WO2016101035A1

WO2016101035A1 - Communication interface device and method

Info

Publication number: WO2016101035A1
Application number: PCT/AU2015/050836
Authority: WO
Inventors: Tasman TUDOR; Justin Grant; Paul Grant; Tim MANN; Byron TUDOR
Original assignee: Strone Technology Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2014-12-24
Filing date: 2015-12-23
Publication date: 2016-06-30

Abstract

A communication interface device and method for accessing a user device from a remote device, the communication interface device comprising: a processor; a user device communication module arranged to receive voice data from the user device and to transmit the voice data to the processor; and an internet connection module arranged to connect the communication interface device to the internet; wherein the processor is arranged to convert the received voice data to internet data, and to transmit the internet data via the internet to a portal system to be accessed by the user at the remote device.

Description

Communication Interface Device and Method Field of the Invention

The present invention is generally related to a communication device and particularly, although not exclusively, related to a remotely accessing data.

Background to the Invention

Advances in technology have led to the proliferation of ownership of smartphones and other devices such as tablet computers and laptop computers. Indeed, people often own multiple phones and other devices. For example, a businessman may have a personal smartphone, a work smartphone, a tablet computer and a laptop computer, all of which are needed for different reasons.

It can be hard to manage or carry this large amount of electronic hardware, especially, for example, when travelling. However, each piece of hardware may provide some needed functionality.

Summary of the Invention

In a first broad aspect the invention provides a communication interface device for accessing a user device from a remote device, the communication interface device comprising:

a processor;

a user device communication module arranged to receive voice data from the user device and to transmit the voice data to the processor; and

an internet connection module arranged to connect the communication interface device to the internet;

wherein the processor is arranged to convert the received voice data to internet data, and to transmit the internet data via the internet to a portal system to be accessed by the user at the remote device.

In an embodiment, the user device communication module comprises a Bluetooth module arranged to connect via Bluetooth to the user device.

In an embodiment, the user device communication module comprises a SIM slot arranged to receive a user device SIM card. In an embodiment, the internet connection module comprises a wireless internet module.

In an embodiment, the wireless internet module is a WiFi module.

In an embodiment, the internet connection module comprises a wired internet module.

In an embodiment, the wired internet module is an Ethernet module. In an embodiment, the internet data comprises Voice-over-Internet Protocol data.

In an embodiment, the communication interface device comprises at least one USB jack arranged to provide a power source for charging a user device. In an embodiment, the communication interface device is arranged to receive and process SMS data, MMS data or mobile cellular network data from the user device for access by the user at the remote device.

In a second broad aspect the invention provides a communication method for accessing a user device from a remote device, the communication method comprising: connecting the user device to a user device communication module of a communication interface device;

connecting the communication interface device to the internet;

receiving voice data from the user device and transmitting the voice data to a processor;

converting the voice data to internet data;

transmitting the internet data via the internet to a portal system to be accessed by the user at the remote device. In an embodiment, the user device communication module comprises a Bluetooth module arranged to connect via Bluetooth to the user device.

In an embodiment, the user device communication module comprises a SIM slot arranged to receive a user device SIM card.

In an embodiment, the communication interface device is connected wirelessly to the internet. In an embodiment, the communication interface device is connected to the internet via

In an embodiment, the communication interface device is connected to the internet through a wired connection.

In an embodiment, the communication interface device is connected to the internet via Ethernet.

In an embodiment, the internet data comprises Voice-over-Internet Protocol data.

In an embodiment, the communication interface device comprises at least one USB jack arranged to provide a power source for charging a user device.

In an embodiment, the communication method comprises receiving and processing SMS data, MMS data or mobile cellular network data from the user device for access by the user at the remote device.

In a third broad aspect the invention provides a computer program adapted to control computing device to implement the method of the second broad aspect.

In a fourth broad aspect the invention provides a computer readable medium comprising a computer program of the third broad aspect.

Brief Description of the Drawing

In order that the invention may be more clearly ascertained, embodiments will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawing, in which: Figure 1 is a block diagram of a communication system including a communication interface device of the invention;

Figure 2A is the first section of a flow diagram of a communication method executed by the communication system of claim 1 ;

Figure 2B is the second section of the flow diagram of figure 2A. Figure 3 is a block diagram of the communication interface device used by the system of claim 1.

Detailed Description of Embodiments of the Invention

The present disclosure is described in further detail with reference to one or more embodiments, some examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The examples and embodiments are provided by way of explanation and are not to be taken as limiting to the scope of the disclosure. Furthermore, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment may be used by themselves to provide other embodiments and features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment may be used with one or more other embodiments to provide further embodiments. The present disclosure covers these variations and embodiments as well as other variations and/or modifications. The subject headings used in the detailed description are included for the ease of reference of the reader and should not be used to limit the subject matter found throughout the disclosure or the claims. The subject headings should not be used in construing the scope of the claims or the claim limitations. Referring to the drawings, a communication system 2 is provided that allows a user to remotely use the functionality of a user device 6, such as a smart phone. For example, the user can remotely access the user device 6 to inter alia make and receive calls and to transmit and receive data (such as SMS messages). This is done using the account of the user device so that calls, for example, are charged to the user device. This means that a user can leave their phone at home and still make calls through it or by using its SIM card.

Generally, the communication system allows a user to remotely make or receive a call from their mobile phone. The user may, for example, want to travel without their phone, but still use it for calls. The user may achieve this by using a remote device

(such as, but not limited to, a computer, tablet or a different mobile phone) to access a portal. Indeed, the user may use any suitable remote device such as a smart watch or any (mobile or otherwise) internet connected device, such as a motor vehicle with a 3G connection. The portal communicates with a communication interface device, which in turn communicates with the user's mobile phone, so that a call can be remotely placed to or received from a third party. Referring to Figure 1 , the communication system 2 comprises a communication interface device 4 that is arranged to connect to and communicate with: i) a user device 6, and ii) a communication system portal 8. Typically, the user device 6 is a mobile phone that is arranged to connect to a mobile cellular network so that the user can make and receive voice calls. However, any suitable user device 6, such as a tablet computer, may be used. The user device 6 may also be arranged to send and receive messages (such as SMS and MMS messages) and transmit and receive other data (such as 3G or 4G internet data). For example, a user may use their user device 6 to call an external or third-party device 10 for a conversation with an external user or third party, such as a family member, friend, colleague, automated attendant, interactive voice response system, or anybody or anything else a user may wish to communicate with. The third-party device 10 is typically a telephone that is arranged to make and receive voice call, such as a mobile phone or a landline telephone, but may be any other suitable device.

The communication interface device 4 and the user device 6 are arranged to communicate at least voice data there between. Voice data is typically data indicative of a conversation between a user and a third party, and is typically generated at the user device 6 upon connection to a third-party device 10 for a voice conversation. The user device 6 may connect to the third-party device 10 via any suitable combination of mobile cellular networks, public switched telephone networks, plain old telephone service networks, wireless networks, private networks, any other suitable networks, or in any other suitable manner. In an embodiment, the communication interface device 4 and the user device 6 connect to one another wirelessly for communication of the voice and control data. For example, the communication interface device 4 and the user device 6 may connect to one another via a wireless communication protocol such as Bluetooth. In another embodiment, the communication interface device 4 and the user device 6 connect to one another through a wired connection for communication of the voice data.

The communication interface device 4 is also arranged to communicate with a portal system 8 via a first network 12, such as the internet or any other suitable network. In an embodiment, the communication device 4 connects to a modem 14 in order to communicate with the portal system 8 via the internet. However, the communication interface device 4 may connect to and communicate with the portal system 8 in any suitable manner. ln an embodiment, the portal system 8 is a restricted-access web portal, with access available to user device 6 users. For example, the portal system 8 may become available to a user upon registration with the communication system 2 and purchase of a communication interface device 4. The portal system 8 may be provided on a network-connected server or in any other suitable manner.

Typically, a user is required to set up or configure access to the portal system 8 so that their user device 6 and communication interface device 4 can access and

communicate with it. For example, a user may install a user-device application 16 on their device 6 and register an account and password, though this may be done in any suitable manner. The user-device application 16 may also configure communication between the user device 6 and the communication interface device 4, such as by setting up a Bluetooth connection therebetween, though this may be done in any suitable manner. The user-device application 16 may be a smartphone application ("app").

The portal system 8 is typically configured to act as a gateway between the user device 6 and a remote device 18. The remote device 18 is a device from which the user can remotely access the user device 6 in order to make or receive calls. The remote device 18 is arranged to communicate with the portal system 8 via a second network 20. The second network 20 may be the same as the first network 12, such as the internet. A remote device 18 may be any suitable device that can respectively send and receive at least voice data to and from the portal system 8 via the second network 20. For example, a remote device 18 may be a tablet computer, a desktop or laptop computer, a smartphone, a wearable device such as a smartwatch, or any other suitable device. Typically, the remote device 18 is capable of connecting to the internet in any suitable manner.

The remote device 18 typically has a remote-device application 22 stored thereon. A user may log in to the remote-device application 22 in order to communicate with the portal system 8. In some embodiments, the user-device application 16 is the same as the remote-device application 22, for example, when the user device 6 and the remote device 18 are running the same operating system, such as Android or iOS. In other embodiments, the user-device application 16 is different to the remote-device application 22, for example, when the user device 6 and the remote device 18 are running different operating systems. In other embodiments, the device application 16 may be accessed via a browser, for example, by navigating to a website that allows the user to log in with their account details. The applications 16,22 (whether stand-alone, accessed via a browser or otherwise) are typically equivalent and both allow the respective devices 6, 18 to communicate the portal system 8.

It should be noted that a particular user may be able to remotely access their user device 6 from any one of a plurality of remote devices 18 with the remote-device application 22 installed thereon. For example, if a user went on holiday, they could access their user device 6 from any one of a browser installed on a hotel computer, their tablet and their colleague's smartphone.

The communication interface device 4 may be arranged to transmit control data 24 to the user device 6. Such control data may provide commands or instructions to control the user device 6 to act in a certain way. Similarly, the user device 6 may be arranged to transmit status data 26 to the communication interface device 4. Such status data may, for example, be generated and transmitted when an incoming call is received. The purpose of the control data 24 and status data 26 will become apparent in the examples below.

In embodiments where the first 12 and second 20 networks are IP protocol networks (such as the internet), the data transmitted between the communication interface device 4, the system portal 8 and the remote device 18 may be encoded using Voice- over-Internet Protocol (VoIP). Generally, the communication interface device 4 comprises a processor that is arranged to receive voice and other data from the user device and to convert that received voice and other data into internet data that is suitable to be transmitted across the internet. (For example, voice data may be converted to VoIP data.)

Example 1 - receiving a call from an external device at a remote device

Figures 1 and 2 are referred to in relation to example 1. In this example of a communication method 140, a third party using a third-party device 10 (such as a telephone) places a call to a user device 6, and the user receives the call at a remote device 18 (such as a tablet computer) via the communications system. The user device 6 is connected 142 to the communication interface device 4 for communication in any suitable manner, such as via a Bluetooth connection or a wired connection. The communication interface device 4 connects to and communicates 144 with the portal system 8 over the internet. The remote device 18 is connected to (and logged in to, if required) the portal system 8. The third-party device 10 places a call 146 to a user device 6, and the call is successfully connected via any suitable combination of telephony networks. The user device 6 begins to ring (audibly or otherwise). Upon receiving the call, the user device 6 (for example, at the user-device application 18) generates and transmits 148 a status signal 26 (such as a ringing signal) to the communication interface device 4 indicating that a third-party device 10 is calling.

The communication interface device 4, via the first network 12, transmits a message 150 to the portal system 8 indicating that a third-party device 10 is calling the user device 6. The portal system 8, via the second network 20, transmits a message 152 to the remote device 18 indicating that a third-party device 10 is calling the user device 6. This message may be received at the remote device 18 and passed to the remote- device application 22.

The remote-device application 22 controls the remote device 18 to indicate 154 to the user that a third-party device 10 is currently calling the user device 6. This indication may be by way of any an audible alert, a visual alert, a haptic alert, any combination thereof, or in any other suitable manner. At this point, it is assumed that the user is aware that a third-party device 10 is calling the user device 6. The user decides to accept 156 the call, and indicates the same to the remote device 18 in any suitable manner, for example, by pressing an accept button provided by the remote-device application 22. This controls the remote device 18 to generate and transmit 158 an accept message to the portal system 8, which passes an accept message to the communication interface device 4.

Upon receipt of the accept message, the communication interface device 4 generates and transmits to the user device 6 an accept control signal. Upon receipt of the accept control signal, the user device 6 accepts the call 160, for example, by executing a software or firmware based accept-call routine. Thus, the third-party device 10 and the user device 6 become connected over the telephony network, including the first 12 and second 20 networks (which may be the same network, such as the internet). The third party says "hello" into the third-party device 10. The third party's voice is converted into voice data and transmitted to the user device 6 over the telephony network. Upon receipt of the voice data, the user device 6 passes 162 it to the communication interface device 4, which in turn transmits 164 it to the portal system 8. The voice data may be received and transmitted via the user-device application 16. In an embodiment, the communication interface device 4 converts the voice data to VoIP data for transmission to the portal system 8 over the internet. It is noted that, in this specification, the term "voice data" may include VoIP-encoded voice data. Upon receipt of the voice data, the portal system 8 transmits the voice data to the remote device 18. The voice data may be received at the remote-device application 22. The remote device 18 is controlled to decode the voice data, and broadcast 166 it to the user, for example, via a speaker. The user hears "hello". The user says "hi", and this voice signal is converted to voice data at the remote device 18. The voice data is passed to the portal system 8, then to the communication interface device 4, and then to the user device 6. The user device 6 is controlled, for example via the user-device application 16, to transmit 168 the voice data to the third- party device over the telephony connection. The third-party hears "hi". And thus the third party and the user can have a back and forth conversation in this manner.

If the user indicates that they wish to reject the call, a reject signal is transmitted from the remote device 18 to the portal system 8, to the communication interface device 4, to the user device 6, which is controlled to send a reject signal 170 over the telephony network, thus closing the connection to the third party. If the does nothing (i.e. ignores the call), the third party may eventually terminate the connection, in which case the user device 6 sends an updated status signal indicating that there is no longer a call request. The communication interface device 4 sends a message to this effect through the portal system 8 to the remove device 18, which indicates the same, for example by stopping ringing.

Example 2 - calling an external device from a remote device

Referring to figure 1 , in example 2, the user wishes to call a third-party device 10 from a remote device 18 via the user device 6. For example, this may be so that the user device 6 account is charged for the call, rather than the remote device. (It is noted that there may also be a cost associated with the communication interface device 4 or remote device 18 or both accessing their associated networks, such as the internet.) The user inputs a telephone number corresponding to the third-party device 10 to the remote device 18 (for example, via the remote-device application 22). A number signal is transmitted to the portal system 8, and then to the communication interface device 4. Upon receipt, the communication interface device 4 generates a control signal 24 (comprising the number) and transmits it to the user device 6. The user device (for example, via the user-device application 16) is controlled to dial the number. (This may require that the user-device application 16 has root-level authentication privileges to the user device 6.)

A connection between the user device 6 and the external device 10 is set up over the telephony network. The external device 10 rings, and the third party answers it. The user device 6, upon detecting that the third-party device 10 has been answered, generates and transmits to the communication interface device 4 a connected message, which is passed to the portal system 8, and then to the remote device 18.

The third party says "hello", and a conversation is conducted between the third party and the user as per example 1 above. Other features

Modern smartphones often comprise a contacts or phonebook feature, where the user can create, modify or delete contact information in relation to their contacts, such as friends and family. This information may be stored locally or otherwise. For example, a user may have a contact entry entitled "Mum" that includes data related to the user's mother's: i) mobile number, ii) landline number, iii) work number, iv) email address, v) physical address, and vi) photo. In an embodiment, the user's contact information is uploaded to the portal system 8 and saved against the user's account. This may be advantageous in that the user's contact information is readily available from a remote device 18, for example, via the remote-device application 22. The contact information may automatically update in the communication system portal 8 database upon the user modifying their contact information. In another embodiment, the user's contact information is stored on the user device 6 and accessed through the remote device 18 via the communication system portal 8.

In some embodiments, the remote-device application 22 receives contact information from a third party, such as Google via a Google Contacts or Gmail account. The server or system portal 8 typically stores records or logs of calls made via the communication system 2 for at least as long as is required by law. The portal system may also store for each user account at least one or more of: i) the user

s name, ii) the user's address, iii) the user's phone number, iv) an account nickname, and v) an account password. The account password is typically encrypted for security.

The communication interface device 4 may facilitate the transmission of data (e.g. non- voice data such as 2G, 3G, SMS, MMS) between a remote device 18 and a third-party device 10. For example, and similar to example 1 above, a third party may wish to send a text message (e.g. SMS) to the user. (It is assumed that the user is away from the user device 6 but has access to a remote device 18 that is set up to access the communication system portal 8.) An exchange of data and control signals similar to that explained with reference to example 1 is executed so that the user can receive the message at the remote device 18. Conversely, and similar to example 2 above, the user may wish to send a message to a third party via their user device 6 but using a remote device 18. An exchange of data and control signals similar to that explained with reference to example 2 is executed so that the user can send the message at the remote device 18. Any sort of suitable data may be sent. For example, the user may use 3G internet data to message a third party with an online instant messaging app facilitated by the user device 6.

Communication interface device hardware

Figure 3 illustrates a block diagram of the communication interface device 4. The communication interface device 4 comprises a processor 40 that is connected to and in electronic communication with various modules. Herein the term "processor" is used to refer generically to any device that can process computer program code and may include: a microprocessor, microcontroller, programmable logic device or other computational device, a general purpose computer (e.g. a PC) or a server. That is a processor may be provided by any suitable logic circuitry for receiving inputs, processing them in accordance with instructions stored in memory and generating outputs (for example to control a module). Such processors are sometimes also referred to as central processing units (CPUs). Most processors are general purpose units, however, it is also know to provide a specific purpose processor, for example, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a field programmable gate array (FPGA).

The communication interface device 4 is typically encased in a housing and provides a number of physical input and output connections, such as a power jack and an ethernet jack, though these will be discussed further below. The processor comprises in memory firmware or an operating system 42 that is arranged to control the various functions of the modules. The operating system 42 is arranged to be controlled, modified or updated by any suitable party, such as the user or by a vendor, supplier or operator of the communications interface device.

The communication interface device 4 comprises one or more communication modules connected to the processor 40. The communication interface device 4 comprises a cellular network module 44 arranged to receive and transmit mobile data such as voice data and SMS data. For example, the cellular network module 44 may receive data from and transmit data to the user device in order to process voice calls, SMS messages or any other suitable data.

The cellular network module 44 may be arranged to receive voice and other data to related to a user device for transmission over the communication system to a remote device. For example, a user may accidentally leave their smartphone at home, but still be able to receive calls and SMS messages at their laptop computer or any other suitable device. The communication interface device 4 comprises an internet connection module that is arranged so that the communication interface device 4 can connect to the internet, for example via a modem or router. The communication interface device 4 may comprise a wireless internet module 46, such as a WiFi module, arranged to receive internet data from and transmit internet data to the modem for transmission across the internet, for example, to the communication system portal and ultimately to a remote device.

Received data is transmitted to the processor 42 for processing and interpretation, and similarly the processor 42 transmits data to the local area wireless module 46 to be passed on to the modem. Alternatively or additionally, the communication interface device 4 may comprise a wired internet module 48, such as an Ethernet jack, arranged to similarly receive and transmit internet data. This may allow for a wired connection between the communication interface device 4 and a modem, which may provide a more reliable and faster connection to the internet.

The communication interface device 4 comprises a user device communication module. In an embodiment, the user device communication module is a wireless communication module 50, such as a Bluetooth module, arranged to connect to and communicate with a user device. A user device typically connects to the communication interface device via Bluetooth. Upon receiving a call at the user device, for example, control signals and voice data is transmitted over the Bluetooth connection to the communication interface device 4 for processing at the processor 40. After the data has been processed into a suitable form, this processed data is then transmitted over the internet (e.g. using the wired 48 or wireless 46 internet module) for delivery to the remote device. The device communication module is arranged to receive data from and transmit data to any suitable device. For example, a land line or home phone may have Bluetooth capability, in which case it could communicate with the device communication module.

In another embodiment, the user device communication module is one or more SIM card slots 52, each arranged to receive a user's SIM card 54. In this respect, a user's SIM card inserted into a SIM slot is considered a user device as it is facilitates calling and other data transfer related to the user's account. The communication interface device 4 can communicate over a cellular network (for example, using the cellular network module 44 and SIM card 54) by using the SIM card 54 directly. In this embodiment, there is no need for connection to a user's phone via Bluetooth because the communication interface device 4 has direct access to the mobile connection provided by the SIM card 54. In other embodiments, the communication interface device 4 comprises a wireless communication module 48 and one or more SIM slots

52.

Though figure 3 illustrates only one SIM slot 52, any suitable number may be provided so that more than one user can use the communication system concurrently. For example, if two SIM cards 54 are provided, it is possible that two users can

concurrently use the communication system and communication interface device 4 to communicate at a remote device but using their respective SIM cards 54. This can be extended to any suitable number of SIM cards 54 and users. An enterprise

embodiment may, for example, comprise twenty-five SIM slots 52 for use by up to twenty-five users.

The communication interface device 4 comprises a power supply 56 arranged to supply power thereto. The power supply may receive mains electricity or may comprise a battery. In an embodiment, the power supply comprises a battery and receives mains electricity. The mains electricity may keep the battery charged so that the battery can continue powering the communication interface device 4 during power cuts. The communication interface device 4 comprises one or more USB jacks 58, each of which is arranged to output power, for example, for the charging of a phone. A technician may also be able to access the operating system 42 for configuration or for updating software or firmware via a USB jack 58.

The communication interface device 4 comprises a number of indicators arranged to information about the communication interface device 4 to a user. For example, a power LED might indicate that the communication interface device 4 is receiving power. An internet status LED may indicate whether the communication interface device 4 is connected to the internet. A screen or display may also provide information to the user. Any suitable indicators 60 in any suitable form may be used.

Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that in accordance with known techniques, functionality at the server side or portal system of the network may be distributed over a plurality of different computers, for example for load balancing or security.

Further aspects of the method will be apparent from the above description of the system. It will be appreciated that at least part of the method will be implemented electronically, for example, digitally by a processor executing program code. In this respect, in the above description certain steps are described as being carried out by the system, it will be appreciated that such steps will often require a number of sub- steps to be carried out for the steps to be implemented electronically, for example due to hardware or programming limitations. For example, to carry out a step such as evaluating, determining or selecting, a processor may need to compute several values and compare those values.

The method may be embodied in program code. The program code could be supplied in a number of ways, for example on a tangible computer readable storage medium, such as a disc or a memory device, e.g. an EEPROM, or as a data signal (for example, by transmitting it from a server). Further different parts of the program code can be executed by different devices, for example in a client server relationship. Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that program code provides a series of instructions executable by a processor. It will be understood to persons skilled in the art of the invention that many

modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. In the claims that follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" is used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention.

It is to be understood that, if any prior art is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that such prior art forms a part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country.

Claims

1. A communication interface device for accessing a user device from a remote device, the communication interface device comprising:

a processor;

2. A communication interface device as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the user device communication module comprises a Bluetooth module arranged to connect via Bluetooth to the user device.

3. A communication interface device as claimed either claim 1 or 2, wherein the user device communication module comprises a SIM slot arranged to receive a user device SIM card.

4. A communication interface device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the internet connection module comprises a wireless internet module.

5. A communication interface device as claimed in claim 4, wherein the wireless internet module is a WiFi module.

6. A communication interface device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the internet connection module comprises a wired internet module.

7. A communication interface device as claimed in claim 6, wherein the wired internet module is an Ethernet module.

8. A communication interface device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the internet data comprises Voice-over-Internet Protocol data.

9. A communication interface device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8 comprising at least one USB jack arranged to provide a power source for charging a user device.

10. A communication interface device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9 arranged to receive and process SMS data, MMS data or mobile cellular network data from the user device for access by the user at the remote device.

1 1. A communication method for accessing a user device from a remote device, the communication method comprising:

connecting the user device to a user device communication module of a communication interface device;

connecting the communication interface device to the internet;

converting the voice data to internet data;

transmitting the internet data via the internet to a portal system to be accessed by the user at the remote device.

12. A communication method as claimed in claim 11 , wherein the user device communication module comprises a Bluetooth module arranged to connect via Bluetooth to the user device.

13. A communication method as claimed either claim 11 or 12, wherein the user device communication module comprises a SIM slot arranged to receive a user device

SIM card.

14. A communication method as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the communication interface device is connected wirelessly to the internet.

15. A communication method as claimed in claim 14, wherein the communication interface device is connected to the internet via WiFi.

16. A communication method as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 15, wherein the communication interface device is connected to the internet through a wired connection.

17. A communication method as claimed in claim 16, wherein the communication interface device is connected to the internet via Ethernet.

18. A communication method as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 17, wherein the internet data comprises Voice-over-Internet Protocol data.

19. A communication method as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 18, wherein the communication interface device comprises at least one USB jack arranged to provide a power source for charging a user device.

20. A communication method as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 19 comprising receiving and processing SMS data, MMS data or mobile cellular network data from the user device for access by the user at the remote device.

21. A computer program adapted to control a computing device to implement the method of any one of claims 1 1 to 20.

22. A computer readable medium comprising a computer program as claimed in claim 21.