US 200402033541 «i» United States c2) Patent Application Publication co) Pub. No.: US 2004/0203354 AL Yue 4) Pub, Date: Oct. 14, 2004 (1) BLUETOOTH REMOTE ACCESS DEVICE) ABSTRACT CAS) (2) Appl 10/186,007 (2) Filed Jun, 29, 2002 Publication Classification (51) In. cL? HosB 5/00 (2) USC. “$85/41.4; 4551517 110 120 Bluetooth |4- ~z| Bluetooth Device A Device B x We Ww >. 130 Remote | -¢- 400 —z_} Bluetooth Device — Device C 150Patent Application Publication Oct. 14, 2004 US 2004/0203354 AL 110 120 Bluetooth | 4- ~x| Bluetooth Device A Device B y We Sy xz” Remote | 4~ 100 ~z_| Bluetooth Device saa Device C 150 FIG. 1 150 Ww \ 110 Transmit/| |Transmit/| Display | | Receive Receive 240) 34 220 i ——? | controt Control | | Device Function Keypad 250 350 Memory Memory 310) iad 260 360 Remote Access Device Bluetooth Device FIG. 2 FIG. 3US 2004/0203354 AI BLUETOOTH REMOTE ACCESS DEVI BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention {0001} [0002] This invention relates tothe eld of network com- ‘munications, and in particular to. wireless device that facilitates Bluetooth connectivity between other devices. {0003} 2. Description of Related Act [0004] Bluetooth is wireless network standard that pro= vides forthe establishment of wireless networks in an ad hoe ‘manner. Each Bluctooth-enabled deviee is configured. 10 broadcast a short-range signal; when a new device is within range of the device, an initiation protocol commences 10 ‘establish a communication channel between the devices. A ‘lass 1 Bluetooth deviee bas 8 nominal eange of 100 meters a class 2 device, 10 meters and a class 3 device, less than 10 meters. Most Bluetooth devices are expected fo be class 2 devices with range of 10 meters {0005} Bluetooth supports both secure and noa-weure ‘communications between devices, Each Bluetooth device is ‘dentiiable by a unique 48-bit address, and includes a 128>it private authentication key, an 8-128 bit private ‘encryption key, nd a 128-bit random number generator. The Jnitation protocol uses the device's unique adress, a ran- ‘domly generated number, and a secret PIN (Personal Iden= jalion Number) to facilitate a secure key-exchange over an as-yet-unsecured channel. The initiation process typically ‘alls for the PIN to be manually entered into the Bluetooth device [0006] The Bluetooth initiation protocol is apparently based om a paradigm of wo Bluetooth users coming within range of each other, of, a single wser having direct access to both Bluotooth devices a the same time, sch a8 a usce of| 4 Bluetooth-enabied PDA (Personal Data Assistant) aeriving at a Bluetooth-enabled ATM (Automated Teller Machine) For example the user arcves atthe ATM and the Bluetooth initiation process commences based on the aforementioned ‘detection of emanatias from one or both ofthe Bluetooth- ‘enabled devices, The user is prompied to enter the PIN oa the PDA, for example, then prompted fora confirmation via a Keypad on the ATM, Obviously, « user Would aot Want 10 ‘commence the transaction with the ATM unless the user ‘were a the locale ofthe ATM, [0007] Dittculies, or at least inconveniences, present themselves when Biuetooth devices are physieally distant from each other, and a sole user desires to establish com- ‘munication between these devices. Even though the devices may be within « common 10 meler range of exch other, ‘communietions will not be established unless and until the user interacts with each dovice to effet the selection ofeach ‘other, to enter one or mare PINS as required, and s0 on. If the doves are not co-located, the user must travel hack and forth berween each device 38 the initiation protocol is ‘effected. Ia like manner, difficulties or inconveniences present themselves after devices are “paired” for communi ‘ation via the exchange of PINs, Whea an actual commis nication betwoen the devices is desired, such as the transfer ‘of file from one dovie to another, the user may be required to configure or re-configure each deve as a master ar slave for this communication, and in some cases, must configure ‘each device to effect particular communication scheme oF protocol Oct. 14, 2004 [BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0008] 11 is an object of tis invention to ease the task of initiating communications between two Bluetooth devices. is a further object of this invention to provide a emote access device that facilitates. communication between and among Bluetooth devices, [0009] These objects and others are achieved by a remote access device that is configured to communicate with each [Bluctooth device within a locale, When communication is desired between two Bluetooth devices within this locale, the emote acoess device allows the user to send commands and other information from the remote scoess device to each Bluetooth device to elfet the initialization of the commu- nication channel between the 10 devices. Using the remote sccess device, the user can make sclections on each Bluc- {oth deviee, enter PINS as required, respond to confirmation requests, and the like. Because each Bluetooth device may be distat from the remote access device and distant from each otber, the use ofthe remote access device allows a user to enable communications between the Bluetooth devices without traveling back aad forth bewween physically separ ‘ated Bluetooth devioes [BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0010] The invention is explained in further detail, and by ‘way of example, with reference to the accompanying draw ings wherein [0011] FIG. 1 illustrates an example block diagram of 2 TBluetooth aetwork in accordance with this inventio [0012] FIG. 2 illustrates an example block diagram of « remote sceos deviee in accordance with this invention, [0013] FIG, 3 illustrates an example block diagras [Bluciooth device in accordance with this invention. [0014] Throughout ‘numerals indiate simil sions. ofa tbe drawings, the same reference ‘of corresponding features or func DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [0015] FIG, 1 illusates an example block diagram of @ luctooth network 100 in accordance with this invention. Iustrated in FIG. 1 ste thece Bluetooth devices 110, 120, 130, and a remote access device 150. AS in 2 conventional Bluctooth network, the devices 110, 120, 130 ate configured fo communicate with cach olber, but only afer an initil- ination protocol is effected to enable the communication. ‘This initialization protocol may be as simple as selecting each other dovice from a list of deviees displayed on each device, identifying Which device is master acd which is save, and so on, Because communication security isbecom- ing more prevalent, the more common initialization peotocol will ako include security parameters, suchas the user's PIN. For ease of reference the formation communicated during the initialization process is hereinafter termed “initialization information”, the receipt of which ellects an enabling of communications between the devices. [0016] | Generally, the initialization information is commu- ricated each time a communication channel is to be est lished between two “paired” Bluetooth devices, although theUS 2004/0203354 AI principles ofthis invention may also be extended to facilitate Pairings between Bluclooth devices, as discussed further below. [0017] In accordance with this invention, the remote scvess device 180 is fist configured toe able to commie nicate with each Bluetooth device 110-130. This may be ‘ffeced in the conventional manner, by progressing from ‘one Bluetooth device 110-130 to the next with the remote access device, and establishing a pairing between each Bluetooth devico 10-130 andthe remo sccess device 180, by entering a common PIN in each [0018] If a particular Bluetooth device lacks an input means for entering & PIN, the device is configured to have a internal PIN that is provided to the use. To establish @ pairing borween the remote access devico 180 and. this particular device the user merely enters the internal PIN into the remote device 150 while the remote device 150 isin the Vicinity of this particular device, [0019] If particular Bluetooth device includes the ability to accept input information from a remote co an infrared controle, nd if the remote devi Jnchides the means, sich as an infrared transmitter, 40 provide this remote input information, the remote access ‘device 150 can be establish the psring with this particular Bluetooth device remotely: [0020] After the remote sovess device 180 is paired 10 ‘each of the Bluctooth devices 110, 120, 130, the remote access device 180 facilitates the initialization protocol for ‘Specific communications by allowing a user the opportunity {© respond to requests for initialization information from ‘each ofthe Bluetooth devices 110, 120, 130 via the remote access device 150. Inthe simple initialization protocol, for ‘example, 4 Blucioth device 110 may communicate list of Authorizedipaired devices 120, 130 to the remote access ‘device 180 for the user to select the appropriate device with ‘which t0 effect the initialization process. Alternatively, a8 detailed further below, the remote access device 180 may be ‘configured to display alist of authorizedipaired Jevies from its internal memory to allow a user to effet the initialization protocol between select devices by selecting. devices from the Tis. [0021] By allowing the user to initiate setions or respond to queries via the remote access device 150, the user can ‘effect the initialization of communications between (Wo Bluetooth devices without having to travel from one device to the other as the initialization protocol sequence progresses. A typical initialization process for establishing [0022] A user accesses the remote access device 180 and Fequests lst of available Bluetooth devices. These devices are generally the devices that ave been previously paired ‘withthe device 180 and are currently in range ofthe device 150, From this ist, the user selects a master device, such as device 110, and a slave device, such as device 130, and then Inikates a “eonneet” sequence. I the deviees 110 and 120 have previously heen accessed by the device 180, the device 150 merely communicates the previously defined initiliza- tion information to each of the devices 110 and 130, of, the device 150 serves asa relay forthe transfer of information between each device 110 and 130, Allematively, the devices 110 and 130 may be configured to transfer information Oct. 14, 2004 between each other upon receipt ofthe initialization infor ‘mation from the device 180, These and other protocols for electing the initialization protocol between two devices 110, 130 via 3 remote device 150 that provides usce com mands 1 each ofthe devies 110, 130 will be evident one ‘of ordinary skill in the art in view of this dselosare [0023] In a prefered embodiment of this invention, the emote access device 150 is configured as 2 remote control vice as well. The PCT Intemational Publication WO (01/20572, “REMOTE CONTROL OF AN ELECTRONIC DEVICE THROUGH DOWNLOADING OF CONTROL, INFORMATION IN A MOBILE STATION’, fled 10 Sep. 1999 for Jobin R. Bel, and incorporated by reference herein, discloses a portable device that is configured to dovnload ‘control information for another device, and thereafter uses {his information to contol the otber device. OF particular ‘note, his eferenced publication discloses the remote contol ‘of Bluetooth devices vi a programmable portable deviee. the context of this vention, the control information may be preprogrammed into the emote device 180, of the contol information maybe communicated tothe remote device 180 ‘rom the particular device 110, 120, 130, o from a remote source, such as an Internet site. In this manner, the remote access device 180 provides the functionality of a remote ‘control device as well asa device that facilitates the enabling ‘of communication between Bluetooth devices, [0024] FIG. 2 illustrates an example block diagram of 2 emote access device 180 in accordance with ths inveation. The device 180 includes a keypad 210, or other input device, for accepting user directives, typically in response to mes. sages that are displayed on a display 220, or other rendering evice. For example, the input device 210 andor rendering ‘device 220 may be audio devices, video devices, of any other devices that effect input and output transactions with ‘user, The deviee 180 also includes a communicator 240 for ‘communicating with Bluetooth deviees, and a controller 250 that controls the operation of each of the devices 210, 220, and 240. A preferred embodiment of the remote access evice 150 also includes a memory for soring initialization information and other material ha facilitates the enabling of| ‘communications besieen external devices, such as devices 110, 120, 130 of FIG. L [0025] _ FIG. 3 illusates an example block digram of @ TBluciooth device 110 in accordance with his invention. The sevice 110 includes a functional element 310 that provides the primary functionality of the device 110, such as @ television function, a PDA function, and so on. The device 110 also includes a communicator M0, controller 880, and ‘4 memory 860 that facilitate the enabling of communication With other Bluotooth devices. In conventional Bluetooth ‘device, the interaction withthe user to effect communication ‘with other Bluetooth devices is elected leally. Ia accor. dance with this invention, the Bluetooth device 110 is ‘configure to also effect the interaction withthe use via the ‘communicalor 340. Messiges are transmitted from the Gevice 10, and responses or commancl from the remote fccess device 150 of FIGS. Land 2 are received via the ‘communicator 340 in the deview 110 and the communicator 240 in the device 180. As noted above, in a preferred embodiment, the functional element 310 i8 also remotely teontrollable by the remote access device 180, via the com ‘municstors 240, 340,US 2004/0203354 AI [0026] The foreyoing merely illustrates the principles of the invention. It wall thus be appreciated that those skilled ia the art will be able to devise Various strangements which, though not explicitly desribed or shown herein embexly the principles ofthe iavention a are thus within is spiet and scope. For example, although the invention is presented above with a remote access device 180 that is separate and slstnct from Bluetooth devices 110, 120,120, the function- ality of the eemote access device 150 could be built into ‘select Bluetooth devices, such as PDAs, palmtop and laptop ‘computers, and soon. In ike manner, the Functionality ofthe emote access device 180 could also be incorporated into traditional stationary devices, such as televisions, personal ‘computers, and so on, o allow a user Wo elect communi tion between devices from the Bluetooth device tha is most ‘convenient tothe user atthe time. These and other system ‘configuration and optimization features will be evident to ‘one of ordinary skill in the act in view ofthis disclose, and ae included within the scope ofthe Fllowing claims. I lai L.A remote access device, comprising: «communicator that is configured to provide communi cations between the remote access device and a p= ‘ality of Bluetooth deviees, a rendering device, operably coupled tothe communica tor, that i coofigured to ender deview messages from cach of the plurality of Bluetooth devices, based om the ‘communications between the emote sceess device and the plurality of Bluetooth devices, an input device, operably coupled to the communicator, that is configured to convey user messages to each of the plurality of Bluetooth devives, and 4 controller, perably coupled to the communicator, the rendering device, andthe input device that is conlig- ‘ured to facilitate an initiation of communications between a frst Bluetooth device and a second Blue- tooth device of the plurality of Bluetooth devices, based on the user messages that are conveyed 10 the first Bluetooth device and the second Bluetooth device by the remote access device 2. The remote aceess device of claim 1, further compris: ing: ‘4 memory tha Facilitates formation of the user messages ‘via inputs tothe input device, 3. The remote access device of claim 2, wherein the memory is configured 10 contain initialization infor. ‘mation corresponding to exch of the frst Bluetooth device and the second Bluetooth devioe 4. The remote access device of claim 1, wherein the remote access device is further configured to convey ‘operating commands 10 one oF more devices of the plurality of Bluetooth deviees to effect conirol of the fone oF more devices, via inputs 1 the input device. 5. The remote access device of claim 1, wherein the conioller is configured to ellet a rendering of one oF ‘mot lists ofthe plurality of Bluctooth devices via the rendering device, and least one of the first Bluetooth device and second Bluetooth device is selected from the plurality of Oct. 14, 2004 Bluetooth devices based on a user selection from the fone oF more lists, via the input device. 6. The remote access device of claim 1, wherein the controller is further configured to relay messages ‘between devices ofthe plurality of Bluetooth devices. 7A Bluetooth device, comprising 4 communicator that is configured to provide commu ‘ations between the Bluetooth device aod a plurality of ‘ther Bluetooth devices, and 4 controller that is configured to control the communica tions based on a inlialization protocol between the Bluetooth device and each of the other Bluetooth devices; wherein the controllers configured to allow a remote deview ofthe plurality of other Bluetooth devices o at asa proxy for 4 further device of the plurality of other Bluetooth devices, ‘sch that the initialization protocol is effected between the Bluetooth device and the further devive via ‘communications between the Bluetooth device and the remote device and communications between the remote device and the further device. 8. The Bluetooth device of elaim 7, fucther comprising 4 memory that is configured to store initialization infor. mation related to the further device, and the contoller is further configured to contro the commu nications between the Bluctooth device andthe furher device base on the initialization information, 9. The Bluetooth device of elaim 7, futher comprising 4 fupetion element that effets a primary funetion of the Bluetooth device, and wherein the controller is futher configured to contr the function ‘clement based on communications from the remote device, 10. A method of enabling communications between a frst Bluetooth device and a second Bluetooth device, compris: ing: communicating one or more first commands from 3 remote device tothe fist Bluetooth device, and ‘communicating one or more second commands from the remote device tothe second Bluetooth device, wherein the frst commands include is initialization information for communicating with the second Bluetooth device, and the second commands include second initialization infor- ‘mation for communicating With the fist Bluetooth sevice, 0 that, after communicating the frst and second com- mans from the remote deviee, communication is ‘enabled between the first Bluetooth device and the second Bluetooth device. 11. The method of elaim 10, further including: rendering messages from cach of the fist Bluetooth ‘device and the second Bluetooth device atthe remoteUS 2004/0203354 AI device, to facilitate communication of the fist com ‘mands and the second command 12, The method of claim 11, wherein the messages include one of more lists of Bhictooth devices, and the frst commands and second commands are communi ted in response to a selection of the frst Bluetooth Oct. 14, 2004 device and the second Bluetooth device from the one or tore lists of Bluetooth devices. 13. The method of claim 10, wherein atleast a part of the first and sccond initialization infor: mation Is stored atthe remote device.