DE102009017791A1 - Telephone arrangement for connection at communication network, has telephone terminal which is provided with operating interface, and extension interface by which thin-client module is extended - Google Patents

Abstract

The telephone arrangement (T) has a telephone terminal (1) which is provided with an operating interface and an extension interface by which a thin-client module (4) is extended. The thin-client module communicates with a central server (S) over a communication network (K) in installed condition according to a thin-client network subscriber.

Description

The The present invention relates to a telephone arrangement for connection to a communication network according to the preamble of claim 1.

modern Office work environments are regular with a screen workstation as well as with a telephone terminal fitted. The screen workstation is as client in integrated a communication network.

at the structural design of computer workstations Various developments have taken place in recent years. The motivation for the above developments was usually the available resources, especially the available ones Computing power to use as efficiently as possible.

It It has first been recognized that in most applications PC-based clients, also referred to as "fat clients" be used to a low overall utilization of the provided Computing power leads.

Accordingly, it has been proposed to relocate most of the provided computing power to one or a few servers. Accordingly, the clients are equipped with only low processing power. Such clients are referred to as "thin clients". In extreme cases, the thin clients only have an input and output function. The thin client architecture will be in the DE 601 00 800 T2 explained.

With the aim of further streamlining the office work environment, it has also been proposed to shift the function of the telephone terminal partially into the thin client ( EP 1 225 742 A1 ). By means of the thin client, a Voice over IP (VoIP) function has been implemented there. The typical user interface for a telephone terminal can be connected via a USB interface. Although this arrangement is advantageous in that the hardware of the thin client can also be used for telephone operation, so that for the telephone arrangement as good as no hardware is required.

adversely in the above arrangement, however, is the fact that for the telephone operation of the thin client must be switched on. This means that the thin client will almost never be turned off can, which is unfavorable energy. From this knowledge in the present case, only such telephone terminals are used considered as self-sufficient and with low Energy expenditure can ensure the telephone operation.

The well-known telephone arrangement ( WO 2005/091568 A2 ), from which the present invention is based, is equipped with a telephone terminal which can be connected to a communication network. The telephone terminal has a required for telephone operation user interface and allows without additional hardware to carry out the telephone operation, for example via VoIP. Any kind of direct interaction between the telephone terminal and a client o. The like. For dual use of available resources is not provided. In terms of hardware, this arrangement is not very efficient.

Of the The present invention is based on the problem known Telephone arrangement to design and further develop that the available resources are used more efficiently overall.

The the above problem is in a telephone arrangement according to the The preamble of claim 1 by the features of the characterizing one Part of claim 1 solved.

Essential is the consideration that the telephone terminal related is self-sufficient to the phone operation and a Extension interface over which the telephone terminal is expandable to a thin client module. This carries first of all the fact that, depending on the working environment at all no screen workstation, a thin client based screen workstation or just a fat client-based screen workstation provided can be. With the extensibility of the telephone terminal the respective working environment can be parametrised accurately.

From Of particular importance is the fact that the thin client module over the user interface of the telephone terminal at least in terms selected functions in client mode is operable. The user interface of the telephone terminal becomes So used twice, namely on the one hand for the Telephone operation and on the other hand for the client operation.

With the proposed solution, it is conceivable that the thin client module has a wide scope exclusively via the user interface the telephone terminal is operated and that only in application areas, the more expensive in terms of data entry and data output are separately connectable screens, Keyboards o. Like. Find use.

The claims 10 and 11 relate to particularly preferred embodiments in which the mechanical installation of the thin client module with an automatic adaptation of the telephone terminal or the thin client module in the sense of a plug & Play function goes along. This makes installation of the thin-client module possible for the user with minimal effort.

in the The following is the invention with reference to a merely exemplary embodiments illustrative drawing explained in more detail. In the Drawing shows:

1 an application example of a proposed telephone arrangement in a very schematic schematic diagram,

2 a proposed telephone arrangement according to 1 in a perspective view,

3 the back of the telephone arrangement according to 2 and

4 the back of another proposed telephone arrangement according to 1 ,

The telephone arrangements T shown in the drawing are for the connection to a communication network K provided. Under the term "communication network" are all Types of networks are summarized, building a thin client architecture allow. Of these, in particular LAN networks (Local Area Networks) of any form. Both the telephone arrangement T as well as a central server S, which interfaces with the Internet I are connected to the communication network K.

The telephone arrangement T in each case has a telephone terminal 1 which, in a manner recognizable to the user, does not necessarily have to differ from standard telephone terminals. Accordingly, the telephone terminal 1 the proposed telephone arrangement T with a user interface 2 equipped, which at least allows the telephone operation. By "at least" is meant here that the user interface 2 can be used for numerous other functions, as will be explained.

Of particular importance, however, is the fact that the telephone terminal 1 an extension interface 3 over which the telephone terminal 1 to a thin client module 4 is expandable. The extension interface 3 is designed so that the thin client module 4 in the installed state in the manner of a thin client network participant via the communication network K with a central server S o. The like. Communicates. The well-known thin client architecture has already been mentioned above.

It is essential that the thin client module 4 via the user interface 2 of the telephone terminal 1 at least with regard to selected functions in client mode is operable. Examples of the operation of the thin client module 4 by means of the user interface 2 of the telephone terminal 1 will be given below.

The extension interface 3 here and preferably includes a hardware interface 3a and a mechanical interface 3b , At the hardware interface 3a it is in the present sense to a contact arrangement o. The like., Which is a particular electrical connection between the telephone terminal 1 and the thin client module 4 manufactures. The mechanical interface 3b on the other hand, the mechanical guidance and fixation of the thin-client module is provided in the present sense 4 , Both interfaces 3a . 3b can functionally also merge into each other.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the mechanical installation of the thin-client module 4 with the electrical installation of the thin client module 4 associated. This means that the connection is through the hardware interface 3a simultaneously to the connection via the mechanical interface 3b he follows. On a separate cable connection o. The like. After the mechanical installation of the thin client module 4 can thus be dispensed with.

Structurally, the hardware interface 3a divided into a data interface and a supply interface. The data interface of the data transmission and the supply interface of the power supply of the thin client module 4 , The data interface and the supply interface are regularly combined in a single contact arrangement. Depending on the energy consumption of the thin client module 4 find even identically designed contacts for both interfaces application.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the thin client module 4 exclusively via the supply interface of the telephone terminal 1 supplied with electrical energy. In this preferred variant, moreover, a single power supply unit is preferably provided which supplies the power to both the telephone terminal 1 as well as the thin client module 4 provides.

It can be the representation in 2 take that to the user interface 2 of the telephone terminal 1 an input device 2a , here a keyboard or a keypad, with the one or the one hand, the information necessary for telephone operation and on the other hand, with installed thin client module 4 that can be entered for information required for client operation. In principle, it would be conceivable that this user interface 2 a complete alphanumeric keyboard includes. This ultimately depends on the particular area of application.

It can be the representation in 2 further assume that the user interface 2 of the telephone terminal 1 a display device 2 B , here in the telephone terminal 1 integrated display. With the display device 2 B On the one hand, the information required for telephone operation and, on the other hand, with the thin client module installed 4 that display information required for client operation. Also the design of the display device 2 B depends on the respective field of application. Conceivable here is an alphanumeric display, or a graphic display.

A particularly wide range of functions can be implemented with the proposed arrangement when the telephone terminal 1 has a camera or to the telephone terminal 1 a camera is at least connectable. With this the telephone terminal 1 associated camera is on the one hand in a known manner via the telephone terminal 1 a video phone operation and, if the thin client module is installed 4 , via the thin client module 4 a video-based client operation, for example, the execution of a Skype ^TM -Session possible.

With a suitable design of the telephone terminal 1 are numerous features of the thin client module 4 via the user interface 2 of the telephone terminal 1 controllable. For example, the thin client module 4 via the user interface 2 be controlled to be serviced or configured from a central location. It is also conceivable to query status information from the thin client module 4 or the query of a managed on the central server S e-mail inbox.

An interesting about the user interface 2 of the telephone terminal 1 The controllable function is also the authentication of a user of the thin-client module 4 , Here and preferably, it is provided that the input of an identifier by means of the user interface 2 in the first place working with the thin client module 4 allowed. The input via the user interface 2 of the telephone terminal 1 is therefore even necessary for all the others the thin client module 4 relevant steps.

In principle, it would be conceivable that the thin client module 4 communicates directly with the communication network K. Here and preferably, however, it is the thin client module 4 exclusively via the telephone terminal 1 communicates with the communication network K. Accordingly, only the telephone terminal 1 equipped with a network interface. This duplicates one network interface, increasing the efficiency of using the hardware provided.

A high degree of user comfort can be achieved by the mechanical installation of the thin client module 4 with an automatic configuration of the telephone terminal 1 and / or the thin client module 4 accompanied. In particular, it is provided that the user interface 2 of the telephone terminal 1 during mechanical installation and mechanical uninstallation of the thin client module 4 automatically adapts to the correspondingly extended or reduced functional scope of the telephone arrangement T.

It is also conceivable that during the mechanical installation of the thin client module 4 automatically a predefined standard method for remote maintenance or remote configuration is triggered. The thin client module 4 is automatically started in this case, shows status information via the user interface 2 and looks for a central administration point to get configuration and customization information.

The 2 . 3 and 4 show that the phone terminal 1 one housing each 5 having the extension interface 3 for the thin client module 4 at the in 3 illustrated embodiment in the housing 5 and at the in 4 illustrated Ausführugsbeispiel to the housing 5 is provided.

At the in 3 illustrated embodiment has the extension interface 3 for the thin client module 4 a slot on. The Thin Client module is the same 4 configured in the manner of a plug-in module. The advantage here is the fact that a housing for the thin client module 4 can be waived.

This in 4 shown thin client module 4 indicates one of the housing 5 of the telephone terminal 1 separate housing 6 on that here and preferably in the installed state form-fitting with the housing 5 of the telephone terminal 1 engaged. For example, the two housings 5 . 6 For this purpose, equipped with each pin, not shown, and corresponding recesses. Other form-fitting connections are conceivable.

At the in 4 illustrated and so far preferred embodiment is the housing of the telephone terminal 1 on the case 6 of the thin client module 4 placed. When mounting the housing 5 of the telephone terminal 1 comes the extension interface 3 with a corresponding interface of the thin client module 4 engaged in what the installation of the thin client module 4 very simple. To protect the extension interface 3 and in the sense of an advantageous optical design is the extension interface 3 as proposed on the underside of the telephone terminal 1 arranged.

In terms of a compact overall structure, it is further preferably provided that the housing 5 of the telephone terminal 1 and the case 6 of the thin client module 4 have substantially identical lateral dimensions. The term "lateral dimension" here encompasses both the dimension in the depth direction and the dimension in the width direction.

In both illustrated embodiments, the telephone terminal 1 designed as a stationary tabletop device. But it may also be advantageous that the telephone terminal 1 is configured as a wireless telephone terminal and correspondingly has a - fixed - base station and a mobile unit. It is preferable that the extension interface 3 for the thin client module 4 is provided in or at the base station and / or a charging station, so that the mobile unit can be made as compact as possible. It is also conceivable, in principle, that the extension interface 3 is provided in the mobile unit.

It was noted above that the user interface 2 of the telephone terminal 1 In some applications, it can only be used for selected functions in client mode. In order to be able to perform the client operation there in full, in addition to the user interface 2 of the telephone terminal 1 preferably a separately connectable display device, in particular a screen, and a separately connectable input device, in particular a keyboard and / or a mouse, for the operation of the thin client module 4 intended. This is the thin client module in both illustrated embodiments 4 with appropriate connections 7 fitted.

For the sake of completeness, it should be pointed out that the telephone terminal 1 in the illustrated and so far preferred embodiments with a connection 8th for the communication network K, with a connection 9 for another network device, with one port 10 for a headphone, with a connection 11 for a microphone and with a connection 12 equipped for the common power connection. Furthermore, each case on the housing 5 of the telephone terminal 1 a reset switch 13 for the thin client module 4 and a power indicator 14 for the telephone terminal 1 and / or for the thin client module 4 arranged.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list The documents listed by the applicant have been automated generated and is solely for better information recorded by the reader. The list is not part of the German Patent or utility model application. The DPMA takes over no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• - DE 60100800 T2 [0005]
• - EP 1225742 A1 [0006]
• WO 2005/091568 A2 [0008]

Claims (19)

Telephone arrangement for connection to a communications network (K) with a telephone terminal ( 1 ) with a user interface ( 2 ), characterized in that the telephone terminal ( 1 ) an extension interface ( 3 ) and, if necessary, via the extension interface ( 3 ) to a thin client module ( 4 ) is expandable that the thin client module ( 4 ) in the installed state in the manner of a thin client network participant via the communication network (K) with a central server (S) o. The like. Communicates and that the thin client module ( 4 ) via the user interface ( 2 ) of the telephone terminal ( 1 ) Can be operated at least with regard to selected functions in client mode. Telephone arrangement according to claim 1, characterized in that the extension interface ( 3 ) a hardware interface ( 3a ) and a mechanical interface ( 3b ) and that the mechanical installation of the thin client module ( 4 ) with the electrical installation of the thin client module ( 4 ). Telephone arrangement according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the hardware interface ( 3a ) comprises a data interface and a supply interface. Telephone arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the thin-client module ( 4 ) exclusively via the telephone terminal ( 1 ), in particular via the supply interface of the telephone terminal ( 1 ), is supplied with electrical energy. Telephone arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the user interface ( 2 ) of the telephone terminal ( 1 ) an input device ( 2a ), in particular a keyboard o. The like., Has, on the one hand the information necessary for telephone operation and on the other hand, with installed thin client module ( 4 ) that provide information necessary for client operation. Telephone arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the user interface ( 2 ) of the telephone terminal ( 1 ) a display device ( 2 B ), in particular a in the telephone terminal ( 1 ) integrated display, with the one or the one hand, the information necessary for telephone operation and on the other hand, with installed thin client module ( 4 ) that display the information required for client operation. Telephone arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the telephone terminal ( 1 ) has a camera or that the telephone terminal ( 1 ) a camera can be connected and that thus over the telephone terminal ( 1 ) a video telephone operation and, with the thin client module ( 4 ), via the thin client module ( 4 ) a video-based client operation is possible. Telephone arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the user interface ( 2 ) of the telephone terminal ( 1 ) allows authentication of a user of the thin client module by means of an input of an identifier. Telephone arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the thin-client module ( 4 ) exclusively via the telephone terminal ( 1 ) communicates with the communication network (K). Telephone arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the mechanical installation of the thin client module ( 4 ) with an automatic configuration of the telephone terminal ( 1 ) and / or the thin-client module ( 4 ). Telephone arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the user interface ( 2 ) of the telephone terminal ( 1 ) during mechanical installation and mechanical uninstallation of the thin client module ( 4 ) automatically adapts to the corresponding extended or reduced functionality of the telephone arrangement (K). Telephone arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the telephone terminal ( 1 ) a housing ( 5 ) and that the extension interface ( 3 ) for the thin client module ( 4 ) in or on the housing ( 5 ) is provided. Telephone arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the extension interface ( 3 ) for the thin client module ( 4 ) has an insertion slot. Telephone arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the thin-client module ( 4 ) is designed in the manner of a plug-in module. Telephone arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the thin-client module ( 4 ) one of the housing ( 5 ) of the telephone terminal ( 1 ) separate housing ( 6 ), preferably that the housing ( 6 ) of the thin client module ( 4 ) in the installed state form conclusive with the housing ( 5 ) of the telephone terminal ( 1 ), preferably that the two housings ( 5 . 6 ) are mutually equipped with pins and corresponding recesses. Telephone arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing ( 5 ) of the telephone terminal ( 1 ) on the housing ( 6 ) of the thin client module ( 4 ) and that the extension interface ( 3 ) with a corresponding interface of the thin client module ( 4 ), preferably that the extension interface ( 3 ) on the underside of the telephone terminal ( 1 ) is arranged. Telephone arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing ( 5 ) of the telephone terminal ( 1 ) and the housing ( 6 ) of the thin client module ( 4 ) have substantially identical lateral dimensions. Telephone arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the telephone terminal ( 1 ) is designed as a stationary tabletop device, or that the telephone terminal ( 1 ) is configured as a wireless telephone terminal and has a base station and a mobile unit, preferably that the extension interface ( 3 ) for the thin client module ( 4 ) is provided in or at the base station and / or a charging station. Telephone arrangement according to one of the preceding. Claims, characterized in that in addition to the user interface ( 2 ) of the telephone terminal ( 1 ) a separately connectable display device, in particular a screen, and a separately connectable input device, in particular a keyboard and / or a mouse, for the operation of the thin client module ( 4 ) is provided.