WO2005053228A1

WO2005053228A1 - Configuring network equipment via bluetooth mobile phone

Info

Publication number: WO2005053228A1
Application number: PCT/IB2004/052420
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ramon De La Fuente
Original assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
Priority date: 2003-11-27
Filing date: 2004-11-15
Publication date: 2005-06-09

Abstract

A method is proposed to enable an end-user to configure a broadband modem for operating with a specific network environment. The method comprises sending configuration data to a mobile phone of the end-user, e.g., using SMS or email. The phone as well as the modem have a Bluetooth transceiver. The configuration data is downloaded to the modem via the Bluetooth link.

Description

Configuring network equipment via Bluetooth mobile phone

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The invention relates to a method for enabling to configure network equipment especially, but not exclusively, consumer electronics (CE) and home network apparatus, so as having the equipment operating with a network environment, e.g., a specific one of multiple network environments. The invention further relates to a configurable network device, especially but not exclusively, to a broadband modem.

BACKGROUND ART A network relies on the interoperability of the apparatus making up the network. A new apparatus that is to be added to the network may need to be configured so as to be able to interact with the network. Network-enabled equipment is pervading the CE market at an increasingly higher pace. As the typical end-user of CE apparatus is not an expert in configuring and customizing network equipment, some assistance is required. Typically, assistance is provided by a help-desk of, e.g., service provider or manufacturer. This, however, is a relatively expensive and time-consuming service. In addition, consumers have come to expect a minimum of hassle when it comes to use of CE equipment. Hot plug- and-play is preferred, but cannot always be attained. An alternative to help-desk assistance to consumers in facilitating the configuration and customization of CE equipment is discussed in U.S. ser. no. 09/519,546 (attorney docket US 000014) filed 03/06/00 for Erik Ekkel et al., for PERSONALIZING CE EQUIPMENT CONFIGURATION AT SERVER VIA WEB-ENABLED DEVICE, published as International Application WOO 154406 and incorporated herein by reference. This document relates to facilitating the configuring of CE equipment by means of delegating the configuring to an application server on the Internet. The consumer enters his/her preferences in a specific interactive Web page through a suitable user-interface of an

Internet-enabled device such as a PC or set-top box or digital cell phone. The application server generates the control data based on the preferences entered and downloads the control data to the CE equipment itself or to the Internet-enabled device. Another approach is discussed in U.S. ser. no. 10/034,664 (attorney docket US 018213) filed 12/28/01 for Paul Chambers for METHOD TO AUTOMATICALLY CONFIGURE NETWORK ROUTING DEVICE, published as International Application WO03056759 and incorporated herein by reference. This document relates to a home network with a data processing device and a network access device for access to an external network. When a new device is added the network is to be configured. Configuration is done as follows. The communication between the data processing device and the access device is monitored. Then, information is extracted from the communication about protocols and external network addresses. The home network can then be configured automatically based on the information extracted.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The inventor proposes an alternative to known manners to facilitate the configuring of CE equipment. Consider, e.g., a broadband modem. According to the invention, broadband configuration data is provided by the broadband operator via a communication channel to a, preferably mobile, communication device, e.g., a mobile phone, a network-enabled PDA, a configurable remote control device such as the PRONTO, etc., of the end-user. The user's communication device has a short-range wireless transmitter using radio-frequency transmission (RF), such as Bluetooth or NFC (Near-Field Communication), etc., or using infrared transmission (IR) such as the IrDA data standard. IrDA Data is recommended for high-speed short-range, line-of-sight, point-to-point cordless data transfer. • A receiver and data processor with suitable control software in the modem apparatus are provided for receiving the configuration data from the communication device and for configuring the modem apparatus accordingly. The invention provides the following advantages. There is no manual configuring needed of the modem and broadband connection. A PC is not required to configure the modem and broadband connection. This may open up business models for broadband consumer electronics devices. Further, the automatic configuration can be carried out instantly, as soon as the user has connected the equipment. Moreover, this system will decrease the need for after-sales service and thus decrease costs for the broadband provider. More generally, the invention relates to a method of enabling to configure a data processing system for operating with a network environment. The method comprises sending configuration data to a mobile communication device that is capable of receiving and transmitting data, e.g., a mobile phone or a PDA with communication capabilities, etc. This enables to transfer the configuration data via a link from the device to a compatible component of the system for configuring the system in order to have it operate with the specific environment. Preferably, the configuration data is provided in a format that enables the transfer to be electronic, either via a wired connection or a wireless connection between the communication device and the system. Preferably, the transfer is accomplished using a wireless short-range communication protocol RF. Alternatively an IR link can be used instead. An advantage of the RF scenario is that the receiving part of the system need not be visible to the user and can be accommodated within the plastic housing of a component of the system, e.g., an appliance, so as to not mar the aesthetic appearance of the housing. The sending of the configuration data uses e-mail, for example. A file with the configuration data can be attached, or the email text body can be parsed to extract the relevant data. As another example, the sending of the configuration data uses a text messaging service, commonly referred to as SMS (Short Messaging Service). The SMS was originally part of the GSM system but the acronym is now being used to indicate any text messaging service available on digital mobile phones. As yet another example, the sending of the configuration data uses the wireless access protocol (WAP). WAP refers to a set of standards that allows Web access via mobile devices. Most wireless networks support WAP. WAP supports HTML and XML. Within this context, reference is made to US serial no. 09/686,572 (attorney docket US 000183) filed 10/10/00 for Thomas Dubil et al., for CONTROL CODES FOR PROGRAMMABLE REMOTE SUPPLIED IN XML FORMAT, incorporated herein by reference, and published as WO0231978. This document relates to an Internet service that makes available control codes for use on a device such as a programmable universal remote. The remote controls CE equipment through IR or RF commands. A server supplies the control codes as XML data that gets processed at the receiver's set top box or PC, or at the remote itself, for being properly installed on the remote. The method of the invention can be used in a scenario wherein, for example, the system comprises a network interface, e.g., a broadband modem or a router, and the configuration data enables to configure the network interface. The communication device transfers the data via the link directly to the network interface. For example, both communication device (e.g., a mobile phone) and network interface are equipped with

Bluetooth transceivers for transfer of the configuration data. Within this context, reference is made to US ser no , incorporated herein by reference, corresponding to European patent application no. 03102319.5 (attorney docket NL 030965) filed July 28, 2003, for Ramon de la Fuente for CONFIGURING NETWORK EQUIPMENT USING CONTROL DATA STORED ON AN RFID TOKEN. This document relates to a method to enable configuration of a network device for operating with a specific one of multiple network environments. The method comprises providing a token with information representative of data for configuring the device; and enabling the device to configure itself using the data. If the network interface itself is not equipped with a Bluetooth transceiver or similar communication circuitry, the communication device transfers the data via the link to another, intermediate, component of the system for having the component transfer the configuration data to the network interface. The intermediate component comprises, e.g., a CE appliance, equipped with a Bluetooth transceiver. Within this context, reference is made to US serial no , incorporated herein by reference, corresponding to European patent application no. 03103515.7 (attorney docket NL 031181) filed September 23, 2003 for Eddy Odijk for CONFIGURING NETWORK INTERFACE ON HOME NETWORK. This latter document relates to a CE data processing system that is configurable to communicate via a particular one of multiple data network environments. The system comprises a receiver for receiving configuration data from a physical token for configuring the system. The system comprises an appliance for data network communication via a network interface. The appliance accommodates the receiver for receiving the configuration data for configuring the network interface. The token and the receiver communicate in a wireless fashion using a short-range RF protocol. The invention also relates to an electronic apparatus for operating with a network environment. The apparatus comprises a short-range communication module (e.g., a Bluetooth transceiver) for receiving configuration data from a mobile communication device. The mobile communication device (e.g., a mobile phone) has in turn received the configuration data from a remote source (e.g., service provider) for enabling the apparatus to operate with the network environment after processing the configuration data. The apparatus may comprise a data processor for configuring the apparatus itself to operate with the network environment. Such an apparatus comprises, for example, a network interface such as a broadband modem or a router or a dongle, for being configured using the configuration data. Alternatively, the apparatus comprises an appliance for use with the network interface. The appliance has then an operational mode for configuring the network interface using the configuration data received from the mobile communication device. The invention thus provides a simple and user-friendly manner to configure a network device, i.e., a device that is to be configured for use on a data network. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING The invention is explained in further detail, by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawing wherein: Fig. 1 is a block diagram of a system in the invention; Fig. 2 is a flow diagram of a method in the invention; Fig. 3 is a block diagrams illustrating a further system in the invention. Throughout the figures, same reference numerals indicate similar or corresponding features.

DETAILED EMBODIMENTS The invention is discussed below using the example of configuring a broadband modem. It is to be understood that the invention can also be useful in a scenario wherein a router or a dongle is to be configured. In order to obtain a connection to the Internet, a connection to the Internet Service Provider (ISP) has to be established first. For this, the user must know a number of parameters beforehand that are typically provided by the ISP using email or a CD-ROM by ordinary mail. The parameters are then used to configure a modem. Usually, the parameters are manually programmed into the modem with the use of a computer. Alternatively, the parameters could be programmed into the computer, which is connected to the modem, if the modem does not have the capability to store these parameters. For example, the following parameters or configuration information need to be known for establishing a connection: a login / username; a password; a DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) client activation. In some cases one also has to know: a primary DNS (Dynamic Name Server) IP address; a secondary DNS (Dynamic Name Server) IP address; a default gateway; and protocol parameters. The inventor proposes a system for automatically configuring the modem in a secure manner, without the intervention of the user and without the need of a personal computer. Fig. 1 is a block diagram of a system 100 in the invention. System 100 comprises a broadband modem 102 (or a broadband modem functionality 102 as, e.g., in a software implementation) to be configured for communication via a broadband connection 104 to an ISP 106 in order to get access to, e.g., the Internet. Modem 102 is equipped with the necessary hardware and software for establishing and terminating connection 104 to ISP 106. Connection 104 typically comprises a DSL or cable connection, but other media are possible such as Ethernet or satellite. Optionally, system 100 comprises a router 108 and a wireless access point (WAP) 110. Modem (DSL, cable, etc.) and router functionalities are known in the art and are not further discussed here. Modem 102, router 108 and WAP 110 serve to enable a CE apparatus 112 to receive, or receive and transmit, data via, here, the Internet. Apparatus 112 comprises, e.g., a PC on a home network, a set-top box or another CE appliance with a UI for rendering data received via connection 104. Modem 102 is configured as follows. ISP 106 or another party supplies a message 114, here an SMS, to a mobile communication device 116, here a mobile phone, of the user who has requested broadband access for apparatus 112 or his her home network. Message 114 comprises configuration data 118 for configuring modem 102. Message 114 is stored locally at device 116 in a message-inbox 120. Modem 102 comprises a processor 122 with specific Bluetooth software to detect message inbox 120 via Bluetooth communicators 122 and 124. Message 112 needs to include a (textual) unique identifier to show it is a configuration text or -script. Processor 122 then accepts configuration data 118 via communicators 122 and 124 and configures modem 102. Fig. 2 is a diagram of a method 200 of the invention. In a step 202 the user of system 100 submits a request to service provider 106 for subscribing to the service provided. In a step 204, service provider 106 prepares message 114 and sends that to the user's mobile phone 116. In a step 206, the user having received message 114 lets phone 116 communicate with modem 102. In a step 208, processor 122 retrieves configuration data 118 from inbox 120 and configures modem 102. Using Bluetooth for data transfer between devices is well known. Contact information of scheduling information can be exchanged between Bluetooth-enabled mobile phones that are within each other's range, or between the mobile phone and a nearby Bluetooth-enabled printer. The communication of gaming data between mobile phones is another Bluetooth application. For more illustrative examples and technical details of Bluetooth applications, see. e.g., US patent 6,608,889; US patent 6,622,018; US patent 6,524,189; US Pat App 20030055735; all incorporated herein in their entirety by reference. For example, US patent 6,608,889 relates to a method and an apparatus for transferring convenience feature data (e.g., speed dial numbers, etc.) from one telephone to another local telephone within the same home or small office. In particular, the telephone includes a memory located within a corded or cordless telephone configured for storing data, and a transfer module configured to transfer requested data between the memory and a target device in response to a transfer request. The corded telephone utilizes a DTMF generator/receiver, a demodulation/modulation module, or a Bluetooth module to establish a communication path between the corded telephone and the target device. The cordless telephone utilizes a DTMF generator/receiver, a demodulation / modulation module, a radio frequency (RF) transceiver, or a Bluetooth module to establish a communication path between the cordless telephone and the target device. A transfer request may be a download, upload, or synchronization request between the memory of the corded or cordless telephone and the target device. By providing means to transfer data between corded or cordless telephone and a transfer device, information may be automatically shared locally or remotely between multiple devices. For technical details on Bluetooth components, see for example, US Pat App 20030055735 and US patent 6,622,018 (notably the description of Figs 4-7 therein). US patent 6,524, 189 relates to gaming on a net formed by Bluetooth-equipped mobile phones. Instead of Bluetooth, NFC (Near-Field Communication) protocol can be used, for example. NFC is a technology jointly developed by Royal Philips Electronics and SonyomeRF. NFC is a low-cost peer-to-peer (P2P) connectivity technology based on RF ID that enables automatic set up of secure PAN/LAN connections. It uses short-wave radio technology, and has a transfer speed of up to 212 kb/s, making it a viable alternative to Bluetooth. In an embodiment of the invention, processor 122 uses data 118 as input to resident software to program modem 102. Alternatively, data 118 may comprise executable code. For example, data 118 comprises a java applet that is downloaded from inbox 120 to modem 102 to effect the configuration. Under control of processor 122, either programmed in advance to carry out the configuration of modem 102 or processing the java applet, the configuration is carried out. Fig. 3 is a block diagram of a system 300 of the invention. System 300 differs from system 100 basically in that mobile communication device 116 now, instead of communicating directly with modem 102, communicates with appliance 112 via Bluetooth transceivers 124 and 126, the latter now being accommodated in appliance 112. Appliance 112 also accommodates processor 122 that processes the data received from device 116 so as to be able to program modem 102 from appliance 112. In the example chosen, the configuration data is received via an e-mail that gets stored in email inbox 302. Bluetooth transceivers 124 and 126 may communicate the email as received and forward that to processor 122. Processor 122 then parses the email and extracts the configuration data. For example, the data is identified as a separate entity, e.g., an electronic file, or a piece of code, e.g., in XML. From there, modem 102 gets configured through appliance 112.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A method of enabling to configure a data processing system for operating with a network environment, the method comprising sending configuration data to a mobile communication device for enabling to transfer the configuration data via a link from the device to the system for configuring the system to operate with the specific environment.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the mobile communication device comprises a mobile phone.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the configuration data is provided in a format that enables the transfer to be electronic.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the link comprises a wireless data path.

5. The method of claim 4/8, wherein the transfer uses Bluetooth.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the sending of the configuration data comprises sending an e-mail.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the sending of the configuration data comprises using a text messaging service.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein: the system comprises a network interface; and the configuration data enables to configure the network interface.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein the communication device is enabled to transfer the data via the link directly to the network interface.

10. The method of claim 8, wherein the communication device is enabled to transfer the data via the link to another component of the system for having the system transferring the configuration data to the network interface.

11. The method of claim 8, wherein the network interface comprises a broadband modem.

12. An electronic apparatus for operating with a network environment, the apparatus comprising a short-range communication module for receiving configuration data from a mobile communication device that has in turn received the configuration data from a remote source for enabling the apparatus to operate with the network environment after processing the configuration data.

13. The apparatus of claim 12, comprising a Bluetooth transceiver.

14. The apparatus of claim 12, comprising a data processor for configuring the apparatus to operate with the network environment.

15. The apparatus of claim 14 comprising a network interface for being configured using the configuration data.

16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the network interface comprises a broadband modem.

17. The apparatus of claim 12, comprising an appliance for use with a network interface, the appliance having an operational mode for configuring the network interface using the configuration data received from the mobile communication device.