WO2015185289A1

WO2015185289A1 - Method for communication between two mobile end devices

Info

Publication number: WO2015185289A1
Application number: PCT/EP2015/059208
Authority: WO
Inventors: Thorsten WALDECK; Martina KESSEL
Original assignee: Nicknameapps Gmbh
Priority date: 2014-06-06
Filing date: 2015-04-28
Publication date: 2015-12-10
Also published as: DE102014108063A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for communication between two mobile end devices (200, 300) via a central unit (100) having a control unit (150) and a communication unit (160), in order to enable a user of a mobile end device to be able to call another user of a mobile end device using a freely selected name or designation, without the caller knowing or learning the mobile telephone number of the called user, and also keeping the caller's number private, wherein the mobile end devices (200, 300) are each registered with a first communication identity (ComA-ID, ComB-ID) in the control unit (150). In this way, an anonymous voice connection between two participants is enabled, wherein a telephone connection via the mobile telephone network is used for communication, including all the quality advantages of a telephone connection.

Description

Method for communication between two mobile terminals

The invention relates to a method for communication between two mobile terminals. Further, the invention relates to a system for communication between two mobile terminals, to a mobile terminal and to a central unit having a communication unit for facilitating communication between two mobile terminals.

The invention is in the field of telephone services. In particular, the invention offers the possibility to make anonymous telephone calls. The invention is mainly used in the field of dating services or "mobile dating" to allow two people who do not know their name and who also do not want to reveal their mobile phone number, can communicate with each other.

Due to the constant expansion of the functions of mobile terminals and in particular of mobile phones, it is possible to exchange different data via different communication links. This benefits the present invention. The ability to make anonymous phone calls without disclosing the phone number or phrases protects the privacy of the persons. This is not only required in the area of "mobile dating", but also in other areas of communication.

The exchange of text messages over the Internet through messaging programs is already known. However, the voice communication in the previously known programs either not at all or only possible to a limited extent, which is usually caused by an inhibition of voice communication over packet-switched data connections by the network operator. Voice communication requires near real-time transmission, which is not required for the transmission of text messages via messaging programs. Reliable and enjoyable voice over VoIP is only possible with high bandwidth and low latency. However, these high requirements can often not be met for mobile data connections via GPRS, EDGE, UMTS or LTE either for technical reasons or due to deliberate throttling by the network operator. In contrast, WLAN usually allows a very good voice quality over VoIP, but is available locally. Since the language is an essential part of the communication, which conveys more information than a text-based communication, it is necessary in particular in the interpersonal communication to make friendships to talk to each other. For example, a language can sound likeable or exhausting. Therefore, it is very important for the dating service to hear the language or voice and voice speed of the called party.

In order to protect the privacy and yet be constantly accessible, the invention offers the advantage of keeping the personal mobile number secret and still have the ability to communicate under a freely chosen name with another person who also keep their mobile phone number secret wants and also has a freely chosen name.

WO 2001/050682 A1 describes a method in which users access via a web access, e.g. PC, can meet in a chat room. To do this, the users must first have registered in the chat portal. If the persons want to call each other anonymously, they will receive a dial-in number and a temporary valid access code via the portal. Then both users dial in manually via their separate telephone (landline or mobile) in the conference system. To connect to the previously reserved call room, manually enter the access code via the keypad of the telephone.

US 2001/026609 AI describes a method in which two users arrange a conversation via a web interface. The conference system then calls the phones of both users. The numbers are stored in advance in the system, which is why a registration of the users is required.

WO 2005/101858 A1 describes a web tool for planning telephone conferences. For this you can invite participants via the web tool. At the defined time, all subscribers are called on their previously stored telephone number by the conference system. Again, the participants must register before.

DE 10 2004 061 356 A1 describes a method and a device for communicating in a telecommunication network. US 2007/0162569 AI describes a method in which two participants arrange an anonymous conversation and are called to it by the conference system The object of the invention is therefore to specify a method and a system with which a user of a mobile terminal can call another user of a mobile terminal using a freely chosen name or name, without knowing or experiencing the mobile number of the person called, including his Mobile number is kept secret. Thus, an anonymous voice connection is made possible between two subscribers, whereby a telephone connection via the mobile radio network with all the quality advantages of a telephone connection is used for the communication.

The object is solved by the features of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments can be found in the dependent claims.

The idea is based on the general idea that both subscribers each use a mobile terminal, the mobile terminals being connected to a central unit via a packet-switched data connection. Both participants have a first communication identity and a second communication identity. The subscribers are registered in the central unit with at least a first communication identity. The first communication identity is preferably a freely selectable name (eg a nickname) or a user identity assigned by the dating service (eg customer number, cipher). The second communication identity is preferably the mobile number. The first communication identity is known, for example, in the user group, ie the participant occurs in this user group with this nickname, with other users from this user group know the participant only by this nickname and know neither his phone number nor his real name. The first communication identity is unique within this user group and does not allow inference of the true identity or contact details of the subscriber, but allows the respective user to contact over a data connection. To set up an alternative VoIP connection, the participants also each use a third communication identity (eg a SIP address). With suitable network connections (eg both users are connected via WLAN at home), a direct VoIP connection between the two terminals can optionally be made possible. The anonymous voice connection is thus realized depending on the situation either via VoIP or over a telephone connection, whereby the advantages of both connection options can be meaningfully combined. Since many of today's mobile phone contracts have flatrates, no costs are also generated for the telephone connection. The central unit comprises a control unit and a communication unit. The control unit is realized, for example, by a server that is able to set up packet-switched data connections with the first mobile terminal or the second mobile terminal. The control unit is also connected to a communication unit. The communication unit is able to establish telephone connections to mobile terminals via the mobile telephone network or the communication unit can be called via the telephone network of terminals. The control unit and the communication unit are wired and / or wirelessly connected to each other.

In its most general form, a method of communication between two mobile terminals is indicated via a central unit with a control unit and a communication unit, wherein the mobile terminals are each registered with a first communication identity in the control unit, comprising the steps of: obtaining information for a setup a telephone connection between the two mobile terminals based on their first communication identity via a packet-switched data connection between the two mobile terminals and the control unit, establishing a telephone connection between the mobile terminals and the communication unit after receiving this information using their second communication identity, activating a voice channel between the first and second terminals by the communication unit.

The object is also achieved by a method for communication between two mobile terminals via a central unit with a control unit and a communication unit, wherein the mobile terminals are each registered with a first communication identity in the control unit, comprising the steps:

Evaluate the data connection between the two mobile devices with regard to their suitability for a VoIP transmission. With positive VoIP suitability - Obtaining information to establish a VoIP connection between the two terminals based on their first communication identity in each case via a packet-switched data connection between the two mobile terminals and the control unit, independent establishment of the VoIP connection via a data connection between two terminals after receiving this information using their third communication identities. In the case of negative VoIP suitability - obtaining information for setting up a telephone connection between the two mobile terminals based on their first communication identity, in each case via a packet-switched data connection between the two mobile terminals and the control unit, building a telephone connection between the mobile terminals and the communication unit after receiving this information using their second communication identity respectively, enabling a voice channel between the first and second terminals by the communication unit.

The method according to the invention (first exemplary embodiment) for setting up a telephone connection preferably comprises the steps: obtaining information for setting up a telephone connection between the two mobile terminals based on a packet-switched data connection, via which the first communication identity of the first and the second terminal is transmitted to the control unit in which, after receiving the information for establishing a telephone connection, both mobile terminals attempt to establish a telephone connection with the received information to the communication unit, using the second communication identity for this purpose. The second communication identity is recognized by the communication unit and preferably forwarded to the control unit, whereupon the control unit can perform an authentication of the calling terminals. After successful authentication, a voice channel between the first and second terminals is enabled by the communication unit. That After the two mobile terminals have received information about the telephone connection to be established via a data connection to the control unit, the telephone connection is established thereon. Since both devices are registered with their first communication identity, authentication to enable the voice channel is optional. Specifically, after the request to the control unit, a dial-in number is transmitted to the first and the second mobile terminal. The dial-in number can also be stored in the terminals. Since the user of the first terminal and the user of the second terminal with their first communication identities are registered with the control unit, the control unit can after a request for a communication option the requesting terminals via a packet-switched data connection, ie an Internet communication, for example, instruct by HTTP, independently to dial, the dial-in number in the respective terminal to be deposited in advance or can be shared before dialing in a pakesh-connecting data connection.

In order not to surprise the user of the second terminal, the request of a first user for a telephone call with the second user is transmitted by the control unit via a packet-switched data transmission. That is, this request message is transmitted from the first terminal with the first communication identities of both terminals to the control unit, wherein the control unit checks this request message and to the second Forwards the terminal so that the user of the second terminal recognizes that a caller with the first communication identity wants to make a phone call with him. When the user of the second terminal confirms this request for a telephone call, the confirmation is sent back to the control unit via a data connection. If the user of the second terminal rejects the request, a refusal confirmation is sent. Alternatively, the confirmation can also be omitted, so that the process is terminated. After the control unit has received the inquiry confirmation, a call circuit is set up by the control unit in the connected communication unit. This call circuit can also be called a call room and is comparable to a conference room. This call circuit is thus accessible only to defined callers who have received the dial-in number and defined second communication identities, wherein in the communication unit, the identification or recognition for this call circuit is performed on the second communication identity of the first and second users. In addition, the definition of the call circuit also includes the determination of a time frame in which the call circuit is possible. In the simplest case, a call circuit or a callroom is defined from the start of setting up this call room and is retained until the call is terminated. With the setting up or definition of the call circuit in the communication unit, the two terminals are instructed via a packet-switched data connection to automatically or independently establish the telephone connection to the communication unit, the necessary dial-in number already being known in advance to the respective terminal or in the instruction for dial-in is communicated. This means that the user does not have to enter the dial-in number manually into their terminal or dial manually via an address book. Also, the user does not have to enter a PIN manually. If the first terminal sets up a telephone connection, exclusively the second communication identity (eg mobile number) is used for this purpose, ie the communication unit receives only the second communication identity from the caller. Before the communication unit switches the caller into the calling circuit, ie activates a voice channel, a request can be made in the control unit by the communication unit by means of the second communication identity in order to check whether a call circuit is defined for this second communication identity and if the call is activated or deactivated should be switched through. The control unit may determine, based on the second communication identity and the established calling circuit, whether a particular user of a terminal having a first communication identity and the second communication identity is authorized for that calling circuit. If the user of the first terminal is authorized for this call circuit, the user is enabled for this call circuit, preferably a blank tone is transmitted to the user of the first terminal until the second User is switched through in the call circuit. Parallel to the process of calling and authenticating the user of the first terminal to the communication unit, the second terminal also automatically dials the dial-in number. The dial-in numbers can be the same. But it is also possible that a communication unit assigns different dial-in numbers, which are then assigned to a call circuit. The user of the second terminal can be subjected to an authentication analogous to the user of the first terminal. That is, the communication unit receives the second communication identity of the user of the second terminal and transmits it to the control unit, wherein the control unit checks whether the second communication identity is defined for a particular call circuit and then signals this to the communication unit, wherein the communication unit in this case the voice channel between the user of the first terminal and the user of the second terminal can unlock, so that the two users can talk to each other via their mobile devices via a telephone connection. Usually only the telephone costs are incurred if no flatrate exists. The operator of the central unit thus has the option of offering a cost-effective platform via which users of a dating service application can make an appointment for a telephone conversation without disclosing private details such as clear names or mobile phone numbers. At the same time, however, all the advantages of a telephone conversation are made possible.

All communication takes place via an application (app), which is executed on the end device and provides the user interface. In order to gain access to the application (app), it is necessary to log in with the first communication identity and a password when logging in. This avoids that the first combination identity can be used by a foreign user in the user group.

In an alternative embodiment (second exemplary embodiment) for setting up the telephone connection, both mobile terminals are likewise registered with the control unit, each having its first communication identities. The user of the first terminal wants to call the user of the second terminal. For this purpose, the first terminal sends a request message to the control unit, said request message containing the first communication identity of the first terminal and the second terminal. Optionally, the control unit now sends this request message to the second terminal. In this advisory note, the first communication identity is included, but not the second communication identity. If the control unit forwards this request message to the second terminal, a fourth communication identity can still be added. in this fourth communication identity is assigned by the control unit. The previous communication runs exclusively via a packet-switched data connection. If the control unit forwards the request message to the second terminal, this request message can optionally be visually displayed on the second terminal or be issued acoustically. In this case, however, only the first communication identity of the user of the first terminal and / or an information assignable to the user of the first terminal (eg occupation, image, user name) are displayed. It is also possible to transmit a fourth communication identity. Thereafter, similar to the first embodiment, a call circuit is set up by the control unit in the communication unit. Since the control unit knows both the first and the second communication identities of the first and second terminals, the call circuit in the communication unit is in each case assigned the second communication identity of the first terminal. Thereafter, the first terminal dials using a stored or pre-transmitted dial-in number in the communication unit and in particular in the patch call circuit. In this case, its second communication identity is also transmitted and displayed to the communication unit. The communication unit reports the dial-up attempt in the call circuit to the control unit and sends the second communication identity of the dialing terminal to the control unit. The control unit determines that it is the first mobile terminal and authorizes the dial-up of the first mobile terminal. In addition, the control unit sends the fourth communication identity and the second communication identity of the second terminal to the communication unit. With this second communication identity of the second terminal, the communication unit starts a call to the second terminal. Consequently, here the standing call is forwarded or forwarded by the first terminal via the communication unit to the second communication identity of the second terminal. In this case, the communication unit transmits the fourth communication identity received from the control unit as the calling number to the second terminal. On the second terminal of the incoming call is signaled, being used by the communication unit, the fourth communication identity, which is displayed for example on the display of the second terminal. Since the second terminal has previously been informed of the request message, and has received both the first communication identity and the fourth communication identity, the second terminal may assign the call to the first communication identity. For this purpose, a small window can preferably appear on the display of the second terminal, in which the first communication identity is displayed, for example. The fourth communication identity can be an arbitrary number, but it can also be a dial-in number or a customer-specific number. eg a specific number of the mobile dating provider, so that the called party recognizes - it is a call of a certain switching service.

The two exemplary embodiments for setting up a telephone connection can be used both in combination with general methods in which a VoIP or telephone connection is established as a result of the situation, or independently of the general method, ie. It is only a telephone connection established.

Preferably, the mobile terminals are each registered with the first communication identity and a second communication identity in the control unit. This has the advantage that the second communication identities of both terminals are already present to the control unit and do not have to be transmitted to the control unit during the call setup. In a preferred embodiment, the method also comprises authentication of the dialing-in terminals based on the second communication identity in the control unit by the communication unit, wherein the voice channel between the first and second terminals is enabled by the communication unit after successful authentication. The advantage is that the assignment of the dialing terminal can be made to a specific call circuit purely on the basis of the second communication identity. There is no specific dial-in number required for a particular call circuit.

In an advantageous embodiment can be checked when forwarding the request message from the control unit to the second terminal, whether the radio interface of the second terminal is available, or whether the second terminal is currently on the phone. In such a case, the second terminal sends back via a data connection to the request message to the control unit a response in which the status of the radio interface is transmitted. If the second terminal is currently in a telephone conversation, this information is transmitted via a data connection to the first terminal. If the second terminal is not in a call, this information is transmitted back to the control unit so that the process can continue. In this way, call attempts to an occupied terminal can be detected early and rejected before a call circuit is set up or busy in the communication unit. Any costs for the user can be avoided. Moreover, it is possible to inform the user of the second terminal that a request message for a call has been received. In such a case, the request message is output on the display of the second terminal, wherein the first communication identity of the caller and / or other information about the caller (eg job, image, user name) are displayed. If the user of the second terminal accepts the request, the control unit is informed of the acknowledgment and can proceed with sending the dial-in number or the instruction for dial-in to the first terminal. This is advantageous, in particular, for the first exemplary embodiment in order to enable the user of the second terminal to accept or reject the call before the terminal dials itself into the communication unit independently.

In a preferred embodiment, the first communication identifier of each of the first and second terminals is freely selectable by a user (e.g., nickname) or dating provider (e.g., cipher), and the second communication identifier of each first and second terminals is assigned by a telephone network provider.

The request message is preferably transmitted from the first terminal to the central unit, the forwarding of the request message to the second terminal, the acceptance confirmation to the central unit and / or the transmission of the dial-in number in each case via a packet-switched data connection.

Preferably, a structure of a telephone connection of the first and the second terminal is recognized by the central unit, wherein the central unit authenticates the first and the second terminal based on the second communication identity and the call circuit transmits a release for activation of the voice channel between the first and the second terminal ,

The establishment of the telephone connection from the first and from the second terminal to the central unit preferably takes place automatically after receipt of the dial-in number, wherein optionally the users can be requested to confirm the automatic dial-up in advance.

In a preferred embodiment, the first communication identity of the first user and / or the first user assignable information (eg job, image, user name) are optically and / or acoustically output at the second terminal when a user with the first communication identity communicates with the User of the second Want to build terminal. This simulates the behavior of a normal incoming phone call.

The central unit preferably performs authentication for the dialing-in terminals in each case on the basis of the second communication identity, and allows only the terminals to have access to the call circuit for which the call circuit was previously set up. In this way, the erroneous or abusive dialing of a foreign party in a call circuit can be avoided. Preferably, authorized terminals are automatically connected to the call circuit previously set up for these terminals.

Preferably, a control unit and a communication unit are connected to the central unit. In this case, however, the communication unit and the control unit can be arranged locally separated from each other or integrated in one unit.

Preferably, the calling circuit in the communication unit is set up by the control unit by setting associated second communication identities and a time frame.

Preferably, the dial-in number comprises a trunk number for establishing a connection to the communication unit and an extension for the established call circuit. As a result, various call circuits or call rooms can be operated with a serial number, to which an extension number is then assigned.

Preferably, the dial-in number has only one trunk number for establishing a connection to the communication unit, wherein the control unit informs the communication unit as to which calling circuit has been set up previously for the dialing-in and authenticated terminal.

In a preferred embodiment, the first dialed in and authorized terminal receives a dial tone and the voice channel is not connected until the second terminal has dialed in and been authorized. In this way, the impression of a normal telephone call is conveyed to the user of the first terminal, whereby usually no costs are incurred for the user of the first terminal during the waiting time until the second terminal dials in. In a further preferred embodiment, the first terminal starts the structure of the telephone connection and the control unit is informed by the communication unit via a data connection of the beginning of the construction of the telephone connection, the control unit then signals the second terminal that it will begin the construction of the telephone connection can. This has the advantage that the first terminal always dials in before the second terminal in order to emulate a normal telephone call as well as possible.

In a further preferred embodiment, the second communication identity is a mobile phone number.

In a preferred embodiment, the evaluation of the data connection between the two terminals takes place with regard to their VoIP suitability on the basis of the current transmission method (for example WLAN, LTE, HSPA, Edge, GPRS), which uses the respective terminal for data transmission. For this purpose, the first terminal transmits the status via its currently used transmission method with the request message to the control unit. When the second terminal confirms the request message, it also adds the status via its currently used transmission method to the acknowledgment sending the second terminal to the control unit. The control unit can now decide on the basis of the received status information of both terminals, whether a VoIP or a telephone connection is to be established. In the case of a VoIP transmission, instead of a dial-in number, the central unit sends the third communication identity (e.g., SIP address) of the second terminal to the first terminal, which then independently establishes a VoIP connection to the second terminal. Alternatively, the central unit can also give only an instruction to the first terminal to establish the VoIP connection, the third communication identity of the second terminal has been previously transmitted to the first terminal or can be derived from the first communication identity of the second terminal. The latter is particularly possible if the first communication identities are ciphers or customer numbers and contain no special characters (e.g., ComB-ID = X456FS and SIP: [email protected]).

In the case of the first embodiment, the second terminal preferably accepts the VoIP connection automatically, since the user of the second terminal has already confirmed in advance the request for a telephone call. In this way it is achieved that the procedures for VoIP and telephone connection are very similar.

In the case of the second embodiment, however, the second terminal preferably displays visually or acoustically that the user of the first terminal has a VoIP Want to connect. The user of the second terminal can then either accept or reject the connection request. In this way, it is also achieved in this case that the procedures for VoIP and telephone connection are very similar.

The object is also achieved by a system for communication between two mobile terminals, comprising: two mobile terminals, a central unit with a control unit and a communication unit, wherein the mobile terminals are registered with at least a first and optionally a second communication identity in the central unit, and the two mobile terminals are each coupled to the control unit via a packet-switched data connection based on their first communication identity in order to obtain information for setting up a telephone connection between the two mobile terminals, wherein between the mobile terminals and the communication unit after receipt of this information respectively Using their second communication identity a telephone connection is established, wherein the communication unit by means of the second communication identity authentication of the calling terminals in the control unit dur chführt.

Moreover, the object is also achieved by a mobile terminal which is set up to carry out a method described above for communication between two mobile terminals.

Furthermore, the object is also achieved by a central unit with control unit and communication unit, wherein the control unit is coupled to the communication unit via a connection, and the control unit communicates with a first and a second terminal respectively via a packet-switched data connection for data exchange, wherein the communication unit is arranged to set up or receive calls from the first and second terminals, the mobile terminals each being registered with a first communication identity in the control unit, the control unit being arranged to receive a request message from the first terminal, the Request message the first communication identity of the first terminal and the first communication identity of the second terminal to forward the request message to the second terminal, an acceptance confirmation of the second En to receive set up a call circuit in the communication unit for the first and the second terminal based on the second communication identities of the two terminals, a dial-in number for the established call circuit the first or the first and the second terminal to transmit, the communication unit is adapted to accept a call from the first terminal using the dial-in number and connect to the call circuit to accept a call from the second terminal using the dial-in number or a call to the second Terminal to perform.

Preferably, the control unit is set up to check the respectively second communication identity of the first and the second terminal before an activation of a voice channel between the first and the second terminal.

The invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the figures.

Fig. La shows a structure of the system according to the invention for communication between two terminals according to a first embodiment (telephone connection). Fig. Lb shows a structure of the system according to the invention for communication between two terminals according to a first embodiment (VoIP connection).

2a shows the representation of the display displays of the first and second terminal for the first embodiment (telephone connection)

2b illustrates the representation of the display displays of the first and second terminal for the first embodiment (VoIP connection)

Fig. 3a shows a flow for the first embodiment for communication between a first and a second terminal (telephone connection).

3b shows an alternative sequence for the first exemplary embodiment for communication between a first and a second terminal (telephone connection). 3c shows a sequence for the first exemplary embodiment for communication between a first and a second terminal (VoIP connection).

Fig. 4a shows a structure of the system according to the invention for communication between two terminals according to a second embodiment (telephone connection).

Fig. 4b shows a structure of the system according to the invention for communication between two terminals according to a second embodiment (VoIP connection). Fig. 5a shows the display displays of the first and second terminals for the second embodiment (telephone connection).

Fig. 5b shows the displays of the first and second terminal for the second embodiment (VoIP connection).

6 a shows a procedure for a communication between a first and a second terminal according to the second exemplary embodiment (telephone connection).

6b shows a further embodiment of the method according to the invention based on the second exemplary embodiment (telephone connection).

6c shows a procedure for a communication between a first and a second terminal according to the second exemplary embodiment (VoIP connection).

Figure la shows the structural design for the first embodiment in the case of a telephone connection. The first terminal 200 and the second terminal 300 are connected to the central unit 100 via a mobile data link 110 and 120, respectively. The central unit 100 comprises a control unit 150 and a communication unit 160, which are linked to each other via a mobile or also a wired connection 170. The first mobile terminal 200 may establish a telephone connection 130 to the communication unit 160. The second mobile terminal 300 may establish a telephone connection 140 to the communication unit 160. The control unit 150 and the communication unit 160 may be combined in one unit. However, they can also be locally separated. An important aspect for the first embodiment is that both the first and second terminals 200, 300 each establish a call to the communication unit 160, i. the two terminals are the calling devices and the communication unit 160 receives the call.

Fig. Lb shows the structure for the first embodiment in the case of a VoIP connection. The mobile terminals 200, 300 are connected to the central unit 100 via the packet-switched data links 110, 120. In particular, the central unit 100 comprises the control unit 150. The communication unit is not needed here and is therefore not shown in the picture. Between the two terminals 200, 300, a VoIP connection 180 is established directly. FIG. 2 a shows the various displays of the first terminal 200 and the second terminal 300 during the method according to the invention in the case of a telephone connection. After the user of the first terminal 200 has started a call to the second user, it is shown on the first terminal 200 in 201 that a user of a second terminal is being called with the first communication identity ComB-ID. After this request message has been transmitted to the second terminal 300 via the control unit 150, it is shown on the display of the second terminal in 204 that the user of the first terminal calls ComA-ID with his first communication identity, the user of the second terminal receiving the Possibility to accept or reject this call. When the user of the second terminal accepts the call, it is shown on the display of the first terminal 202 that the user of the first terminal is connected to the user of the second terminal, in which case only the first communication identity ComB-ID of the user of the second terminal is pictured. On the other hand, on the display of the second terminal 300, it is shown in Fig. 205 that a connection is established with a user of the first terminal, whereby also here only the first communication identity ComA-ID is displayed. After the dial-in number has been transmitted in the background from the control unit 150 to the first and the second terminal 200, 300, the first and second terminals automatically select the notified dial-in numbers, respectively. This is shown on the first terminal 200 and the second terminal 300 in 203 and 206, respectively.

Fig. 2b shows the display displays for the first embodiment in the case of a VoIP connection again. The displays 201, 202, 204 and 205 are identical to those in Fig. 2a, i. The connection is completely analogous to the case without VoIP. However, instead of dialing into the callroom, it will appear in the display panels 207 and 208 that a VoIP connection has been established between the terminals 200, 300. Unlike a telephone connection, a VOIP connection can be established in fractions of a second. The user therefore has the impression that the VoIP connection is immediately available. Alternatively, an artificial delay can be installed in order not to surprise the user and to display both connection possibilities as similar as possible in the display displays.

FIG. 3 a shows the sequence of the method of communication between two mobile terminals according to a first exemplary embodiment of the invention for the case of the telephone connection. The first mobile terminal 200 with the first communication identity ComA-ID sends in S310 a request message to the control unit 150. In this question The message includes both the first communication identity ComA-ID of the user of the first terminal 200 and the first communication identity ComB-ID of the user of the second terminal. That is, the nicknames or cipher of the users known in the user group are transmitted to the control unit 150 by the user of the first terminal in this request message. The control unit 150 checks whether the first two communication identities ComA-ID and ComB-ID are registered in the server 150, and then sends this request message to the second terminal 300 in step S320. In this request message again the first communication identity ComA-ID of the user of the first terminal 200 is included. After this request message has been received at the second terminal 300, it is displayed as at 204 in FIG. The user of the second terminal 300 may confirm this request message in step S330. The confirmation is transmitted to the control unit 150 in step S330. After the request message confirmation is received in the control unit 150, the control unit 150 defines a call circuit for the communication unit 160. After the call circuit is established by the control unit 150, the control unit 150 sends the dial-in number to the first terminal 200 in step S340. The first terminal 200 then automatically dials the dial-in number to the communication unit 160 in step S360. The control unit 150 transmits the time-shifted number Dial-in number for the call circuit to the second terminal 300.

In the figures, solid lines are used for packet-switched data connections using dashed lines (S360, S370) for circuit switched voice over the mobile radio network. After the first terminal 200 has started the call with the dial-in number in step S360, the communication unit 160 receives this call and recognizes the second communication identity, that is, the mobile number, of the first terminal. The second communication identity is transmitted from the communication unit 160 to the control unit 150 in step S380, so that the control unit 150 can perform authentication. The control unit 150 knows both the first communication identity ComA ID and the second communication identity of the first terminal 200, so that the control unit 150 can determine whether a request for a call exists for these communication identities or whether the communication identities are even registered. Finally, it is checked whether a call circuit has been established for these communication identities. If a calling circuit for the second communication identity has been set up, the communication unit 160 is informed in step S385 and the first terminal 200 is switched through to the calling circuit. In step S350, the dial-in number for the calling circuit has been transmitted from the control unit 150 to the user of the second terminal 300, and the second terminal 300 automatically dials the telephone number to dial into the calling circuit in the communication unit 160 upon receiving this dial-in number. That is, for the dialing operation, neither the first nor the second terminal 200, 300 requires user interaction. Also for the establishment of the telephone connection from the second terminal 300, an authentication of the user of the second terminal 300 is performed in steps S390 and S395, wherein the voice channel between the first and second terminals 200, 300 is enabled, although the second terminal 300 of the Control unit 150 has been authenticated. The authentication enables the activation of the two terminals to a specific call circuit by the control unit 150 with generic dial-in numbers, ie the communication unit could also have only a single dial-in number. Alternatively, however, specific dial-in numbers can be used, each call circuit is assigned a unique dial-in number. In this case, the authentication of the terminals is not required, but can be optional.

It is advisable that the user of the first terminal 200 is first switched to the communication unit 160 and then hears a dial tone, and the called user of the second terminal 300 is added after authentication in the call. Consequently, it simulates the establishment of a normal telephone connection, even if an exchange of information on various communication media is required here.

FIG. 3b shows an alternative in which the order of the steps during selection is changed in comparison to FIG. 3a. The process until step S340 remains the same, that is, the control unit 150 first transmits the dial-in number to the first terminal 200 via the data connection. Then, the first terminal 200 starts the dial-in process in step S360. In parallel with the dial-in process, the first terminal 200 informs the control unit in step S365 that it has started the dial-in process. The control unit 150 then transmits the dial-in number via a data connection to the second terminal 300 in step S350. The second terminal 300 thus also receives the dial-in number and thus knows that it can start its dial-in process. This is then started in step S370. The authentication is analogous to the procedure in FIG. 3a. This method has the advantage of ensuring that the user of the second terminal is in each case second in the calling circuit. The establishment of a telephone connection can take about 5 seconds. A data connection, such as S365 and S350 is much faster. That is, in this concrete case, that the dial-in process S360 is not yet finished before the second terminal 370 starts the dial-in process in S370.

Basically, in a call attempt both for the first and second embodiments, the data connections remain, i. the control unit can reactivate a data connection to the first or second terminal very quickly and thus carry out a data exchange.

FIG. 3 c illustrates the communication sequence for the first exemplary embodiment in the case of a VoIP connection. The steps S310, S320, S330 initially proceed completely analogously to FIG. 3a and thus to the case without VoIP. However, in step S345, the control unit 150 now sends the third communication identity (e.g., SIP address) of the second terminal 300 to the first terminal 200. Optionally, the control unit 150 may notify the second terminal 300 of the upcoming VoIP connection in step S355. However, this is not absolutely necessary. In step S399, the terminal 200 then autonomously sets up a VoIP connection to the terminal 300, which is independently accepted by the terminal 300. Since the user of the second terminal 300 has already confirmed the call in step S330, a re-confirmation by the user is not required. In a preferred embodiment, the two terminals 200, 300 in steps S310 and S330 of the control unit 150 communicate their respective status via the transmission method which the terminals currently use for data connections. The control unit can then decide based on this information whether a VoIP connection according to FIG. 3c or a dial-up in the callroom according to FIG. 3a or 3b should take place.

In Fig. 4a, the structural configuration for the second embodiment for a telephone connection is shown. Analogously to FIG. 1 a, the first and the second terminal 200, 300 are each connected to the central unit 100 via a mobile data connection 110 or 120. The central unit 100 comprises a control unit 150 and a communication unit 160, which are linked to one another via a mobile or also a wired connection 170. The first mobile terminal 200 may establish a telephone connection 130 to the communication unit 160. That is, the first terminal 200 calls the communication unit 160. Unlike in FIG. 1, however, in this exemplary embodiment the second mobile terminal 300 is called by the communication unit 160 via the telephone connection 145. The control unit 150 and the communication unit 160 may be combined in one unit. However, they can also be locally separated. The difference to the first embodiment is the call from the first Terminal 200 is switched by the communication unit 160 to the second terminal, so that the user of the second terminal 300 needs to accept this call only. In Fig. 4b. the structural design for the second embodiment for a VoIP connection is shown. He agrees exactly with Fig. Lb match, ie structurally, the structure of VoIP does not differ for both variants.

5a shows the various display displays when passing through the method according to the second embodiment for a telephone connection. After the user of the first terminal 200 starts the call, it is indicated in 501 that a user is being called with the first communication identity ComB-ID of the second terminal 300. The display 502 shows that the user of the second terminal 300 is connected to the user or the first communication identity ComB-ID of the second terminal 200. After the first terminal 200 has received the dial-up number for the calling circuit from the control unit 150 and has dialed it, it is shown on the display 503 that a dial-in number is dialed. Next, it is shown on the display of the called terminal 300 that a call comes in with a telephone number, this telephone number corresponding to the fourth communication identity. Since the user of the second terminal 300 has preferably previously been informed of both the fourth communication identity and the caller's first communication identity ComA-ID, the second terminal 300 may identify that, in the case of an incoming call with the fourth communication identity, a call from the user with the first communication identity ComA-ID of the first terminal 200 is received. This is shown in window 505. The user of the second terminal 300 may decide via the buttons 506 and 507 whether to accept or reject the call.

Fig. 5b shows the display displays for the second embodiment in the case of a VoIP connection again. The displays 501 and 502 are identical to those in FIG. 5a, ie the connection setup is completely analogous to the case without VoIP. However, display 508 will now display on first terminal 200 that a VoIP connection is being established. In the display 509, the user of the second terminal receives the notification that a VoIP call has been received. The display 510 displays the ComA ID (eg, nickname) of the first user on the display of the second terminal 300. As an alternative or in addition, other information about the first user (eg picture) can also be displayed. With the buttons 511 and 512, the user of the second terminal 300 can then accept or reject the VoIP call. In Fig. 6a, the inventive method according to the second embodiment is shown for a telephone connection. The first terminal 200 sends a request message to the control unit 150 in step S610. The control unit 150 checks whether the user of the first terminal 200 with his first communication identity ComA-ID and the second communication identity is registered in the control unit 150. Optionally, in step S620, the control unit 150 transmits a request message for a telephone connection to the user of the second terminal 300. This can be displayed. However, it is not mandatory. The control unit 150 then sets up the call switching for the communication unit 160 and transmits the dial-in number for the call circuit in the communication unit 160 in step S630 to the first terminal 200. Alternatively, this dial-in number can also be stored in the terminals. This first terminal 200 then independently selects the transmitted or stored in the device dial-in number in step S640 and so establishes a telephone connection to the communication unit 160 and there in particular to the defined call circuit. Here again, the communication unit 160 with the received second communication identity performs an authentication in which the second communication identity is transmitted in step S645 to the control unit 150, which reports this to the communication unit 160 in a successful authentication in step S650. In addition, in step S650, the second communication identity of the second terminal 300 is also transmitted to the communication unit 160. Thus, the communication unit 160 is enabled to make a call to the user of the second terminal 300 and thus forward the call from the user of the first terminal 200 to the user of the second terminal 300 in step S660.

The user of the second terminal 300 thus receives only one telephone call in which he sees a telephone number of the communication unit 160. Alternatively, it is possible that no telephone number is transmitted at all. However, this is not beneficial to the user of the second terminal 300 because he does not see who the call comes from. In order to avoid this, in step S620, for example, in addition to the first communication identity ComA-ID of the user of the first terminal 200, a fourth communication identity can be transmitted from the control unit 150 to the second terminal 300. Consequently, the second terminal 300 is informed that a call will be made with the fourth communication identity and can then recognize in the telephone call in step S660 that this originates from the fourth communication identity and thus to the first communication identity ComA-ID of the user of the first terminal Close 200 back. Preferably, the first communication identity ComA-ID of the user of the first end device 200 shown on the display of the second terminal 300, as illustrated in Fig. 5a.

Analogous to the first exemplary embodiment, both generic and specific dial-in numbers can also be used in the second exemplary embodiment. For generic dial-in numbers, authentication of the first terminal 200 is mandatory in order for the control unit 150 to enable the first terminal to a particular calling circuit. On the other hand, with a specific dial-in number, the terminal 200 would be connected directly to a particular call circuit associated with that dial-in number. Authentication of the terminal 200 is not required but would be advantageous. However, also in this case, the control unit 150 would have to be informed about the dial-in of the first terminal 200 in the call circuit to communicate the second communication identity of the second user and, preferably, the fourth communication identity of the communication unit 160.

FIG. 6b shows an alternative sequence similar to the sequence in FIG. 6a. However, step S620 is now mandatory in which the control unit forwards the request message to the second terminal 300. Upon receiving the request message, the second terminal 300 checks to see if its radio interface is busy, i. it is determined whether the second terminal is currently on the phone. In step S625, depending on the state of the second terminal, the status of the radio interface of the second terminal 300 and / or an acknowledgment is transmitted by the user to the control unit 150. The further procedure is analogous to FIG. 6a.

6c illustrates the communication flow for the second embodiment in the case of a VoIP connection. The steps S610, S620, S625 are initially completely analogous to Fig. 6a and 6b and thus to the case without VoIP from. However, in step S635, the control unit 150 now sends the third communication identity (eg, SIP address) of the second terminal 300 to the first terminal 200. In step S670, the terminal 200 then independently establishes a VoIP connection to the terminal 300. The terminal 300 then communicates acoustically and / or visually that a VoIP call has been received. Since the terminal 300 has already been informed in step S620 that a call of the user of the first terminal 200 with a first communication identity ComA-ID is imminent, it may display the first communication identity ComA-ID of the user of the first terminal 200 on the display of the second Output terminal 300 in the display 510. In a preferred embodiment, the two terminals 200, 300 in steps S610 and S625 of the control unit 150 communicate their respective status via the transmission method, which terminals currently use for data connections. The control unit can then decide on the basis of this information whether a VoIP connection according to FIG. 6c or a telephone connection is to take place via the communication unit 160 according to FIG. 6a or 6b.

Claims

claims

A method for communication between two mobile terminals (200, 300) via a central unit (100) having a control unit (150) and a communication unit (160), the mobile terminals (200, 300) each having a first communication identity (ComA ID, ComB-ID) are registered in the control unit (150), comprising the steps of:

Evaluating the data connection (180) between the two terminals (100, 200) for their suitability for VoIP transmission.

With positive VoiP suitability:

Obtaining information (S345, S635) for establishing a VoIP connection between the two terminals (200, 300) based on their first communication identity (ComA-ID, ComB-ID) via a packet-switched data connection (1 10, 120) between the two two mobile terminals (200, 300) and the control unit (150),

Autonomous establishment of the VoIP connection (S399, S670) via a data connection (180) between both terminals (200, 300) after receiving this information using their third communication identities.

For negative VoIP suitability:

Obtaining information (S340, S350, S630) for establishing a telephone connection between the two mobile terminals (200, 300) based on their first communication identity (ComA-ID, ComB-ID) via a packet-switched data connection (1 10, 120) between the two mobile terminals (200, 300) and the control unit (150),

Independent establishment of a telephone connection (130, 140) between the mobile terminals (200, 300) and the communication unit (160) after receiving this information, in each case using their second communication identity,

Enabling a voice channel between the first and second terminals (200, 300) by the communication unit (160).

2. A method for communication between a first and a second mobile terminal (200, 300) via a central unit (100), wherein the first and the second mobile terminal (200, 300) each having a first communication identity (ComA-ID, ComB ID) are registered with the central unit (100), comprising the steps of: Transmitting (S310) a request message from the first terminal (200) to the central unit (100) via a packet-switched data connection, the request message containing the first communication identity (ComA-ID) of the first terminal (200) and the first communication identity (ComB-ID) of the second terminal (300),

Forwarding (S320) the request message from the central unit (100) to the second terminal (300) via a packet-switched data connection,

Receiving (S330) an acceptance confirmation in the central unit (100) from the second terminal (300) via a packet-switched data connection,

Establishing a call circuit in the central unit (100) for the first and the second terminal (200, 300),

Independent setup (S360) of a telephone connection (130) to the call circuit starting from the first terminal (200) using a previously transmitted or stored in the terminal dial-in number,

Independent setup (S370) of a telephone connection (140) to the call circuit starting from the second terminal (300) using a previously transmitted or stored in the terminal dial-in number,

wherein the central unit (100) switches a voice channel between the first and second terminals (200, 300).

3. A method for communication between a first and a second mobile terminal (200, 300) via a central unit (100), wherein the first and the second mobile terminal (200, 300) each having a first communication identity (ComA-ID, ComB ID) are registered with the central unit (100), comprising the steps of:

Transmitting (S610) a request message from the first terminal (200) to the central unit (100) via a packet-switched data connection, the request message containing the first communication identity (ComA-ID) of the first terminal (200) and the first communication identity (ComB-ID) of the second terminal (300),

Setting up a calling circuit in the central unit (100) for the first terminal (200) and for the second terminal (300),

Independent setup (S640) of a telephone connection (130) to the call circuit in the central unit (100) starting from the first terminal (200) using a previously transmitted or stored in the terminal dial-in number, Establishing (S660) a telephone connection (140) from the central unit (100) to the second terminal (300) using the second communication identity of the second terminal (300),

Enabling a voice channel between the first and second terminals (200, 300) upon acceptance of the telephone connection by the user of the second terminal.

4. Method in which it is first evaluated whether a VoIP connection between the two terminals (100, 200) is possible and a positive VoIP VoIP connection between the two terminals (100, 200) is established and a negative rating Telephone connection according to claim 2 or 3 between the two terminals (100, 200) is constructed.

5. A method of communication according to claim 3, further comprising:

Forwarding (S620) the request message and the fourth communication identity from the central unit (100) to the second terminal (300) via a packet-switched data connection and / or

Displaying the first communication identity (ComA-ID) and / or information assignable to the user of the first terminal (e.g., job, picture, username) on a display of the second terminal (300).

A method of communication according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the independent establishment of the telephone connection to the calling circuit from the first and / or second terminal does not require the entry of a dial-in number into one of the terminals.

A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein transmitting (S340, S350, S630) the dial-in number for the established calling circuit from the central unit (100) to the first and / or second terminal via a packet-switched data connection immediately before dialing respective terminal takes place.

8. A method of communication according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the independent structure of the telephone connection to the call circuit or the establishment of the VoIP connection from the first and / or second terminal comprises an indication that a telephone or VoIP connection is established.

9. The method of communication of claim 1, wherein the indication that a VoIP or telephone connection is established requires a confirmation input from the user of the first or second user.

10. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the mobile terminals (200, 300) are each registered with the first communication identity (ComA-ID, ComB-ID) and a second communication identity in the control unit (150).

1 1. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising:

Authenticating (S380, S385, S390, S395, S645, S650) the dialing terminal (200, 300) based on the second communication identity in the control unit (150) by the communication unit (160), the voice channel between the first and second Terminal (200, 300) is enabled by the communication unit (160) after successful authentication.

12. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first communication identity (ComA-ID, ComB-ID) of the first and the second terminal (200, 300) are each freely selectable by a user or by the service provider (eg dating service) and awarded the second communication identity of the respective first and the second terminal (200, 300) is assigned by a telephone network provider.

The method of claim 2, wherein the central unit (100) identifies a structure of a telephone connection of the first and second terminals (200, 300), the central unit (100) comprising the first and second terminals (200, 300 ) is authenticated on the basis of the second communication identity and the communication unit (160) a release for the activation of the voice channel between the first and the second terminal (200, 300) transmitted.

14. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first communication identity (ComA-ID) of the user of the first terminal (200) and / or the user of the first terminal assignable information (eg job, image, user name) optically and / or acoustically on second terminal (300) is issued when a user with the first communication identity (ComA-ID) wants to establish communication with the user of the second terminal (300).

15. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the central unit (100) authenticates the dial-in terminals (200, 300) based on the second communication identity and only terminals allows access to the call circuit for which the call circuit has been previously established.

16. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the authenticated terminals are automatically connected to the previously established for these terminals call circuit.

17. The method of claim 1, wherein the call circuit in the communication unit is set up by the control unit based on associated second communication identities and a time frame.

18. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the dial-in number comprises a trunk number for establishing a connection to the communication unit (160) and an extension for the established call circuit.

19. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the dial-in number only a trunk number for connecting to the communication unit (160) and the control unit (150) the communication unit (160) tells which call circuit for the dialing terminal (200, 300) previously set has been.

The method of claim 2, wherein the first dialed-in and authenticated terminal (200) receives a dial tone and is connected to the calling circuit only after the second terminal (300) has dialed in and has been authenticated.

The method of claim 2, wherein the first terminal (200) initiates the establishment of the telephone connection (130) (S360) and notifies the control unit (150) via a data connection (170) of the beginning of the establishment of the telephone connection (S365) Control unit (150) to the second terminal (300) signals (S350) that it can start the construction of the telephone connection (140).

22. The method of claim 1, wherein the second communication identity is a mobile phone number.

23. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second terminal (300) upon receipt of the request message (S320, S620) checks whether its radio interface is currently being used for a telephone call (circuit switched voice, VoLTE) and when the radio interface sends a call rejection (S330, S625) to the central unit (100).

24. The method according to claim 1, wherein the two terminals (200, 300) inform the control unit (150) of the respectively currently used transmission method (eg WLAN, GPRS, Edge, HSPA, LTE) for packet-switched data and the control unit (150) on the basis of this information decides whether the terminals (200, 300) should establish a VoIP connection (180) or a connection between the terminals (200, 300) is to be established via the communication unit (160).

25. A system for communication between two mobile terminals (200, 300), comprising: two mobile terminals (200, 300), a central unit (100) having a control unit (150) and a communication unit (160), wherein the mobile terminals ( 200, 300) are each registered with a first communication identity (ComA-ID, ComB-ID) in the central unit (100), and the two mobile terminals (200, 300) based on their first communication identity (ComA-ID, ComB-ID). ID) in each case via a packet-switched data connection (1 10, 120) are coupled to the control unit (150) in order to obtain information for setting up a telephone connection (130, 140) between the two mobile terminals (200, 300), wherein the mobile Terminal devices (200, 300) with the communication unit (160) after receiving this information each independently using their second communication identity build a telephone connection (130, 140).

26. A mobile terminal comprising a processor and a display, wherein the processor is adapted to perform a method of communication according to one of the preceding claims 1- 25 with another mobile terminal (300) via a central unit (100).

27. Central unit (100) with control unit (150) and communication unit (160), wherein the control unit (150) is coupled to the communication unit (160) via a connection (170), and the control unit (150) with a first and a second terminal (200, 300) correspondingly via a packet-switched data connection (1 10, 120) is in communication for data exchange, wherein the communication unit (160) is arranged, telephone connections (130, 140) with the first and second terminal (200, 300) or to receive calls from these, wherein the mobile terminals (200, 300) are each registered with a first communication identity (ComA-ID, ComB-ID) in the control unit (150), wherein the control unit ( 150) is set up:

receive a request message from the first terminal (200), the request message containing the first communication identity (ComA-ID) of the first terminal (200) and the first communication identity (ComB-ID) of the second terminal (300),

forward the request message to the second terminal (300),

receive an acceptance confirmation from the second terminal (300), set up a calling circuit in the communication unit (160) for the first and second terminals (200, 300) based on the second communication identities of the two terminals (200, 300),

to transmit a dial-in number for the established call circuit to the first or the first and the second terminal (200, 300),

wherein the communication unit (160) is established

to pick up a call (130) from the first terminal (200) using the dial-in number and connect it to the calling circuit,

to accept a call (140) from the second terminal (300) using the dial-in number or make a call (140) to the second terminal.