US20090083060A1 - Automated computer electronics device reporting - Google Patents

Abstract

A system for generating and submitting reports about consumer electronics devices, including a consumer electronics device, including a host interface, for connecting a wireless communication card to a consumer electronics device, and a host memory storage unit, for storing technical information and usage information about the consumer electronics device, denoted INF-1, and a wireless communication card, including a controller, for executing programmed instructions, a power subsystem for supplying power to the communication card, a wireless modem coupled with the controller for receiving and transmitting data over the air, and a card interface for connecting the communication card to the consumer electronics device, wherein the controller is programmed to collect information INF-1, to generate a report including at least a portion of information INF-1, to collect recipient address information, denoted INF-2, and to submit the report to a recipient address as per information INF-2, via the wireless modem, over a wireless communication network that connects the communication card and the recipient. A method is also described and claimed.

Description

PRIORITY REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
• This application claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/995,575, entitled AUTOMATED CONSUMER ELECTRONICS DEVICE REPORTING, filed on Sep. 26, 2007 by inventors Itay Sherman, Eyal Bychkov, Uri Ron, Hagay Katz and Hagit Perry. This application also claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/062,171, entitled MODULAR WIRELESS COMMUNICATOR, filed on Jan. 23, 2008 by inventors Itay Sherman, Eyal Bychkov, Itay Cohen, Tami Demri, Hagay Katz, Eran Miller, Hagit Perry, Uri Ron and Yaron Segalov. This application also claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/063,668, entitled MODULAR WIRELESS COMMUNICATOR, filed on Feb. 5, 2008 by inventors Dov Moran, Itay Sherman, Eyal Bychkov, Itay Cohen, Yaron Segalov, Tami Demri, Eran Miller, Uri Ron, Hagay Katz and Hagit Perry. This application also claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/080,264, entitled AUTOMATED CONSUMER ELECTRONICS DEVICE REPORTING, filed on Jul. 13, 2008 by inventors Itay Sherman, Eyal Bychkov, Uri Ron, Hagay Katz and Hagit Perry.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
• The field of the present invention is wireless communication.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
• Consumer electronics manufacturers and retailers, service providers, and accessory merchandise sellers, benefit greatly from keeping in touch with purchasers of consumer electronics devices and from being informed of consumer usage behavior for the devices. By keeping in touch with purchasers, they are able to offer the purchasers related goods and services. For example, a purchaser of a digital camera is a potential candidate for buying a newer model of the camera. If the memory card in the camera often fills up, the purchaser is a potential candidate for buying a larger memory card. The purchaser is also a potential candidate for services, such as training courses in photography.
• Currently, reporting of purchaser information for consumer electronics devices, and reporting of consumer usage behavior is limited. Often the devices do not have convenient network connectivity, and relevant information is reported manually by contacting a purchaser by phone, e-mail, Internet web-site, or when the purchaser visits a store, or by conducting surveys. Moreover, even for devices that do have convenient network connectivity, such connectivity is typically used for uploading and downloading files, and for device settings, but not for submitting reports about the devices.
• Reporting of purchaser information is voluntary, and often such information is not reported due to lack of time. In some cases purchasers report information because of incentives; for example, to activate a warranty, or to receive a gift.
• Nevertheless, even when reports are provided, reporting of consumer information is limited and does not provide usage behavior information.
SUMMARY OF THE DESCRIPTION
• Aspects of the present invention enable automated generation and submission of reports about consumer electronics devices. The reports may include technical information about a device, personal information about the owner of the device, and information describing the owner's usage of the device. According to an embodiment of the present invention, generation and submission of reports is enabled by connecting a wireless transmitter in the form of a communication card to consumer electronics devices.
• The consumer electronics devices supported by the present invention are of many types, including inter alia cameras, media players, computers, home entertainment systems, home appliances, kitchen appliances, and electric tools.
• The consumer electronics devices generally include memories that store technical and usage information about the devices, and the communication card includes a memory that stores information about the owner of the devices. When connected to a device, the communication card automatically generates and sends reports about the device and about the owner of the device and about the owner's usage behavior, to one or more appropriate recipients, including inter alia sellers and manufacturers of the device, and technical support centers.
• Report generation and submission for an electronics device may be automatically initiated when one or more pre-designated events involving the device occur, may be scheduled periodically, and may be manually initiated either by the owner of the device or by a remote recipient of the report.
• Reports may be sent to recipients in the form of SMS messages, MMS messages, e-mail messages, voice messages, or other such GPRS or IP network messages. In addition, the communication card may open voice channels, thereby enabling owners of devices to speak directly with recipients.
• The present invention applies to a wide variety of different types of reports, including inter alia registration of electrical appliances, maintenance and diagnostic reports, and marketing-based consumer reports.
• The present invention also applies to access control security, whereby an electronics device only operates if an authorized communication card is connected thereto. Moreover, if the consumer device is reported as being missing or stolen, then it does not operate at all, even if an authorized communication card is connected thereto.
• Further aspects of the present invention apply to jacket covers for communication cards. A “jacket” is a passive device that operates only in combination with the communication card. A jacket generally does not have its own processor. A jacket may include one or more of a keypad, display, microphone, speaker, earpiece, headset port and USB port. A jacket is connected to a communication card via dedicated connector having a communication bus. Using the present invention, reports may be automatically generated and submitted about jackets and their usages.
• There is thus provided in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention a system for generating and submitting reports about consumer electronics devices, including a consumer electronics device, including a host interface, for connecting a wireless communication card to a consumer electronics device, and a host memory storage unit, for storing technical information and usage information about the consumer electronics device, denoted INF-1, and a wireless communication card, including a controller, for executing programmed instructions, a power subsystem for supplying power to the communication card, a wireless modem coupled with the controller for receiving and transmitting data over the air, and a card interface for connecting the communication card to the consumer electronics device, wherein the controller is programmed to collect information INF-1, to generate a report including at least a portion of information INF-1, to collect recipient address information, denoted INF-2, and to submit the report to a recipient address as per information INF-2, via the wireless modem, over a wireless communication network that connects the communication card and the recipient.
• There is additionally provided in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention a method for generating and submitting reports about consumer electronics devices, including storing technical and usage information about a host consumer electronics device, denoted INF-1, in a storage unit of the device, connecting a wireless communication card to the consumer electronics device, collecting, by the communication card, information INF-1, and recipient address information, denoted INF-2, when the communication card is connected to the consumer electronics device, generating a report about the consumer electronics device, the report including at least a portion of information INF-1, and submitting the report to a recipient address as per information INF-2, by the communication card, over a wireless communication network that connects the communication card and the recipient.
• There is further provided in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention a system for generating and submitting reports about consumer electronics devices, including a consumer electronics device, including a host interface, for connecting a wireless communication card to a consumer electronics device, and a host memory storage unit, for storing technical information and usage information about the consumer electronics device, denote INF-1, and a wireless communication card, including a controller, for executing programmed instructions, a power subsystem for supplying power to the communication card, a wireless modem coupled with the controller for receiving and transmitting data over the air, and a card interface for connecting the communication card to the consumer electronics device, wherein the controller is programmed to collect information INF-1, to retrieve personal information about an owner of the consumer electronics device, denoted INF-3, from a network computer, to generate a report including at least a portion of information INF-1 and INF-3, to collect recipient address information, denoted INF-2, and to submit the report to a recipient address as per information INF-2, via the wireless modem, over a wireless communication network that connects the communication card, the network computer, and the recipient.
• There is yet further provided in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention a method for generating and submitting reports about consumer electronics devices, including storing technical and usage information about a host consumer electronics device, denoted INF-1, in a storage unit of the device, connecting a wireless communication card to the consumer electronics device, collecting, by the communication card, information INF-1, and recipient address information, denoted INF-2, when the communication card is connected to the consumer electronics device, retrieving, by the communication card, personal information about an owner of the consumer electronics device, denoted INF-3, from a network computer, generating a report about the consumer electronics device, the report including at least a portion of information INF-1 and INF-3, and submitting the report to a recipient address as per information INF-2, by the communication card, over a wireless communication network that connects the communication card, the network computer, and the recipient.
• There is moreover provided in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention a system for generating and submitting reports about electronics devices, including a wireless communication card, including a controller, for executing programmed instructions, a power subsystem for supplying power to the communication card, and a wireless modem coupled with the controller for receiving and transmitting data over the air, an electronics jacket that attaches as a cover over the communication card, including a user interface for the communication card, and a jacket memory storage unit, for storing usage information about the communication card, denoted INF-1, and a connector for connecting the jacket to the communication card, including a communication bus, wherein the controller is programmed to collect information INF-1, to generate a report including at least a portion of information INF-1, to collect recipient address information, denoted INF-2, and to submit the report to a recipient address as per information INF-2, via the wireless modem, over a wireless communication network that connects the communication card and the recipient.
• There is additionally provided in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention a wireless communicator, including an interface configured to enable the wireless communicator to connect to an electronic device and to enable data to be transferred between the wireless communicator and the electronic device, the electronic device having device information, a wireless modem configured to transmit and receive data from time to time when the wireless communicator is connected to the electronic device and from time to time when the wireless communicator is not connected to the electronic device, a memory storing personal information about a user of the wireless communicator, and a controller coupled with the interface, the wireless modem and the memory, the controller configured to receive the device information from the electronic device when the electronic device is connected to the wireless communicator, to generate a report including at least a portion of the personal information and at least a portion of the device information, and to cause the wireless modem to transmit the report to a recipient.
• There is further provided in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention a wireless communicator including an interface configured to enable the wireless communicator to connect to a plurality of different electronic devices and to enable data to be transferred between the wireless communicator and the plurality of different electronic devices, wherein each of the plurality of different electronic devices has device information, a wireless modem configured to transmit and receive data from time to time when the wireless communicator is connected to one of the plurality of different electronic devices and from time to time when the wireless communicator is not connected to any of the plurality of different electronic devices, a memory storing personal information about a user of the wireless communicator, and a controller coupled to the interface, the wireless modem and the memory, the controller configured to receive device information from an electronic device connected to the wireless communicator, to generate a report including at least a portion of the personal information and at least a portion of the device information from the electronic device connected to the wireless communicator, and to cause the wireless modem to transmit the report to a recipient.
• There is yet further provided in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention an electronic device, including an interface configured to enable the electronic device to connect to a wireless communicator and to enable data to be transferred between the wireless communicator and the electronic device, a memory storing device information, and a controller coupled to the interface and the memory, the controller configured to send at least a portion of the device information to the wireless communicator via the interface, for transmission to a recipient.
• There is moreover provided in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention a system, including a wireless communicator, including an interface configured to enable the wireless communicator to connect to an electronic device and to enable data to be transferred between the wireless communicator and the electronic device, a wireless modem configured to transmit and receive data from time to time when the wireless communicator is connected to an electronic device and to transmit and receive data from time to time when the wireless communicator is not connected to an electronic device, and a controller coupled to the interface and the wireless modem, and an electronic device including an interface configured to enable the electronic device to connect to the wireless communicator interface, a memory storing device information, and a controller configured to provide the device information to the wireless communicator in response to a request from the wireless communicator, wherein the wireless communicator controller is configured to generate a report including at least a portion of the device information and to cause the wireless modem to transmit the report to a recipient.
• There is additionally provided in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention a system for generating and submitting reports about consumer electronics devices, including a consumer electronics device, including a host interface, for connecting a wireless communication card to a consumer electronics device, and a host memory storage unit, for storing technical information and usage information about the consumer electronics device, and a wireless communication card, including a controller, for executing programmed instructions, a communication card memory storage unit coupled with the controller, for storing personal information about an owner of the consumer electronics device, a power subsystem for supplying power to the communication card, a wireless modem coupled with the controller for receiving and transmitting data over the air, and a card interface for connecting the communication card to the consumer electronics device, wherein the controller is programmed to monitor and collect the technical and usage information and the personal information, to open a TCP connection to a server computer and to transmit at least a portion of the technical, usage and personal information to the server computer, via the wireless modem, over a wireless communication network that connects the communication card and the server computer.
• There is further provided in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention a method for generating and submitting reports about consumer electronics devices, including storing technical and usage information about a host consumer electronics device, in a storage unit of the device, storing personal information about an owner of the consumer electronics device, in a storage unit of a wireless communication card, connecting the wireless communication card to the consumer electronics device, collecting, by the communication card, the technical and usage information, when the communication card is connected to the consumer electronics device, automatically opening a TCP connection with a server computer, by the communication card, and automatically transmitting at least a portion of the technical, usage and personal information to the server computer, by the communication card.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• The present invention will be more fully understood and appreciated from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the drawings in which:
• FIG. 1 is a simplified illustration of an exemplary GSM communication network, within which a wireless communication card transmits information about a consumer electronics device to remote sites, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
• FIG. 2 is a simplified illustration of an exemplary CDMA communication network, within which a wireless communication card transmits information about a consumer electronics device to remote sites, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
• FIG. 3 is a simplified illustration of an exemplary WiFi communication network, within which a wireless communication card transmits information about a consumer electronics device to remote sites, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
• FIG. 4 is an illustration of a the wireless communication card ofFIGS. 1-3;
• FIG. 5 is a simplified block diagram for the communication card and host consumer electronics device ofFIGS. 1-3, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
• FIG. 6 is a simplified block diagram of an automated report generation and submission system for a communication card and a jacket, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
• FIG. 7 is a simplified flowchart of a method for automated consumer electronics device reporting for the host CE device ofFIGS. 1-3, using the communication card ofFIGS. 1-3, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
• FIG. 8 is a simplified flow chart of a method for provisioning software and firmware updates to a plurality of CE devices and jackets using the communication card, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and
• FIG. 9 is a simplified block diagram of a web-based data collection system for a communication card and consumer electronics device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
• Aspects of the present invention relate to a communication card that attaches to one or more consumer electronics devices. When attached to an electronics device, the communication card collects information about the device and its usage. The communication card generates reports about the device, and sends the reports to appropriate recipients.
• The communication card of the present invention operates within a variety of wireless communication networks, including inter alia GSM, CDMA and WiFi. These exemplary networks are respectively illustrated inFIGS. 1-3 hereinbelow.
• Reference is now made toFIG. 1, which is a simplified illustration of an exemplaryGSM communication network100, within which awireless communication card105 transmits information about a consumer electronics (CE)device110 to remote sites, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.CE device110 acts as a host forcommunication card105, and may be connected tocommunication card105 using either a physical or a wireless connection.
• Communication network100 is a General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) network. GPRS is a packet-switched service for the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), similar to the Internet. GPRS provides packet radio access for mobile GSM users. GPRS also supports Wireless Application Protocol (WAP) services.
• CE device110 may be any of a wide variety of devices.CE device110 may be an entertainment device, including inter alia a home entertainment center, a play station, a multimedia player, a television, an audio system and a DVD player.CE device110 may be a communication device, including inter alia a telephone, a fax machine and a cell phone.CE device110 may be a piece of office equipment including inter alia an office computer, and printer and a scanner.CE device110 may be a home appliance including inter alia a refrigerator, a microwave oven, a stove, a washing machine, a drying machine, an air conditioner.CE device110 may be a consumer appliance including inter alia a personal computer, a personal data assistant (PDA), an automobile, a treadmill and a camera.
• Details ofcommunication card105 andCE device110 are described hereinbelow with reference toFIGS. 4-7.
• Communication card105 communicates with a base transceiver station (BTS)115 via an over-the-air interface. Base transceiver stations are components ofcommunication network100 that terminate the over-the-air interface, over which subscriber traffic is communicated to and fromcommunication card105.Communication network100 also includes a base station controller (BSC)120. Base station controllers are switching modules that provide handoff functions and power level control in base transceiver stations.
• BSC120 is controlled by a mobile switching center (MSC)125.MSC125 performs functions of a landline network switching node, including search, signal path switching, and processing of supplementary services. When a request is made for connecting to a subscriber in a landline network, the request is forwarded byMSC125 to the landline network over a switching path.
• BSC120 controls the interface betweenMSC125 andBTS115, and, as such, controlsBTS115 in call set-up, signaling, and use of radio channels.BSC120 also controls the interface between a serving GPRS support node (SGSN)130 andBTS115.
• SGSN130services communication card105 by sending or receiving packets via a base station subsystem (BSS), and more specifically viaBSC120, in the context of GSM systems.SGSN130 is responsible for delivery of data packets to and fromcommunication card105, within a service area.SGSN130 also performs packet routing and transfer, mobility management, local link management, authentication and charging functions.
• In order to accommodate a multitude of services, a provider ofcommunication network100 stores various types of data. The provider must know which subscribers are usingcommunication network100, and which services the subscribers use. Subscriber profiles, such as the International Mobile Subscriber Identify Number (IMSI), of GPRS subscribers registered withSGSN130, are stored in a home location registry (HLR)135. The owner ofcommunication card105 is such a GPRS subscriber.
• To determine whether a subscriber is entitled to usecommunication network100, the network provider maintains an authentication center (AUC)135. Generally,AUC135 includes algorithms and subscriber-related encryption keys, which are used for authentication.AUC135 determines, inter alia, whether a subscriber has a valid service contract.
• The provider ofcommunication network100 may optionally maintain an equipment identity registry (EIR)135, which includes details of mobile transceivers permitted on the network. Generally,EIR135 stores a “white list”, a “grey list” and a “black list”. The white list includes mobile phones that function reliably, the grey list includes mobile phones that may be defective, and the black list includes mobile phones which are either faulty or have been reported missing or stolen.
• In order to establish a connection to a subscriber's mobile phone, the network provider must determine where the subscriber is located and whether his mobile phone is turned on. Such information is stored in a visitor location registry (VLR)140.
• While GSM forms the underlying technology,SGSN130 is a network element introduced through GPRS technology. HLR/AUC/EIR135 is also in communication with agateway MSC145, which acts as a gateway to a public-switched telephone network (PSTN)150.
• Another network element introduced in the GPRS context is the gateway GPRS support node (GGSN)155, which acts as a gateway toInternet160 and to anexternal server165, respectively.External server165 may be used by a manufacturer ofCE device110, a seller ofCE device110, a service provider fordevice110, or a combination of the above.
• Reference is now made toFIG. 2, which is a simplified illustration of an exemplary Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA)communication network200, within whichwireless communication card105 transmits information about consumer electronics (CE)device110 to remote sites, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The specific communication network shown inFIG. 2 conforms to the CDMA2000 1X standard.Communication network200 includes several components ofFIG. 1; namely,communication card105,CE device110,base station transceiver115,base station controller120,mobile switching center125, HLR/AUC/EIR135,VLR140,gateway MSC145,PSTN150,Internet160 andexternal server165.
• Incommunication network200,BSC120 is in communication with a packet control function (PCF)205. In turn,PCF205 is in communication with a packet data serving node (PDSN)210, which is part of a packet core network (PCN)215. A packet core network generally includes a succession of interconnected routers, or such other communication nodes, that carry Internet protocol (IP) data traffic.
• PDSN210 provides both mobility management functions, similar toSGSN130, and packet routing functions, similar toGGSN155.PDSN210 serves as a connection point between a radio access network and an IP network, and manages point-to-point sessions between a mobile phone and an IP address.
• PCF205 provides a relay fromPDSN210 to a mobile phone.PCF205 tracks registration expiration, and ensure that sessions are renewed as necessary.PCF205 also controls available radio resources, and buffers data received fromPDSN210 when radio resources are not available.PCF205 also controls dormancy.
• PCN215 also includes a home agent (HA)220. Generally,HA220 manages roaming and handoff of mobile data.HA220 is used for registration of a mobile IP (MIP), and transfer of mobile packet data inPDSN210. Through tunneling,HA220 transfers MIP data from a home network toPDSN210, and fromPDSN210 to the home network through a reverse tunnel.
• PCN215 also includes an authentication, authorization and accounting (AAA)server225. Generally,AAA server225 is responsible for access control.AAA server225 processes user requests for access to computer resources and, for enterprises, provides authentication, authorization and accounting services. Authentication is used to identify subscribers. Authorization is used to manage policies and service profiles that govern which resources and services a subscriber may access, and to manage and distribute security keys. Accounting services track usage of time and data resources, and manage billing.AAA server225 interacts with network access and gateway servers, and with databases and directories containing user information.
• Incommunication network200,MSC125 is in communication with an interworking function (IWF)230. An interworking function provides an interface between wireless data networks and data packet networks such asInternet160 or corporate intranets, and also between wireless data networks and wireline networks such asPSTN150. The interworking function converts and sends data to a data packet network or a wireline network, based on the data type. Generally,IWF230 includes modems or data terminal adapters, or both, to convert data transmitted over a wireless network to a format suitable for recognition and carrying by a public telecommunications network.
• Reference is now made toFIG. 3, which is a simplified illustration of an exemplary IEEE 802.11bWiFi communication network300, within whichwireless communication card105 transmits information about consumer electronics (CE)device110 to remote sites, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.Communication network300 includes several components ofFIGS. 1 and 2; namely,communication card105,CE device110,Internet160 andexternal server165.
• Awireless router305 communicates with amodem310, andmodem310 sends and receives data to and fromInternet165.
• It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that althoughFIGS. 1-3 illustrated operation ofcommunication card105 inGSM network100,CDMA network200 andWiFi network300, the present invention applies to other current and future technologies, including inter alia packet-switched and circuit-switched technologies, and 3G technologies.
• Reference is now made toFIG. 4, which is an illustration ofwireless communication card105, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As shown inFIG. 4,communication card105 includes anoptional input keypad410 and anoptional output display420, on its housing.
• Reference is now made toFIG. 5, which is a simplified block diagram forcommunication card105 andhost CE device110 ofFIGS. 1-3, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As shown inFIG. 5,communication card105 includes five interconnected primary components; namely, acontroller505, astorage unit510, apower subsystem515, abaseband modem520, and apower amplifier525.Controller505 executes programmed instructions to perform the method described inFIG. 7 hereinbelow.Storage unit510 includesinformation530 about the owner ofCE device110, such as information INF-3 listed below in TABLE I. Information INF-3 may include inter alia subscriber identity information forcommunication card105.Power amplifier525 includes a radio frequency (RF)interface535 that has a connecting antenna. Optional components ofcommunication card505 include akeypad540, such askeypad410, adisplay545, such asdisplay420, anaudio subsystem550, and aSIM card555.Communication card105 also includes anexternal interface560, for connectingcommunication card105 toCE host device110.
• CE host device110 includes three interconnected primary components; namely, ahost processor565, acontroller570, and astorage unit575.Storage unit575 includes technical andusage information580 aboutCE device110, such as information INF-1 listed below in TABLE I. Optional components ofCE host device110 include auser interface585, such as the user interface shown inFIG. 4.CE host device110 also includes anexternal interface590 for connectingCE host device110 tocommunication card105.
• In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention,communication card105 andCE host device110 communicate with one another via a pair of mailboxes withincommunication card105. Specifically,controller505 includes two mailboxes, anoutgoing mailbox595 that is written to bymodem520 and read from byCE host device110, and anincoming mailbox596 that is written to byCE host device110 and read from bymodem520.Controller505 initiates an interrupt tocontroller570 whenmodem520 completes a write operation tomailbox595. Such interrupt may be implemented as an SDIO interrupt on an SD bus, or as a dedicated signal. Similarly,controller570 initiates an interrupt tomodem520 whenCE host device110 completes a write operation tomailbox596.
• It will thus be appreciated by those skilled in the art thatmailboxes595 and596 may be used for direct transfer of data betweencommunication card105 andCE host device110. In one embodiment of the present invention, eachmailbox595 and596 includes512 bytes, of which the first two bytes are header bytes that store a message type, and the remaining bytes store the message itself.
• Mailboxes595 and596 may be mapped to an SDIO register map on the base band modem side and on the CE host device side, respectively. Alternatively,mailboxes595 and596 may be mapped to SD memory space. In such case an arbitration algorithm is used to resolve conflicts when bothCE host device110 andcommunication card105 try to access SD storage at the same time.
• Aspects of the present invention also relate to jacket covers forcommunication card105. A “jacket” is a passive device that operates only in combination withcommunication card105. A jacket generally does not have its own processor. A jacket may include one or more of a keypad, display, microphone, speaker, earpiece, headset port and USB port. A jacket is connected to a communication card via dedicated connector having a communication bus. Using the present invention, reports may be automatically generated and submitted about jackets and their usages.
• In this regard reference is now made toFIG. 6, which is a simplified block diagram of an automated report generation and submission system forcommunication card105 and ajacket610, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.Jacket610 includes astorage unit675 that storesjacket information680 and auser interface685.Jacket610 generally does not include its own microprocessor. A dedicated connector690 with a communication bus connectsjacket610 tocommunication card105 whenjacket610 is attached thereto.
• Reference is now made toFIG. 7, which is a simplified flowchart of a method for automated consumer electronics device reporting forhost CE device110, usingcommunication card105, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Atstep705, a manufacturer ofhost CE device110 stores information about the CE device, designated by INF-1, and contact information for a remote recipient, designated by INF-2, in host CE devicelocal storage unit560. Alternatively or additionally, contact information INF-2 may be stored incommunication card105. Generally, contact information INF-2 stored inhost CE device110 relates to a recipient of registration and diagnostic information abouthost CE device110, such as a manufacturer, seller or service provider forhost CE device110. Contact information INF-2 stored incommunication card105 generally relates to a recipient of usage information, such as a cellular operator.
• Atstep710, a user purchaseshost CE device110. Atstep715, the user attachescommunication card105 to hostCE device110. Whencommunication card105 is attached toCE device110,communication card105 collects and monitors real-time information related to operation and usage ofCE device110.Communication card105 stores details about the user, designated by INF-3, in the communication cardlocal storage unit510. In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, INF-3 is stored inSIM555.
• Atstep720,communication card105, wishing to receive CE device information INF-1 and recipient contact information INF-2 fromCE device110, writes an information request tomailbox595. Atstep725controller505 raises an interrupt to hostCE device110. Atstep730host CE device110 reads the request message, and atstep735host CE device110 writes the requested information INF-1 and INF-2 tomailbox596.
• At step740controller570, in turn, raises an interrupt tobaseband modem520, and atstep745communication card105 reads the requested information INF-1 and INF-2.
• Atstep750communication card105 prepares an appropriate report forrecipient165, based on INF-1 and INF-3. Atstep755communication card105 sends the report torecipient165 at the recipient's address as specified in INF-2.
• The report may be sent torecipient165 in the form of an SMS message, an MMS message, a voice message, a GPRS message, or such other message transmitted bycommunication card105. Alternatively or in addition, the report may be transmitted as an e-mail message over an IP or alternate network. The report may be transmitted over a GSM network, as inFIG. 1, over a CDMA network as inFIG. 2, over a WiFi network as inFIG. 3, or via WIMAX communication.
• Steps715-755 ofFIG. 7 are summarized in the following simplified pseudo-code.

• //declarations for variables
  OWNER DETAILS = {NAME, CONTACT_INFO};
  HOST_DETAILS = {HOST_TYPE, MODEL_NUM, SERIAL_NUMBER, MANUFACTURER, RECIPIENT_NUMBER};

  IF (IS_CC_INSERTED) {	//step 715
  CC_MAILBOX_WRITE(“INFO REQUEST”};	//step 720
  INTERRUPT_HOST( );	//step 725
  HOST_MAILBOX_READ_MAILBOX( );	//step 730
  HOST_MAILBOX_WRITE(HOST_DETAILS);	//step 735
  INTERRUPT_CC( );	// step 740
  CC_MAILBOX_READ(HOST_DETAILS);	//step 745
  MESSAGE = PREPARE_MESSAGE(OWNER_DETAILS, HOST_DETAILS);	//step 750
  SEND_TO_RECIPIENT(RECIPIENT_NUMBER, MESSAGE);	// step 755
  }

• TABLE I summarizes exemplary information data that is accessed bycommunication card105 in performing the method ofFIG. 7.

• TABLE I
  Exemplary information accessed bycommunication card 105
  for automated reporting ofCE device 110 or of the card's jacket

  	INF-2: Recipient
  INF-1: CE device information/	contact	INF-3: Owner
  INF-1: Card jacket information	information	information
  Manufacturer	Phone number	ID
  Type of appliance	E-mail	Membership number
  Model Number	IP address	Full name
  Serial Number		Address
  SKU		Phone number
  Date of purchase		Cell phone number
  Point of purchase		E-mail
  Capabilities - screen type		Web site
  Capabilities - screen size		Subscriber
  		information
  Capabilities - user interface
  Usage-related information

• Generally, CE device information, INF-1, is controlled by the manufacturer or seller of the CE device, and is stored in the CE device itself. CE device information, INF-1, may be updated by the manufacturer or seller up to the time when the CE device is sold. In another embodiment of the present invention, some or all of CE device information, INF-1, may be manually entered. Such information may be attached to or printed on the CE device, for reference.
• Generally, owner information, INF-3, is controlled by the user ofCE device110, and is stored incommunication card105. Alternatively, some or all of owner information, INF-3, may be accessible on a network such as the Internet. In such case,communication card105 accesses the owner information from the network, prior to sending the report torecipient165 atstep750. In another embodiment of the present invention, some or all of owner information, INF-3, may be manually entered.
• The usage-related information listed in TABLE I may include a variety of present and past usage information. Such usage-related information includes inter alia,
• • communication card insertion time;
  • communication card extraction time;
  • battery status of the CE device;
  • battery status of the communication card;
  • memory status of the CE device;
  • memory status of the communication card;
  • geographical movement of the CE device;
  • mode of the CE device (e.g., silent, flight mode, meeting mode)
  • accessories connected to the CE device (e.g., earphones, speaker, charger);
  • accessories connected to the communication card (e.g., PC);
  • software installed on the CE device (e.g., drivers, operating system, applications, codecs);
  • software and firmware version of the CE device;
  • file types in memory of the CE device (e.g., audio, video, documents); and
  • file types in memory of the communication card.
• For purposes of illustration, the following is an exemplary simplified report that is submitted bycommunication card105 torecipient165 atstep755.

• 	Device Details
  	Type: Digital Camera
  	Manufacturer: Olympus
  	Model: C-765
  	SKU: 12345-ABCDE
  	Additional Information (report specific)
  	Owner Details
  	Name: Jack Times
  	Phone: 123-456-7890
  	Cell Phone: 987-654-3210
  	E-mail: Jack.Times@mailserver.com

• Reportingstep755 may be performed either whilecommunication card105 is connected toCE device110, or whilecommunication card105 is disconnected fromCE device110, or both. Whencommunication card105 is connected toCE device110, automated reporting may be event driven. Events that may initiative the reporting include inter alia
• • Attachment of the communication card to the CE device
  • Detachment of the communication card from the CE device
  • Performing a device-specific function, e.g., begin listening to a song on an audio player
  • CE device is turned on
  • CE device is turned off
  • CE device is connected to the communication card for the first time
• Communication card105 may generate and save a usage history log in communication card'sstorage510 or CE device'sstorage560.Communication card105 may generate and save a history log for a plurality of CE devices. Information from the history log can be sent periodically to the recipient, such as daily or weekly.
• Reportingstep755 may be performed in real-time, or at a later time via a PC or via GPRS.
• Reportingstep755 may be initiated by the user ofCE device110. For example, the user may initiate generating a report and submitting the report to a service provider, ifCE device110 is malfunctioning.
• Reportingstep755 may be initiated by software or firmware running onCE device110 or oncommunication card105. Such software or firmware initiated reporting may occur as a one-time event, or as a recurring event.
• Reportingstep755 may be initiated remotely over a network. For example,recipient165 may initiate generating a report and submitting it to the recipient.
• Alternatively or in addition tostep755,communication card105 may open a voice channel for the user ofCE device110 and the recipient to speak with one another, or to leave voice messages for one another. Thus, whencommunication card105 is attached toCE device110 for the first time, the user ofCE device110 and the recipient may be connected via a voice channel. The recipient may thereby introduce the user to operation ofCE device110, assist the user in configuringCE device110, and offer the user of CE device110 a tutorial. In addition, incoming voice messages may be saved in a voice mailbox withincommunication card105.
• As described hereinabove,communication card105 may have one ormore jackets610. In an embodiment of the present invention,distinct jackets610 ofcommunication card105 have distinct identification codes. The identification code of ajacket610 may include some or all of information, INF-1. In this embodiment, the jacket identification code may be reported to the recipient atstep755.
• In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, reportingstep755 may advantageously use a user-agent header, which prefaces transmissions fromcommunication card105. User-agent headers are text strings that are transmitted by a device, such ascommunication card105, via an HTTP header, to identify the device that is sending data. User-agent headers generally include a wireless device model and manufacturer. User-agent headers may also include additional information such as the device's operation system version, browser version and Java capabilities. Examples of user-agent headers are:
Nokia 6230
• User-Agent: Nokia6230/2.0 (03.14) Profile/MIDP-2.0 Configuration/CLDC-1.1
Sony Ericsson Z1010
• User-Agent: SonyEricssonZ1010/R1A SEMC-Browser/4.0
Modu
• User-Agent: Modu-A1.0/SKY Browser 1.1/Music
• In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, user-agent headers are modified according to capabilities ofCE device110, so thatrecipient165 may identify content and services thatCE device110 supports. User-agent headers are also modified according to properties of the communication card's jacket, so thatrecipient165 may identify the card's jacket. The user-agent headers are modified in the HTTP header upon connection ofcommunication card105 andCE device110, or upon attachment ofcommunication card105 to its jacket.
• Communication card105 also uses a user-agent profile (UAProf). Specifically,communication card105 sends a universal resource identifier (URI) with a link to its UAProf, within an HTTP header or a Web Service Provider (WSP) header. The UAProf resides on the manufacturer's web site—either the manufacturer ofcommunication card105 or the manufacturer ofCE device110 or the manufacturer of a jacket. The UAProf is maintained by the manufacturer, and is unique per card/CE device combination and per card/jacket combination and per software version. The URI is updated when a UAProf parameter value is changed.
• The system and method of the present invention illustrated inFIGS. 1-7 may be used advantageously in many application areas where automated reporting is useful, including inter alia:
• • medical reports;
  • police reports;
  • insurance reports;
  • driver and automobile safety reports;
  • taxi cab reports;
  • credit card reports;
  • ATM card reports;
  • registration of CE devices;
  • diagnostics and maintenance;
  • software/firmware updates;
  • warranties and guarantees;
  • access control security;
  • offer of services;
  • time-stamping;
  • advertising;
  • market segmentation;
  • understanding user behavior; and
  • networking.
• Embodiments of the present invention are advantageous for updating software and firmware. The generated report may include identifiers of versions of software and firmware for an enhanced function device, in response to which appropriate updated versions are remotely accessed.
• In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention,communication card105 maintains a history log of the various CE devices and jackets it was attached to. The history log includes the CE devices' current installed software and firmware versions. According to an embodiment of the present invention, settings that were last defined or modified for the CE devices are also stored in the history log. Whencommunication card105 reports its history log, appropriate software/firmware updates are made accessible forcommunication card105 to download. After downloading the updates, whencommunication card105 is subsequently attached to one of the CE devices and jackets in its history log, the software/firmware in these CE devices and jackets is updated as appropriate. The updated software/firmware may be installed automatically whencommunication card105 is attached to a CE device, or may be prompted manually by a user.
• According to an embodiment of the present invention, the settings for the CE devices are restored on the CE devices from the history log incommunication card105, whencommunication card105 is subsequently pouched with any of the CE devices.
• Reference is now made toFIG. 8, which is a simplified flow chart of a method for provisioning software and firmware updates to a plurality of CE devices and jackets usingcommunication card105, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Atstep810communication card105 is pouched in a plurality of CE devices and jackets over time. Atstep820communication card105 collects information relating to the plurality CE devices and jackets over time, the collected information including versions of installed software/firmware and last defined or modified settings for the CE devices and jackets.
• Atstep830communication card105 maintains a history log of the collected information. Atstep840,communication card105 is connected to a PC, and the PC reports the history log to one or more remote update servers. Atstep850 the remote update servers transmit new versions of software/firmware tocommunication card105, as appropriate for the plurality of CE devices and jackets. Atstep860, upon subsequent attaching ofcommunication card105 to any of the CE devices and jackets, the updated versions of software/firmware are installed on the CE device or jacket.
• In another embodiment of the present invention, instead of or in addition to generating reports,communication card105 sends usage data it collects to a server computer. In this regard, reference is now made toFIG. 9, which is a simplified block diagram of a web-based data collection system for a communication card and consumer electronics device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As shown inFIG. 9,communication card105 opens a TCP connection and sends usage data to aserver computer900. Server information, forserver computer900 including inter alia a server URL, which may be a server IP address, a server domain name, or such other locator, is generally stored incommunication card105. The usage data may be sent within an HTTP request toserver computer900. The usage data may include inter alia
• • Card is charging;
  • Card is attached to/detached from a jacket & type of jacket;
  • Card is connected to a Bluetooth device, D;
  • Owner is in a meeting (based on owner calendar);
  • GPS location;
  • Owner is dialing a phone number, PN;
  • Owner is on a call with PN;
  • Owner has finished call with PN;
  • Owner is listening to a song, S; and
  • Jacket activities:
    • Owner is running;
    • Owner's pulse;
    • Pedometer;
    • Accelerometer;
    • Pictures;
    • Music;
    • Phone color;
    • Solar panel is charging.
• In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the usage data reporting functionality ofcommunicator card105 can be configured by the owner to report all usage data, a designated portion of usage data, or not to report any usage data. Additionally, usage data reporting functionality can be paused for a set time. Usage data reporting can also be locked by parents.Communicator card105 has an indicator indicating to the owner when his information is being collected and transmitted toserver computer900.
• Also shown inFIG. 9 is an application programming interface (API), enabling application developers to register and receive live usage data. An example application is a Facebook® module that enables Facebook users to perform various tasks based on usage data received fromcommunicator card105. Such tasks include inter alia:
• • Change a user Facebook status based on user activity and location;
  • Allow the user to define position coordinates for home, school, soccer, and other such places, and automatically change the user's Facebook status based on location; and
  • Review daily logs of activities and data collected about them or their children.
    Communicator card105 is able to selectively receive friends' status, via SMS or web-pulling, and display the status in a contact list and/or in a main screen.
• In the foregoing specification, the invention has been described with reference to specific exemplary embodiments thereof. It will, however, be evident that various modifications and changes may be made to the specific exemplary embodiments without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims. Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense.
• The word “denoted” is used in the claims to indicate a name for specific information, but it will be understood that the name is not required by the claims to be explicitly used in any use or practice of the invention. For example, technical and usage information about a consumer electronics device is not required to be called “INF-1” when practicing the invention, and hence such information may have other names associated therewith, or no names associated therewith, and yet still be covered by the claims when the invention is practiced.

Claims (75)

1. A system for generating and submitting reports about consumer electronics devices, comprising:

a consumer electronics device, comprising:

a host interface, for connecting a wireless communication card to a consumer electronics device; and

a host memory storage unit, for storing technical information and usage information about the consumer electronics device, denoted INF-1; and

a wireless communication card, comprising:

a controller, for executing programmed instructions;

a power subsystem for supplying power to the communication card;

a wireless modem coupled with said controller for receiving and transmitting data over the air; and

a card interface for connecting the communication card to said consumer electronics device,

wherein said controller is programmed to collect information INF-1, to generate a report including at least a portion of information INF-1, to collect recipient address information, denoted INF-2, and to submit the report to a recipient address as per information INF-2, via said wireless modem, over a wireless communication network that connects said communication card and the recipient.

2. The system ofclaim 1 wherein information INF-2 is stored in said host memory storage unit.

3. The system ofclaim 1 wherein said wireless communication card further comprises a memory storage unit coupled with said controller, and wherein information INF-2 is stored in said communication card memory storage unit.

4. The system ofclaim 1 wherein said wireless communication card further comprises a memory storage unit coupled with said controller, for storing personal information about an owner of said consumer electronics device, denoted INF-3, wherein said controller is programmed to also collect information INF-3, and wherein the report generated by said controller also includes at least a portion of information INF-3.

5. The system ofclaim 4 wherein information INF-3 includes at least a portion of subscriber identity information for said communication card.

6. The system ofclaim 5 wherein said communication card memory storage unit comprises a SIM card.

7. The system ofclaim 1 wherein the wireless communication network is any one of packet-switched cellular network, a circuit-switched network, a Wi-Fi network, and a WiMAX network.

8. The system ofclaim 1 wherein said communication card is connected physically to said consumer electronics device.

9. The system ofclaim 1 wherein said communication card is connected wirelessly to said consumer electronics device.

10. The system ofclaim 1 wherein the report submitted by said controller includes a user-agent header for said communication card, and wherein said controller alters the user-agent header in accordance with capabilities of said consumer electronics device.

11. The system ofclaim 1 wherein said controller submits the report to the recipient as any one of an SMS message, an MMS message, an e-mail message and a voice message.

12. The system ofclaim 1 wherein said controller is also programmed to open a voice channel, thereby enabling the owner of said consumer electronics device and the recipient to speak with one another.

13. The system ofclaim 1 wherein said wireless communication card further comprises an audio player, and wherein said controller is also programmed to receive a voice message from the recipient, to store the voice message in said communication card memory storage unit, and to play the stored voice message to the owner of said consumer electronics device via said audio player.

14. A method for generating and submitting reports about consumer electronics devices, comprising:

storing technical and usage information about a host consumer electronics device, denoted INF-1, in a storage unit of the device;

connecting a wireless communication card to the consumer electronics device;

collecting, by the communication card, information INF-1, and recipient address information, denoted INF-2, when the communication card is connected to the consumer electronics device;

generating a report about the consumer electronics device, the report including at least a portion of information INF-1; and

submitting the report to a recipient address as per information INF-2, by the communication card, over a wireless communication network that connects the communication card and the recipient.

15. The method ofclaim 14 wherein information INF-2 is stored in the storage unit of the consumer electronics device.

16. The method ofclaim 14 wherein information INF-2 is stored in a storage unit of the communication card.

17. The method ofclaim 14 further comprising storing personal information about an owner of the consumer electronics device, denoted INF-3, in a storage unit of a wireless communication card, and wherein the report generated by said generating also includes at least a portion of information INF-3.

18. The system ofclaim 17 wherein information INF-3 includes at least a portion of subscriber identity information for the communication card.

19. The method ofclaim 14 wherein said submitting the report is initiated by the owner of the consumer electronics device.

20. The method ofclaim 14 wherein said submitting the report is initiated by the recipient computer.

21. The method ofclaim 14 wherein said submitting the report is initiated by occurrence of a pre-designated event.

22. The method ofclaim 21 wherein the pre-designated event is turning on of the consumer electronics device.

23. The method ofclaim 21 wherein the pre-designated event is turning off of the consumer electronics device.

24. The method ofclaim 21 wherein the pre-designated event is connection of the communication card to the consumer electronics device.

25. The method ofclaim 21 wherein the pre-designated event is disconnection of the communication card from the consumer electronics device.

26. The method ofclaim 21 wherein the pre-designated event is initial connection of the communication card to the consumer electronics device.

27. The method ofclaim 21 wherein the pre-designated event is performance of a device-specific function.

28. The method ofclaim 14 wherein the report comprises a user-agent header for the communication card, and wherein said generating comprises altering the user-agent header in accordance with capabilities of the consumer electronics device.

29. The method ofclaim 14 wherein said submitting submits the report to the recipient as any one of an SMS message, an MMS message, an e-mail message and a voice message.

30. The method ofclaim 14 further comprising opening a voice channel, thereby enabling the owner of the consumer electronics device and the recipient to speak with one another.

31. The method ofclaim 14 further comprising

receiving a voice message from the recipient;

storing the voice message in the storage unit of the wireless communication card; and

playing the stored voice message to the owner of the consumer electronics device.

32. A system for generating and submitting reports about consumer electronics devices, comprising:

a consumer electronics device, comprising:

a host interface, for connecting a wireless communication card to a consumer electronics device; and

a host memory storage unit, for storing technical information and usage information about the consumer electronics device, denote INF-1; and

a wireless communication card, comprising:

a controller, for executing programmed instructions;

a power subsystem for supplying power to the communication card;

a wireless modem coupled with said controller for receiving and transmitting data over the air; and

a card interface for connecting the communication card to said consumer electronics device,

wherein said controller is programmed to collect information INF-1, to retrieve personal information about an owner of said consumer electronics device, denoted INF-3, from a network computer, to generate a report including at least a portion of information INF-1 and INF-3, to collect recipient address information, denoted INF-2, and to submit the report to a recipient address as per information INF-2, via said wireless modem, over a wireless communication network that connects said communication card, the network computer, and the recipient.

33. The system ofclaim 32 wherein information INF-2 is stored in said host storage memory unit.

34. The system ofclaim 32 wherein said wireless communication card further comprises a memory storage unit coupled with said controller, wherein information INF-2 is stored in said communication card memory storage unit.

35. The system ofclaim 32 wherein information INF-3 includes at least a portion of subscriber identity information for said communication card.

36. A method for generating and submitting reports about consumer electronics devices, comprising:

storing technical and usage information about a host consumer electronics device, denoted INF-1, in a storage unit of the device;

connecting a wireless communication card to the consumer electronics device;

collecting, by the communication card, information INF-1, and recipient address information, denoted INF-2, when the communication card is connected to the consumer electronics device;

retrieving, by the communication card, personal information about an owner of the consumer electronics device, denoted INF-3, from a network computer;

generating a report about the consumer electronics device, the report including at least a portion of information INF-1 and INF-3; and

submitting the report to a recipient address as per information INF-2, by the communication card, over a wireless communication network that connects the communication card, the network computer, and the recipient.

37. The method ofclaim 36 wherein information INF-2 is stored in the storage unit of the consumer electronics device.

38. The method ofclaim 36 wherein information INF-2 is stored in a storage unit of the communication card.

39. The method ofclaim 36 wherein information INF-3 includes at least a portion of subscriber identity information for the communication card.

40. A system for generating and submitting reports about electronics devices, comprising:

a wireless communication card, comprising:

a controller, for executing programmed instructions;

a power subsystem for supplying power to the communication card; and

a wireless modem coupled with said controller for receiving and transmitting data over the air;

an electronics jacket that attaches as a cover over said communication card, comprising:

a user interface for said communication card; and

a jacket memory storage unit, for storing usage information about said communication card, denoted INF-1; and

a connector for connecting said jacket to said communication card, comprising a communication bus,

wherein said controller is programmed to collect information INF-1, to generate a report including at least a portion of information INF-1, to collect recipient address information, denoted INF-2, and to submit the report to a recipient address as per information INF-2, via said wireless modem, over a wireless communication network that connects said communication card and the recipient.

41. The system ofclaim 40 wherein information INF-2 is stored in said jacket memory storage unit.

42. The system ofclaim 40 wherein said wireless communication card further comprises a memory storage unit coupled with said controller, and wherein information INF-2 is stored in said communication card memory storage unit.

43. The system ofclaim 40 wherein said wireless communication card further comprises a memory storage unit coupled with said controller, for storing personal information about an owner of the communication card, denoted INF-3, wherein said controller is programmed to also collect information INF-3, and wherein the report generated by said controller also includes at least a portion of information INF-3.

44. The system ofclaim 43 wherein information INF-3 includes at least a portion of subscriber identity information for said communication card.

45. The system ofclaim 43 wherein said communication card memory storage unit comprises a SIM card.

46. The system ofclaim 40 wherein said communication card further comprises a media player coupled with said controller.

47. The system ofclaim 46 wherein said jacket further comprises at least one of component of the group consisting of speakers, an earpiece, a headset, a display and a keypad.

48. The system ofclaim 40 wherein the recipient is a distributor of said jacket.

49. A wireless communicator, comprising:

an interface configured to enable the wireless communicator to connect to an electronic device and to enable data to be transferred between the wireless communicator and the electronic device, the electronic device having device information;

a wireless modem configured to transmit and receive data from time to time when the wireless communicator is connected to the electronic device and from time to time when the wireless communicator is not connected to the electronic device;

a memory storing personal information about a user of the wireless communicator; and

a controller coupled with said interface, said wireless modem and said memory, the controller configured to receive the device information from the electronic device when the electronic device is connected to the wireless communicator, to generate a report including at least a portion of the personal information and at least a portion of the device information, and to cause said wireless modem to transmit the report to a recipient.

50. The wireless communicator ofclaim 49 wherein the electronic device has usage information, and said controller is further configured to receive the usage information from the electronic device when the electronic device is connected to the wireless communicator, to generate a report including at least a portion of the personal information, at least a portion of the device information, and at least a portion of the usage information, and to cause said wireless modem to transmit the report to the recipient.

51. The wireless communicator ofclaim 49 wherein said wireless modem transmits the report in at least one of a short message service (SMS) message, an e-mail message and a multimedia message.

52. The wireless communicator ofclaim 49 wherein said wireless modem transmits the report in a voice message.

53. The wireless communicator ofclaim 49 wherein said wireless modem transmits the report in dial tone signals.

54. A wireless communicator comprising:

an interface configured to enable the wireless communicator to connect to a plurality of different electronic devices and to enable data to be transferred between the wireless communicator and the plurality of different electronic devices, wherein each of the plurality of different electronic devices has device information;

a wireless modem configured to transmit and receive data from time to time when the wireless communicator is connected to one of the plurality of different electronic devices and from time to time when the wireless communicator is not connected to any of the plurality of different electronic devices;

a memory storing personal information about a user of the wireless communicator; and

a controller coupled to said interface, said wireless modem and said memory, the controller configured to receive device information from an electronic device connected to the wireless communicator, to generate a report including at least a portion of the personal information and at least a portion of the device information from the electronic device connected to the wireless communicator, and to cause said wireless modem to transmit the report to a recipient.

55. The wireless communicator ofclaim 54 wherein each of the plurality of different electronic devices has usage information, and said controller is further configured to receive usage information from an electronic device connected to the wireless communicator, to generate a report including at least a portion of the personal information, at least a portion of the device information from the electronic device connected to the wireless communicator, and at least a portion of the usage information from the electronic device connected to the wireless communicator, and to cause said wireless modem to transmit the report to the recipient.

56. The wireless communicator ofclaim 54 wherein said wireless modem transmits the report in at least one of a short message service (SMS) message, an e-mail message and a multimedia message.

57. The wireless communicator ofclaim 54 wherein said wireless modem transmits the report in a voice message.

58. The wireless communicator ofclaim 54 wherein said wireless modem transmits the report in dial tone signals.

59. The wireless communicator ofclaim 54 wherein said controller is further configured to maintain a history log that stores device information from each of the plurality of different electronic devices that the wireless communicator has connected to.

60. An electronic device, comprising:

an interface configured to enable the electronic device to connect to a wireless communicator and to enable data to be transferred between the wireless communicator and the electronic device;

a memory storing device information; and

a controller coupled to said interface and said memory, the controller configured to send at least a portion of the device information to the wireless communicator via said interface, for transmission to a recipient.

61. The electronic device ofclaim 60 wherein said memory also stores contact information for the recipient, and wherein said controller is further configured to send the contact information to the wireless communicator via said interface.

62. The electronic device ofclaim 60 wherein said controller is further configured to collect usage information and send the usage information to the wireless communicator via said interface.

63. A system, comprising:

a wireless communicator, comprising:

an interface configured to enable the wireless communicator to connect to an electronic device and to enable data to be transferred between the wireless communicator and the electronic device;

a wireless modem configured to transmit and receive data from time to time when the wireless communicator is connected to an electronic device and to transmit and receive data from time to time when the wireless communicator is not connected to an electronic device, and

a controller coupled to said interface and said wireless modem; and

an electronic device comprising:

an interface configured to enable the electronic device to connect to said wireless communicator interface;

a memory storing device information; and

a controller configured to provide the device information to said wireless communicator in response to a request from said wireless communicator,

wherein said wireless communicator controller is configured to generate a report including at least a portion of the device information and to cause said wireless modem to transmit the report to a recipient.

64. The system ofclaim 63 wherein said electronic device controller is further configured to collect usage information of said electronic device and to send the usage information to said wireless communicator when said wireless communicator is connected to said electronic device, and wherein said wireless communicator controller is further configured to include the usage information in the report.

65. The system ofclaim 63 wherein said wireless communicator further comprises a memory storing personal information of a user of said wireless communicator, and wherein said wireless communicator controller is further configured to include the personal information in the report.

66. The system ofclaim 63 wherein said wireless modem transmits the report in at least one of a short message service (SMS) message, an e-mail message and a multimedia message.

67. The system ofclaim 63 wherein said wireless modem transmits the report in a voice message.

68. The system ofclaim 63 wherein said wireless modem transmits the report in dial tone signals.

69. The system ofclaim 63 wherein said wireless communicator controller is configured to cause said wireless modem to transmit the report when said wireless communicator is connected to said electronic device.

70. The system ofclaim 63 wherein said wireless communicator controller is configured to cause said wireless modem to transmit the report when said wireless communicator is not connected to said electronic device.

71. A system for generating and submitting reports about consumer electronics devices, comprising:

a consumer electronics device, comprising:

a host interface, for connecting a wireless communication card to a consumer electronics device; and

a host memory storage unit, for storing technical information and usage information about the consumer electronics device; and

a wireless communication card, comprising:

a controller, for executing programmed instructions;

a communication card memory storage unit coupled with said controller, for storing personal information about an owner of said consumer electronics device;

a power subsystem for supplying power to the communication card;

a wireless modem coupled with said controller for receiving and transmitting data over the air; and

a card interface for connecting the communication card to said consumer electronics device,

wherein said controller is programmed to monitor and collect the technical and usage information and the personal information, to open a TCP connection to a server computer and to transmit at least a portion of the technical, usage and personal information to the server computer, via said wireless modem, over a wireless communication network that connects said communication card and the server computer.

72. A method for generating and submitting reports about consumer electronics devices, comprising:

storing technical and usage information about a host consumer electronics device, in a storage unit of the device;

storing personal information about an owner of the consumer electronics device, in a storage unit of a wireless communication card;

connecting the wireless communication card to the consumer electronics device;

collecting, by the communication card, the technical and usage information, when the communication card is connected to the consumer electronics device;

automatically opening a TCP connection with a server computer, by the communication card; and

automatically transmitting at least a portion of the technical, usage and personal information to the server computer, by the communication card.

73. The method ofclaim 72 wherein said automatically transmitting comprises sending the at least a portion of the technical, usage and personal information within an HTTP request.

74. The method ofclaim 72 wherein the server computer includes a database of remote recipients corresponding to respective consumer electronics devices, the method further comprising automatically transmitting, by the server computer, the at least a portion of the technical, usage and personal information to at least one remote recipient corresponding to the host consumer electronic device.

75. The method ofclaim 72 further comprising enabling at least one remote recipient to access at least a portion of the technical, usage and personal information on a web site in communication with the server computer.

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