U.S. patent application number 12/237399 was filed with the patent office on 2009-03-26 for automated computer electronics device reporting.
This patent application is currently assigned to MODU LTD.. Invention is credited to Eyal Bychkov, Hagay Katz, Ran Margalit, Hagit Perry, Uri Ron, Itay Sherman.
Application Number | 20090083060 12/237399 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40470581 |
Filed Date | 2009-03-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090083060 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Sherman; Itay ; et
al. |
March 26, 2009 |
AUTOMATED COMPUTER ELECTRONICS DEVICE REPORTING
Abstract
A system for generating and submitting reports about consumer
electronics devices, including a consumer electronics device,
including a host interface, for connecting a wireless communication
card to a consumer electronics device, and a host memory storage
unit, for storing technical information and usage information about
the consumer electronics device, denoted INF-1, and a wireless
communication card, including a controller, for executing
programmed instructions, a power subsystem for supplying power to
the communication card, a wireless modem coupled with the
controller for receiving and transmitting data over the air, and a
card interface for connecting the communication card to the
consumer electronics device, wherein the controller is programmed
to collect information INF-1, to generate a report including at
least a portion of information INF-1, to collect recipient address
information, denoted INF-2, and to submit the report to a recipient
address as per information INF-2, via the wireless modem, over a
wireless communication network that connects the communication card
and the recipient. A method is also described and claimed.
Inventors: |
Sherman; Itay; (Hod
Hasharon, IL) ; Bychkov; Eyal; (Hod Hasharon, IL)
; Ron; Uri; (Tel Aviv, IL) ; Katz; Hagay;
(Moshav Herut, IL) ; Perry; Hagit; (Herzilya,
IL) ; Margalit; Ran; (Ramat Hasharon, IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Soquel Group, LLC
P.O. Box 691
Soquel
CA
95073
US
|
Assignee: |
MODU LTD.
Kefar Saba
IL
|
Family ID: |
40470581 |
Appl. No.: |
12/237399 |
Filed: |
September 25, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60995575 |
Sep 26, 2007 |
|
|
|
61062171 |
Jan 23, 2008 |
|
|
|
61063668 |
Feb 5, 2008 |
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61080264 |
Jul 13, 2008 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
705/1.1 ;
370/338; 375/222; 455/413; 455/466; 455/550.1; 455/558 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04M 15/00 20130101;
G06Q 30/06 20130101; Y02D 30/70 20200801 |
Class at
Publication: |
705/1 ; 375/222;
455/558; 370/338; 455/466; 455/413; 455/550.1 |
International
Class: |
G06Q 30/00 20060101
G06Q030/00; H04B 1/38 20060101 H04B001/38; H04M 1/00 20060101
H04M001/00; H04W 84/02 20090101 H04W084/02; H04W 4/12 20090101
H04W004/12; H04M 11/00 20060101 H04M011/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Feb 6, 2008 |
IL |
PCT/IL2008/000164 |
Claims
1. A system for generating and submitting reports about consumer
electronics devices, comprising: a consumer electronics device,
comprising: a host interface, for connecting a wireless
communication card to a consumer electronics device; and a host
memory storage unit, for storing technical information and usage
information about the consumer electronics device, denoted INF-1;
and a wireless communication card, comprising: a controller, for
executing programmed instructions; a power subsystem for supplying
power to the communication card; a wireless modem coupled with said
controller for receiving and transmitting data over the air; and a
card interface for connecting the communication card to said
consumer electronics device, wherein said controller is programmed
to collect information INF-1, to generate a report including at
least a portion of information INF-1, to collect recipient address
information, denoted INF-2, and to submit the report to a recipient
address as per information INF-2, via said wireless modem, over a
wireless communication network that connects said communication
card and the recipient.
2. The system of claim 1 wherein information INF-2 is stored in
said host memory storage unit.
3. The system of claim 1 wherein said wireless communication card
further comprises a memory storage unit coupled with said
controller, and wherein information INF-2 is stored in said
communication card memory storage unit.
4. The system of claim 1 wherein said wireless communication card
further comprises a memory storage unit coupled with said
controller, for storing personal information about an owner of said
consumer electronics device, denoted INF-3, wherein said controller
is programmed to also collect information INF-3, and wherein the
report generated by said controller also includes at least a
portion of information INF-3.
5. The system of claim 4 wherein information INF-3 includes at
least a portion of subscriber identity information for said
communication card.
6. The system of claim 5 wherein said communication card memory
storage unit comprises a SIM card.
7. The system of claim 1 wherein the wireless communication network
is any one of packet-switched cellular network, a circuit-switched
network, a Wi-Fi network, and a WiMAX network.
8. The system of claim 1 wherein said communication card is
connected physically to said consumer electronics device.
9. The system of claim 1 wherein said communication card is
connected wirelessly to said consumer electronics device.
10. The system of claim 1 wherein the report submitted by said
controller includes a user-agent header for said communication
card, and wherein said controller alters the user-agent header in
accordance with capabilities of said consumer electronics
device.
11. The system of claim 1 wherein said controller submits the
report to the recipient as any one of an SMS message, an MMS
message, an e-mail message and a voice message.
12. The system of claim 1 wherein said controller is also
programmed to open a voice channel, thereby enabling the owner of
said consumer electronics device and the recipient to speak with
one another.
13. The system of claim 1 wherein said wireless communication card
further comprises an audio player, and wherein said controller is
also programmed to receive a voice message from the recipient, to
store the voice message in said communication card memory storage
unit, and to play the stored voice message to the owner of said
consumer electronics device via said audio player.
14. A method for generating and submitting reports about consumer
electronics devices, comprising: storing technical and usage
information about a host consumer electronics device, denoted
INF-1, in a storage unit of the device; connecting a wireless
communication card to the consumer electronics device; collecting,
by the communication card, information INF-1, and recipient address
information, denoted INF-2, when the communication card is
connected to the consumer electronics device; generating a report
about the consumer electronics device, the report including at
least a portion of information INF-1; and submitting the report to
a recipient address as per information INF-2, by the communication
card, over a wireless communication network that connects the
communication card and the recipient.
15. The method of claim 14 wherein information INF-2 is stored in
the storage unit of the consumer electronics device.
16. The method of claim 14 wherein information INF-2 is stored in a
storage unit of the communication card.
17. The method of claim 14 further comprising storing personal
information about an owner of the consumer electronics device,
denoted INF-3, in a storage unit of a wireless communication card,
and wherein the report generated by said generating also includes
at least a portion of information INF-3.
18. The system of claim 17 wherein information INF-3 includes at
least a portion of subscriber identity information for the
communication card.
19. The method of claim 14 wherein said submitting the report is
initiated by the owner of the consumer electronics device.
20. The method of claim 14 wherein said submitting the report is
initiated by the recipient computer.
21. The method of claim 14 wherein said submitting the report is
initiated by occurrence of a pre-designated event.
22. The method of claim 21 wherein the pre-designated event is
turning on of the consumer electronics device.
23. The method of claim 21 wherein the pre-designated event is
turning off of the consumer electronics device.
24. The method of claim 21 wherein the pre-designated event is
connection of the communication card to the consumer electronics
device.
25. The method of claim 21 wherein the pre-designated event is
disconnection of the communication card from the consumer
electronics device.
26. The method of claim 21 wherein the pre-designated event is
initial connection of the communication card to the consumer
electronics device.
27. The method of claim 21 wherein the pre-designated event is
performance of a device-specific function.
28. The method of claim 14 wherein the report comprises a
user-agent header for the communication card, and wherein said
generating comprises altering the user-agent header in accordance
with capabilities of the consumer electronics device.
29. The method of claim 14 wherein said submitting submits the
report to the recipient as any one of an SMS message, an MMS
message, an e-mail message and a voice message.
30. The method of claim 14 further comprising opening a voice
channel, thereby enabling the owner of the consumer electronics
device and the recipient to speak with one another.
31. The method of claim 14 further comprising receiving a voice
message from the recipient; storing the voice message in the
storage unit of the wireless communication card; and playing the
stored voice message to the owner of the consumer electronics
device.
32. A system for generating and submitting reports about consumer
electronics devices, comprising: a consumer electronics device,
comprising: a host interface, for connecting a wireless
communication card to a consumer electronics device; and a host
memory storage unit, for storing technical information and usage
information about the consumer electronics device, denote INF-1;
and a wireless communication card, comprising: a controller, for
executing programmed instructions; a power subsystem for supplying
power to the communication card; a wireless modem coupled with said
controller for receiving and transmitting data over the air; and a
card interface for connecting the communication card to said
consumer electronics device, wherein said controller is programmed
to collect information INF-1, to retrieve personal information
about an owner of said consumer electronics device, denoted INF-3,
from a network computer, to generate a report including at least a
portion of information INF-1 and INF-3, to collect recipient
address information, denoted INF-2, and to submit the report to a
recipient address as per information INF-2, via said wireless
modem, over a wireless communication network that connects said
communication card, the network computer, and the recipient.
33. The system of claim 32 wherein information INF-2 is stored in
said host storage memory unit.
34. The system of claim 32 wherein said wireless communication card
further comprises a memory storage unit coupled with said
controller, wherein information INF-2 is stored in said
communication card memory storage unit.
35. The system of claim 32 wherein information INF-3 includes at
least a portion of subscriber identity information for said
communication card.
36. A method for generating and submitting reports about consumer
electronics devices, comprising: storing technical and usage
information about a host consumer electronics device, denoted
INF-1, in a storage unit of the device; connecting a wireless
communication card to the consumer electronics device; collecting,
by the communication card, information INF-1, and recipient address
information, denoted INF-2, when the communication card is
connected to the consumer electronics device; retrieving, by the
communication card, personal information about an owner of the
consumer electronics device, denoted INF-3, from a network
computer; generating a report about the consumer electronics
device, the report including at least a portion of information
INF-1 and INF-3; and submitting the report to a recipient address
as per information INF-2, by the communication card, over a
wireless communication network that connects the communication
card, the network computer, and the recipient.
37. The method of claim 36 wherein information INF-2 is stored in
the storage unit of the consumer electronics device.
38. The method of claim 36 wherein information INF-2 is stored in a
storage unit of the communication card.
39. The method of claim 36 wherein information INF-3 includes at
least a portion of subscriber identity information for the
communication card.
40. A system for generating and submitting reports about
electronics devices, comprising: a wireless communication card,
comprising: a controller, for executing programmed instructions; a
power subsystem for supplying power to the communication card; and
a wireless modem coupled with said controller for receiving and
transmitting data over the air; an electronics jacket that attaches
as a cover over said communication card, comprising: a user
interface for said communication card; and a jacket memory storage
unit, for storing usage information about said communication card,
denoted INF-1; and a connector for connecting said jacket to said
communication card, comprising a communication bus, wherein said
controller is programmed to collect information INF-1, to generate
a report including at least a portion of information INF-1, to
collect recipient address information, denoted INF-2, and to submit
the report to a recipient address as per information INF-2, via
said wireless modem, over a wireless communication network that
connects said communication card and the recipient.
41. The system of claim 40 wherein information INF-2 is stored in
said jacket memory storage unit.
42. The system of claim 40 wherein said wireless communication card
further comprises a memory storage unit coupled with said
controller, and wherein information INF-2 is stored in said
communication card memory storage unit.
43. The system of claim 40 wherein said wireless communication card
further comprises a memory storage unit coupled with said
controller, for storing personal information about an owner of the
communication card, denoted INF-3, wherein said controller is
programmed to also collect information INF-3, and wherein the
report generated by said controller also includes at least a
portion of information INF-3.
44. The system of claim 43 wherein information INF-3 includes at
least a portion of subscriber identity information for said
communication card.
45. The system of claim 43 wherein said communication card memory
storage unit comprises a SIM card.
46. The system of claim 40 wherein said communication card further
comprises a media player coupled with said controller.
47. The system of claim 46 wherein said jacket further comprises at
least one of component of the group consisting of speakers, an
earpiece, a headset, a display and a keypad.
48. The system of claim 40 wherein the recipient is a distributor
of said jacket.
49. A wireless communicator, comprising: an interface configured to
enable the wireless communicator to connect to an electronic device
and to enable data to be transferred between the wireless
communicator and the electronic device, the electronic device
having device information; a wireless modem configured to transmit
and receive data from time to time when the wireless communicator
is connected to the electronic device and from time to time when
the wireless communicator is not connected to the electronic
device; a memory storing personal information about a user of the
wireless communicator; and a controller coupled with said
interface, said wireless modem and said memory, the controller
configured to receive the device information from the electronic
device when the electronic device is connected to the wireless
communicator, to generate a report including at least a portion of
the personal information and at least a portion of the device
information, and to cause said wireless modem to transmit the
report to a recipient.
50. The wireless communicator of claim 49 wherein the electronic
device has usage information, and said controller is further
configured to receive the usage information from the electronic
device when the electronic device is connected to the wireless
communicator, to generate a report including at least a portion of
the personal information, at least a portion of the device
information, and at least a portion of the usage information, and
to cause said wireless modem to transmit the report to the
recipient.
51. The wireless communicator of claim 49 wherein said wireless
modem transmits the report in at least one of a short message
service (SMS) message, an e-mail message and a multimedia
message.
52. The wireless communicator of claim 49 wherein said wireless
modem transmits the report in a voice message.
53. The wireless communicator of claim 49 wherein said wireless
modem transmits the report in dial tone signals.
54. A wireless communicator comprising: an interface configured to
enable the wireless communicator to connect to a plurality of
different electronic devices and to enable data to be transferred
between the wireless communicator and the plurality of different
electronic devices, wherein each of the plurality of different
electronic devices has device information; a wireless modem
configured to transmit and receive data from time to time when the
wireless communicator is connected to one of the plurality of
different electronic devices and from time to time when the
wireless communicator is not connected to any of the plurality of
different electronic devices; a memory storing personal information
about a user of the wireless communicator; and a controller coupled
to said interface, said wireless modem and said memory, the
controller configured to receive device information from an
electronic device connected to the wireless communicator, to
generate a report including at least a portion of the personal
information and at least a portion of the device information from
the electronic device connected to the wireless communicator, and
to cause said wireless modem to transmit the report to a
recipient.
55. The wireless communicator of claim 54 wherein each of the
plurality of different electronic devices has usage information,
and said controller is further configured to receive usage
information from an electronic device connected to the wireless
communicator, to generate a report including at least a portion of
the personal information, at least a portion of the device
information from the electronic device connected to the wireless
communicator, and at least a portion of the usage information from
the electronic device connected to the wireless communicator, and
to cause said wireless modem to transmit the report to the
recipient.
56. The wireless communicator of claim 54 wherein said wireless
modem transmits the report in at least one of a short message
service (SMS) message, an e-mail message and a multimedia
message.
57. The wireless communicator of claim 54 wherein said wireless
modem transmits the report in a voice message.
58. The wireless communicator of claim 54 wherein said wireless
modem transmits the report in dial tone signals.
59. The wireless communicator of claim 54 wherein said controller
is further configured to maintain a history log that stores device
information from each of the plurality of different electronic
devices that the wireless communicator has connected to.
60. An electronic device, comprising: an interface configured to
enable the electronic device to connect to a wireless communicator
and to enable data to be transferred between the wireless
communicator and the electronic device; a memory storing device
information; and a controller coupled to said interface and said
memory, the controller configured to send at least a portion of the
device information to the wireless communicator via said interface,
for transmission to a recipient.
61. The electronic device of claim 60 wherein said memory also
stores contact information for the recipient, and wherein said
controller is further configured to send the contact information to
the wireless communicator via said interface.
62. The electronic device of claim 60 wherein said controller is
further configured to collect usage information and send the usage
information to the wireless communicator via said interface.
63. A system, comprising: a wireless communicator, comprising: an
interface configured to enable the wireless communicator to connect
to an electronic device and to enable data to be transferred
between the wireless communicator and the electronic device; a
wireless modem configured to transmit and receive data from time to
time when the wireless communicator is connected to an electronic
device and to transmit and receive data from time to time when the
wireless communicator is not connected to an electronic device, and
a controller coupled to said interface and said wireless modem; and
an electronic device comprising: an interface configured to enable
the electronic device to connect to said wireless communicator
interface; a memory storing device information; and a controller
configured to provide the device information to said wireless
communicator in response to a request from said wireless
communicator, wherein said wireless communicator controller is
configured to generate a report including at least a portion of the
device information and to cause said wireless modem to transmit the
report to a recipient.
64. The system of claim 63 wherein said electronic device
controller is further configured to collect usage information of
said electronic device and to send the usage information to said
wireless communicator when said wireless communicator is connected
to said electronic device, and wherein said wireless communicator
controller is further configured to include the usage information
in the report.
65. The system of claim 63 wherein said wireless communicator
further comprises a memory storing personal information of a user
of said wireless communicator, and wherein said wireless
communicator controller is further configured to include the
personal information in the report.
66. The system of claim 63 wherein said wireless modem transmits
the report in at least one of a short message service (SMS)
message, an e-mail message and a multimedia message.
67. The system of claim 63 wherein said wireless modem transmits
the report in a voice message.
68. The system of claim 63 wherein said wireless modem transmits
the report in dial tone signals.
69. The system of claim 63 wherein said wireless communicator
controller is configured to cause said wireless modem to transmit
the report when said wireless communicator is connected to said
electronic device.
70. The system of claim 63 wherein said wireless communicator
controller is configured to cause said wireless modem to transmit
the report when said wireless communicator is not connected to said
electronic device.
71. A system for generating and submitting reports about consumer
electronics devices, comprising: a consumer electronics device,
comprising: a host interface, for connecting a wireless
communication card to a consumer electronics device; and a host
memory storage unit, for storing technical information and usage
information about the consumer electronics device; and a wireless
communication card, comprising: a controller, for executing
programmed instructions; a communication card memory storage unit
coupled with said controller, for storing personal information
about an owner of said consumer electronics device; a power
subsystem for supplying power to the communication card; a wireless
modem coupled with said controller for receiving and transmitting
data over the air; and a card interface for connecting the
communication card to said consumer electronics device, wherein
said controller is programmed to monitor and collect the technical
and usage information and the personal information, to open a TCP
connection to a server computer and to transmit at least a portion
of the technical, usage and personal information to the server
computer, via said wireless modem, over a wireless communication
network that connects said communication card and the server
computer.
72. A method for generating and submitting reports about consumer
electronics devices, comprising: storing technical and usage
information about a host consumer electronics device, in a storage
unit of the device; storing personal information about an owner of
the consumer electronics device, in a storage unit of a wireless
communication card; connecting the wireless communication card to
the consumer electronics device; collecting, by the communication
card, the technical and usage information, when the communication
card is connected to the consumer electronics device; automatically
opening a TCP connection with a server computer, by the
communication card; and automatically transmitting at least a
portion of the technical, usage and personal information to the
server computer, by the communication card.
73. The method of claim 72 wherein said automatically transmitting
comprises sending the at least a portion of the technical, usage
and personal information within an HTTP request.
74. The method of claim 72 wherein the server computer includes a
database of remote recipients corresponding to respective consumer
electronics devices, the method further comprising automatically
transmitting, by the server computer, the at least a portion of the
technical, usage and personal information to at least one remote
recipient corresponding to the host consumer electronic device.
75. The method of claim 72 further comprising enabling at least one
remote recipient to access at least a portion of the technical,
usage and personal information on a web site in communication with
the server computer.
Description
PRIORITY REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 60/995,575, entitled AUTOMATED CONSUMER ELECTRONICS
DEVICE REPORTING, filed on Sep. 26, 2007 by inventors Itay Sherman,
Eyal Bychkov, Uri Ron, Hagay Katz and Hagit Perry. This application
also claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/062,171,
entitled MODULAR WIRELESS COMMUNICATOR, filed on Jan. 23, 2008 by
inventors Itay Sherman, Eyal Bychkov, Itay Cohen, Tami Demri, Hagay
Katz, Eran Miller, Hagit Perry, Uri Ron and Yaron Segalov. This
application also claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.
61/063,668, entitled MODULAR WIRELESS COMMUNICATOR, filed on Feb.
5, 2008 by inventors Dov Moran, Itay Sherman, Eyal Bychkov, Itay
Cohen, Yaron Segalov, Tami Demri, Eran Miller, Uri Ron, Hagay Katz
and Hagit Perry. This application also claims benefit of U.S.
Provisional Application No. 61/080,264, entitled AUTOMATED CONSUMER
ELECTRONICS DEVICE REPORTING, filed on Jul. 13, 2008 by inventors
Itay Sherman, Eyal Bychkov, Uri Ron, Hagay Katz and Hagit
Perry.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The field of the present invention is wireless
communication.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Consumer electronics manufacturers and retailers, service
providers, and accessory merchandise sellers, benefit greatly from
keeping in touch with purchasers of consumer electronics devices
and from being informed of consumer usage behavior for the devices.
By keeping in touch with purchasers, they are able to offer the
purchasers related goods and services. For example, a purchaser of
a digital camera is a potential candidate for buying a newer model
of the camera. If the memory card in the camera often fills up, the
purchaser is a potential candidate for buying a larger memory card.
The purchaser is also a potential candidate for services, such as
training courses in photography.
[0004] Currently, reporting of purchaser information for consumer
electronics devices, and reporting of consumer usage behavior is
limited. Often the devices do not have convenient network
connectivity, and relevant information is reported manually by
contacting a purchaser by phone, e-mail, Internet web-site, or when
the purchaser visits a store, or by conducting surveys. Moreover,
even for devices that do have convenient network connectivity, such
connectivity is typically used for uploading and downloading files,
and for device settings, but not for submitting reports about the
devices.
[0005] Reporting of purchaser information is voluntary, and often
such information is not reported due to lack of time. In some cases
purchasers report information because of incentives; for example,
to activate a warranty, or to receive a gift.
[0006] Nevertheless, even when reports are provided, reporting of
consumer information is limited and does not provide usage behavior
information.
SUMMARY OF THE DESCRIPTION
[0007] Aspects of the present invention enable automated generation
and submission of reports about consumer electronics devices. The
reports may include technical information about a device, personal
information about the owner of the device, and information
describing the owner's usage of the device. According to an
embodiment of the present invention, generation and submission of
reports is enabled by connecting a wireless transmitter in the form
of a communication card to consumer electronics devices.
[0008] The consumer electronics devices supported by the present
invention are of many types, including inter alia cameras, media
players, computers, home entertainment systems, home appliances,
kitchen appliances, and electric tools.
[0009] The consumer electronics devices generally include memories
that store technical and usage information about the devices, and
the communication card includes a memory that stores information
about the owner of the devices. When connected to a device, the
communication card automatically generates and sends reports about
the device and about the owner of the device and about the owner's
usage behavior, to one or more appropriate recipients, including
inter alia sellers and manufacturers of the device, and technical
support centers.
[0010] Report generation and submission for an electronics device
may be automatically initiated when one or more pre-designated
events involving the device occur, may be scheduled periodically,
and may be manually initiated either by the owner of the device or
by a remote recipient of the report.
[0011] Reports may be sent to recipients in the form of SMS
messages, MMS messages, e-mail messages, voice messages, or other
such GPRS or IP network messages. In addition, the communication
card may open voice channels, thereby enabling owners of devices to
speak directly with recipients.
[0012] The present invention applies to a wide variety of different
types of reports, including inter alia registration of electrical
appliances, maintenance and diagnostic reports, and marketing-based
consumer reports.
[0013] The present invention also applies to access control
security, whereby an electronics device only operates if an
authorized communication card is connected thereto. Moreover, if
the consumer device is reported as being missing or stolen, then it
does not operate at all, even if an authorized communication card
is connected thereto.
[0014] Further aspects of the present invention apply to jacket
covers for communication cards. A "jacket" is a passive device that
operates only in combination with the communication card. A jacket
generally does not have its own processor. A jacket may include one
or more of a keypad, display, microphone, speaker, earpiece,
headset port and USB port. A jacket is connected to a communication
card via dedicated connector having a communication bus. Using the
present invention, reports may be automatically generated and
submitted about jackets and their usages.
[0015] There is thus provided in accordance with an embodiment of
the present invention a system for generating and submitting
reports about consumer electronics devices, including a consumer
electronics device, including a host interface, for connecting a
wireless communication card to a consumer electronics device, and a
host memory storage unit, for storing technical information and
usage information about the consumer electronics device, denoted
INF-1, and a wireless communication card, including a controller,
for executing programmed instructions, a power subsystem for
supplying power to the communication card, a wireless modem coupled
with the controller for receiving and transmitting data over the
air, and a card interface for connecting the communication card to
the consumer electronics device, wherein the controller is
programmed to collect information INF-1, to generate a report
including at least a portion of information INF-1, to collect
recipient address information, denoted INF-2, and to submit the
report to a recipient address as per information INF-2, via the
wireless modem, over a wireless communication network that connects
the communication card and the recipient.
[0016] There is additionally provided in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention a method for generating and
submitting reports about consumer electronics devices, including
storing technical and usage information about a host consumer
electronics device, denoted INF-1, in a storage unit of the device,
connecting a wireless communication card to the consumer
electronics device, collecting, by the communication card,
information INF-1, and recipient address information, denoted
INF-2, when the communication card is connected to the consumer
electronics device, generating a report about the consumer
electronics device, the report including at least a portion of
information INF-1, and submitting the report to a recipient address
as per information INF-2, by the communication card, over a
wireless communication network that connects the communication card
and the recipient.
[0017] There is further provided in accordance with an embodiment
of the present invention a system for generating and submitting
reports about consumer electronics devices, including a consumer
electronics device, including a host interface, for connecting a
wireless communication card to a consumer electronics device, and a
host memory storage unit, for storing technical information and
usage information about the consumer electronics device, denote
INF-1, and a wireless communication card, including a controller,
for executing programmed instructions, a power subsystem for
supplying power to the communication card, a wireless modem coupled
with the controller for receiving and transmitting data over the
air, and a card interface for connecting the communication card to
the consumer electronics device, wherein the controller is
programmed to collect information INF-1, to retrieve personal
information about an owner of the consumer electronics device,
denoted INF-3, from a network computer, to generate a report
including at least a portion of information INF-1 and INF-3, to
collect recipient address information, denoted INF-2, and to submit
the report to a recipient address as per information INF-2, via the
wireless modem, over a wireless communication network that connects
the communication card, the network computer, and the
recipient.
[0018] There is yet further provided in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention a method for generating and
submitting reports about consumer electronics devices, including
storing technical and usage information about a host consumer
electronics device, denoted INF-1, in a storage unit of the device,
connecting a wireless communication card to the consumer
electronics device, collecting, by the communication card,
information INF-1, and recipient address information, denoted
INF-2, when the communication card is connected to the consumer
electronics device, retrieving, by the communication card, personal
information about an owner of the consumer electronics device,
denoted INF-3, from a network computer, generating a report about
the consumer electronics device, the report including at least a
portion of information INF-1 and INF-3, and submitting the report
to a recipient address as per information INF-2, by the
communication card, over a wireless communication network that
connects the communication card, the network computer, and the
recipient.
[0019] There is moreover provided in accordance with an embodiment
of the present invention a system for generating and submitting
reports about electronics devices, including a wireless
communication card, including a controller, for executing
programmed instructions, a power subsystem for supplying power to
the communication card, and a wireless modem coupled with the
controller for receiving and transmitting data over the air, an
electronics jacket that attaches as a cover over the communication
card, including a user interface for the communication card, and a
jacket memory storage unit, for storing usage information about the
communication card, denoted INF-1, and a connector for connecting
the jacket to the communication card, including a communication
bus, wherein the controller is programmed to collect information
INF-1, to generate a report including at least a portion of
information INF-1, to collect recipient address information,
denoted INF-2, and to submit the report to a recipient address as
per information INF-2, via the wireless modem, over a wireless
communication network that connects the communication card and the
recipient.
[0020] There is additionally provided in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention a wireless communicator,
including an interface configured to enable the wireless
communicator to connect to an electronic device and to enable data
to be transferred between the wireless communicator and the
electronic device, the electronic device having device information,
a wireless modem configured to transmit and receive data from time
to time when the wireless communicator is connected to the
electronic device and from time to time when the wireless
communicator is not connected to the electronic device, a memory
storing personal information about a user of the wireless
communicator, and a controller coupled with the interface, the
wireless modem and the memory, the controller configured to receive
the device information from the electronic device when the
electronic device is connected to the wireless communicator, to
generate a report including at least a portion of the personal
information and at least a portion of the device information, and
to cause the wireless modem to transmit the report to a
recipient.
[0021] There is further provided in accordance with an embodiment
of the present invention a wireless communicator including an
interface configured to enable the wireless communicator to connect
to a plurality of different electronic devices and to enable data
to be transferred between the wireless communicator and the
plurality of different electronic devices, wherein each of the
plurality of different electronic devices has device information, a
wireless modem configured to transmit and receive data from time to
time when the wireless communicator is connected to one of the
plurality of different electronic devices and from time to time
when the wireless communicator is not connected to any of the
plurality of different electronic devices, a memory storing
personal information about a user of the wireless communicator, and
a controller coupled to the interface, the wireless modem and the
memory, the controller configured to receive device information
from an electronic device connected to the wireless communicator,
to generate a report including at least a portion of the personal
information and at least a portion of the device information from
the electronic device connected to the wireless communicator, and
to cause the wireless modem to transmit the report to a
recipient.
[0022] There is yet further provided in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention an electronic device, including
an interface configured to enable the electronic device to connect
to a wireless communicator and to enable data to be transferred
between the wireless communicator and the electronic device, a
memory storing device information, and a controller coupled to the
interface and the memory, the controller configured to send at
least a portion of the device information to the wireless
communicator via the interface, for transmission to a
recipient.
[0023] There is moreover provided in accordance with an embodiment
of the present invention a system, including a wireless
communicator, including an interface configured to enable the
wireless communicator to connect to an electronic device and to
enable data to be transferred between the wireless communicator and
the electronic device, a wireless modem configured to transmit and
receive data from time to time when the wireless communicator is
connected to an electronic device and to transmit and receive data
from time to time when the wireless communicator is not connected
to an electronic device, and a controller coupled to the interface
and the wireless modem, and an electronic device including an
interface configured to enable the electronic device to connect to
the wireless communicator interface, a memory storing device
information, and a controller configured to provide the device
information to the wireless communicator in response to a request
from the wireless communicator, wherein the wireless communicator
controller is configured to generate a report including at least a
portion of the device information and to cause the wireless modem
to transmit the report to a recipient.
[0024] There is additionally provided in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention a system for generating and
submitting reports about consumer electronics devices, including a
consumer electronics device, including a host interface, for
connecting a wireless communication card to a consumer electronics
device, and a host memory storage unit, for storing technical
information and usage information about the consumer electronics
device, and a wireless communication card, including a controller,
for executing programmed instructions, a communication card memory
storage unit coupled with the controller, for storing personal
information about an owner of the consumer electronics device, a
power subsystem for supplying power to the communication card, a
wireless modem coupled with the controller for receiving and
transmitting data over the air, and a card interface for connecting
the communication card to the consumer electronics device, wherein
the controller is programmed to monitor and collect the technical
and usage information and the personal information, to open a TCP
connection to a server computer and to transmit at least a portion
of the technical, usage and personal information to the server
computer, via the wireless modem, over a wireless communication
network that connects the communication card and the server
computer.
[0025] There is further provided in accordance with an embodiment
of the present invention a method for generating and submitting
reports about consumer electronics devices, including storing
technical and usage information about a host consumer electronics
device, in a storage unit of the device, storing personal
information about an owner of the consumer electronics device, in a
storage unit of a wireless communication card, connecting the
wireless communication card to the consumer electronics device,
collecting, by the communication card, the technical and usage
information, when the communication card is connected to the
consumer electronics device, automatically opening a TCP connection
with a server computer, by the communication card, and
automatically transmitting at least a portion of the technical,
usage and personal information to the server computer, by the
communication card.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0026] The present invention will be more fully understood and
appreciated from the following detailed description, taken in
conjunction with the drawings in which:
[0027] FIG. 1 is a simplified illustration of an exemplary GSM
communication network, within which a wireless communication card
transmits information about a consumer electronics device to remote
sites, in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0028] FIG. 2 is a simplified illustration of an exemplary CDMA
communication network, within which a wireless communication card
transmits information about a consumer electronics device to remote
sites, in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0029] FIG. 3 is a simplified illustration of an exemplary WiFi
communication network, within which a wireless communication card
transmits information about a consumer electronics device to remote
sites, in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0030] FIG. 4 is an illustration of a the wireless communication
card of FIGS. 1-3;
[0031] FIG. 5 is a simplified block diagram for the communication
card and host consumer electronics device of FIGS. 1-3, in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
[0032] FIG. 6 is a simplified block diagram of an automated report
generation and submission system for a communication card and a
jacket, in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0033] FIG. 7 is a simplified flowchart of a method for automated
consumer electronics device reporting for the host CE device of
FIGS. 1-3, using the communication card of FIGS. 1-3, in accordance
with an embodiment of the present invention;
[0034] FIG. 8 is a simplified flow chart of a method for
provisioning software and firmware updates to a plurality of CE
devices and jackets using the communication card, in accordance
with an embodiment of the present invention; and
[0035] FIG. 9 is a simplified block diagram of a web-based data
collection system for a communication card and consumer electronics
device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0036] Aspects of the present invention relate to a communication
card that attaches to one or more consumer electronics devices.
When attached to an electronics device, the communication card
collects information about the device and its usage. The
communication card generates reports about the device, and sends
the reports to appropriate recipients.
[0037] The communication card of the present invention operates
within a variety of wireless communication networks, including
inter alia GSM, CDMA and WiFi. These exemplary networks are
respectively illustrated in FIGS. 1-3 hereinbelow.
[0038] Reference is now made to FIG. 1, which is a simplified
illustration of an exemplary GSM communication network 100, within
which a wireless communication card 105 transmits information about
a consumer electronics (CE) device 110 to remote sites, in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. CE device
110 acts as a host for communication card 105, and may be connected
to communication card 105 using either a physical or a wireless
connection.
[0039] Communication network 100 is a General Packet Radio Service
(GPRS) network. GPRS is a packet-switched service for the Global
System for Mobile Communications (GSM), similar to the Internet.
GPRS provides packet radio access for mobile GSM users. GPRS also
supports Wireless Application Protocol (WAP) services.
[0040] CE device 110 may be any of a wide variety of devices. CE
device 110 may be an entertainment device, including inter alia a
home entertainment center, a play station, a multimedia player, a
television, an audio system and a DVD player. CE device 110 may be
a communication device, including inter alia a telephone, a fax
machine and a cell phone. CE device 110 may be a piece of office
equipment including inter alia an office computer, and printer and
a scanner. CE device 110 may be a home appliance including inter
alia a refrigerator, a microwave oven, a stove, a washing machine,
a drying machine, an air conditioner. CE device 110 may be a
consumer appliance including inter alia a personal computer, a
personal data assistant (PDA), an automobile, a treadmill and a
camera.
[0041] Details of communication card 105 and CE device 110 are
described hereinbelow with reference to FIGS. 4-7.
[0042] Communication card 105 communicates with a base transceiver
station (BTS) 115 via an over-the-air interface. Base transceiver
stations are components of communication network 100 that terminate
the over-the-air interface, over which subscriber traffic is
communicated to and from communication card 105. Communication
network 100 also includes a base station controller (BSC) 120. Base
station controllers are switching modules that provide handoff
functions and power level control in base transceiver stations.
[0043] BSC 120 is controlled by a mobile switching center (MSC)
125. MSC 125 performs functions of a landline network switching
node, including search, signal path switching, and processing of
supplementary services. When a request is made for connecting to a
subscriber in a landline network, the request is forwarded by MSC
125 to the landline network over a switching path.
[0044] BSC 120 controls the interface between MSC 125 and BTS 115,
and, as such, controls BTS 115 in call set-up, signaling, and use
of radio channels. BSC 120 also controls the interface between a
serving GPRS support node (SGSN) 130 and BTS 115.
[0045] SGSN 130 services communication card 105 by sending or
receiving packets via a base station subsystem (BSS), and more
specifically via BSC 120, in the context of GSM systems. SGSN 130
is responsible for delivery of data packets to and from
communication card 105, within a service area. SGSN 130 also
performs packet routing and transfer, mobility management, local
link management, authentication and charging functions.
[0046] In order to accommodate a multitude of services, a provider
of communication network 100 stores various types of data. The
provider must know which subscribers are using communication
network 100, and which services the subscribers use. Subscriber
profiles, such as the International Mobile Subscriber Identify
Number (IMSI), of GPRS subscribers registered with SGSN 130, are
stored in a home location registry (HLR) 135. The owner of
communication card 105 is such a GPRS subscriber.
[0047] To determine whether a subscriber is entitled to use
communication network 100, the network provider maintains an
authentication center (AUC) 135. Generally, AUC 135 includes
algorithms and subscriber-related encryption keys, which are used
for authentication. AUC 135 determines, inter alia, whether a
subscriber has a valid service contract.
[0048] The provider of communication network 100 may optionally
maintain an equipment identity registry (EIR) 135, which includes
details of mobile transceivers permitted on the network. Generally,
EIR 135 stores a "white list", a "grey list" and a "black list".
The white list includes mobile phones that function reliably, the
grey list includes mobile phones that may be defective, and the
black list includes mobile phones which are either faulty or have
been reported missing or stolen.
[0049] In order to establish a connection to a subscriber's mobile
phone, the network provider must determine where the subscriber is
located and whether his mobile phone is turned on. Such information
is stored in a visitor location registry (VLR) 140.
[0050] While GSM forms the underlying technology, SGSN 130 is a
network element introduced through GPRS technology. HLR/AUC/EIR 135
is also in communication with a gateway MSC 145, which acts as a
gateway to a public-switched telephone network (PSTN) 150.
[0051] Another network element introduced in the GPRS context is
the gateway GPRS support node (GGSN) 155, which acts as a gateway
to Internet 160 and to an external server 165, respectively.
External server 165 may be used by a manufacturer of CE device 110,
a seller of CE device 110, a service provider for device 110, or a
combination of the above.
[0052] Reference is now made to FIG. 2, which is a simplified
illustration of an exemplary Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA)
communication network 200, within which wireless communication card
105 transmits information about consumer electronics (CE) device
110 to remote sites, in accordance with an embodiment of the
present invention. The specific communication network shown in FIG.
2 conforms to the CDMA2000 1X standard. Communication network 200
includes several components of FIG. 1; namely, communication card
105, CE device 110, base station transceiver 115, base station
controller 120, mobile switching center 125, HLR/AUC/EIR 135, VLR
140, gateway MSC 145, PSTN 150, Internet 160 and external server
165.
[0053] In communication network 200, BSC 120 is in communication
with a packet control function (PCF) 205. In turn, PCF 205 is in
communication with a packet data serving node (PDSN) 210, which is
part of a packet core network (PCN) 215. A packet core network
generally includes a succession of interconnected routers, or such
other communication nodes, that carry Internet protocol (IP) data
traffic.
[0054] PDSN 210 provides both mobility management functions,
similar to SGSN 130, and packet routing functions, similar to GGSN
155. PDSN 210 serves as a connection point between a radio access
network and an IP network, and manages point-to-point sessions
between a mobile phone and an IP address.
[0055] PCF 205 provides a relay from PDSN 210 to a mobile phone.
PCF 205 tracks registration expiration, and ensure that sessions
are renewed as necessary. PCF 205 also controls available radio
resources, and buffers data received from PDSN 210 when radio
resources are not available. PCF 205 also controls dormancy.
[0056] PCN 215 also includes a home agent (HA) 220. Generally, HA
220 manages roaming and handoff of mobile data. HA 220 is used for
registration of a mobile IP (MIP), and transfer of mobile packet
data in PDSN 210. Through tunneling, HA 220 transfers MIP data from
a home network to PDSN 210, and from PDSN 210 to the home network
through a reverse tunnel.
[0057] PCN 215 also includes an authentication, authorization and
accounting (AAA) server 225. Generally, AAA server 225 is
responsible for access control. AAA server 225 processes user
requests for access to computer resources and, for enterprises,
provides authentication, authorization and accounting services.
Authentication is used to identify subscribers. Authorization is
used to manage policies and service profiles that govern which
resources and services a subscriber may access, and to manage and
distribute security keys. Accounting services track usage of time
and data resources, and manage billing. AAA server 225 interacts
with network access and gateway servers, and with databases and
directories containing user information.
[0058] In communication network 200, MSC 125 is in communication
with an interworking function (IWF) 230. An interworking function
provides an interface between wireless data networks and data
packet networks such as Internet 160 or corporate intranets, and
also between wireless data networks and wireline networks such as
PSTN 150. The interworking function converts and sends data to a
data packet network or a wireline network, based on the data type.
Generally, IWF 230 includes modems or data terminal adapters, or
both, to convert data transmitted over a wireless network to a
format suitable for recognition and carrying by a public
telecommunications network.
[0059] Reference is now made to FIG. 3, which is a simplified
illustration of an exemplary IEEE 802.11b WiFi communication
network 300, within which wireless communication card 105 transmits
information about consumer electronics (CE) device 110 to remote
sites, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Communication network 300 includes several components of FIGS. 1
and 2; namely, communication card 105, CE device 110, Internet 160
and external server 165.
[0060] A wireless router 305 communicates with a modem 310, and
modem 310 sends and receives data to and from Internet 165.
[0061] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that
although FIGS. 1-3 illustrated operation of communication card 105
in GSM network 100, CDMA network 200 and WiFi network 300, the
present invention applies to other current and future technologies,
including inter alia packet-switched and circuit-switched
technologies, and 3G technologies.
[0062] Reference is now made to FIG. 4, which is an illustration of
wireless communication card 105, in accordance with an embodiment
of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 4, communication card
105 includes an optional input keypad 410 and an optional output
display 420, on its housing.
[0063] Reference is now made to FIG. 5, which is a simplified block
diagram for communication card 105 and host CE device 110 of FIGS.
1-3, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As
shown in FIG. 5, communication card 105 includes five
interconnected primary components; namely, a controller 505, a
storage unit 510, a power subsystem 515, a baseband modem 520, and
a power amplifier 525. Controller 505 executes programmed
instructions to perform the method described in FIG. 7 hereinbelow.
Storage unit 510 includes information 530 about the owner of CE
device 110, such as information INF-3 listed below in TABLE I.
Information INF-3 may include inter alia subscriber identity
information for communication card 105. Power amplifier 525
includes a radio frequency (RF) interface 535 that has a connecting
antenna. Optional components of communication card 505 include a
keypad 540, such as keypad 410, a display 545, such as display 420,
an audio subsystem 550, and a SIM card 555. Communication card 105
also includes an external interface 560, for connecting
communication card 105 to CE host device 110.
[0064] CE host device 110 includes three interconnected primary
components; namely, a host processor 565, a controller 570, and a
storage unit 575. Storage unit 575 includes technical and usage
information 580 about CE device 110, such as information INF-1
listed below in TABLE I. Optional components of CE host device 110
include a user interface 585, such as the user interface shown in
FIG. 4. CE host device 110 also includes an external interface 590
for connecting CE host device 110 to communication card 105.
[0065] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention,
communication card 105 and CE host device 110 communicate with one
another via a pair of mailboxes within communication card 105.
Specifically, controller 505 includes two mailboxes, an outgoing
mailbox 595 that is written to by modem 520 and read from by CE
host device 110, and an incoming mailbox 596 that is written to by
CE host device 110 and read from by modem 520. Controller 505
initiates an interrupt to controller 570 when modem 520 completes a
write operation to mailbox 595. Such interrupt may be implemented
as an SDIO interrupt on an SD bus, or as a dedicated signal.
Similarly, controller 570 initiates an interrupt to modem 520 when
CE host device 110 completes a write operation to mailbox 596.
[0066] It will thus be appreciated by those skilled in the art that
mailboxes 595 and 596 may be used for direct transfer of data
between communication card 105 and CE host device 110. In one
embodiment of the present invention, each mailbox 595 and 596
includes 512 bytes, of which the first two bytes are header bytes
that store a message type, and the remaining bytes store the
message itself.
[0067] Mailboxes 595 and 596 may be mapped to an SDIO register map
on the base band modem side and on the CE host device side,
respectively. Alternatively, mailboxes 595 and 596 may be mapped to
SD memory space. In such case an arbitration algorithm is used to
resolve conflicts when both CE host device 110 and communication
card 105 try to access SD storage at the same time.
[0068] Aspects of the present invention also relate to jacket
covers for communication card 105. A "jacket" is a passive device
that operates only in combination with communication card 105. A
jacket generally does not have its own processor. A jacket may
include one or more of a keypad, display, microphone, speaker,
earpiece, headset port and USB port. A jacket is connected to a
communication card via dedicated connector having a communication
bus. Using the present invention, reports may be automatically
generated and submitted about jackets and their usages.
[0069] In this regard reference is now made to FIG. 6, which is a
simplified block diagram of an automated report generation and
submission system for communication card 105 and a jacket 610, in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Jacket 610
includes a storage unit 675 that stores jacket information 680 and
a user interface 685. Jacket 610 generally does not include its own
microprocessor. A dedicated connector 690 with a communication bus
connects jacket 610 to communication card 105 when jacket 610 is
attached thereto.
[0070] Reference is now made to FIG. 7, which is a simplified
flowchart of a method for automated consumer electronics device
reporting for host CE device 110, using communication card 105, in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. At step
705, a manufacturer of host CE device 110 stores information about
the CE device, designated by INF-1, and contact information for a
remote recipient, designated by INF-2, in host CE device local
storage unit 560. Alternatively or additionally, contact
information INF-2 may be stored in communication card 105.
Generally, contact information INF-2 stored in host CE device 110
relates to a recipient of registration and diagnostic information
about host CE device 110, such as a manufacturer, seller or service
provider for host CE device 110. Contact information INF-2 stored
in communication card 105 generally relates to a recipient of usage
information, such as a cellular operator.
[0071] At step 710, a user purchases host CE device 110. At step
715, the user attaches communication card 105 to host CE device
110. When communication card 105 is attached to CE device 110,
communication card 105 collects and monitors real-time information
related to operation and usage of CE device 110. Communication card
105 stores details about the user, designated by INF-3, in the
communication card local storage unit 510. In an alternative
embodiment of the present invention, INF-3 is stored in SIM
555.
[0072] At step 720, communication card 105, wishing to receive CE
device information INF-1 and recipient contact information INF-2
from CE device 110, writes an information request to mailbox 595.
At step 725 controller 505 raises an interrupt to host CE device
110. At step 730 host CE device 110 reads the request message, and
at step 735 host CE device 110 writes the requested information
INF-1 and INF-2 to mailbox 596.
[0073] At step 740 controller 570, in turn, raises an interrupt to
baseband modem 520, and at step 745 communication card 105 reads
the requested information INF-1 and INF-2.
[0074] At step 750 communication card 105 prepares an appropriate
report for recipient 165, based on INF-1 and INF-3. At step 755
communication card 105 sends the report to recipient 165 at the
recipient's address as specified in INF-2.
[0075] The report may be sent to recipient 165 in the form of an
SMS message, an MMS message, a voice message, a GPRS message, or
such other message transmitted by communication card 105.
Alternatively or in addition, the report may be transmitted as an
e-mail message over an IP or alternate network. The report may be
transmitted over a GSM network, as in FIG. 1, over a CDMA network
as in FIG. 2, over a WiFi network as in FIG. 3, or via WIMAX
communication.
[0076] Steps 715-755 of FIG. 7 are summarized in the following
simplified pseudo-code.
TABLE-US-00001 //declarations for variables OWNER DETAILS = {NAME,
CONTACT_INFO}; HOST_DETAILS = {HOST_TYPE, MODEL_NUM, SERIAL_NUMBER,
MANUFACTURER, RECIPIENT_NUMBER}; IF (IS_CC_INSERTED) { // step 715
CC_MAILBOX_WRITE("INFO REQUEST"}; // step 720 INTERRUPT_HOST( ); //
step 725 HOST_MAILBOX_READ_MAILBOX( ); // step 730
HOST_MAILBOX_WRITE(HOST_DETAILS); // step 735 INTERRUPT_CC( ); //
step 740 CC_MAILBOX_READ(HOST_DETAILS); // step 745 MESSAGE =
PREPARE_MESSAGE(OWNER_DETAILS, HOST_DETAILS); // step 750
SEND_TO_RECIPIENT(RECIPIENT_NUMBER, MESSAGE); // step 755 }
[0077] TABLE I summarizes exemplary information data that is
accessed by communication card 105 in performing the method of FIG.
7.
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE I Exemplary information accessed by
communication card 105 for automated reporting of CE device 110 or
of the card's jacket INF-2: Recipient INF-1: CE device information/
contact INF-3: Owner INF-1: Card jacket information information
information Manufacturer Phone number ID Type of appliance E-mail
Membership number Model Number IP address Full name Serial Number
Address SKU Phone number Date of purchase Cell phone number Point
of purchase E-mail Capabilities - screen type Web site Capabilities
- screen size Subscriber information Capabilities - user interface
Usage-related information
[0078] Generally, CE device information, INF-1, is controlled by
the manufacturer or seller of the CE device, and is stored in the
CE device itself. CE device information, INF-1, may be updated by
the manufacturer or seller up to the time when the CE device is
sold. In another embodiment of the present invention, some or all
of CE device information, INF-1, may be manually entered. Such
information may be attached to or printed on the CE device, for
reference.
[0079] Generally, owner information, INF-3, is controlled by the
user of CE device 110, and is stored in communication card 105.
Alternatively, some or all of owner information, INF-3, may be
accessible on a network such as the Internet. In such case,
communication card 105 accesses the owner information from the
network, prior to sending the report to recipient 165 at step 750.
In another embodiment of the present invention, some or all of
owner information, INF-3, may be manually entered.
[0080] The usage-related information listed in TABLE I may include
a variety of present and past usage information. Such usage-related
information includes inter alia, [0081] communication card
insertion time; [0082] communication card extraction time; [0083]
battery status of the CE device; [0084] battery status of the
communication card; [0085] memory status of the CE device; [0086]
memory status of the communication card; [0087] geographical
movement of the CE device; [0088] mode of the CE device (e.g.,
silent, flight mode, meeting mode) [0089] accessories connected to
the CE device (e.g., earphones, speaker, charger); [0090]
accessories connected to the communication card (e.g., PC); [0091]
software installed on the CE device (e.g., drivers, operating
system, applications, codecs); [0092] software and firmware version
of the CE device; [0093] file types in memory of the CE device
(e.g., audio, video, documents); and [0094] file types in memory of
the communication card.
[0095] For purposes of illustration, the following is an exemplary
simplified report that is submitted by communication card 105 to
recipient 165 at step 755.
TABLE-US-00003 Device Details Type: Digital Camera Manufacturer:
Olympus Model: C-765 SKU: 12345-ABCDE Additional Information
(report specific) Owner Details Name: Jack Times Phone:
123-456-7890 Cell Phone: 987-654-3210 E-mail:
Jack.Times@mailserver.com
[0096] Reporting step 755 may be performed either while
communication card 105 is connected to CE device 110, or while
communication card 105 is disconnected from CE device 110, or both.
When communication card 105 is connected to CE device 110,
automated reporting may be event driven. Events that may initiative
the reporting include inter alia [0097] Attachment of the
communication card to the CE device [0098] Detachment of the
communication card from the CE device [0099] Performing a
device-specific function, e.g., begin listening to a song on an
audio player [0100] CE device is turned on [0101] CE device is
turned off [0102] CE device is connected to the communication card
for the first time
[0103] Communication card 105 may generate and save a usage history
log in communication card's storage 510 or CE device's storage 560.
Communication card 105 may generate and save a history log for a
plurality of CE devices. Information from the history log can be
sent periodically to the recipient, such as daily or weekly.
[0104] Reporting step 755 may be performed in real-time, or at a
later time via a PC or via GPRS.
[0105] Reporting step 755 may be initiated by the user of CE device
110. For example, the user may initiate generating a report and
submitting the report to a service provider, if CE device 110 is
malfunctioning.
[0106] Reporting step 755 may be initiated by software or firmware
running on CE device 110 or on communication card 105. Such
software or firmware initiated reporting may occur as a one-time
event, or as a recurring event.
[0107] Reporting step 755 may be initiated remotely over a network.
For example, recipient 165 may initiate generating a report and
submitting it to the recipient.
[0108] Alternatively or in addition to step 755, communication card
105 may open a voice channel for the user of CE device 110 and the
recipient to speak with one another, or to leave voice messages for
one another. Thus, when communication card 105 is attached to CE
device 110 for the first time, the user of CE device 110 and the
recipient may be connected via a voice channel. The recipient may
thereby introduce the user to operation of CE device 110, assist
the user in configuring CE device 110, and offer the user of CE
device 110 a tutorial. In addition, incoming voice messages may be
saved in a voice mailbox within communication card 105.
[0109] As described hereinabove, communication card 105 may have
one or more jackets 610. In an embodiment of the present invention,
distinct jackets 610 of communication card 105 have distinct
identification codes. The identification code of a jacket 610 may
include some or all of information, INF-1. In this embodiment, the
jacket identification code may be reported to the recipient at step
755.
[0110] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention,
reporting step 755 may advantageously use a user-agent header,
which prefaces transmissions from communication card 105.
User-agent headers are text strings that are transmitted by a
device, such as communication card 105, via an HTTP header, to
identify the device that is sending data. User-agent headers
generally include a wireless device model and manufacturer.
User-agent headers may also include additional information such as
the device's operation system version, browser version and Java
capabilities. Examples of user-agent headers are:
Nokia 6230
[0111] User-Agent: Nokia6230/2.0 (03.14) Profile/MIDP-2.0
Configuration/CLDC-1.1
Sony Ericsson Z1010
[0111] [0112] User-Agent: SonyEricssonZ1010/R1A
SEMC-Browser/4.0
Modu
[0112] [0113] User-Agent: Modu-A1.0/SKY Browser 1.1/Music
[0114] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention,
user-agent headers are modified according to capabilities of CE
device 110, so that recipient 165 may identify content and services
that CE device 110 supports. User-agent headers are also modified
according to properties of the communication card's jacket, so that
recipient 165 may identify the card's jacket. The user-agent
headers are modified in the HTTP header upon connection of
communication card 105 and CE device 110, or upon attachment of
communication card 105 to its jacket.
[0115] Communication card 105 also uses a user-agent profile
(UAProf). Specifically, communication card 105 sends a universal
resource identifier (URI) with a link to its UAProf, within an HTTP
header or a Web Service Provider (WSP) header. The UAProf resides
on the manufacturer's web site--either the manufacturer of
communication card 105 or the manufacturer of CE device 110 or the
manufacturer of a jacket. The UAProf is maintained by the
manufacturer, and is unique per card/CE device combination and per
card/jacket combination and per software version. The URI is
updated when a UAProf parameter value is changed.
[0116] The system and method of the present invention illustrated
in FIGS. 1-7 may be used advantageously in many application areas
where automated reporting is useful, including inter alia: [0117]
medical reports; [0118] police reports; [0119] insurance reports;
[0120] driver and automobile safety reports; [0121] taxi cab
reports; [0122] credit card reports; [0123] ATM card reports;
[0124] registration of CE devices; [0125] diagnostics and
maintenance; [0126] software/firmware updates; [0127] warranties
and guarantees; [0128] access control security; [0129] offer of
services; [0130] time-stamping; [0131] advertising; [0132] market
segmentation; [0133] understanding user behavior; and [0134]
networking.
[0135] Embodiments of the present invention are advantageous for
updating software and firmware. The generated report may include
identifiers of versions of software and firmware for an enhanced
function device, in response to which appropriate updated versions
are remotely accessed.
[0136] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention,
communication card 105 maintains a history log of the various CE
devices and jackets it was attached to. The history log includes
the CE devices' current installed software and firmware versions.
According to an embodiment of the present invention, settings that
were last defined or modified for the CE devices are also stored in
the history log. When communication card 105 reports its history
log, appropriate software/firmware updates are made accessible for
communication card 105 to download. After downloading the updates,
when communication card 105 is subsequently attached to one of the
CE devices and jackets in its history log, the software/firmware in
these CE devices and jackets is updated as appropriate. The updated
software/firmware may be installed automatically when communication
card 105 is attached to a CE device, or may be prompted manually by
a user.
[0137] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the
settings for the CE devices are restored on the CE devices from the
history log in communication card 105, when communication card 105
is subsequently pouched with any of the CE devices.
[0138] Reference is now made to FIG. 8, which is a simplified flow
chart of a method for provisioning software and firmware updates to
a plurality of CE devices and jackets using communication card 105,
in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. At step
810 communication card 105 is pouched in a plurality of CE devices
and jackets over time. At step 820 communication card 105 collects
information relating to the plurality CE devices and jackets over
time, the collected information including versions of installed
software/firmware and last defined or modified settings for the CE
devices and jackets.
[0139] At step 830 communication card 105 maintains a history log
of the collected information. At step 840, communication card 105
is connected to a PC, and the PC reports the history log to one or
more remote update servers. At step 850 the remote update servers
transmit new versions of software/firmware to communication card
105, as appropriate for the plurality of CE devices and jackets. At
step 860, upon subsequent attaching of communication card 105 to
any of the CE devices and jackets, the updated versions of
software/firmware are installed on the CE device or jacket.
[0140] In another embodiment of the present invention, instead of
or in addition to generating reports, communication card 105 sends
usage data it collects to a server computer. In this regard,
reference is now made to FIG. 9, which is a simplified block
diagram of a web-based data collection system for a communication
card and consumer electronics device, in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 9,
communication card 105 opens a TCP connection and sends usage data
to a server computer 900. Server information, for server computer
900 including inter alia a server URL, which may be a server IP
address, a server domain name, or such other locator, is generally
stored in communication card 105. The usage data may be sent within
an HTTP request to server computer 900. The usage data may include
inter alia [0141] Card is charging; [0142] Card is attached
to/detached from a jacket & type of jacket; [0143] Card is
connected to a Bluetooth device, D; [0144] Owner is in a meeting
(based on owner calendar); [0145] GPS location; [0146] Owner is
dialing a phone number, PN; [0147] Owner is on a call with PN;
[0148] Owner has finished call with PN; [0149] Owner is listening
to a song, S; and [0150] Jacket activities: [0151] Owner is
running; [0152] Owner's pulse; [0153] Pedometer; [0154]
Accelerometer; [0155] Pictures; [0156] Music; [0157] Phone color;
[0158] Solar panel is charging.
[0159] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention,
the usage data reporting functionality of communicator card 105 can
be configured by the owner to report all usage data, a designated
portion of usage data, or not to report any usage data.
Additionally, usage data reporting functionality can be paused for
a set time. Usage data reporting can also be locked by parents.
Communicator card 105 has an indicator indicating to the owner when
his information is being collected and transmitted to server
computer 900.
[0160] Also shown in FIG. 9 is an application programming interface
(API), enabling application developers to register and receive live
usage data. An example application is a Facebook.RTM. module that
enables Facebook users to perform various tasks based on usage data
received from communicator card 105. Such tasks include inter alia:
[0161] Change a user Facebook status based on user activity and
location; [0162] Allow the user to define position coordinates for
home, school, soccer, and other such places, and automatically
change the user's Facebook status based on location; and [0163]
Review daily logs of activities and data collected about them or
their children. Communicator card 105 is able to selectively
receive friends' status, via SMS or web-pulling, and display the
status in a contact list and/or in a main screen.
[0164] In the foregoing specification, the invention has been
described with reference to specific exemplary embodiments thereof.
It will, however, be evident that various modifications and changes
may be made to the specific exemplary embodiments without departing
from the broader spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in
the appended claims. Accordingly, the specification and drawings
are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive
sense.
[0165] The word "denoted" is used in the claims to indicate a name
for specific information, but it will be understood that the name
is not required by the claims to be explicitly used in any use or
practice of the invention. For example, technical and usage
information about a consumer electronics device is not required to
be called "INF-1" when practicing the invention, and hence such
information may have other names associated therewith, or no names
associated therewith, and yet still be covered by the claims when
the invention is practiced.
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