Abstract:
Terminals having analog/digital telephone functions as well as data exchange functions are used by users who are of lower skill level than the average user of a personal computer. Therefore, a system comprising such a terminal should be as self-supporting and independent as possible, which can be realized by providing either at least the access provider/server provider or at least the terminal with a self-triggering mechanism for triggering said system for exchanging data via a connection between said terminal and said access means. Then the system itself can establish that for example new information has arrived or new software should be installed, and then for example make said connection and exchange the data.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This patent application discloses subject matter that is disclosed and may be claimed in copending U.S. patent applications having Ser. Nos. 09/160,871; 09/160,959; 09/161,110; 09/160,749 all filed on even date herewith. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Technical Field 
     The invention relates to a system for exchanging data between a terminal and access means via a telephone network, which terminal comprises 
     a line-interface to be coupled to said telephone network, 
     a processor coupled to said line-interface, and 
     a terminal-memory coupled to said processor, which access means comprise 
     at least one access point to be coupled to said telephone network, and 
     at least one server to be coupled to said access point via a data connection. 
     2. Discussion of Related Art 
     Such a system, with said terminal for example being a personal computer, with said access means for example being formed by an access provider and a service provider, and with said telephone network being for example an analog or an ISDN network, is of common general knowledge. Said line-interface comprises for example a modem card or an ISDN board, and said terminal-memory comprises for example a harddisk drive and/or a floppydisk drive. In case a user wants new information, he must contact for example INTERNET, and if he needs further or new software, he must contact said server. 
     This system is disadvantageous, inter alia, because of requiring a high skill level from the user. 
     SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
     It is an object of the invention, inter alia, to provide a system as defined in the preamble, which does not require such a high skill level from the user. 
     Thereto, the system according to the invention is characterized in that the system is provided with a self-triggering mechanism for triggering said system for exchanging data via a connection between said terminal and said access means. 
     By using the self-triggering mechanism, the system itself can establish that for example new information has arrived or new software should be installed, and then for example make said connection and exchange the data. 
     The invention is based on the insight, inter alia, that both said terminal and said access means comprise processors, with which automatic actions are possible. 
     The invention solves the problem, inter alia, of reducing the user&#39;s skill level necessary for using the system by introducing the self-triggering mechanism. 
     A first embodiment of the system according to the invention is characterized in that said self-triggering mechanism is located in said terminal (pulling). 
     By locating the self-triggering mechanism in the terminal, the terminal decides when action will take place, thereby avoiding the situation that the server tries to contact a terminal which is busy. 
     A second embodiment of the system according to the invention is characterized in said self-triggering mechanism is located in said access means (pushing). 
     By locating the self-triggering mechanism in the access means, the access means, which have access to all information and usually have more processor capacity, decide when action will take place. 
     A third embodiment of the system according to the invention is characterized in that said access means comprise generation means coupled to said self-triggering mechanism for generating an indication signal to be supplied to said telephone network for transmission to said terminal via a signalling signal. 
     In this case the terminal can be informed in a very efficient way via said signalling signal, which in case of a public switch telephone network (PSTN) for example is in the form of so-called calling line identification (to be transmitted after the first ring and before a possible second ring) and which in case of ISDN for example is transmitted via the so-called D-channel. 
     A fourth embodiment of the system according to the invention is characterized in that said data to be exchanged comprises information. 
     In this case information about for example the weather forecast is exchanged, for example each twelve hours. 
     A fifth embodiment of the system according to the invention is characterized in that said data to be exchanged comprises software. 
     In this case for example new software for updating old software is exchanged, for example each month, or when ready. 
     The invention further relates to a terminal for exchanging data with access means via a telephone network, which terminal comprises 
     a line-interface to be coupled to said telephone network, 
     a processor coupled to said line-interface, and 
     a terminal-memory coupled to said processor, which access means comprise 
     at least one access point to be coupled to said telephone network, and 
     at least one server to be coupled to said access point via a data connection. 
     The terminal according to the invention is characterized in that the terminal comprises a self-triggering mechanism for triggering said system for exchanging data via a connection between said terminal and said access means. 
     A first embodiment of the terminal according to the invention is characterized in that said self-triggering mechanism comprises a clock. 
     By installing a clock function into said terminal the triggering becomes dependent upon time. 
     A second embodiment of the terminal according to the invention is characterized in that said self-triggering mechanism comprises a comparator. 
     By installing a comparator function into said terminal the triggering becomes dependent upon a comparison of for example a code associated with software installed in said terminal (indicating a software-version) and a code originating from said access means which is associated with software present in said access means (and indicating a software-version). 
     The invention yet further relates to access means for exchanging data with a terminal via a telephone network, which terminal comprises 
     a line-interface to be coupled to said telephone network, 
     a processor coupled to said line-interface, and 
     a terminal-memory coupled to said processor, which access means comprise 
     at least one access point to be coupled to said telephone network, and 
     at least one server to be coupled to said access point via a data connection. 
     The access means according to the invention are characterized in that the access means comprise comprises a self-triggering mechanism for triggering said system for exchanging data via a connection between said terminal and said access means. 
     A first embodiment of the access means according to the invention is characterized in that said access means comprise generation means coupled to said self-triggering mechanism for generating an indication signal to be supplied to said telephone network for transmission to said terminal via a signalling signal. 
     A second embodiment of the access means according to the invention is characterized in that said self-triggering mechanism comprises a clock. 
     A third embodiment of the access means according to the invention is characterized in that said self-triggering mechanism comprises a comparator. 
     All references including further references cited with respect to and/or inside said references are considered to be incorporated in this patent application. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The invention will be explained in greater detail by way of embodiments disclosed in the drawings, whereby 
     FIG. 1 discloses a system according to the invention comprising a terminal according to the invention and access means according to the invention, 
     FIG. 2 discloses a terminal according to the invention for exchanging data with access means, and 
     FIG. 3 discloses access means according to the invention for exchanging data with a terminal. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     The system according to the invention as disclosed in FIG. 1 comprises a terminal  1  according to the invention coupled via a telephone line  2  to a telephone network  3  and comprises access means  5  according to the invention coupled via a telephone line  4  to said telephone network  3 . Said telephone network  3  comprises a switch  41  controlled by a network-processor  42  and coupled to a network-memory  43 . 
     The terminal  1  according to the invention as disclosed in FIG. 2 comprises a line-interface  11  coupled to said telephone line  2  and coupled via a bus  31  to a processor  12  and to terminal-memories  13  and  14  and to a printer-interface  15  and coupled via a connection  32  to telephone means  16  (microphone, speaker, etc.). Processor  12  is further coupled via a connection  33  to telephone means  16  and via a connection  34  to a display  17  and via a connection  35  to a keyboard-interface  18 , which via a connection  36  is coupled to display  17  and via a connection  37  to a telephone-keyboard  19  and via a connection  38  to an alphanumeric-keyboard  20  and via a connection  39  to a module  21 . Printer-interface  15  is coupled via a connection  7  to a printer  6 . 
     Access means  5  as disclosed in FIG. 3 comprise an access point  51  being provided with a network-interface  52  coupled via telephone line  4  to telephone network  3  and with a processor  53  coupled via connection  71  to network-interface  52  and via connection  72  to a data-interface  54 , which is coupled to a data-connection  73 . Access means  5  further comprise a server  61  being provided with a data-interface  62  coupled to data-connection  73  and via a bus  74  to a processor  63  and to conversion means  64  and to judging means  65  and to a server-memory  66 . 
     The system disclosed in FIG. 1 comprising the terminal  1  disclosed in FIG.  2  and the access means  5  disclosed in FIG. 3 functions as follows. 
     Generally before it can be used for all purposes terminal  1  will have to be provided with installation-data. This can be done according to at least three possibilities. 
     According to a first possibility, the user dials a predefined telephone number via telephone-keyboard  19 , which telephone number is transmitted via connection  37 , keyboard-interface  18 , connection  35 , processor  12 , bus  31 , line-interface  11  and telephone line  2  to telephone network  3  as Dual Tone Multi Frequency (DTMF) signals in case of terminal  1  being an analog terminal and as digital signals in case terminal  1  being an Integrated Service Digital Network (ISDN) terminal (whereby a mixture of both kind of signals should not be excluded, like for example the possibility of post dialling in DTMF on an ISDN terminal). In response to this, telephone network  3  connects telephone line  2  to telephone line  4  under control of network-processor  42 , and in access point  51  telephone line  4  is coupled via network-interface  52  and processor  53  and data-interface  54  to data-connection  73 , which in server  61  is coupled via data-interface  62  and bus  74  to server-memory  66 , which under control of processor  63  sends installation-data to terminal  1  (automatically or in response to a installation-command originating from terminal  1 ). This installation-data comprises for example at least one access code defining an address of an access point and at least one server code defining an address of a server address and software and/or commands. This installation-data is stored into terminal-memory  13  or terminal-memory  14  or spread over both terminal-memories  13  and  14 . As an alternative it is also possible that telephone line  2  is connected to other access means comprising at least either another access point not shown in the figures or another server not shown in the figures, or that telephone line  2  is only connected to network-memory  43  for the receival of said installation-data. 
     According to a second possibility, at least some of said installation-data is not transmitted from server  61  to terminal  1 , but is supplied to terminal  1  by the user via the use of alphanumeric-keyboard  20 . 
     According to a third possibility, at least some of said installation-data is neither transmitted from server  61  to terminal  1  nor supplied to terminal  1  by the user via the use of alphanumeric-keyboard  20 , but is supplied to terminal  1  by the user via the insertion of a (smart) card into terminal-memory  14  being or including a card reader. 
     Of course, parts of said three possibilities could be combined, whereby for example the insertion of the (smart) card could trigger and thus replace the dialling of said telephone number. Instead of loading the installation-data into terminal  1 , at least some or all installation-data could already be stored in terminal-memories  13  and  14 , which could have been realized during manufacturing. 
     In case the installation-data to be stored into or already stored in terminal  1  is user-dependent, for example due to the fact that a user should be able to choose his favorite access point and server, when using the first possibility different telephone numbers could be used, or in case of one telephone number different installation-commands could be used, and when using the third possibility the (smart) card should be individualized. Due to this, generally a selection of at least one access code and/or of at least one server code has to be made (during manufacturing or during selling by giving the user a certain (smart) card and/or certain instructions or during installation by the user), after which selected access codes and server codes should be stored into at least one of said terminal-memories  13  (ROM,RAM etc.) and  14  (card reader), which preferably are non-mechanical due to terminal  1  having a predefined size and price. 
     Said storage of said installation-data including for example at least one access code defining an address of an access point and at least one server code defining an address of a server address and software and/or commands in a very user friendly way allows terminal  1  also to be used by users who are of a lower skill level than for example the average user of a personal computer. After said storage, for example only one command or even a certain key of one of said keyboards  19  and  20  could be sufficient for getting access to for example INTERNET for sending data like e-mail messages and/or taking a look at received data like e-mail messages which are stored in server-memory  66 . 
     The use of a smart card further offers the possibility of storing a key signal and calculation means on said smart card. These calculation means calculate a response signal in response to a challenge signal and said key signal, after which said response signal is transmitted to judging means  65  inside server  61  via bus  31 , line-interface  11 , telephone line  2 , telephone network  3 , telephone line  4 , access point  51 , data-connection  73 , data-interface  62  and bus  74 . Judging means  65  judge whether or not said calculated response signal originating from the smart card is correct, for example by making the same calculation and comparing the results. The generation of said challenge signal could be realized by processor  63  comprising generation means  82 , after which said challenge signal should be sent to terminal  1 , or could be realized by processor  12  comprising generation means  22 , after which said challenge, together with or separated from said calculated response, should be sent to server  61 . Said smart card could further be provided with receiving means for receiving a pin code (personal identification number), whereby only in case said pin code is correct said calculation means are to be activated. Then the unauthorized use of a smart card and of a terminal comprising said smart card is made impossible. Generally, the use of a smart card allows the storage of personal information on the card, whereby general information is stored into the terminal, as a consequence of which only after insertion of said smart card the terminal is individualized. Of course, said receiving means for receiving a pin code could also be located inside terminal  1 , and/or could be used for blocking/allowing each possible terminal function and/or each possible access to said access means  5 . Said smart card could further have more functions like payment functions and/or GSM functions, and could for example be used for encrypting/decrypting certain data to be exchanged, for example by using said key signal, in which case access means  5  should be provided with an encryption/decryption device. 
     The system disclosed in FIG. 1 is capable of treating each user individually, which can be done in different ways. 
     According to a first way, a user of terminal  1  can get his own screen layout on display  17 , due to the fact that access means  5  have been provided with processing means for processing data destined for terminal  1  in a user-dependent way, like for example processor  63 , which comprises receiving means  83  for receiving a user-dependent code from terminal  1  and comprises a configuration memory  84  for storing configuration parameters defining said screen layout. When a user of terminal  1  has contacted access means  5  for receiving data, his identification and/or address are known to access means  5 , for example because he has generated his identification and/or address via at least one of said keyboards  19  and  20 , or for example because his identification and/or address are stored on said smart card and automatically (possibly after receival of a correct pin code) read out when said smart card is inserted, or for example because of the telephone number of terminal  1  being known to telephone network  3  and being automatically supplied to access means  5  in case of a connection being created. This identification and/or address are received by receiving means  83 , and in response to that, configuration memory  84  is read out, resulting in configuration parameters belonging to this user being used for configuring data such that he gets his own screen layout. Instead of said identification and/or address, it is also possible to use a special code generated by the user via at least one of said keyboards  19  and  20  and/or stored on said smart card. 
     According to a second way, when a user of terminal  1  has contacted access means  5  for receiving data like e-mail messages, it could be interesting for said user to receive only a part of said data, like the title and the sender&#39;s address of each e-mail message, for getting an overview, and/or it could be necessary to transmit only a part of said data to terminal  1 , due to terminal-memory  13  being too small for comprising the entire content of said data. This is realized by either using said identification and/or address and/or special code, at least one of them indicating that data destined for the terminal should be transmitted in parts, and possibly indicating which part is to be transmitted. For receiving a further part, either the user should generate and transmit a further code to be received by said receiving means  83 , for example, or said further code is generated automatically, for example after a time-interval has expired, either in terminal  1  or in access means  5 . In case the further code is generated by the user, it could be a short command, or for example a key of one of said keyboards  19  and  20 . Of course, it should not be excluded that for example said special code is stored (temporarily) in server-memory  66  for example, resulting in terminal  1  automatically receiving only a predefined part of said data. 
     The system disclosed in FIG. 1 can initiate actions, because of being provided with a self-triggering mechanism. This self-triggering mechanism is located in either terminal  1  (pulling) or in access means  5  (pushing). 
     In case of the self-triggering mechanism  85  being located in access means  5 , it for example forms part of processor  63 , and functions as follows. 
     When there is no connection between terminal  1  and access means  5 , and for example server  61  receives new information to be stored in server-memory  66 , like for example a new weather forecast, then either a comparator forming part of self-triggering mechanism  85  compares a code belonging to the new information with a code belonging to terminal  1  and for example stored in server-memory  66 , and in case of equality decides that terminal  1  should be informed, or a clock forming part of self-triggering mechanism  85  decides at a certain moment, possibly after consultation of said code belonging to terminal  1  and stored in server-memory  66 , that terminal  1  should be informed. In both cases, an indication signal is generated by generation means  86  forming part of processor  63 , which generation signal comprises for example an address or telephone number of terminal  1 . This indication signal is supplied to telephone network  3  via bus  74 , data-interface  62 , data-connection  73 , access point  51  and telephone line  4 . Telephone network  3  then transmits this indication signal to terminal  1 , in case of terminal  1  being an analog terminal via calling line identification (after a first ringing signal of a telephone call, but before a possible second ringing signal), and in case of terminal  1  being an ISDN terminal via the D-channel. Terminal  1  comprises receiving means  23  forming part of processor  12 , which receiving means  23  receive (a part of) said indication signal via telephone line  2 , line-interface  11  and bus  31 , after which said indication signal is displayed via display  17 , thereby informing the user of the arrival in the server of new information. Of course, terminal  1  could further be provided with an automatic-connection mechanism which, in response to the receival of said indication signal, automatically makes a data connection for receiving said new information, which is then stored into terminal-memory  13 . 
     When there is a connection between terminal  1  and access means  5 , for example via generation means  24  which form part of processor  12 , terminal  1  sends an update code to access means  5 , whereby in server  61  a comparator forming part of self-triggering mechanism  85  compares this update code with codes stored in server-memory  66 , and for example in case of inequality server  61  decides that terminal  1  should get an update of software, or in server  61  a clock forming part of self-triggering mechanism  85  decides at a certain moment, possibly after consultation of said update code belonging to terminal  1 , that terminal  1  should get an update of software. In both cases, the update of software as for example stored in server-memory  66  is transmitted to terminal  1 , for example together with an update signal informing terminal  1  what to do with said update (for example to inform which old part is to be replaced). 
     In case of the self-triggering mechanism  25  being located in terminal  1 , it for example forms part of processor  12 , and functions as follows. 
     When there is a connection between terminal  1  and access means  5 , for example via generation means  87  which form part of processor  63 , server  61  sends an update code to terminal  1 , whereby in terminal  1  a comparator forming part of self-triggering mechanism  25  compares this update code with codes stored in terminal-memory  13 , and for example in case of inequality terminal  1  decides that it should get an update of software, or in terminal  1  a clock forming part of self-triggering mechanism  25  decides at a certain moment, possibly after consultation of said update code originating from server  61 , that terminal  1  should get an update of software. In both cases, the update of software as for example stored in server-memory  66  is transmitted to terminal  1 , for example together with an update signal informing terminal  1  what to do with said update (for example to inform which old part is to be replaced). 
     When there is no connection between terminal  1  and access means  5 , for example said automatic-connection mechanism could be used for, for example under control of said self-triggering mechanism  25 , automatically makes a data connection for receiving said new information etc. 
     According to a very advantageous embodiment a first self-triggering mechanism (in the form of hardware and/or software) is located somewhere inside access means  5 , which first self-triggering mechanism results in the transmitting of software to terminal  1 , which software after being stored inside terminal  1  will function as a second self-triggering mechanism by investigating for example all software stored inside terminal  1  and deciding which software is to be replaced and then taking care of said replacement. 
     With the system disclosed in FIG. 1 the user at terminal  1  can get an overview of all messages of different types waiting for him, like telephone messages, fax messages and data messages. To realize this, there is a coupling between for example network-memory  43  and server-memory  66 , which coupling is made either via telephone line  4 , access point  51 , data connection  73 , data-interface  62  and bus  74 , or via a separate connection not shown in the figures. In case the overview should be present in server-memory  66 , network-memory  43  must send information to server  61 , and in case the overview should be present in network-memory  43 , server-memory  66  must send information to telephone network  3 . In both cases the sending of said information could be done by using self-triggering mechanisms and/or automatic-connection mechanisms as described before. 
     When for example terminal-memory  13  comprises a server code defining an address of server  61  (and possibly an access code defining an address of access point  51 ), and comprises for example an overview code defining that an overview of all messages is required, a user of terminal  1  may get this overview in a very userfriendly way, by for example pressing only one key or typing a short command via at least one of both keyboards  19  and  20 , after which terminal  1  is connected with server  61 , and server-memory  66  transmits said overview to terminal  1  for, for example, displaying this overview via display  17 . 
     Instead of said user taking the initiative, it is also possible that, in case for example server  61  receives new information to be stored in server-memory  66 , like for example information with respect to telephone/fax messages stored in network-memory  43 , or like for example data messages to be stored in server-memory  66 , then either a comparator forming part of self-triggering mechanism  85  compares a first and second code belonging to the new information with a first and second code belonging to terminal  1  and for example stored in server-memory  66  (which first code for example indicates that the new information is destined for terminal  1 , and which second code for example indicates that terminal  1  has already or not yet been informed with respect to the new information), and in case of respective equality and unequality decides that terminal  1  should be informed, or a clock forming part of self-triggering mechanism  85  decides at a certain moment, possibly after consultation of said codes belonging to terminal  1  and stored in server-memory  66 , that terminal  1  should be informed. In both cases, an indication signal is generated by generation means  86  forming part of processor  63 , which generation signal comprises for example an address or telephone number of terminal  1  (a terminal code). This indication signal is supplied to telephone network  3  via bus  74 , data-interface  62 , data-connection  73 , access point  51  and telephone line  4 . Telephone network  3  then transmits this indication signal to terminal  1 , in case of terminal  1  being an analog terminal via calling line identification (after a first ringing signal of a telephone call, but before a possible second ringing signal), and in case of terminal  1  being an ISDN terminal via the D-channel. Terminal  1  comprises receiving means  23  forming part of processor  12 , which receiving means  23  receive (a part of) said indication signal via telephone line  2 , line-interface  11  and bus  31 , after which said indication signal is displayed via display  17 , thereby informing the user of the arrival in the server of new information. Of course, terminal  1  could further be provided with an automatic-connection mechanism which, in response to the receival of said indication signal, automatically makes a data connection for receiving said new information, which is then stored into terminal-memory  13 . 
     The system disclosed in FIG. 1 is further capable of dealing with terminal  1  being connected to a printer  6  via a connection  7 . Thereto, for example processor  63  in server  61  is for example provided with conversion means  64  for converting data to be printed into printer data, with receiving means  88  for receiving an order code originating from terminal  1  and indicating which data is to be converted, and with generation means  89  for generating a printer code defining an address of said printer  6 . In terminal  1 , processor  12  is for example provided with generation means  26  for generating said order code destined for server  61 , and with receiving means  27  for receiving said printer code originating from server  61 . Usually, a user using terminal  1  will decide when data has to be printed. Compared to a personal computer, which has sufficient memory capacity and therefore is capable of converting data to be printed into printer data by using a software printer driver, terminal  1  has a predefined size and price, and therefore less memory capacity. To prevent that such a software printer driver would occupy terminal  1  too much, conversion means  64 , which for example comprise such a software driver, are located in server  61 . The user orders terminal  1  via at least one of said keyboards  19  and  20 , to print certain data, resulting in generation means  26  generating said order code, which via bus  31 , line-interface  11 , telephone line  2 , network  3 , telephone line  4 , access point  51 , data connection  73 , data-interface  62  and bus  74  is sent to processor  63 , in which receiving means  88  receive said order code and control server-memory  66  and conversion means  64  in such a way that said certain data is converted into printer data. Said printer data is then sent back to terminal  1  via bus  74 , data-interface  62 , data connection  73 , access point  51 , telephone line  4 , network  3  and telephone line  2 . In terminal  1  said printer data is transmitted from line-interface  11  via bus  31  to printer-interface  15 , and then supplied via connection  7  to printer  6 . So, printer-interface does not have to comprise said software printer driver, but will generally comprise only a hardware printer driver. 
     In terminal  1 , line-interface  11 , bus  31  and printer-interface  15  together form switching means for switching said printer data without passing processor  12 . For example said printer code to be generated by generation means  89  and for example to be sent from server  61  to terminal  1  (just) before said printer data is sent, could be used to inform processor  12  of the need for a transparent mode on behalf of said printer data. Said order code generally could comprise the identity and/or address and/or type and/or trademark of said printer  6 , to prevent that for example server  61  is overloaded with information. 
     Said access point  51  can of course entirely or partially be integrated with at least telephone network  3  and/or server  61 . Further, inside terminal  1 , inside access point  51  and inside server  61 , parts could be entirely or partially integrated. 
     Further, all embodiments and/or possibilities described above could of course be combined into new embodiments and/or possibilities having further inventive concepts. 
     Although the invention has been shown and described with respect to a best mode embodiment thereof, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing and various other changes, omissions and additions in the form and detail thereof may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.