WO2008031827A1

WO2008031827A1 - Method and apparatus for controlling a terminal by way of a mobile telephone

Info

Publication number: WO2008031827A1
Application number: PCT/EP2007/059542
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jürgen Lammers; Gerhard Weise
Original assignee: Blueseven Ag
Priority date: 2006-09-16
Filing date: 2007-09-11
Publication date: 2008-03-20
Also published as: DE102006044256A1

Abstract

Method for controlling a display terminal by at least one mobile telephone, wherein the display terminal is connected to a server via a WAN, - wherein the display terminal displays digital contents which are transmitted by the server; - wherein the server manages one or more telephone lines which can be called by the mobile telephone; - wherein the display terminal is determined using the selected telephone number; - wherein the keypad codes which are input via a keypad of the mobile telephone are converted by the server into control codes which can be interpreted by the display terminal; - wherein the control codes are transmitted to the display terminal via the WAN; - wherein the control codes are received by the display terminal and the display of the current contents is changed on the basis of the transmitted control codes.

Description

Method and device for controlling a terminal with a mobile telephone

The present invention relates to a communication method and a corresponding Kortrmunikationssystem. In particular, the invention is based on an individually controllable interactive sales system. Each application terminal can play content tailored to the location. A prospective customer who stands in front of such a system, can interactively control the program with his mobile phone or mobile device. He establishes a telephone connection and then uses his mobile keyboard as a remote control. The system displays these actions directly on the respective output device.

Field of the invention:

In the area of shop window advertising or direct customer advertising, displays are increasingly being used which represent different contents.

However, these systems are not interactive but always play the same content.

Many customers are familiar with the handling of remote controls. A mobile phone, which has a very large distribution, can be used for such displays as a remote control. Overview of the invention:

The object of the invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems. This is achieved by the invention having the features of the independent claims. The dependent claims include features for advantageous embodiments of the invention.

The present invention includes a server / client structure. Em CMS (Content Management System) and communication technology are operated on the server side, the VICI Communication Unit (VICI-CU) or the display term acts as a pure playback medium. The implementation of the invention is based on an intranet concept (this is preferably achieved by VPN Verbmdungen between client and server). In a data center web server with connection to the Internet are used, which fulfill the task besides the production and supply of the content to be presented to coordinate the interactive control by means of mobile phone, and the results of the interaction to the PoS partner (point of sales partner ) and save the data and actions in log files. The called telephone number is associated with each VICI CU. Via a telephone line, the system receives the interaction impulses from the calling visitor and forwards them to the called VICI-CU. For this control, a DTMF decoder and a telephone connection must be provided in the data center.

The POS partner maintains adequate Internet access (DSL / UMTS, etc.) to which a VICI-CU is connected. Here, an Internet browser is started which displays a number of content pages (Flash and / or HTML) buffered locally in a regular sequence and repeats over a predetermined number of cycles. These pages are regularly downloaded by the VICI-CU for update. The contents shown have defined start and end times. After expiration, the content will be removed from the player list.

When an interaction is triggered by a visitor, the browser branches into an interactive area in which the interaction (a game, a survey or similar) can be performed. In the course of a game or interaction, the individual information for later use by the POS partner is transferred to a log file (including: caller number, location, time, triggered action and TELKO relevant information, such as billing rules and procedures) and the presentation process will continue at a defined point. In sales, competition or game actions also content limits can be entered: the action stops when an article is no longer available, or a number of game actions or bids is reached. This information is provided online through the servers. In the event that a static format of this data can not be used (example: travel agency last minute offer), a dynamic delivery interface must be provided in the correct format. This is done by appropriate server modules.

The database thus arises in the web server system in the data center. Here is the CMS, the basic data for the templates with which the POS partners can equip their client / receivers. Here, the POS partners also manage the basic processes and their own content for presentation. In the case of interactive operation by a visitor or a content update, the existing intranet connection is actually required in regular operation. As a rule, the system only accesses the locally buffered content back. After a playing time to be set, the buffered content is blocked from playing or deleted.

All known output formats can be entered into the CMS system: Flash, JPG, PNG, but also movie data like mpeg2, mpeg4, Quicktime or AVI etc. The necessary plugins must be integrated in the browser of the VICI-CU.

Online maintenance allows all VICI-CUs, including the output devices, to be checked and maintained by an administrator. After the initial installation, each VICI-CU logs in to the server and transfers its personalization data to the server. VPN and possibly a DDNS (dynamic DNS) server ensure that the system can be reached from the server. Thereafter, according to the current schedule (start time, program), the normal presentation process begins. To monitor the VICI-CU, a watchdog pulse is sent to the server via a background process and acknowledged from there. If this pulse remains off or is no longer acknowledged, this is a sign of an error in the communication channel for the interaction, ie a malfunction in the system. The administrator then receives immediate information via SMS or e-mail. The flow in the VICI-CU and on the server side is controlled so that the request for interaction no longer appears. The user guide in the server-side script control of the telephone server will reject a call for the affected VICI-CU station by voice message.

In essence, the invention comprises three components. The CMS, the handset and the display system in the browser of the customer terminal.

Em Kernstuck is the content management system. For example, if a cooperation or association decides to use the system, it will be implemented as a separate user group. In In this user group, the clients are defined according to freely selectable differentiation criteria and created in a client master database. All partners receive the access data to their own group and can control the transmission mode themselves in a given computer. The center has access to all its own VICI-CU, the restaurateur receives the access data for his personal VICI-CU. Optionally, cross-selling partners or other content system partners receive defined access rights. The contents of the operator or content partner are placed in the media database under strategic monitoring of the operator. Depending on the schedule, the contents can now be assigned to the VICI-CU. The settings are made globally for all VICI CU or for defined user groups with a defined, shared content or for different contents. This ensures individual and effective content planning.

The CMS system is structured so that companies and agencies can independently recommend their content. The employees of the POS partners who are asked for this must be able to carry out these activities with simple means and basic knowledge in the field of web design. Therefore, the surface was designed to be intuitive and graphically structured. The data maintenance and design can be done by a simple PC with internet connection.

For the use of the system, priority will be given to companies which have several sales and information points (POS (Point of Sales) or POI (Point of Interest)). It is therefore important to be able to mix the offered content partly from a standard repertoire and partly from specialized topics. In addition the standard contents and the specialized contents become different Data areas of the CMS are created, and are assembled for the presentation individually for download for a specific VICI-CU.

For administration, the CMS has a differentiated rights management. The following can be controlled:

• The POS group partner receives the rights to manage all available slots.

• The POS partner, in turn, only receives the rights assigned to him for the slots of his own VICI-CU. The provider of the invention administers the access rights for all VICI-CU and servers and performs the technical maintenance, update, service, telephone management, data usage, etc. (In addition, the provider obtains the right, in consultation with customers, to market parts of a customer's content in released slots).

Server component

The administration of the entire system, the programs or even the individual VICI-CU, by the user of the system (the restaurateur, the agency or cooperation or business center) via the Internet always via the server. Direct control of the VICI-CU is not planned. The content is designed and managed in the VICI-VISION database application.

It is also possible to design your own content in the program available on the server side. Alternatively, the customer may submit content-related data (existing movies, spots, and clip posts) to the system.

In addition, the clients are managed in the content management system. The server technology is equipped with redundant components to avoid possible failures and to ensure maximum security. The Content Management The system controls the corresponding actions in dialog with the VICI-CU using the push and / or pull method.

At the server level, there is also the central control system, which forwards the integrated actions to the service providers, providers, booking databases and download providers. The servers as well as the VICI-CU meet high security requirements against unwanted external access attempts.

Corresponding system programs are used for the area of logging and reporting, system controlling as well as the generation of data and evaluations, in particular also for the dedicated invoicing.

As telecommunications interface a Emwahlsystem is selected with voice-controlled Menufuhrung. The number of callable channels will be expanded step by step according to requirements by using S2M modules.

Clxent (VICI-CU)

The VICI-CU or the display point at the POS is a thin-client PC for on-site installations. The PC has an adapter and player software. The contents displayed in normal operation are cached on the hard disk and are therefore also present offline. A proxy control ensures that the content is always kept up-to-date with changes on the server side, even in the client. If a customer makes an interactive connection, the display switches to interactive mode.

All communication components are on board. The extension for TV reception is possible. Although the device in the normal use works without sound, a sound card belongs to the basic equipment.

For operation on site, the operator will provide electricity and DSL / UMTS. The VICI-CU are then delivered preconfigured and can be installed, for example, by local craftsmen. If the device is connected to power and DSL, it automatically logs in to the server and gets content and program updates online.

Since the visitor does not call the VICI-CU but the phone number attached to the server, the call has to communicate between the server and the client. Each number to call is associated with a VICI CU; thus the individual control can be done via the IP number (or the hostname to be reached by DDNS) of the VICI-CU.

The calls can be set either for free or for a fee, at the mobile phone tariff or at pay rates. In addition, it is envisaged that products will be paid via the tariff (downloads, goods, bets). In addition to the navigation function, text input (for example, fields for entering an address) is also possible with the hand control. This will be solved according to the SMS text message.

The handset uses the DTMF tone. Therefore, all DTMF-capable telephone keys can be assigned to the controller. The administration of the telephone numbers to be assigned is exclusively regulated by the operator of the server via a corresponding terminal on the server. Here, the links to the VICI-CU are also stored centrally.

In addition to the running content, interactive content is offered for use on the VICI-CU. These are available at any time and are not linked to specific contents or times. The service can be used from any mobile phone. The only requirement is the transmission of the telephone number. If the number transmission is switched off, access may not be possible in individual cases, this depends on the target. This will then be displayed on the screen. Several customers can communicate with the system at the POS.

If a customer has called the interactive output medium, this will be displayed on the screen. He sees all the steps he is now doing on the screen. He uses his cell phone as a cursor control. The system makes any assignment of the mobile phone keys with control functions possible. With this functionality can now retrieve individualized information, make reservations, give menubasuck responses, make purchases, enter into sweepstakes and perform any other interactions.

Interactivity stops when the customer hangs up. Then the system switches back to the normal content flow. Depending on the program management, the telephone number and the action are forwarded for further processing and are used for aftersales services, taking data protection into account.

In programming, care has been taken to apply safety standards such as e.g. find use in online banking. Firewalls and VPN are integrated accordingly in the server environment and the VICI-CU.

In addition to control via DSL or WAN, control via UMTS / GPRS modules is also possible. These modules integrated into the VICI-CU replace the DSL connection, where it is not available, eg in showcases or at trade fair and sports events. This gives us additional flexibility m the fields of application. The UMTS / GPRS module establishes a WAN connection to the server.

This business unit is the service partner for systems used by the customer alone as well as for the systems operated by VICI-Connect as a generalist.

For billing, the system provides an interface to a billing system. For this purpose, the logging data are provided in a suitable form. The invention allows the creation and presentation of templates, creation of user structures; Web (domain, webserver configuration etc.); Design of templates; Preparing content (ambient movies); Remote maintenance clients; Client configuration (screen resolution, etc.) The implementation thus differentiates between three communication levels:

I. Passive information and presentation: basic, long-term information, movies, advertisements, news and more.

II. Active information and presentation: short-term and up-to-date information, reports and reports

III. Interactive communication and sales:

Involvement of the customer in an interactive communication; This enables attractive mobile marketing programs with Kundenbzw. Target group-oriented actions. With the invention, the customer is a time-, location- and person-independent Koπtmunikationssystem available. With appropriate placement in the business, the customer can retrieve information after the close of business, buy, bid, vote, win, etc.

Figurenbesehreibung:

The single figure shows the schematic structure of the present invention with its data flow.

Preferred embodiment:

The single figure shows the preferred embodiment of the present invention. Via a PC 1, a central individual and, if necessary, automatic content input takes place, which is stored on the server 2. Alternatively, a decentralized individual content input via the computer 3 can be made. These stations serve to set the content displayed on the display system 7. The display systems are connected to the server 2 via WAN / DSL / UMTS 5.6 connections. The data exchange takes place via these connections. The mobile terminal 8 is in turn connected via a connection link 9 to the server to act as an interactive remote control. The transmitted keystrokes are sent from the server to the terminal. As feedback, SMS can still be sent to the user via Interactive System Connection 4. It is also conceivable that voice sequences are transmitted. definitions

Content: Content that is played on the VICI-CU. These can be movies, stills, treadmills or tickers.

Client: the device at the customer to play the content. In common usage called VICI-CU (Communication Unit).

CMS content management system; Internet-based portal for entering content and interactions.

DTMF tone dialing Dual Tone Multiplexed Frequency Pay-Tag: payphone number (0900 ...)

POI: Point of Interest POS: Point of Sale VPS: Video Program Service

PoS partner: The operator of one or more POS / POI with a VICI CU.

Visitor: The customer, the one who is considered the viewer and user of the VICI vision.

Claims

claims

A method of controlling a display terminal by at least one mobile telephone, wherein the

Display terminal is connected to a server via a WAN m connection, wherein the display term indicates a digital content transmitted by the server; - wherein the server manages telephone lines that can be called by the mobile telephone; wherein a determination of the display terminal takes place on the basis of the dialed telephone number;

the keyboard code entered via a keyboard of the mobile telephone being converted by the server into control codes which are interpretable by the local VICI CU;

- the control codes being transmitted to the display terminal via the WAN; wherein the control codes are received by the display terminal and the presentation of the current content is changed on the basis of the transmitted control logs.

2. The method according to the preceding claim, wherein all executed control codes are registered and are available for post-processing.

The method of one or more of the preceding claims, wherein a plurality of users control a display term by dividing the screen into logical sub-screens, or interacting interactively with each other on a screen.

The method of one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the control by the mobile terminal is stopped when an article is no longer present, or a number of game actions or bids are reached.

5. The method according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein, during the non-interactive operation of the display terminal, a loop display takes place, which is switched in the course of an interaction.

6. The method according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the database for the display terminals is created and stored on the server.

7. The method according to the preceding claim, wherein on the server, the CMS, the basic data for the templates with which the PoS partner display feature can equip.

8. The method according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein only in the case of interactive operation by a user or in the

If a content update requires a WAN Internet connection.

9. The method according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein by the

Display terminal via a background process

Watchdog pulse sent to the server and is acknowledged from there to gain malfunction of the display terminal.

10. The method according to the preceding claim, wherein in case of malfunction, the administrator receives appropriate information, if necessary by priority also by SMS at the weekend.

11. The method according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein in the CMS system all known output formats can be entered: Flash, JPG, PNG, but also movie data such as mpeg2, mpeg4,

Quicktime or AVI, with the necessary

Pluggins are integrated in the browser of the display terminal.

12. The method of claim 1, wherein each display terminal logs in to the server and transmits its personalization data to the server so that the current IP address with one or more numbers to be called is associated with the display terminal, such that an individual Control over the IP number takes place.

13. The method according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein via the mobile

End device in addition to the navigation function and text input is possible, this being solved according to the SMS text input.

The method of one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the display terminal is connected to the server by a VPN connection.

An apparatus for controlling a display terminal by at least one mobile telephone, the display terminal being in communication with the apparatus via a WAN, comprising: means initially transmitting to the display terminal digital information indicative of the digital display terminal after it has arrived has registered the device;

- means for managing a plurality of telephone lines that can be called by the mobile telephone;

- means for determining the dialed telephone number so that a destination of the display room can be determined on the basis of the dialed telephone number;

Means for converting the keyboard code entered via a keyboard of the mobile telephone into

Control codes that are interpretable by the display terminal and

Means for transmitting the control codes to the

Display terminal, so that the control codes can be received by the display terminal and the

Presentation of the current content can be changed on the basis of the transmitted control codes.

16. The device according to the preceding device claim, wherein means are provided for recording all executed control codes and are available for post-processing available.

17. The apparatus according to one or more of the preceding apparatus claims, wherein the means are arranged to allow a plurality of users to simultaneously dial a telephone number or telephone numbers assigned to a display terminal to control the display terminal, where m is the dependence of stored configuration, a control of the screens in logical sub-screens, or the users interactively interact with each other on a screen.

18. The device according to one or more of the preceding device claims, wherein there are the means which stop control by the mobile terminal when an article is no longer present or a number of game actions or bids is reached.

19. The device according to one or more of the preceding device claims, wherein the database for the display terminals is created and stored on the server.

20. The device of the preceding device claim, wherein means are provided to store the CMS, the basic data for the templates with which the PoS partners can equip the display terminals.

21. The device according to one or more of the preceding device claims, wherein in the case of interactive operation by a user or in case of a content update, a WAN internet connection is established.

22. The device according to one or more of the preceding device claims, wherein means are provided to obtain a watchdog pulse from the display terminal so as to detect malfunction of the display terminal, wherein at a Malfunction the administrator receives appropriate information,

23. The device according to one or more of the preceding device claims, wherein in the CMS

System all known output formats are stored: Flash, JPG, PNG, but also movie data such as mpeg2, mpeg 4, Quicktime or AVI, with the necessary pluggins are integrated in the browser of the display terminal.

24. The device according to one or more of the preceding device claims, wherein means are provided so that each VICI-CU can log in to the server, thereby transmitting its personalization data to the server so that the current IP address is associated with the telephone number the system can be reached from the server, so that an individual control takes place via the IP number.

25. The device according to one or more of the preceding device claims, wherein means are provided, so that via the mobile terminal in addition to the navigation function and text input is made, this being solved according to the SMS text input.

26. Display terminal for activation by a server according to one or more of the preceding device claims, characterized in that

Control information is received from the server, which originate from a mobile terminal, and a modified representation on the display terminal generate, so that a remote control is achieved by the mobile terminal.

27. A computer program product characterized by a data structure which after loading by a computer causes a device to emerge according to one or more of the preceding device claims.