and a narrow bandwidth transmission link. The display (20) enables data to be transmitted to the server the required functions are preformed and the display is able to be viewed by the user during the use of the services. The display therefore need not be in the form of a normal PC or microcomputer and has much less computer power and therefore is much less expensive. The display basically includes a screen (30), microprocessor (40) an input port (42) and a transceiver (41) for transmitting and receiving data over the communication link. An analogue converter (44) may be included for providing analogue output to speakers, headsets and microphones.

Description

COMMUNICATION SYSTEM

This invention relates to a communication system.

Conventional communications systems including television, internet computers and like systems generally require separate hardware and for a user of the system to invest in what can be expensive hardware in order to use the systems . This is particularly so in the case of internet computer systems which generally require the user to have a personal computer to use the internet . By use of the personal computer the user is able to interconnect with the internet and also provide other communication services on line which are now in existence or which are contemplated. However, even those services which are not yet in existence and are only contemplated may require the user to invest in specialised hardware or to at least possess a PC with the required processing capabilities.

The present invention provides a communication system including; at least one central server; a display device including a display screen, a transmitter and a receiver for transmitting and receiving data to and from the server, input means for inputting user generated commands into the display device; and a controller for a controlling operation of the display device.

Thus, with the present invention there will be at least one central server which provides services such as video on demand, digital television, audio services, video phone conferences, news broadcasting, telephone, newspapers, games, maps, word processing, internet accessibility and the like such services. In order for a user to access such services the user need only possess the display device and can input commands into the display device to call up the service which is required. The processing and therefore the hardware required to provide the services required by the user is preformed by the central server and therefore the user need only purchase a display device in order to access services which are required. In this scenario, the necessary processing power for advanced computing is performed by the server, and the display device can have less computing power sufficient to enable the required commands and transmitted dated to be provided to and from the server. This is much less expensive than conventional PC systems with their processing power and memory which are now required to access most services. In order to access systems the user need only input appropriate commands into the input of the display device which are then transmitted by the transmitter means to the server so that the server can receive the commands, process the commands and determine which functions are required by the user, and transmit data from the central server to the user so that the user can access the service required.

The server therefore acts as a virtual terminal for each user where required processing is performed in order for a user to access a particular service. Furthermore, the virtual terminal can also provide normal word processing, database and like functions required by the user on request .

Preferably the system includes a communication link between the central server and each display device.

In the preferred embodiment of the invention the communication link comprises a wireless communication link which includes a high bandwidth transmission path from the central server to each display device and a narrow bandwidth transmission path from each display device to the server. The reason for the respective bandwidth transmission paths is that when the user requests a service from the server, the amount of data which must be transmitted from the server, such as internet data, video or sound data for movies on demand, and the like, will generally require high bandwidth capability, whereas the data transmitted from the display device will normally be in the form of word processing commands or simple requests for services and therefore a much narrower band width is required for transmission of data from the display device to the server.

Preferably the data transmission from the server to a display device is encrypted and/or coded so that the data transmitted in response to a request from a particular display device can be received only by that display device.

Preferably the data transmitted from the display device to the server is encrypted or coded so that it cannot be understood or intercepted by an unauthorised party.

The display device may be produced in various different sizes including a portable size suitable for carrying by an individual, up to a large size for permanent fixing within a home for use as a TV screen.

The invention may also be said to reside in a display device for communication with a central server, including; a display screen for display of information; a microprocessor; a transmitter and receiver means for receiving transmission of data and transmitting data; and input means for the input of information.

Preferably the receiver is a receiver for receiving high bandwidth data transmission and the transmitter is a transmitter for transmitting narrow bandwidth data.

Preferably the transmitter and receiver means is a wireless transmitter and receiver means for wireless transmission and receipt of data.

Preferably the display device includes an analogue converter coupled to the microprocessor for output of audio signals to a head set, or speakers.

Preferably the analogue converter also includes an input for input of audio data from a microphone.

Preferably the display device also includes an interface for coupling with the input means .

In the preferred embodiment of the invention the input means may include any one or more of a keyboard, a mouse, a joy stick or the like.

However, in some of embodiments of the invention the input means may be comprised by an integrated touch screen of the display for input of data into the display device by touching the screen.

The invention may also be said to reside in a communication system, including; at least one central server for providing services to customers, the central server having processing capability so as to provide services required by customers and to process commands and data provided by customers; a display device including a display screen; input means for inputting data into the display device; transmission means for transmitting data between the central server and the display device so that the display device can be operated by a user by the input of user commands into the input means to request services, which data is transmitted by the transmission means to the server so that the server processes the commands and transmits data to the display device relating to the service requested by the user so the user can view the service on the display device or use the service by inputs into the display device via the input means.

Preferably the communication means comprises transmitter means and receiver means at both the server and the display device, the transmitter and receiver means including a hight bandwidth transmission link for transmission of data from the server to the display device and a narrow band transmission link for transmission of data from the display device to the server.

Preferably the high band transmission link and low band transmission link are wireless transmission links.

Preferably a unique customer account code is transmitted to the server from the display device with the request for provision of a service so as to enable billing relating to the service to the user.

Preferably the data transmitted from the display device to the server is encrypted or coded so that it cannot be intercepted and understood by an unauthorised party.

Preferably the data transmitted from the central server to the display device is also encrypted and or coded so that it is only received by the user requesting the service.

A preferred embodiment of the invention will be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which;

Figure 1 is a schematic view of a communication system embodying the invention; Figure 2 is a schematic view of a display device used in the preferred embodiment of the invention. With reference to Figure 1, the communication system 10 includes at least one central server 12 which would be provided by a service provider for the provision of services to a number of customers. The services which can be provided by the service provider via the server 12 include video on demand, digital television, audio services, telephone video phone/conferencing, new broadcasting and newspaper services, games, maps, internet access, word processing and the like. Thus, the abovementioned services are provided to the server 12 via communication links 16 and 18.

Each customer of the service provider is provided with an interactive screen device 20 (plural shown in Figure 1 for purposes of illustration) . The display devices 20 will be described in more detail with reference to Figure 2. Each display device 20 is able to communicate with a central server 12 via a communication link 24. The communication link 24 is preferably a wireless communication link and the server 12 includes or is coupled to a wireless transmitter and receiver (not shown) for the transmission and receipt of data over the communication link 24. The link 24 includes a transmission link 24a for transmission of data from the server 12 to each device 20 which is preferably a high bandwidth transmission link. For example the link 24a may have a bandwidth between 6 MHz and 20 MHz and typically be of the type used to transmit digital television signals for receipt by digit televisions. The reason for the high bandwidth transmission link 24a is because of the amount of data which may need to be transmitted from the server 12 to a particular device 20 in response to a request by a user. For example, if movies on demand or television or like services which require transmission of large amounts of data are required, then the communication link 24a needs to be able to accommodate the transmission of such data to provide the service. The link 24 also includes a communication link 24b for transmission of signals from each device 20 to the server 12 which need only be a narrow bandwidth link because of the amount of data which will be transmitted from each device 20 to the server 12 will be reasonably small and generally in the nature of a mere request for the provision of a service. Even if word processing or like services are provided the amount of data which needs to be transmitted to the server 12 is relatively small and therefore can be easily accommodated by a narrow bandwidth transmission path 24b.

Each customer of the services provider will open an account with the service provider and will be able to have access to all the services required by the user which may comprise all of the services which the service provider is able to offer or merely some of those services. The user will pay the service provider in accordance with each service which is used, such as payments for movies, internet access, word processing or the like which may each be provided at particular charges which may relate to access time, actual service required or provided and the like. Thus, when a user requires a particular service such as internet access or the like the user inputs an appropriate command into the display device 20 which is transmitted via link 24b to the server 12. The server 12 processes the request and provides the internet access so that information is transmitted to the device 20 over the communication link 24a. Any interaction or request for further services or to end the service, is transmitted from the device 20 to the server 12 over the transmission link 24b. When the original request is received by the server 12, the request may be accompanied by a particular customer account code so as to identify the device 20 and/or the customer concerned and the charge calculated for the internet service allocated to the account of the user concerned. Similarly, requests for other services are charged and billed to the user in the same manner.

Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a display device 20 according to the preferred embodiment of the invention. The device 20 includes an LCD display screen 30 and a microprocessor 40. The microprocessor 40 is coupled to the screen 30 for controlling operation of the screen 30. The microprocessor 40 is also coupled to a transceiver 41 for transmission of data over the link 24b to the server 12 and for receiving data over the transmission link 24a from the server 12. The microprocessor 40 is also connected to port interface 42 to which may be connected a keyboard (not shown) , mouse, game pad or joy stick or the like so that commands can be inputted into the display device 20 and transmitted to the server 12 via the transmitter 41 and the communication link 24b. The microprocessor 40 is also coupled to analogue to digital converter 44 for outputting audio information to head sets or speakers (not shown) . Furthermore, the analogue to digital converter 44 may have an input for coupling to a microphone so that input audio signals can be received by the analogue digital converter 44.

The screen 30 preferably is in the form of a touch screen so that input commands can be input into the device by touching the display screen 30 as well as, or instead of, via the keyboard, mouse, game pad or joy stick etc coupled to the port interface 42. Thus, the input device of the preferred embodiment of the invention may be provided by the touch screen capabilities of the display screen 30 as well as, or instead of, the keyboard, mouse, game pad or joy stick which is connected to the port interface 42.

The display device 20 may be provided in a number of different styles or sizes. In one embodiment there may be a large screen for use in a fixed position, such as a house, where the screen operates on mains power. In another embodiment the display device 20 may be small and portable so that it can be carried by a user and be powered by batteries. In this embodiment of the invention the screen may be about 27 cm long, 21 cm wide and about 5 cm thick. This is about the size of an A4 sheet of paper.

Other even smaller screen devices 20 may be provided which are pocket size and can be even more easily carried by a user.

The display device also can function as a communication link for a telephone and in particular a mobile telephone. In one form of this aspect of the invention the telephone can plug into the analogue converter 44 for converting analogue signals to digital signals and the traseceiver 41 can either transmit data over the link 24 to the server 10 so that the server 10 acts to redirect the telephone communication into the mobile telephone network or fixed land line telephone network. In another manner of implementing this aspect of the invention, the transceiver 41 may act to direct signals into the mobile telephone service without passing through the server 10. In this regard the transceiver 42 could output signals identical to those output by a mobile telephone for receipt by the mobile telephone network.

The server 12 also provides secure processing and storage of data on behalf of each display device 20. Thus, the server 12 may allocate storage space, memory or the like to a particular user so that the data stored in the server 12 can be accessed and used only by the user. Thus, any data or word processing performed by the server 12 on behalf of a customer is secured and is accessible only by the customer and not by others. Thus, each server effectively provides a virtual terminal for each customer which provides all the intelligence for the services which are required by the user. Thus, the display device does not need to have particularly high powered processing capabilities and the display devices 20 merely provide a delivery platform for transmitting instructions to the server 12 and for the display of data which the user requires. Thus, the display device 12 can be relatively inexpensive and also a single display device 20 could be used for the receipt of a number of different services instead of the need to provide different types of hardware for different types of services which is now required.

Since a virtual terminal within the server 12 is provided for each customer the customer may be provided with a particular pass word or pin code to enable access to the customers virtual terminal within the server. This enables a customer to access the virtual terminal associated with the customer account by use of the pin number or code so that the customer is able to access the server 12 from any display device 20. Furthermore, a single virtual terminal within the server 12 may accommodate several users, such as a family subscription, but still allow the individual members of the family to access the one virtual terminal within the server 12. Each virtual terminal within the server 12 is logically partitioned from other virtual terminals so that many such virtual terminals can reside and be operated on the server 12 at any one time. The partitioning, as mentioned above, provides full security and protection for sensitive data which may be associated with the customer and stored in the server 12 to ensure privacy.

Whilst in the preferred embodiment of the invention the transmission link 24 is preferably a wireless transmission link the same as that utilised for digital television broadcast, in other embodiments the wireless communication link may be a satellite communication link which allows for an increase in the geographical area which each server 12 is able to control. In some embodiments of the invention the coupling of the input device with the port interface 42 may be by hard wire or may be by infra-red remote control link.

The communication system according to the preferred embodiment of the invention provides the advantage that the hardware which is required to be purchased by customers can be relatively inexpensive compared to the cost of hardware which is now required in order to receive television, internet and the like. The system also has the advantage for service provides that the service provider can provide it service via the server 12 thereby reducing cost to the service provider by way of distribution and the like. For example, a game service provider which would normally sell games in the form of software, can simply provide the software via link to the server 12 so that when customers which to access the game, the game can be supplied via the communication link 24 to the customer with the customer paying for the game on a user bases or on a time basis.

The ability to transmit data over the link 24 from the server 12 to the display device 10 in the encrypted or coded fashion so that the data can only be received by a particular device 20, also has the advantage that pay services such as cable TV, internet, and the like can be provided to specific customers in a secure manner without the need for actual cabling to the customers premises.

Since modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention may readily be effected by persons skilled within the art, it is to be understood that this invention is not limited to the particular embodiment described by way of example hereinabove.

Claims

THE CLAIMS DEFINING THE INVENTION ARE AS FOLLOWS:

1. A communication system including; at least one central server; a display device including a display screen, a transmitter and a receiver for transmitting and receiving data to and from the server, input means for inputting user generated commands into the display device; and a controller for a controlling operation of the display device.

2. The system of claim 1 wherein the system includes a communication link between the central server and each display device.

3. The system of claim 2 wherein the invention the communication link comprises a wireless communication link which includes a high bandwidth transmission path from the central server to each display device and a narrow bandwidth transmission path from each display device to the server.

4. The system of claim 1 wherein the data transmission from the server to a display device is encrypted and/or coded so that the data transmitted in response to a request from a particular display device can be received only by that display device.

5. The system of claim 4 wherein the data transmitted from the display device to the server is encrypted or coded so that it cannot be understood or intercepted by an unauthorised party.

6. A display device for communication with a central server, including; a display screen for display of information; a microprocessor; a transmitter and receiver means for receiving transmission of data and transmitting data; and input means for the input of information.

7. The display of claim 6 wherein the receiver is a receiver for receiving high bandwidth data transmission and the transmitter is a transmitter for transmitting narrow bandwidth data.

8. The display of claim 6 wherein the transmitter and receiver means is a wireless transmitter and receiver means for wireless transmission and receipt of data.

9. The display of claim 6 wherein the display device includes an analogue converter coupled to the microprocessor for output of audio signals to a head set, or speakers.

10. The display of claim 9 wherein the analogue converter also includes an input for input of audio data from a microphone.

11. The display of claim 6 wherein the display device also includes an interface for coupling with the input means .

12. The display of claim 11 wherein the input means includes any one or more of a keyboard, a mouse, or a joy stick.

13. The display of claim 11 wherein the input means comprises an integrated touch screen of the display for input of data into the display device by touching the screen.

14. A communication system, including; at least one central server for providing services to customers, the central server having processing capability so as to provide services required by customers and to process commands and data provided by customers; a display device including a display screen; input means for inputting data into the display device; transmission means for transmitting data between the central server and the display device so that the display device can be operated by a user by the input of user commands into the input means to request services, which data is transmitted by the transmission means to the server so that the server processes the commands and transmits data to the display device relating to the service requested by the user so the user can view the service on the display device or use the service by inputs into the display device via the input means.

15. The system of claim 14 wherein the communication means comprises transmitter means and receiver means at both the server and the display device, the transmitter and receiver means including a high bandwidth transmission link for transmission of data from the server to the display device and a narrow band transmission link for transmission of data from the display device to the server.

16. The system of claim 14 wherein the high band transmission link and low band transmission link are wireless transmission links.

17. The system of claim 14 wherein a unique customer account code is transmitted to the server from the display device with the request for provision of a service so as to enable billing relating to the service to the user.

18. The system of claim 14 wherein the data transmitted from the display device to the server is encrypted or coded so that it cannot be intercepted and understood by an unauthorised party.

19. The system of claim 14 wherein the data transmitted from the central server to the display device is also encrypted and or coded so that it is only received by the user requesting the service.

Dated this 23^rα day of March 2001

D & E CONSULTING PTY LTD By their Patent Attorneys

GRIFFITH HACK Fellows Institute of Patent and

Trade Mark Attorneys of Australia