Docking Station and Method for Connecting a Mobile Communication Device to a Communication Infrastructure

• US 20140199971A1
• Filed: 01/07/2014
• Published: 07/17/2014
• Est. Priority Date: 01/17/2013
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Unify GmbH & Co. KG (Atos SE)
• Original Assignee: Unify GmbH & Co. KG (Atos SE)
• Inventors: Totzke, Jurgen, Zeiner, Johann, Kucukerdonmez, Melih
• Application Number:
  US14/149,251
• Publication Number:
  US 20140199971A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 455/411
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1632 External expansion units, e.g. docking stations
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 21/44 Program or device authentication
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 63/0823 using certificates cryptographic mechanisms or cryptographic arrangements for entity authentication involving certificates H04L9/3263
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/04 Supports for telephone transmitters or receivers
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/72409 by interfacing with external accessories hands-free H04M1/60
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/72412 using two-way short-range wireless interfaces
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2250/04 including near field communication means, e.g. RFID
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 12/06 Authentication
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 12/069 using certificates or pre-shared keys
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 4/80 Services using short range communication, e.g. near-field communication [NFC], radio-frequency identification [RFID] or low energy communication
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 84/12 WLAN [Wireless Local Area Networks]

Abstract

A docking station and a method for connecting a mobile communication device to an at least partially wire-based communication infrastructure are disclosed. The docking station has a cradle for the storage of the communication device. A detection device detects the presence of the communication device within a selected distance from the docking station and receives authentication information from the communication device. There is also an authentication device for validating the credentials of the communication terminal and for enabling communication with the communications infrastructure on the basis of authentication information. A first interface provides a first wireless communication link with the communication device and a second interface establishes a second wired communication link to the communication infrastructure. A transfer device can switch from the first communication link to the second communication link. A communication system containing the docking station is also disclosed.

Claims

1. A docking station for connecting a mobile communication device to an at least partially wire-based communication infrastructure comprising:

a housing,

a cradle connected to the housing for the storage of the communication device,

a detection device for detecting the presence of the communication device when the communication device is within a selected distance from the detection device, the detection device capable of receiving a wireless transmission of authentication information from the communication device

an authentication device for validating the authentication information from the communication device and for enabling communication by the mobile communication device with the communication infrastructure based on the authentication information,

a first interface for providing a first, wireless communication link to the communication device when authorized,

a second interface for providing a second wired communication link to the communications infrastructure, and

a transfer device for switching the first communication link to the second communication link,

wherein the detection device, authentication device, first interface, second interface and transfer device are attached to at least one of the housing and the cradle.

2. The docking station according to claim 1 wherein the detection device is designed for providing at least one of Near Field communication and a Bluetooth connection.

3. The docking station according to claim 1 also comprising a firewall for protection against unwanted software originating from the communication device.

4. The docking station according to claim 1 also comprising a memory device for storing an authentication key for the authentication information.

5. The docking station of claim 4 wherein the authentication information identifies the docking station as a standard device.

6. The docking station according to claim 1 also comprising a universal charging station for charging a battery in the communication device.

7. The docking station of claim 6 wherein the universal charging station is suitable for wireless recharging.

8. The docking station according to claim 1 also comprising a speaker attached to the housing.

9. The docking station of claim 1 also comprising a display configured for at least one of a wired connection and a wireless connection to the communication device.

10. A communication system comprising:

a docking station according claim 1,

a communication infrastructure that is connected by a wired communication link to the docking station, and

at least one mobile communication device (90), comprising;

a wireless transmission device to signal its presence in proximity of the docking station and for transmitting authentication information to the docking station, and

a first interface for providing a first wireless communication link with the docking station.

11. A method for connecting a mobile communication device through a docking station to an at least partially wire-based communication infrastructure, comprising:

wirelessly transmitting authentication information from the communication device to a docking station,

checking based upon the authentication information, whether the communication device is authorized to communicate with the communication infrastructure,

when authorization exists, establishing a first, wireless communication link between the communication device and the docking station, the docking station being connected via a second wired communication link to the communication infrastructure, and

switching the first communication link to the second communication link.

12. The method according to claim 11 wherein the communication device includes a third wireless communication link to a communication network and further comprising connecting the communication device through the third wireless communication link to a communication system when the first communication link is unavailable.

13. The method according to claim 11 wherein the authentication information contains a certificate issued or authorized by the communication infrastructure.