Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
-- 2175718
This application is a divisional of Application
Serial No. 2,068,336, filed November 8, 1990.
The basic invention described in the present
invention relates to a telephone, configured to perform as a
general purpose computer (telephone-computer) as well as a
conventional telephone, while presenting a user-friendly
appearance. This invention relates to a system and a method
for enabling a user to communicate with a plurality of service
computers.
A device resembling a telephone with the capability
of performing conventional telephone and computer functions in
a user-friendly environment is desired to gain acceptance as a
home terminal. Most remotely accessible financial and
information provider services, such as automated banking or
stock price quotation, are currently accessible using a
personal computer (PC) or a "dumb terminal", i.e. a terminal
device having no intelligence. Such systems are not fully
user-friendly because the user needs some computer literacy
and familiarity with the financial and information provider
services' programs. The depth of their market penetration is
generally limited to users who are knowledgeable in the
computer field or to those willing to learn. Accessing such
services using PCs is also restricted by the limited
availability of PCs in the residences of most potential users.
Moreover, these potential users lack the basic technical
skills to operate a PC or they find a PC too inconvenient to
operate.
It will also be appreciated that in recent years
customers of one of these remotely accessible services,
automated banking, have increasingly become accustomed to
using automatic teller machine devices (ATMs). These devices
have become relatively successful because they provide simple
and clear "menus" of choices to customers at each step of each
transaction. Using these simple menus, customers are readily
led through the sequence of inputs required by the system to
respond to customers' requests. It would be desirable if such
services were conveniently available in the privacy of their
- 217~718
homes. The present telephone-computer was developed exactly
for the purpose of providing a readily available user-friendly
microcomputer with the familiar appearance of a standard table
telephone.
Financial and information provider services
typically are remotely accessible using software prepared by
individual programmers using personal computers. Typically,
these personal computers are those manufactured by the IBM
Corporation (IBM PC) or so-called "clones" (pc) manufactured
by others. All these computers run various software programs
which have been designed to run on an IBM PC. The PC system
is currently so thoroughly entrenched throughout the industry
that replacement by another type of system is unlikely. Any
home terminal or computer intended to be employed with a
remote access system now operating typically emulates the IBM
PC "architecture". Further details of this requirement are
set forth below.
To date, substantially all PCs have been configured
to comprise a keyboard having 60 to 101 keys, a display
device, and a housing containing the circuit boards of the
computer, including various input/output (I/O) interfaces for
connecting devices such as modems for communication, printers,
and the like. It will be apparent to those of skill in the
art that the provision of "PC functionality", the ability to
run conventional PC software programs without modification to
the software, places very substantial constraints on the
design of a computer that is to fit within a relatively small
housing conforming in size and shape to that of a conventional
telephone. For example, virtually all PC programs are
designed to be stored on floppy disks, or are initially
supplied on floppy disks and later copied to a hard disk.
Both of these memory devices require more space than is
available in the housing of a conventional telephone.
Similarly, the circuit boards used conventionally in PCs are
much too large to fit within a conventional telephone, as are
the QWERTY keyboards presently used. Accordingly, it is not
possible to simply force the normal PC components into a
217571~
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housing resembling a conventional telephone. Moreover, it is
desirable to eliminate the use of removable floppy disks and
the like to simplify operation and to render it even more
user-friendly, thus making it accessible to a wider class of
possible users.
It is essential to provide a telephone-computer that
can simulate the operation of a system comprising floppy
and/or hard disk memory devices, as well as other I/O devices
such as printers and the like, while fitting within the
confines of a familiar and non-threatening telephone and still
provide all conventional telephone functions.
It will also be appreciated that if a home terminal
is to provide access to a remote service computer to perform
private services such as financial transactions, a very high
degree of security must be built into the system, such that
users cannot corrupt their own or other accounts, cannot
modify other accounts, and most importantly, cannot cause a
system error that would cause the entire remote computer
system to cease operations, however briefly. To do so, the
home terminal must interact with the network in a
sophisticated way. It is also highly desirable that the
interaction of terminal and host be amenable to convenient
alteration at a later time, if necessary.
For example, there have recently been widely
publicized instances of software viruses causing chaos in
computer networks. It is therefore highly significant that
the computerized telephone provided to the user by the present
invention be updatable with respect to any hardware and
software changes which may be required to eliminate the
possibility of such bugs or viruses. It must also be capable
of implementing new forms of security such as data encryption.
The prior art teaches no system which provides anything
remotely resembling this set of features in a home terminal
intended for accessing, for instance, a banking system.
Megatel Computer Corporation, of Weston, Ontario,
Canada, has been selling a single board computer capable of
emulating an IBM Personal Computer and thereby capable of
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running conventional software programs intended for use with
conventional IBM PCs. This Megatel computer has a single
circuit board combining a microprocessor, typically a Nippon
Electric Corporation (NEC) model V25 or V40, a programmable
gate array chip, sold by Xilinx Corporation under Model No.
XC2018 or the equivalent, random access memory (RAM), read-
only memory (ROM), and various I/O devices, as well as
associated connectors and the like. Briefly stated, the use
of the programmable gate array to connect the microprocessor
to the memory and to the I/O devices has provided this
computer with unparalleled flexibility in emulation of the
basic functions of an IBM PC such that it is capable of
running substantially all conventional software programs for
the IBM PC. This is true even though in many applications the
Megatel computer is not connected to external magnetic storage
media, printers and the like, and even though the software
would normally run only on computers configured for an IBM PC.
To fully understand the significance, a brief discussion of
the IBM PC compatibility is disclosed below.
As a rule, conventional software programs are "PC-
compatible" when they are intended to be run on the IBM PC.
However, not all "PC-compatible" programs will run on all PCs.
For example, one program may require a hard disk having 40
megabytes storage capacity. Another may require one megabyte
of RAM. A third may require an optical disk, a fourth a VGA
adapter card, and a fifth, two floppy disks. Thus, PC-
compatibility only implies, with respect to a particular
software program, that a PC can be configured with appropriate
optional internal devices and peripherals on which the
software will then run. In other words, it does not mean that
all "PC-compatible" software will run on the same PC.
The basic hardware components of the PC, as
distinguished from its peripherals, include a microprocessor,
ROM, and RAM, and circuit elements providing logical
connection between these basic components as well as to the
keyboard, to the display, and to any peripherals such as
modems, printers, external memory and the like. The
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peripherals are normally connected directly to various
dedicated "driver" and "interface" chips, which are in turn
connected by logic circuit elements to the microprocessor, the
RAM and the ROM. All PCs require some sort of hardware, i.e.,
discrete circuit elements, to provide appropriate logical
connections to functionally "glue" the microprocessor, the
RAM, the ROM, and the various dedicated I/O devices and
peripheral drivers together.
Certain software, referred to as the "BIOS", for
Basic I/O System, is also essential to provide the "PC
architecture". The BIOS provides the interface between the
usual PC-compatible software programs (which are also referred
to in the art as "DOS-compatible", which means that they are
designed to work with IBM's Disk Operating System, or DOS; DOS
is only useful if the BIOS and BIOS-compatible hardware are
already in place) and the actual hardware elements. The
hardware elements plus the BIOS form the basic "PC
architecture".
In the IBM PC, a custom designed "gate array" chip
normally provides the logical connection between the
microprocessor, the RAM, the ROM, and the various dedicated
I/O and peripheral driver elements. Others have provided
these functions using so-called programmable logic array (PLA)
chips. Such PLA chips comprise a number of predefined but not
pre-connected logic gates on a chip. Connections are
established by fusing fusible links disposed on the chip.
Once programmed, the PLA circuitry cannot be further altered.
The BIOS used by Megatel's computer is also
commercially available. The "glue" required to functionally
connect the microprocessor, the memory, and the I/O chips is
provided by configuring a Programmable Gate Array (PGA) chip
by supply of a series of signals, referred to by Xilinx as
"configuration programs" and sometimes referred to herein as
"configuration code", or "configuration software".
Essentially, this configuration code defines the logical
connection of various basic logic elements on the PGA chip.
~ 2175718
A significant advantage is provided by use of the
PGA chip, in that, by supplying new configuration code changes
can be made to the hardware connecting the microprocessor to
the memory and the I/O chips on the circuit board. For
example, if a particular hardware change needs to be made to
accommodate a particular software program, this can be done
readily by simply supplying reconfiguration code appropriate
to the PGA chip and reconfiguring it before running the
software.
Use of the PGA chip has extremely powerful and
extensive implications. For example, a piece of software
running on an IBM PC operates properly when it "receives" an
appropriate sequence of signals from the microprocessor in
response to the signals it "generates". For example, a
microprocessor may be directed by software to send a certain
data item to a floppy disk for storage. The floppy disk
controller responds to such a request with a predetermined
acknowledgement signal. When this signal is received by the
software, it then performs a subsequent function.
Accordingly, if the PGA chip is configured to respond to a
particular signal provided by the software with the proper
acknowledgement signal, the software can be "fooled" into
thinking that the PC is configured with certain peripherals
when in fact none is provided. To provide "software-
compatibility" the PGA chip need simply be configured torespond to a known sequence of signals with a corresponding
sequence of response signals, thus fooling the software into
thinking that it is running on a properly configured PC.
The Xilinx "Programmable Gate Array Data Book"
(1988) discusses at pages 6-38 - 6-40 use of this technology
for "Self Diagnosing Hardware", suggesting that the device
"...can perform diagnostic functions at power-up, or in test
modes, and perform normal functions where the board is
determined to be operational." It is specifically suggested
that this will be particularly useful for testing peripheral
control logic using loopback techniques, I/O and memory error
detection circuitry, and interrupt techniques.
2175718
As previously discussed, Megatel has been using the
PGA technology to emulate a PC. However, to the best of the
inventors' knowledge, there has been no application of this
PGA technology to the specific problem of providing a computer
configured as a telephone for accessing a variety of
information and financial services; no use of this PGA
technology to physically emulate a computer while providing
various functions of a typical telephone; and no
implementation of a home computer in which some portion of the
hardware is defined by configuration code supplied to a
programmable gate array, much less one that can be remotely
reconfigured, e.g. so as to avoid and cure a "hardware virus",
to provide an improved security function such as data
encryption, or to otherwise reconfigure the logic of a
terminal once installed in the user's home. By having this
feature, additional terminal functions can also be remotely
added to the telephone-computer after its installation in the
users' homes. This has not been done prior to the present
invention by Megatel or otherwise, to the best of the
inventors' knowledge.
Use of microprocessors for telecommunications
application is known in the art as shown by Subhash Bal, "New
Generation Microprocessor for Telecommunication Applications".
Proceedings 1980-International Conference on Communications,
Seattle, Washington, (June 8-12, 1980) pages 11.5.1 - 11.5.4.
Additionally, microprocessors have been used as control
apparatus for a number of communication system administration
functions and in switching systems as shown in United States
Patent No. 4,580,011 to Robert E. Glazer, issued April 1, 1986
and United States Patent No. 4,629,832 to Robert A. Carson et
al, issued December 6, 1986. It is known that, to increase
system integrity, the administration functions in a telephone
network can be controlled by a microprocessor to facilitate
the interaction of a private branch exchange or similar
telephone network with a telephone central office. It is also
known to perform telephone protection functions through a
microprocessor. Operation of computers with simple interfaces
2175718
and the connection of several computers to a host computer in
a network through modems is also known in the prior art.
However, the prior art does not teach the use of a
microprocessor controlled primarily through a 12-key keypad of
a normal telephone device where the keypad also operates a
stand-alone telephone unit and additionally provides user
interface to the microprocessor.
The basic invention relates to a telephone
configured as a programmable general purpose computer
(telephone-computer) with a simplified user interface. The
telephone-computer has the general appearance of a standard
desk telephone. To a user, the invention will appear and
function as a telephone set and not as a conventional computer
or data terminal. It enables non-technical users who are
uncomfortable using computers but are familiar with telephones
to operate the present computer which is disguised as a
telephone. The telephone-computer comprises six basic
components which cooperate together to provide improved
telephone and computer functionality. These basic components
include (1) a primary microprocessor comprising a central
processing unit (CPU), memory elements associated with the CPU
and certain hardware integrity features protecting the CPU,
(2) a Programmable Gate Array (PGA) comprising a logic cell
array which provides the means for dynamically reconfiguring
the basic architecture and control logic of the primary
microprocessor, (3) telephone electronics comprising (i) a
manual telephone circuit including a dialler, speech network
and ring detector, or (ii) a telephone function within a
communications processor receiving input from a telephone
keypad and a keyboard input device and associated hardware to
provide an interface between the telephone operation of the
device and the primary microprocessor, (4) a modem to transfer
data to and from the primary microprocessor over the telephone
line and, in an alternative embodiment, provide pulses or DTMF
tones over the telephone line, and perform signal and tone
detection functions, (5) a smart card reader to read input
from a removable memory element and (6) a 9600 Baud modem.
~ 217~718
The present telephone-computer is designed to be
operated, in most circumstances, through a standard telephone
12-key keypad input. In an alternative embodiment, the 12-key
keypad input device may be augmented by one or more
programmable function keys such as for speed dial and re-dial.
Moreover, in either embodiment, any of the 12-keys of the
keypad can be programmed through the primary microprocessor
for specific functions desired. An additional 52-key keyboard
in the QWERTY format, normally hidden in the telephone
housing, provides additional inputs to the central processing
unit of the primary microprocessor through the communications
processor. To operate the present telephone-computer as a
telephone, the operator lifts the handset and the device
immediately functions as a telephone.
The primary microprocessor in conjunction with a
multipurpose graphics display controller, or the PGA, provides
an output to a small display device such as a Liquid Crystal
Display (LCD) mounted in the housing of the device for viewing
by the operator. In an alternate embodiment, the display
controller is within the microprocessor where a CGA controller
function is performed. In another alternative embodiment, a
touch-screen is used in conjunction with the liquid crystal
display. In this embodiment, the touch-screen both displays
information from the microprocessor and receives inputs keyed
in by the operator by touching specified locations on the
display. The touch-screen will require its own input
processor to communicate with the primary microprocessor, as
i8 known in the art.
The primary microprocessor itself is connected to
the telephone line through a modem and is capable of dialling
and communicating with other parts of a computer network. The
primary microprocessor may be programmed to incorporate
dedicated software functions including a record manager for
reading and writing data, such as records, into the smartcard
and to the primary microprocessor memory, a telephone list,
activity log, a user configuration record and a diagnostic
log. The logs may be sent to another computer via a telephone
2175718
line for further processing. The primary microprocessor
includes certain software diagnostics which control the
microprocessor's status and provides for overall
microprocessor protection. The communications processor is
also connected to a modem which permits the transfer of data
from the primary microprocessor over the telephone line and
transfer of modem command signals from the communications
processor.
The primary microprocessor is a general purpose CPU
and may be programmed in any standard manner. One such
application program usable on the primary microprocessor is
implemented using a software language designated Home Access
Language (HAL) which is formatted in logic pages. One
essential function of a network host computer is to provide a
series of HAL application program "pages" which are downloaded
to the present telephone-computer. A page includes screens to
be displayed on the LCD display and logic associated with
specific operations described on the screens. The application
program written in HAL is compiled into pseudo-code by the
network host computer and is translated into an executable
format by a HAL interpreter incorporated in the memory device.
The application program, when incorporated in the primary
microprocessor, permits it to receive input from the
communications processor and-the modem and to perform certain
programmed functions. More specifically, the program pages
supply the telephone-computer with sufficient "prompts" to
elicit from the user whatever information, i.e. user codes,
desired transactions, and the like, required to access one-of
a plurality of service computers to which the network host
computer is connected via conventional telephone lines. More
specifically, the telephone-computer communicates with the
network host computer via a message having a first protocol.
The network host computer transforms this information into
whatever second protocol is conventionally required to
communicate with the service computer.
One object of the basic invention is to provide a
device with the features of a computer, housed in a unit which
217~718
appears to the user to be no more complex than an ordinary
telephone.
Another object of the basic invention is to provide
a user friendly microprocessor controlled for most operations
through the 12-element keypad of a normal telephone.
Another object of the basic invention is to provide
a highly capable computer usable as a telephone and also
responsive to the user's commands made through the keypad.
Another object of the basic invention is to provide
a microprocessor with enhanced integrity features allowing for
an improved interaction with telephone electronics and other
input devices.
~ Another object of the invention is to allow a
network host computer to download program pages which are
compatible with the present telephone-computer or a PC to
access a variety of different information and financial
services which communicate with the network host computer via
conventional telephone lines in languages which are compatible
with the normal information and financial services, but which
are not compatible with the present telephone-computer or the
PC .
Yet another object of the basic invention is to
provide a telephone configured as a reconfigurable general
purpose computer which may be reconfigured on site or
remotely.
Features and advantages of the present invention
will be better appreciated from the detailed description
below, taken in conjunction with the attached drawings.
Figure 1 is a front perspective view of the first
embodiment of the telephone-computer;
Figure 2 is a rear perspective view of the first
embodiment of the telephone-computer;
Figures 3 and 4 are front and rear perspective views
of a second embodiment of the telephone-computer including
function keys.
Figures 5 and 6 are side and plan views of an access
drawer having a QWERTY 52-key keyboard.
2175718
Figures 7 and 8 are front and rear perspective views
of a third embodiment of the telephone-computer, including a
built-in smart card reader.
Figures 9 and 10 are perspective and plan views of
the invention as used in a public booth deployed with
peripheral equipment.
Figure 11 depicts in a block diagram format, the
functional components of the telephone-computer.
Figure 12 depicts in a block diagram format
principal semiconductor components utilized in the telephone-
computer.
Figure 13 depicts a system support overview of
software functions of the primary microprocessor used in the
telephone-computer.
Figure 14 depicts the primary microprocessor's
software interface with a conventional telephone circuitry.
Figure 15 is a functional diagram of the telephone
electronics and related communications features of the
telephone-computer;
Figure 16 is a functional diagram of the primary
microprocessor with input/output functions of the telephone-
computer.
Figure 17 is a memory map of the memory elements of
the primary microprocessor of the telephone-computer.
Figure 18 is a diagram of an overvoltage and
overcurrent protection circuitry utilizing a Surgector for the
telephone-computer;
Figure 19 shows an overall view of a distributed
data processing system which is accessed by the telephone-
computer;
Figure 20 shows a diagram of the message format
employed according to the processing system of Fig. 19.
Figure 21 shows a status field of the message
according to the processing system of Fig. 19;
Figure 22 shows a connect message according to the
processing system of Fig. 19.
2175718
-
Figure 23 shows a connect response message according
to the processing system of Fig. 19.
Figure 24 shows a transaction message text format
according to the processing system of Fig. 19;
Figure 25 shows a page downloading message text
format employed according to the processing system of Fig. 19;
Figure 26 shows a page update request message
according to the processing system of Fig. 19 and
Figure 27 shows a response to the page update
request message of Figure 26.
Referring to Figs. 1 to 4, a telephone-computer 1 of
the present invention has a telephone housing 2, with an upper
housing 2a portion and a lower housing 2b portion, which has
the overall appearance of a conventional desktop telephone
unit so that it presents, to a technically unskilled operator,
a format with which he or she is familiar, i.e. a conventional
telephone. The telephone-computer may be incorporated in a
wall telephone or any other conventional telephone format and
is designed to operate both as a standard telephone unit and
as a microcomputer for communicating with a computer network.
The telephone-computer includes a standard 12-key keypad 3,
display monitor 4, a handset 5, and a keyboard release button
6 for permitting a keyboard 14 (see also Figs 5 and 6) to
slide out of the lower housing portion of the telephone-
computer when the button is pressed. As shown in Figs 2 and4, other features of the telephone-computer include a speaker
volume control switch 7; a ringer volume switch 8; a
pulse/tone switch (not shown) located on the bottom of the
lower housing portion; a telephone line jack 9; an accessory
port 10 (see also Figure 12) which supports a Centronics
parallel port and two serial ports; an external monitor
interface 11; and a monitor brightness controller 12 and a
monitor contrast controller 13 for the display monitor 4. The
parallel port and serial ports support a printer, an optical
scanner, a floppy disc, a memory storage device and other
peripherals, and permit speed loading of the RAM or an
electrically programmable, non-volatile memory device.
2175718
,
The present telephone-computer includes a primary
microprocessor and associated memory devices (see Figs. 11 and
12), and is purposely designed with a simplified user
interface. The interface operates through the telephone-
computer using a conventional 12-key keypad 3 utilized in
conventional telephones. One key of the 12-key keypad is
designated as a HELLO key and activates the primary
microprocessor control of the telephone when the telephone is
on-hook. The telephone keypad activates either tone or pulse
dialling functions, as chosen by a manual switch located on
the bottom of the lower housing portion, for the electronics
of the telephone incorporated in the device and also provides
input through a communications processor to the primary
microprocessor. The primary microprocessor may also receive
input through the communications processor from a hidden 52-
key keyboard 14 as shown in Figs. 5 and 6. This hidden board
has a QWERTY format and slides on the lower housing portion
and is retracted from the housing by pressing the keyboard
release button 6 and pulling the keyboard. The user interface
also includes the display monitor 4 which is preferably a 5-
inch liquid crystal display ( LCD) and receives its input
directly from the microprocessor. Other displays such as a
SONY Watchman cathode ray tube (CRT) display are compatible
with the microprocessor and a controller and may be used
instead of the LCD with some packaging modifications.
Figs. 3 and 4 show a second embodiment of the
telephone-computer in which the 12-key keypad is augmented by
four function keys. In this alternative, one key is a service
key which performs the functions of the HELLO key. The other
function keys are programmable and may perform the standard
functions of speed dial, flash dial or redial.
Figs. 7 and 8 show a third embodiment of the
telephone-computer 1 in which the housing 2 is shaped slightly
different from the embodiments of Figs. 1 and 3. Fig. 8 is
shown with the handset removed from the telephone-computer.
Specifically, the telephone-computer of this embodiment
includes a built-in smart card reader 28 which is accessed
2175718
from the right side of the telephone-computer. Again, as is
with the first embodiment, the keypad 3 has 12 keys, but
programmable function keys can be augmented as is described
and shown with respect to the second embodiment. Similarly,
the embodiment of Figs. 7 and 8 includes upper and lower
housing portions 2a, 2b, a LCD display 4, a handset 5, a
speaker volume control switch 7, a ringer volume switch 8, a
pulse/tone switch 15, a telephone line jack 9, an auxiliary
port 10 (showing a cover 10a) which supports a centronics
parallel port and two serial ports, a monitor brightness
controller 12, a monitor contrast controller 13, and a
keyboard 14. In addition, a smart card release button 28a is
included. Note that in this embodiment, a keyboard release
button 6 is not needed as the keyboard is held in the hidden
position by a locking mechanism or by friction which can be
overcome by lightly pulling the keyboard.
The present telephone-computer may be operated at a
public booth 20 as shown in Figs. 9 and 10. In this
configuration, the telephone-computer is placed in a form
fitted hole in a counter top with the upper housing and a
smart card reader opening visible. The public booth is
deployed with several peripheral devices in close proximity in
a user-friendly arrangement, which may include, as shown in
Fig. 10, a separate card reader 21 for reading magnetic
information imprinted on cards and a printer 22 for printing
transaction journals. Other items connected to the telephone-
computer in this configuration, but which are not user-
visible, are (1) an attachment called an expansion box for
converting signals coming out of the connector on the back of
the apparatus, allowing for printer connection, (2) two floppy
disc drives for expanded software and (3) an external power
supply to drive the card reader and disc drives. Additional
non-essential equipment such as a calculator 23 and a pen
holder 24, which are made readily accessible to the user at
the booth, can be included.
Fig. 11 depicts the basic hardware of the present
telephone-computer. The present telephone-computer includes
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8iX basic elements: (1) a primary microprocessor system with
memory, generally indicated by 30, ~2) a communications
processor generally indicated by 26, (3) a POTS telephone,
generally indicated by 29, (4) a 9600 Baud modem 27, (5) a
smart card reader 28, and (6) a Programmable Gate Array (PGA)
chip, also generally indicated by 30. The communications
processor provides input to the primary microprocessor and
also acts as a standard telephone. The modem is connected to
the telephone line and provides an interface between the
primary microprocessor and other elements of the computer
network, as better shown in Fig. 15.
A map of the primary microprocessor memory of the
telephone-computer is shown in Fig. 17, which shows the memory
allocation between the RAM and the FLASH-EPROM and their
addresses. In the preferred embodiment, the microprocessor
includes a volatile writable 256 KByte RAM memory (expandable
to 512 KBytes) and two electrically programmable, non-volatile
FLASH-EPROMs, a primary and a secondary, each with 128 KBytes
of memory. The volatile RAM memory is intended for holding
microprocessor program information and other data. A 32 KByte
RAM memory is allocated within the volatile RAM for the CGA
display. The FLASH-EPROMs incorporates a character generator
code for the display and include an interpreter for programs
used with the microprocessor, certain elements for the
programs' telephone interface features and the required
software for start-up of the program. In addition to the
primary microprocessor there is another microprocessor and a
long-term, non volatile memory which are stored on a credit
card sized removable card or on a smartcard. The user could
then readily transfer data from one microprocessor to another.
The smartcard may be used for recording user information such
as telephone numbers and addresses, bank records and other
financial data. To preserve the telephone-computer's
compatibility with the IBM-PC, the addresses normally
allocated to the CGA display memory are used for other normal
computer operation purposes, but the system's BIOS redirects
16
2175718
-
data normally sent to these addresses to the RAM memory that
is free.
In an alternative embodiment, the primary
microprocessor memory may include a battery-backed-up non-
volatile RAM memory protected for a specified period and anon-volatile non-writable ROM instead of the FLASH-EPROM.
This memory is used for the performance of certain specified
microprocessor functions. The battery backed-up non-volatile
RAM memory is used for storage of user information, such as
telephone numbers and addresses instead of the smartcard.
Fig. 12 shows in block diagram form the principal
elements of the remotely-reconfigurable computer system
comprising the telephone-computer 1, similar to the one shown
and described in U.S. Patent No. 4,991,199, issued February 5,
1991 and 5,008,927, issued April 16, 1991. The primary
microprocessor includes an 8086 compatible central processing
unit 31 which is compatible with the standard International
Business Machine (IBM) PC/XT at the BIOS level. The
microprocessor 31, which may be a Nippon Electric Corporation
(NEC) Model V25 or V40 or an equivalent, is connected to a
programmable gate array (PGA) 32 which will typically be the
Model XC2018, produced by the Xilinx Corporation of San Jose,
California. The PGA, also referred to as a logic cell array
(LCA), provides the means for dynamically reconfiguring the
basic architecture and control logic of the computer. The
glue required to functionally connect a microprocessor, memory
device and input-output chips is provided by configuring the
PGA chip by the supply of a series of signals, referred to by
Xilinx as "configuration programs" and sometimes referred to
as "configuration code" or "configuration software". The PGA
contains flexible memory elements, logic circuits and
connective elements which, when properly configured, allow the
PGA to assume the character of any number of logic functions,
including, for example a UART, a printer driver or a display
driver.
A significant advantage is provided by use of the
PGA chip, in that, by supply of new configuration code,
2175718
-
changes can be made to the hardware connecting the primary
microprocessor to the memory and the input/output chips on the
circuit board. For example, use of the PGA chip in many cases
will allow reconfiguration of the hardware to support new
peripherals such as an enhanced resolution display, an optical
disk storage device, so-called "smart" or debit-card readers,
or the like, which in other systems would normally require the
physical addition of a new circuit board.
In the preferred embodiment, the reconfiguration
code necessary to program the PGA, so that the system can
carry out its assigned functions, is stored in the FLASH-
EPROMs which are erasable in response to a signal received
from a remote location. Thus, reconfiguring of the PGA, for
example, to allow for the addition of a new peripheral, can be
done remotely by simply supplying a new configuration code to
the FLASH-EPROMs. This allows the PGA chip in a computer
installed in a user's home to be reconfigured essentially at
will, at high speed and low expense without the requirement of
a service call.
For example, to cure a software bug or to eliminate
a software virus, the PGA can be reconfigured remotely simply
by supplying a new configuration code to the FLASH-EPROMs. In
the banking terminal application, when a computer virus
attacks the microprocessor 31, such a virus will have to
conform to the microcode used to run the microprocessor. By
downloading new "pages" of programs having different
microcodes to the FLASH-EPROMs, the virus will not be able to
interact with the new microcode and will cease to operate,
thereby ceasing to interfere with the operation of the
computer. Similarly, if communication between the service
terminals and the service computers is corrupted or tapped,
data encryption can be provided by reconfiguring some portion
of the code stored in the FLASH-EPROMs to reconfigure the
gates of the PGA.
The microprocessor 31 and the PGA 32 are connected
to the main memory, a conventional RAM 34. The RAM will
normally be used to store application programs downloaded form
2175718
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a remote host and also stores reconfiguration code when first
received, prior to the code being copied into the FLASH-
EPROMs. The PGA 32 is also connected to the port 10 which
allows the functions accessed through the port 10 to be
programmed to allow changes to accessories used with the
telephone computer 1.
Communication with the telephone computer is
provided via the auxiliary port, indicated generally at 10,
which supports a centronics parallel port and two serial
ports. Communication with the network host computer 60 (see
Figure 19) is provided via one of the serial ports. In the
present invention, this serial port is connected both to the
primary microprocessor and to a system integrity chip 35,
which is typically a single chip Model 16CS4 computer sold by
the Microchip Corporation. This chip has the capability of
both storing and executing code. Certain "system
initialization software" code, required to initially program
the PGA chip 32 is stored permanently in the system integrity
chip's non-volatile, one-time programmable EPROM 35a at
manufacture (a read only memory device may be used
alternatively in place of the EPROM). In response to a simple
reset signal received form an external logic device via the
serial port, the system integrity chip is capable of using
this code to reconfigure the PGA chip. Typically, the PGA
chip will first exercise the microprocessor 31 and verify
circuit connections. Thereafter, the configuration code can
be downloaded via either the same serial port or another
serial port, which is stored in the RAM 34 and then copied to
the FLASH-EPROMs to reconfigure the PGA.
More particularly, suppose that through error the
entire system has been deprogrammed, or alternatively suppose
that the terminal is being manufactured and has never been
programmed. In either case, the EPROM 35a of the system
integrity processor 35 will have stored therein the basic
"system initialization software" required to allow
configuration of the PGA. The system integrity chip, which
may also be termed a "test processor", initially configures a
19
217~718
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portion of the PGA to perform a "serial scan test" which will
verify the physical circuit connections of the chip, as later
described in more detail. This is particularly useful because
the PGA chip 32 will typically be physically connected to
substantially all signal paths on the circuit board, so that
this test is in fact substantially complete.
One of the principal functions of the PGA, which is
ordinarily performed by expensive custom designed chips in IBM
PCs and by programmable array logic (PAL) chips in other PC-
compatibles, is to interface the microprocessor 31 to the LCDdisplay 4. The PGA can also be readily reprogrammed to drive
other sorts of displays such as conventional EGA or CGA
monitors, plasma displays or the like. In some case, it may
be desired to employ a further additional display driver chip,
which itself provides certain display driver modification
possibilities. Again, the reconfigurability of the PGA allows
very substantial flexibility in use of the device.
In an alternative embodiment, when the system
requirements stabilize, the telephone-computer may contain
custom-designed chips, rather than using the PGA, for
performing the required hardware functions. In this
embodiment, addition of a new peripheral may require the
replacement or addition of a new custom-chips to the present
telephone-computer. In such a case, the low-level microcode
would remain flexible so as to allow for changes to the basic
control logic and operating software of the computer.
- As indicated generally at 10, the microprocessor 31
is connected to certain of the input/output chips directly
which typically may include parallel interfaces such as
printer ports and interfaces for digital facsimile equipment.
By comparison, in either of the above embodiments, the PGA is
typically connected to other input/output devices, via the
serial ports, which are serially connected, such as
conventional or limited-format keyboards, a modem, a bar code
reader, or an optical scanner. The barcode reader and its
light pen can be used in conjunction with a service provided
by a remote host, such as a catalog ordering service.
2175718
One skilled in the art will understand that the
diagram as depicted in Fig. 12 is intended to be a functional
depiction, and that in fact various principal components
thereof such as the microprocessor 31, the PGA 32, the RAM 34,
the EPROM 35a, and the FLASH-EPROMs 33, may all be connected
by a conventional data bus 39. It is also within the skill of
one skilled in the art to replace the EPROM and the FLASH-
EPROMs with other memory capable of performing the same
functions, such as "silicon file" or a "battery-backed
nonvolatile readable and writable memory". In certain
circumstances, a conventional RAM can perform some of the
functions of the FLASH-EPROMs. Again, the key function of the
present telephone-computer is that it can be capable of
receiving and storing reconfiguration code preferably received
over a telephone line or the like via a conventional port, so
as to enable reconfiguration of the PGA as needed to update
the hardware configuration of the system.
In the preferred embodiment, six levels of software
are provided. They are the HAL application, the HAL operating
system and interpreter, the Extended BIOS, the Kernel, the PGA
reconfiguration code, and the system integrity code. Each
level has different access capabilities, different storage
requirements, and different uses. Certain software is stored
in the FLASH-EPROMs. The primary FLASH-EPROM stores a HAL
operating system and the HAL interpreter, the Extended BIOS,
and the kernel. The secondary FLASH-EPROM stores a copy of
the kernel and application pages. The application pages
include the screens, instructions to collect data, and
linkages to the prior screen and to the next screen.
The highest "level" of software in the telephone-
emulating version of the system, is referred to as the "home
application language-' or "HAL" software. The HAL software is
downloaded in "pages" from a network host computer in response
to the user's indication that a particular service is to be
accessed. If the user indicates that he wants to determine
his checking account balance, typically by pressing a single
button on the telephone-computer keypad or keyboard in
2175718
response to a prompt, the telephone-computer sends an
appropriate message to the network host, after which the
network host computer 60 downloads an appropriate page of HAL
software necessary to prompt the user to input his user code
and the like. The HAL software when received by the
telephone-computer is stored in the RAM 34 and normally is run
immediately. Certain commonly used pages of HAL application
software may also be stored typically in the secondary FLASH-
EPROM in order to reduce the number of communications required
to access the network host where this would appear useful. It
is envisioned that on the order of 3-10 HAL pages might be
typically downloaded to a terminal per day. The HAL software
thus provides the information necessary to provide the desired
user-friendly user interface, and is downloaded in response to
the user's specific request. The HAL software is thus
functionally comparable to IBM's Disk Operating System (DOS)
software.
The second level of software is the HAL interpreter,
which provides an environment for the HAL software to run.
The next level is "Extended BIOS". Extended BIOS
software supports various functions shared by various pages of
HAL software such as display control, preparation of messages
to the network host, support of keyboard functions, and the
like. Updated "multi-application" Extended BIOS software can
be downloaded from the network host computer when needed, a
process which might take place in the order of several times
per year. The updated Extended BIOS software will initially
be received in the RAM 34 and will then be copied to the
primary FLASH-EPROM for long term storage. It will be
appreciated by those skilled in the art that Extended BIOS
software provides functions which are employed by the HAL
software and is essential for the HAL software to run
properly.
The next lower level of software is the "kernel"
which includes the non-extended BIOS. This kernel acts as an
interface between the hardware and the HAL operating system.
In the present invention, the kernel presents an IBM PC
2175718
-
architecture with added integrity services to the HAL
operating system. Like the extended BIOS software the kernel
can be downloaded from a network host computer when needed. A
graphics display driver is integrated into the kernel stored
in the primary FLASH-EPROM.
The memory map of Figure 17 could be reconfigured by
restructuring the BIOS and/or the Extended BIOS, depending
upon the area of memory to be reconfigured.
The next lower level of software is the
reconfiguration software or code which defines the state of
the PGA. This is also referred to as "PGA code",
"reconfiguration code'' or "configuration code". Functions
provided by the PGA chip programmed in accordance with the PGA
code include functions which must be performed at high speed,
such as memory control and timing, and parity checking with
respect to various data communication paths, as well as
providing the logic connecting the microprocessor to the RAM,
ROM and input/output devices.
As in the case of the Extended BIOS software, any
update to this reconfiguration code downloaded from the
network host is initially stored in the RAM and then is copied
to the secondary FLASH-EPROM and used to reconfigure the PGA
chip as need be. For example, if it appears that a software
virus is active, the PGA can be readily reconfigured such that
the virus could no longer run on the telephone-computer. This
would of course necessitate that other software including the
Extended or non-extended BIOS and possibly the HAL software be
at least partially rewritten. However, these tasks can also
be accomplished remotely.
The advantage gained from this remote programming
capability is clear. For example, the PGA code could also be
altered remotely if it were desired to add additional
functions to the telephone-computer, such as adding a
facsimile capability, magnetic or optical memory elements, or
the like. In some cases it might also be necessary to
reconfigure the PGA code to cure a flaw in the-hardware design
2175718
detected some time later. Again, each of these options
substantially increases the utility of the telephone-computer.
As indicated above, the PGA code, having
reconfigured the PGA chip, provides the foundation on which
the BIOS softwar,e operates. Accordingly, the PGA chip must be
configured properly for the various input/output functions
controlled by BIOS to operate properly.
The final and lowest level of software is referred
to as a "system integrity code". This software is written to
the system integrity chip's EPROM 35a at manufacture or
possibly to a separate ROM. It is this code which operates
the system to the extent required to allow the reconfiguration
software to be downloaded to the terminal in order to
initially program the PGA chip as indicated above. Again,
this software is essential in order that the PGA chip can be
reconfigured by a reconfiguration code.
The above described software structure provides
partitioning of the various elements of software according to
their functions and their frequency and ease of access. The
higher level software will be more frequently accessed.
Similarly, the higher levels are variable in response to a
user request (in the case of the HAL application) or
relatively readily by the operator of the network host (in the
case of the Extended BIOS software). Access to the PGA
reconfiguration software will be restricted to the
manufacturers or to a relatively small group of the system
operators to prevent tampering of this highly significant
software.
One important object of the present invention is to
allow the user to access a bank data base. In order to avoid
compromising the integrity of the data base, and to restrain
fraudulent transactions or the like, the system must be made
highly reliable. The capability of reconfiguring the actual
logic of the telephone-computer substantially enhances this
security. A hardware reconfiguration can be made at any time
to support a change in the software desired, for example, to
alter access requirements to prevent fraudulent users or to
24
2175718
-
forbid them access to the data base. A number of specific
changes can be made to prevent preexisting software from
running on the telephone-computer. For example, data
encryption could be made essential to all terminal-to-network
host communications. Regular changes, e.g. once per month,
could be instituted to prevent any "hacker" from obtaining
access, for example, simply by regularly changing the
encryption method used.
The primary microprocessor can also be programmed
from a remote computer to recover from a system ~'lock-up"
caused by a software error or other errors. If the system
"locks-up", the invention can be put in a "dumb" mode while
continuing operating as a conventional telephone. By
depressing a specified sequence of keys on the keypad and/or
keyboard, the code within the kernel provides a set of
instructions which prompts the user for permission to recover.
If permission is granted, the system dials a remote host
computer to receive a recovery software module, including a
new operating system.
If an updated software has a virus or other bug that
prevents the telephone from connecting to the host computer, a
numerical code may be keyed in through the keypad and/or the
keyboard to force the unit in the "dumb" mode. The code to do
this function is supplied to the user upon demand.
Fig. 13 sets forth an overview of certain software
functions when the primary microprocessor of the telephone-
computer is programmed in the HAL format. The primary
microprocessor receives downloaded, compiled HAL software
applications. These applications are interpreted by a HAL
interpreter stored in the primary FLASH-EPROM. The initial
HAL application pages, certain specific routine customer data
and/or configuration data may be written into the primary
FLASH-EPROM so that they are protected against power failure.
The HAL interpreter may also be downloaded from the network
host computer when necessary, such as to update the
interpreter, and stored in the primary FLASH-EPROM.
217~718
Alternatively, all such data, except customer data, may be
placed permanently in a ROM.
The primary microprocessor operating system defines
certain microprocessor configuration parameters including the
boundaries of the memory for the application pages as well as
the data memory areas. The system software also provides that
data pages may be written in the volatile memory. When the
memory is filled and the primary microprocessor needs an
additional page, the primary microprocessor transfers the new
page from a network data bank and overwrites the pages which
are least recently used. These overwritten pages may be
retrieved from the network host memory through the modem, if
required again.
The system software also provides input to
microprocessor diagnostics and performs a power-on self test
for the microprocessor. In one embodiment of the invention,
the program invokes a record manager which manages a telephone
list data record, activity logs, a personal configuration
module and a diagnostic log. Certain elements of these
records may be maintained in the FLASH-EPROMs to provide
protection against power failure.
Referring to Figs. 14-16 and 18, the telephone-
computer support circuitry provides a number of integrity
features. These include the following error detection or
failure prevention features: (1) a determination as to
whether the microprocessor software is functioning properly
when the telephone is taken off-hook, (2) a watchdog timer to
ensure that the computer software is not malfunctioning, (3) a
parity check for the microprocessor's volatile random access
memory (RAM), (4) FLASH-EPROMs or in an alternative
embodiment, a battery back-up for the volatile RAM (5)
circuitry to provide wide protection for that memory, (6)
power failure detection which interrupts the microprocessor
when voltage drops below a threshold, (7) battery low warning,
if a battery is used, (8) independent operation of the
telephone electronics from the telephone line power so that
when the A/C power fails, the telephone will continue to
26
217571~
-
operate without termination of a call in progress, (9) a
storage capacitor to provide backup power to the microcomputer
device's real time clock, (10) circuitry to provide protection
from the telephone line power overvoltage/overcurrent, (11)
circuitry to protect from communication disruptions caused by
a call-waiting signal or other disruptions of similar length,
and (12) self monitoring functions to eliminate the need for
service calls to repair malfunctions.
The integrity features are described in a greater
detail as follows:
The telephone electronics includes an off-hook timer
which, when armed, senses the removal of the handset from the
telephone. The function of the off-hook timer is to ensure
that the primary microprocessor software and hardware are
functioning properly each time the telephone is taken off-
hook. The off-hook timer is set to expire at the end of a
period designated off-hook timer expiration (OHTE). If the
timer expires, the telephone hardware will force the telephone
electronics into a POTS mode (i.e., the telephone-computer
operates as a normal telephone with a standard telephone
speech network for a standard telephone voice transmission)
and the microprocessor is rebooted. The POTS mode is
activated through the telephone relay disable function which
is activated by outputs from the off-hook timer and the
primary microprocessor. If three consecutive attempts to
reboot the microprocessor are unsuccessful, the telephone-
computer remains in the POTS mode and a message is printed on
the display. In one embodiment, a malfunction indication will
appear as a service light on the telephone console. In an
alternative embodiment, a malfunction indication will appear
as either a message on the LCD display or the LCD display will
appear with no backlighting.
The microprocessor includes a watchdog timer which
is reset through the microprocessor's input/output bus. If,
in the period designated watchdog timer expiration (WDTE), the
watchdog timer is not reset by the primary microprocessor, a
non-maskable interrupt (NMI) is generated as an input to the
27
217~718
-
microprocessor. If the timer is allowed to expire a second
consecutive time, a hardware reset is generated which disables
the timer, decouples the telephone electronics from the
microprocessor, reboots the microprocessor, and activates a
service light on the housing unit. In an alternative
embodiment, an error message appears on the display.
The microprocessor provides a parity check for the
volatile RAM 34. The parity check function provides for an
automatic recovery when there is a parity error. The parity
check function provides the same type of NMI and failure
protection as the watchdog timer. An automatic sequencing is
provided to eliminate the need for a manual reboot. If no
parity error is associated with the RAM, and there is a reboot
caused by a hang-up in a non-memory component, the system will
execute a soft reboot without the loss of memory.
The telephone-computer electronics provides power
failure protection features. The primary microprocessor's
power failure detection circuit is responsive to certain
interruptions in power to the microprocessor or low power
conditions and provides an interrupt to the microprocessor
after receipt of the warning detections when certain
thresholds are crossed. In response to these warnings, the
primary microprocessor places itself in a condition for
minimum disruption if a power failure occurs. The so-called
"power fail" interrupt causes the microprocessor to enter a
timed interval to finish current processing prior to entering
the reset mode as long as the power low condition remains. In
the event of a power failure, the POTS phone circuitry is
activated so that a normal telephone operation is not
disrupted.
The microprocessor circuitry derives power from 110
volt AC source, and the POTS phone circuitry is driven by 48
volt DC telephone line power. To permit both circuitries to
function compatibly and independently within a single device,
the microprocessor circuitry and the POTS phone circuitry are
grounded separately.
2175718
,
Fig. 18 is a diagram of the overvoltage/overcurrent
protection circuitry 50 which disconnects the telephone
circuitry 51 from the telephone line 52 in the event of a
telephone line power overload and prevents the telephone from
overheating. A fuse 55 is placed in tip line so that if a
high voltage or a high current is applied, the fuse will
disconnect the telephone circuit from the telephone line.
However, in situations where a current is applied below the
level in which the fuse blows, for instance during the UL1459
telephone inspection tests in which tests are run with a
short-circuit current just below the blowing point of the fuse
with a relatively low voltage, there arises situations where
despite the relative low voltage, the applied current can
cause dangerous heating in the telephone circuitry.
To prevent such situations, a Surgector, which is a
silicon-controlled rectifier (SCR) device 53, is connected
across a tip line 52a and a ring line 52b of the telephone
line 52 to act as a current-triggered switch and at the same
time to act as an overvoltage protector as well. That is, if
a voltage greater than the breakover voltage of the SCR
device, typically 295-370 volts or higher, is applied across
the tip and ring lines, for example during the UL1459
telephone testing, the SCR device will permit the current to
pass through and between a cathode terminal side 53b and an
anode terminal side 53c of the SCR device, thereby bypassing
the telephone circuitry. When a relatively large current is
applied to the tip and ring lines, an attenuated current will
flow to a gate terminal side 53a of the SCR device. When the
attenuated current reaches a trigger current level (150-300
mA), the SCR device will act as a closed switch to permit the
current to pass through the SCR device instead of the
telephone circuitry, thus providing an overcurrent protection
for the telephone circuitry. The SCR device permits a normal
telephone operation after the voltage drops below the
threshold level or after the current passing through the
cathode and anode terminals drops below the holding current
threshold level (165 mA).
29
2175718
~,
Since the SCR device operates under a DC voltage, a
diode bridge 54 is connected between the ring and tip lines to
convert an AC voltage, which is used during the UL1459 tests,
to a DC voltage. Alternatively, the SCR device and the diode
bridge may be substituted with a TRIAC device (two reverse-
parallel SCR devices) since TRIAC devices operate with AC and
DC voltages.
Fig. 15 is a block diagram of the telephone
electronics of the invention. The 12-key telephone keypad
includes a novel split pill output element which provides two
separate isolated output signals. One output is directed to
the keyboard/keypad communications processor, which passes to
the modem dialler, and the other to the POTS telephone
dialler. Both telephone diallers can provide pulse or tone
dialling output to the telephone line. The diallers may be
selected for either pulse or tone by a switch on the telephone
housing or by software. The primary microprocessor has the
capability of deactivating, under various conditions, the
output of the telephone dialler to the telephone line so that
data input by the user over the 12-key keypad does not
interfere with standard telephone operations. The direct
keypad, dialler telephone hook and main telephone switch are
all controllable from the primary microprocessor to permit the
modem dialler to provide pulse or tone outputs or deactivate
these outputs.
Specifically, one key on the 12-key keypad, usually
the # key, acts as a services key and may be designated a
HELLO key. Activation of this key, when the telephone is on-
hook, changes the primary microprocessor's control over the
telephone from a monitoring mode to a controlling mode. The
HELLO key feature provides computer enhanced telephone
operation when the telephone is not connected to the network.
The application on the primary microprocessor, in response to
the HELLO key, typically provides a menu of microprocessor
services, eliminates power to the telephone dialler
(preventing unwanted dial tones from being transmitted to the
2175718
network) and provides for transition of the telephone network
to computer control.
In an alternative embodiment, a function key may be
used in place of the HELLO key to obtain microprocessor
control over the telephone.
Alternatively, any function key or the 12-key keypad
can be programmed through the primary microprocessor for
specific functions selected by the manufacturer. In the
present embodiment, function keys for speed dial and redial
may be provided. The device may include a flash key which
performs its standard function in a telephone device.
Alternatively, selected keys of the 12-key keypad may be
programmed to perform flash, speed dial, and re-dial
functions.
The telephone electronics includes a communications
processor which provides an interface between the 52-key
keyboard or 12-key keypad and the primary microprocessor
organizes real time data to the primary microprocessor
presented by either keypad, keyboard or related elements of
the telephone electronics. The alternative embodiment
disclosed in Figs. 3 and 4 uses one or more function keys.
The function key input is also provided through the
communications processor. The interface circuitry and the
primary microprocessor will support up to eight function keys.
In one embodiment, the communications processor also
includes tone detecting hardware and software which can
distinguish (1) busy or fast busy, (2) call-waiting, (3)
ringing, and (4) dial tone, and passes this information to the
primary microprocessor which in turn displays messages on the
LCD display to inform the user of busy signals or other tones
detected. In an alternative embodiment the modem performs
these functions and passes the information to the primary
microprocessor. The primary processor and communications
processor have an established protocol to increase the
integrity of the overall system. If the primary processor
fails to hear from the communications processing unit within a
2175718
preset time the system will reset, causing both processors to
reinitialize.
The modem provides the modulator/demodulator
circuitry necessary for transmitting and receiving data over a
telephone network and thus forms the interface between the
telephone line, the primary microprocessor, and the
communications processor. The modem can also be configured to
detect calling party data on the line and pass this data to
the communications processor. The modem also includes
circuitry to protect from disruptions in communications with
other parts of a computer a network. The ring and dial tones
are also provided through the speech network to the telephone
handset. The primary microprocessor provides a serial input
to the modem which can be connected by control from the
microprocessor to the main telephone line.
The modem will not automatically "retrain", as
defined by the CCITT standard for V.32 modems, which is
standard for 9600 baud modems, unless there is a disruption in
the carrier signal transmitted from the remote computer of
greater than 0.5 second duration. This feature provides
protection from disruptions caused by the telephone network
and disruptions caused by call waiting signals, and is
transparent to the user. The modem circuitry used in the
present invention is supplied by SGS Thomson.
The modem circuitry also includes the capability of
detecting CLASS signals sent over the telephone line. The
modem circuitry passes this information to the primary
microprocessor to provide CLASS services. The CLASS services
that can be provided by the invention include Automatic
Callback, Automatic Recall, Customer Originated Trace, Calling
Number Delivery and Calling Number Delivery Blocking. These
services are discussed further in the Bellcore publications
"CLASS Feature: Calling Number Delivery", Technical Reference
TR-TSY-000031, Issue 2, June 1988, and "SPCS C~stomer Premises
Equipment Data Interface", Technical Reference TR-TSY-000030,
Issue 1, November 1988.
2175718
~ ,
In one embodiment, the modem contains telephone
dialling circuitry so that a separate dialler is not required
and dialling of telephone numbers can be initiated from the
keypad or keyboard, through the communications processor to
the modem for dialling over the telephone line.
When the telephone-computer is powered-up, a self-
integrity test and initialization is performed which verifies
that all levels of operating software present in the
telephone-computer are operational. These levels of operating
software include the following modules: a system software
comprising an extended BIOS and a BIOS parameter table; a
system software interface, comprising Negative Call Page (NCP)
Services; and a higher level software, comprising the HAL
interpreter and applications. If the kernel (which comprises
the low-level BIOS), and the reconfiguration code and boot-up
code are operational, it is possible to reload any of the
mentioned modules over the telephone line in the event that
the verification test fails. In the event that the kernel,
which is stored in the FLASH-EPROMS, is corrupt, as the result
of unforeseen or hardware failure, or if the terminal is being
manufactured and has never been programmed, the enormous
flexibility of the PGA allows the kernel to be reloaded
through the auxiliary port 10 with the aid of an external PC.
The verification test is employed each time the
telephone-computer performs a cold start, defined as a system
reboot which follows a power-up, or warm start, defined as a
system reboot with the power already turned on. The cold
start verification sequence is identical to the warm start
sequence except that during the cold start sequence the RAM is
also cleared.
The initial step of the test comprises a kernel
integrity test. This first step is performed by the
permanently resident software in the telephone-computer, the
system integrity software, stored in the one-time programmable
EPROM 35a. The integrity software drives the system integrity
processor. The integrity processor initiates a check of the
main kernel and its backup copy, stored in the primary FLASH-
2175718
EPROM 33a and the secondary FLASH-EPROM 33b, respectively.
Each of the primary and secondary FLASH-EPROMs stores a copy
of the kernel. If the backup copy of the kernel is corrupted,
the main kernel will attempt to copy itself into the secondary
FLASH-EPROM 33b. In the event that the main kernel is
corrupt, a timer in the integrity processor will activate a
physical swap of memory space between the primary FLASH-EPROM
and the secondary FLASH-EPROM. The system will then be
rebooted. If the backup kernel is operational, it will then
attempt to copy itself into the primary FLASH-EPROM 35a.
In the event that the kernel software is corrupt,
the integrity processor will initiate an external
reprogramming process. The integrity software will allow an
external PC to control the downloading of the reconfiguration
code through the accessory port 10 on the telephone-computer
directly to the PGA chip. This code will configure the
architecture of the PGA so as to then allow the PC to route an
image of the kernel directly to the primary FLASH-EPROM. This
kernel will contain the software which is capable of
configuring the PGA to its operable configuration, as well as
the BIOS and other software necessary for the complete
functioning of the system software. The PC will then cause
the computer system to reboot.
Specifically, the system integrity processor 35,
causes a first group of "system verification software" to be
downloaded either from an external processor, such as the host
network computer, or from a technician's test device, to
reconfigure a portion of the PGA to resemble read-only memory
containing certain predetermined microcode. This mocrocode is
then used by the microprocessor 31 to test its own functions,
which typically will include testing of the random access and
read-only memory devices.
At this point the microprocessor 31 can take over
operations, and causes further reconfiguration code, the
"operational reconfiguration code" (according to which the PGA
chip 32 is configured to perform its ultimately desired
functions) to be downloaded. This code is stored first in the
34
2175718
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RAM 34, then copied to the secondary FLASH-EPROM, and is then
used to reconfigure the PGA into its operational
configuration, thus completing initial loading or test of the
present telephone-computer. In the preferred embodiment, the
"operational reconfiguration code" is stored in duplicate (in
the primary FLASH-EPROM and in the secondary FLASH-EPROM).
This allows the two versions to be compared to one another,
providing an additional check on system integrity.
At this point, the telephone-computer will have two
operational copies of kernel software. It can display to the
user the message "I will be ready in a minute" and proceed to
the next step of the verification process which consists of a
self-diagnostic hardware test. If a hardware problem is found
the verification process cannot continue. The user may then
see a message instructing him or her to contact an appropriate
service center for assistance.
Next, the remaining software modules in the primary
FLASH-EPROM are scanned. The scan consists of checking that
the size and check sum count of each software module coincides
with the size and check sum count stored in the header of the
module. In the event of failure, detected by the integrity
process, the kernel will perform in a "dumb" mode and prompt
the user with a question as to whether the system should be
fixed. The display will show a message which requests
permission from the user to call the host, whose telephone
number is stored within the kernel. Upon affirmation, the
telephone-computer will initiate a software recovery
procedure.
The FLASH-EPROM recovery procedure comprises
downloading recovery software and a flash memory map pertinent
to the specific telephone-computer flash version number. The
recovery software will rebuild FLASH-EPROM contents by
investigating the FLASH-EPROMs in order to determine which
modules are damaged or absent, and reloading those areas with
new modules retrieved from the host. If the recovery process
brings a newer version of the FLASH-EPROM modules, it will
2175718
also update the FLASH-EPROM version number in the kernel data
space.
There are two methods of updating the primary FLASH-
EPROM. One method is to download an entirely new copy of the
code on the FLASH-EPROM each time the chip is to be updated.
A second method is to copy the contents of the FLASH-EPROM to
the RAM and then erase the FLASH-EPROM code and download the
new code from the RAM. After downloading, the parts of the
FLASH-EPROM code stored in the RAM that have not been updated
are copied back into the FLASH-EPROM. The choice of method
depends on the complexity of the download. The choice of
method also affects the integrity of the system. If there is
a power failure while the FLASH-EPROM is being updated, the
contents of the RAM is lost. When power is recovered the
integrity processor will recognize that the code in the FLASH-
EPROM has been corrupted and will ask the customer whether to
begin the recovery sequence.
In addition to rebuilding the FLASH-EPROM modules,
the recovery software will perform a purge of the diagnostic
log stored in the primary FLASH-EPROM. The purge comprises
clearing all data records which had been marked as deleted and
compressing all the remaining valid records toward the
beginning of their respective areas.
Upon completion of the recovery process, the
recovery software will initiate a system reboot. At this
stage, the operational system software (HAL) is validated and
initialized. If successful, a portion of RAM will be cleared
to serve as workplace for the BIOS and the Extended BIOS,
watchdog and off-hook timers will be disabled, the interrupt
vector table and transfer registers will be initialized and
the NMI handler will be installed. Finally, control is passed
to the HAL interpreter by invoking the BOOT interrupt and the
HAL interpreter then starts up the HAL application.
The smart card reader reads inputs provided by a
smart card, which contains a microprocessor and memory
element, and passes this information to the communications
processor. Included in the smart card reader circuitry are
36
217~718
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logic circuits to detect the presence of a smart card and to
initiate reading the card. The smart card connects directly
to the communications processor. No memory address is
allocated for the smart card in the RAM (34), unlike other
systems where a specific memory address is provided. The
communications processor provides a low level connection
- between the card and the primary microprocessor. In an
alternative embodiment, the smart card can be directly
connected to the primary microprocessor and the PGA. In other
words, the communications processor communicates with the
primary microprocessor using the Extended BIOS, and also makes
the card available to the HAL operating system. The HAL
operating system then tells the application so~tware that a
card is present. The uses of a smart card include storage of
operator-specific information, encryption data, and primary
microprocessor memory update information.
The smart card reader also writes inputs received
from the microprocessor onto the smart card. In one
embodiment, data received from the microprocessor is stored in
the RAM and then written onto the smart card. If a power drop
interrupts writing, the invention warns the user of a possible
loss of data.
As previously described, a principal object of the
invention is to provide a user-friendly terminal suitable for
accessing a bank computer system operating various bank
software programs, involving individual checking accounts and
the like, and additionally providing a user-friendly method of
accessing other service computers, such as those which provide
airline reservation functions, stock table look-up functions,
electronic bulletin board services, and a vast panoply of
other such services, and which can also operate as a
conventional telephone. ~ypically, in order to access such a
diverse variety of services one must have educated oneself in
an equal variety of terminal protocols and communication
methods, which can be quite complex. Simply to keep track of
the various user codes and access steps required to access
each of these services is a substantial undertaking.
217~718
The present telephone-computer accesses a network
host as described in U.S. Patent No. 5,195,130, issued October
5, ~991. As shown in Fig. 19, each user is provided with the
present telephone-computer 1, including the display 4 and the
keypad 3 or an equivalent terminal 19 with a keyboard, which
communicates via conventional telephone lines indicated
generally at 18, with a network host computers 60. From
hereafter, the term "terminal" shall mean the present
telephone-computer 1 or a PC terminal 19. The network host
computers include Terminal Controllers 59a and Interchanges
59b. The terminal controller comprise hardware and software
and functions. One essential function of the network host
computer 60 is to provide a series of application program
"pages" which are downloaded to the terminal. The downloaded
program pages supply the terminal with sufficient "prompts" to
elicit from the user whatever information, i.e., user codes,
desired transactions, and the like, required to access one of
a plurality of service computers 60a-d to which the network
host computer is connected via conventional telephone lines.
More particularly, suppose the user desires to
access the service computer 60a of Bank A. When the user
activates a terminal, there will appear on its display screen
a menu allowing him to select "Access Bank Services" by
pressing, for example, the numeral "3" button on the keypad 3
of the present telephone-computer or any other keys designated
for such access in the terminal. If the user presses the
button, the terminal will send a message to the network host
computer which in turn consults its internal memory to locate
an application program required to access the service computer
60a of Bank A and will download an appropriate program to the
terminal. The terminal will in turn operate using this
program and will ask the user various questions required to
prompt the user to input the information needed to access his
account at the bank, i.e., for example, his account number,
his secret access code, the type of transaction desired, the
amount of deposit, withdrawal, or transfer required, and so
on. This information is then transferred from the terminal to
38
2175718
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the network host computer in a message having a first
protocol. The network host computer transforms this
information into whatever second protocol is conventionally
required to communicate with the service computer 60a, for
example in the precise manner in which automatic teller
machines communicate. If on the other hand, the consumer
desired to access Bank B, typically, the consumer will be
asked the same questions by way of prompts, but the network
host computer will transform the answers into a somewhat
different protocol required to access the service computer 60b
of Bank B.
In a similar manner, if the consumer desires to
access an airline reservation host computer 60d, a somewhat
different sequence of prompts would be provided by the
terminal, using an appropriate different pages of application
program software downloaded by the network host computer.
Similarly, different communication sequences would occur
between the network host computer and the airline reservation
host computer 60d. The communication sequence and in
particular the detailed format of the messages back and forth
between the telephone-computer or equivalent terminal and the
network host computer are described in detail below.
Communication between the network host computer 60
and the various service computers 60a-d takes place according
to various second protocols defined by the proprietors of the
services supported by the service computers. Implementation
of these communications follows the techniques now in use with
such pre-existing service computers and is considered to be
known by one skilled in the art.
It will be appreciated that the accessing of the
various service computers 60a-d and countless others, requires
that the network host computer be enabled to communicate
according to a like variety of protocols. Typically, these
will be implemented by IBM PC software programs. The terminal
will therefore most conveniently also conform to the PC
architecture. Further, as previously indicated above, it is
an object of the invention that the telephone-computer be
39
2175718
capable of running other PC-compatible programs. Again,
"pageæ" of application software can be downloaded from the
network host computer to the terminal in response to the
user's selection of a particular service computer 60a-d.
The terminal controller 59a serves as a link between~
thé terminal, and the interchange (IX) 59b serves as the link
with a plurality of informational and financial service
computer systems 60a-d. Notably, this is accomplished without
modifying the software of the service computers 60a-d. Thus,
an important function of the network host computer, the
present telephone-computer, and the HAL software which it runs
is transforming the highly simplified "user-friendly"
request/response sequence seen and responded to by the user (a
menu) into a relatively complex communication sequence
normally used to access the service computers 60a-d, and vice
versa.
According to an important aspect of the invention,
these menu choices are varied in accordance with the service
selected by the user. That is, the user-friendly interface,
comprising a "tree" of new menus is displayed sequentially and
in response to each input provided by the user, until all
information required to access the service has been specified,
varies with the service. Provision of application programs
page by page in response to the specification of a service
according to the invention permits this flexibility, as it
would be impractical to store all possible application
programs in the telephone-computer.
The terminal controller 59a functionally comprises a
terminal interface controller (TIC) 62, a session controller
61, and a common integrator (CI) 65. The sessions controller
61, in turn, controls the terminal protocol interface (TPI) 63
and a session manager (SM) 64. The TIC monitors the message
flow between the telephone-computer and the TPI, and controls
timers to cause timeouts when message traffic ceases. The TP
communicates with the telephone-computer and translates the
protocol used by the telephone-computer when first
establishing a connection with the network host computer.
2175718
Additionally, the TPI generates random encryption key numbers
when requested by the terminal. These encryption key numbers
are used by the terminal program to transmit confidential
information. The TPI also handles application page
downloading requests.
The SM maintains the essential data needed for each
communication session by storing information relating to the
user of the terminal and the service computer system 60a-d
which the user is accessing. All transactions performed
between the terminal and the session controller during a
particular session occur within the context of the specific
consumer and the service selected, e.g., his bank or other
financial institution. For example, after the consumer has
been successfully established as a valid and authorized user,
all message traffic to the particular terminal is thereafter
considered related only to that consumer. This context
determination, based on the consumer identification
information, then allows the network host computer to access
the correct service computer 60a-d for such items as account
balance, and so on. The SM stores the contextual information
required to validate the transaction an inserts it in messages
passed to the CI when necessary. The SM also serves as the
interface between the TPI, and the CI, which in turn serves as
the communication link between the other elements of the
session controller and the service computer systems 60a-d.
The user accesses one particular service network
60a-d by selecting the corresponding option, i.e. the desired
service, from a menu displaying the possible choices on the
terminal display. Communication between the terminal, the
session controller, and the selected service computer 60a-d
then begins with a session establishment and protocol
selection phase.
During the session establishment and protocol
selection phase, the terminal connects to the network host
computer through the standard telephone line 18. After the
connection has been established, the telephone-computer sends
a series of signals by which the session controller sets such
217571~
parameters as the communication baud rate. For example, after
the network host computer sets the communication baud rate, it
responds with a terminal type inquiry. The terminal
interprets this signal as a request to identify the type of
terminal in use and responds with an ASCII code identifying
the type of home terminal being used, i.e. the telephone-
computer or a PC terminal.
The network host computer provides the important
function of allowing the present telephone-computer to mimic a
conventional microcomputer running essentially conventional
communication software. Therefore, the service computer 60a-d
receives communication in precisely the same "service computer
communication protocol" which it conventionally receives.
Accordingly, the service computers need not be modified in any
way for communication, which is essential in achieving the
objects herein. As indicated, such conventional microcomputer
systems 19 may also be interfaced to the service computers
60a-d by way of the network host computer according to the
present aspect of the invention. In such a case, the network
host computer will again respond to a request for access to a
service computer 60a-d by downloading one or more "pages" of
application software, user prompts, etc., allowing the
conventional microcomputer 19 to conveniently access the
service computer 60a-d.
After a communication session has thus been
established, a "link level" protocol is employed between the
terminal and the session controller. In the link level
protocol, all communications between the terminal and the
network host computer are formatted into information packets
called messages. Fig. 20 shows the basic format of the
message 70. This message format is used for the majority of
the messages sent between the network host computer and the
terminal. Other related formats are used in special cases
discussed below.
Each message 70 begins with a one-byte start of text
~STX) delimiter 72 which consists of the fixed HEX code "02".
The next field of the message, the message text field 74, can
42
2175718
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contain up to 256 bytes of transaction information. It is
within this message text field 74 that the actual transaction
information is transferred. The message text field 74 can
also contain information concerning the status of the message.
Following the message text field 74 is a one-byte
start of header (SOH) delimiter 76 which has a fixed HEX value
of "01". This SOH 76 signifies the end of the message text
field 74 and the start of the Sliding Window Protocol Header
78.
The Sliding Window Protocol Header 78 is provided
according to an important aspect of the present invention, and
contains control and error management information. This
header 78 comprises a sequence number field 80, an acknowledge
number field 8~, a status field 84 and a checksum field 86,
totalling six bytes in length.
The sequence number field 80 is important to the
error detection and control system employed according to the
invention. This field contains a sequence number assigned by
the transmitting device ti.e. either the telephone-computer or
the network host computer) to each message sent. More
specifically, the sequence number field 80 contains a one-byte
ASCII encoded number from 0 to 9 specifying the order of the
message 70 in a series of transmitted messages. The sequence
numbers are assigned independently to the messages sent in
both directions. Each successive message 70 is assigned a
reference number one greater than that of the preceding
message 70. The sequence numbers are applied in a cyclical
fashion. That is, when sequence number 9 has been assigned to
a message, the next message is assigned sequence number 0.
This process is referred to as the "sliding window protocol"
used for error detection and correction according to the
invention.
The receiving device stores the sequence number of
the message most recently received. When a new message is
received, the receiving device determines if the content of
the sequence number field 80 is one greater than the sequence
number of the preceding message received. If not, an error
43
2175718
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has been detected, and the receiving device directs the
transmitting device to resend the preceding message.
Additional security is provided by use of the
checksum field 86, which is written to the message by a
transmitting device. This checksum value is compared with the
checksum count as determined by the receiving terminal. If
the checksum value is correct and the sequence number is in
the proper order, the message is considered to have been
received in good condition.
The acknowledgement number field 82 of each message
contains the sequence number of the last message received in
good condition. Until this acknowledgement number is
received, the transmitting device stores the messages in a
buffer for possible retransmission. If the transmitting
device has stored one or more messages with higher sequence
numbers than the last received acknowledgement number, those
messages with a greater sequence number are retransmitted.
Correspondingly, when an acknowledgement number is received,
all stored messages having sequence numbers less than or equal
to the last received acknowledgement number are discarded.
This sequencing and acknowledgement method allows for the
- continuous flow of information without the delay associated
with acknowledging each message before transmitting the next,
and limits the amount of data which must be stored to
implement this error correction arrangement.
It will be appreciated by those of skill in the art
that sliding window protocols of this general type, including
use of sequence numbers and acknowledgement of messages, are
generally known to the art. See generally, Tanenbaum,
Computer Networks (Prentice Hall, 1981), esp. S4.2, "Sliding
Window Protocols", pp. 148-164.
There is, however, one limitation on this continuous
flow of messages. Because the range of reference numbers is
finite, the maxinumber of messages which can be sent without
repeating a reference number is 10. Accordingly, if all the
sequence numbers available in the finite range 0-9 have been
assigned to unacknowledged messages, the transmitting device
44
2175718
-
ceases message transmission and sends an immediate
acknowledgement request in a null message, that is, a message
which contains no information in its message text field, but
which has a sequence number equal to that of the preceding
message. The receiving device recognizes a null message by
its repetition of the preceding sequence number. A null
message is thus used to convey control information such as an
immediate acknowledgement request.
The status field 84 is a one byte (eight bit) field
which informs the receiving device of the status of the
message and provides a medium for various control requests.
Fig. 21 details the bits of the status field 84. Bits 7 and 5
are always set to zero and one, respectively, so that the
value of the complete status byte 84 is in the range of 32 to
127. Hence, the value of the status field can be represented
by the ASCII codes for print characters, which is convenient
for diagnostic purposes. Bit 6 indicates the transmission
channel over which the message is travelling. A value of 0 in
bit 6 represents a foreground, or high priority, transmission
channel, and a value of 1 in bit 6 indicates use of
background, or low priority, transmission channel. Bit 4 is
used to inform the receiving computer whether the response is
contained in more than one message and that there is at least
one more message to come which is related to the response
contained in the present message. A value of 0 in bit 4
indicates that the present message is the last or only segment
in a response while a value of 1 in bit 4 informs the
receiving computer that the present message is the first or an
intermediate segment of a multi-segment response.
Bit 3 distinguishes normal session messages from
connect messages used when communications are first
established between the terminal and the network computer. A
bit 3 value of 0 represents a normal data message, while a bit
3 value of 1 signifies a connect request or response.
Similarly, bit 2 indicates whether a message is a normal
session message or a disconnect request, in which 0 indicates
a normal session message and 1 requests a disconnect.
217~718
Bit 1 is set to a value of 1 to request
retransmission of all unacknowledged messages, i.e. messages
with a higher reference number than the acknowledgement number
of the message containing the retransmission request. A 0
value in bit 1 indicates a normal message.
Bit 0 is set to a value of 1 to request
acknowledgement from the receiving computer. This signal
would be sent, for example, in the situation explained above,
in which the sending computer has used all of the reference
numbers and requires an acknowledgement before sending any
more messages. A 0 value in bit 0 indicates a normal message.
The checksum field 86 as indicated above contains a
bit count or similar value calculated by the sending device.
The same calculation is performed by the receiving device and
compared to the stored value to confirm that the message has
been correctly received. Finally, the message 70 concludes
with a carriage return (CR) 88.
According to the invention, when one of the devices
involved in a communication session sends a message 70
containing either an acknowledgement request, an
acknowledgement response, a retransmit request, a connect
request or a disconnect request, there may be no transaction
data to be transmitted in the message text field. Hence, this
information is sent through a null message, including a
repeated reference number as described above. This informs
the receiving computer that any transaction data that may be
contained in the text field is to be ignored and that the
header information only is to be read. Of course, it is not
necessary to send a null message for the above mentioned
requests and responses. Instead, a normal message may be used
which sends the request or response information, while
transaction information is sent in the text field. Null
messages are sent when a normal message is not available and
an acknowledgement has been requested, or when the maximum
number of messages is outstanding, and no more normal messages
may be sent.
46
2175718
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In establishing a communication session, the
terminal sends a connect request message, as shown in Fig. 22.
When the session controller returns a connect response, shown
in Fig. 23, the session is established and all subsequent
communications proceed using the message format as discussed
above. At the beginning of each session, a series of messages
(shown in Figs. 26 and 27) are exchanged to determine whether
the application pages resident in the terminal are current
versions. All out-dated application pages in the user
terminal are replaced by current versions which are downloaded
to the terminal, page by page, as need be, using the
predefined message format. Updates are made only with respect
to the application page(s) specific to the service of current
interest to the user. This reduces the delay experienced by
the user, while eliminating any requirement that all users
have the same versions of each application page.
Because some transactions available through the
network services involve individual financial accounts, an
exchange of user verification messages is employed in these
cases to ensure against unauthorized manipulation of consumer
accounts. When the user has indicated his intention to
perform a financial transaction or other transaction requiring
access to a secure database, the TPI (63) instructs the
terminal via a downloaded page to send a request for an
encryption key. The TPI returns randomly generated key. The
smart card in the telephone-computer uses this key to encrypt
the consumer's personal identification code (PIC), that is, a
code indicating his right to access the secure database. The
encrypted PIC is then transmitted to the network host computer
in a user verification message. Similarly, any other secure
information may be encrypted at any time during a session if
the terminal program includes instructions for sending
additional encryption messages. Each time a key is requested,
a new encryption key is generated.
After the user verification stage is complete, the
consumer may perform various transactions with the
informational and financial service computer systems. Such
2175718
-
transactions can take a variety of forms, as will be
understood by those of skill in the art.
Once the page updating procedure has been completed
as necessary and the terminal is loaded with the application
pages necessary to access the service the consumer desires,
the consumer can effect transactions with service providers.
Operations then proceed in a simple and straightforward
manner. The consumer is prompted by software downloaded to
the terminal, as needed, to provide any additional input
required, and the appropriate message is sent by the terminal
to the service computer which actively accesses the database,
bank records, etc. involved. Again, according to the
invention, the terminal provides a user-friendly interface,
and the network host computer translates user's responses to
prompts, sent by the terminal to the network host computer in
a first format, into the format conventionally employed to
access the particular service computer 60a-d providing the
service desired.
In general, it is desirable that the prompts be
sufficiently definite that the user can input all required
instructions using only the 12 keys of a telephone keypad
responsive to prompts which are updated in response to the
sequence of prior responses. This greatly simplifies use of
the system, and contributes substantially to the user
friendliness which is a goal of the invention. However, in
some cases it may be necessary to provide all 26 alphabetic
keys as well, e.g. to spell out airline destinations. In such
cases, the small keyboard 14 sliding out of the housing of the
telephone-computer is used.
If the consumer wishes to use a service for which
the telephone-computer has not stored the application pages,
an explicit request message can be sent for the necessary
pages. This capability clearly provides unprecedented
flexibility in provision of network access to users operating
simple, low-cost, user-friendly terminal devices.
The following provides additional exemplary details
of typical message formats and communication sequences
48
2175718
according to the invention. Other communication sequences, as
needed, are within the skill of the art, given the disclose
provided by this application.
When a communication session between the terminal
and the network host computer has been established and both
devices are prepared to communicate in the link level protocol
message format as shown in Fig. 20, the terminal computer
sends a connect request message as shown in Fig. 22. The
connect request message contains no information in the message
text field, but the connect bit, bit 3 of the status field 84
of the sliding window protocol header (see Fig. 21), is set to
1. The sequence and acknowledgement fields 80 and 82 as shown
in Fig. 20 as set to zero, but the sequence number may begin
as any number from 0 to 9.
When the network host computer receives the connect
request message as shown in Fig. 22 from the terminal, it
sends a connect message response as shown in Fig. 23. As with
the connect request message, the connect bit in the status
field 84 is set to 1. Although the sequence and
acknowledgement fields 80 and 82 are again shown here as "0",
the network computer echoes back, in the acknowledgement field
82 of the connect response message, the sequence number sent
by the terminal in the connect request message. As noted, the
network host computer may start the sequence with any number
from 0 to 9. In its next message, the terminal will similarly
include an acknowledgement number equal to the sequence number
of the connect response message. The other fields of the
connect and connect response messages are as described above.
As discussed above, to ensure the availability of
the most current software on the terminal, individual HAL
pages resident in the terminal are updated as necessary.
Superseded and outdated pages are purged, and revised versions
replace earlier versions. As storage is limited in the
telephone-computer, only the pages that are frequently used by
the individual consumer are resident. Infrequently used pages
can be provided by the network host computer when needed by
the telephone-computer to access infrequently used network
49
217~718
service providers. The updating process occurs at the
beginning of each session, but page downloads can be requested
at any time throughout the session, after the log-on process
has been completed. The same communication process can be
used to update pages normaIly stored in the terminal when
necessary.
Current versions of all HAL pages are stored by the
network host computer. When new versions are developed, the
new pages are transferred to the data bank of the network host
computer. The updated pages are transferred to the terminal
page-by-page during normal communication sessions.
The format of the message text field of messages
exchanged during the page downloading process is different
than when used for transaction messages. Figs. 24 and 25
illustrate the different formats used within the message text
field 74 with respect to conventional transaction messages and
page downloading messages, respectively. As shown in Fig. 24,
the transaction message includes a transaction type code field
92. All transaction codes are three characters in length.
The subsequent message elements 94 and 90 are identified by
their element IDs in the text field.
More particularly, as shown in Fig. 24, the message
text field 74 includes at least three sub-fields when used for
sending transaction message text. The first field of the
message text field 74 is a transaction type code 92. This is
followed by one or more groups of two fields. Each group of
two fields includes an element identification field 94, and
the actual element datafield 90. For example, when the
service computer 60a-d selected requires a user identification
number, and a request to this effect has been sent to the
terminal by the network host computer, the terminal generates
a message including a code in the element ID field 94,
indicating that the subsequent element data field 90 includes
the user identification number. Additional data, such as the
user account number, can be included in the same message.
Again, the account number would be located in an element data
2175718
field 90, and would be preceded by an element ID indicating
that the subsequent data field includes the account number.
This method of communicating data elements, by
providing them in groups of two fields, specifying the element
identification and the element date, is important to the
efficient realization of the communications scheme according
to the invention.
Figure 25 shows the format of a page downloaded
message. This format is used for downloading pages of HAL
software from a network host computer to the individual
terminal. For example, suppose the terminal is used to
initiate a communication session in response to a user's
pressing a key identifying the initial request for access to a
service computer 60a-d, the initial request for access to a
service will be interpreted by the network host computer to
specify the HAL application page to be used to access the
service computer. If necessary, the network host will
download the latest version of that page using the downloading
message text format as shown in Fig. 25. This text is stored
in the message text frame 74 of the overall message as shown
in Fig. 20.
The downloading message text format commences with a
transaction type code field 110 in which is provided in
alphabetic transaction code indicating, for example, that the
subsequent data is a page of HAL application program. This is
followed by a page number field 114 which includes the page
number of the following page of software, or other
identification data needed. Finally the actual application
software page needed by the terminal is provided in a page
data field 116.
The following description of Figs. 26 and 27
provides more detailed views of the way in which the terminal
and network host computer determine that an update of a
particular terminal software is necessary. AS noted, to
ensure that the terminal does not utilize outdated application
pages, each session begins with a page update exchange. These
are exemplary of transaction text messages, and will provide
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to those of skill in the art sufficient information to
implement the other communications necessary to effect the
functions of the invention. Other necessary messages
generally follow the same format. Their detailed functions
and implementation are considered to be within the skill of
the art.
The terminal sends an update reference number (URN)
request message following the receipt of the connect response
message. Referring to Fig. 26, the URN request message is a
normal message containing the URN coded request in the message
text field. The URN request begins with a transaction code
92, shown here as VER. Thus, the data field 74 in this
request message comprises the highest page number 98 of the
application pages stored in the terminal at the beginning of
the present session.
The URN messages also specify in a field 100 marked
P/H, the type of terminal being used. This information is
important in determining the priority used in sending update
information. The final data field 106 includes the terminal
ID.
The network computer responds to the URN request
message of Fig. 26 with a URN response message as shown in
Fig. 27. The transaction code 92 (VER) is repeated. This
repetition of transaction codes is used in all transaction
messages in order for the receiving device to determine the
request message to which a given response applies.
The next data field 98 in the URN response is the
highest URN for the current application pages stored in the
network computer. The final data field is a 2 digit status
code 104 which the network host computer informs the user
terminal whether page updating is necessary.
If the terminal URN is lower than the network
computer URN, page updating is necessary. The network host
computer accumulates the list of pages that have new versions
from a cross reference file, employing the terminal URN and
the network host computer URN.
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r
An immediate send flag is provided which is set to
"1" for pages related to particularly significant functions
such as log-on or the main menu displayed to the user. These
pages are downloaded prior to sending the URN response
message, that is, immediately upon establishment of the
session. If any of the pages have an Immediate Send flag set
"1", they are put at the top of the download file. The pages
with the flag set to "1" are put in a zero length transaction
file.
If during the session, following the page update
process, the consumer wishes to use a service for which the
terminal does not have the necessary pages, an explicit page
request can be sent.
It will be appreciated by those of skill in the art
that there have been described several important and unique
aspects of the system of the invention. Of particular
importance in allowing a user friendly home terminal system to
be employed with a variety of service computers is the concept
of providing a network host computer which receives relatively
simple requests from the terminal, and responds to these with
requests for any additional data required, together with
screen commands and the like, such that the terminal can
readily prompt the user to provide whatever additional data is
needed. In this way the "intelligence" of the network host is
effectively combined with that of the user terminal to
generate all information required to access the various
service computers. This limits the amount of communication
between the user and the service computer to a minimum~ which
is important in reducing the cost of the service to the
consumer.
The use of the network host computer to update the
software comprised by the terminal page by page also has great
significance, in that in this way the terminal can be provided
with many additional capabilities, while remaining a
relatively inexpensive and compact unit and retaining the
"user-friendly" appearance which is highly desirable.
Furthermore, this capability allows access to further services
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to be provided in the future without requiring any physical
modification of the terminal. The "sliding window" error
detection and correction scheme is also highly useful in
realizing the objects of the invention.
The use of the standardized message format discussed
above, in which varying numbers of individual data elements
can be communicated back and forth between the terminal and
the network host computer, simply by specifying the
identification of the element, is also of great utility,
inasmuch as this greatly simplifies communication between the
terminal and the network host and renders this communication
relatively flexible. At the same time, use of the same
overall message format for all messages, including both data
items such as user identification numbers and software such as
downloaded pages, further simplifies the communication scheme
provided according to the invention.
The foregoing description is only illustrative of
the principle of the present invention. It is to be
understood that the present invention is not to be limited to
the exact construction as illustrated and described herein.
All expedient modifications which may be made within the scope
and the spirit of the present invention are to be encompassed
herein.
