COMMUNICATION DEVICE AND METHOD FOR COMMUNICATION WITH ANOTHER COMMUNICATION DEVICE VIA A WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORK

Abstract

Communication device (100) for communication with another communication device (101) via a wireless communication network (103), with: a power supply interface (105) which can be connected to a power source (107) to supply the communication device (100) with stationary electrical energy; a detector (109) configured to detect the connection of the power supply interface (105) with the power source (107), wherein the detector (109) is configured to output a detection signal when a connection of the power supply interface (105) with the power source (107) is detected; and a communication interface (111) which is configured to receive a communication request signal from the further communication device (101) via the wireless communication network (103); wherein the communication interface (111) is designed to send a communication response signal to the further communication device (101) only when the detection signal is present, in response to the receipt of the communication request signal.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of secure communication between communication devices via a wireless communication network.

[0002] The published patent application WO 2005 / 053289 A1 describes a so-called "pairing" process between a mobile phone and an accessory. The accessory could be, for example, a headset.

[0003] To transfer data, mobile communication devices such as smartwatches often require a wireless communication connection to an external device such as a computer, smartphone, or tablet PC. Since the data to be transferred is usually only intended to be transmitted to a known and trusted device, mutual authentication is required for this communication connection. In Bluetooth communication connections, this mutual authentication between the communication device and the external device is called "pairing."

[0004] To prevent unwanted interference with the communication device, it must be ensured that pairing occurs only with a trusted external device at all times. At the same time, however, the user of the communication device should be able to connect the communication device to additional external devices if necessary. Typically, the desired security is achieved by displaying the pairing request on the communication device, for example, on a device display, or by user interaction with the communication device, for example, by entering a PIN or activating a control element.

[0005] However, mutual authentication without these interaction options on one of the communication devices is difficult without restrictions on the usability of the communication device and / or the security of the communication connection.

[0006] It is therefore the object of the present invention to create an efficient and secure concept for communication between one communication device and another communication device via a wireless communication network.

[0007] This object is achieved by subject matter having the features according to the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the figures, the description, and the dependent claims.

[0008] According to a first aspect, the invention relates to a communication device for communicating with another communication device via a wireless communication network, comprising a power supply interface which can be connected to a power source in order to supply the communication device with stationary electrical energy, a detector which is designed to detect the connection of the power supply interface to the power source, wherein the detector is designed to output a detection signal upon detection of the connection of the power supply interface to the power source.a communication interface configured to receive a communication request signal from the further communication device via the wireless communication network, wherein the communication interface is configured, in response to receiving the communication request signal, to transmit a communication response signal to the further communication device only if the detection signal is present. This provides the advantage that unintentional transmission of the communication response signal can be efficiently prevented. By connecting the energy source, a user can confirm or initialize the transmission of the communication response signal, for example, to establish a communication connection between the communication device and the further communication device, and thus authenticate the establishment of the communication connection.The communication connection cannot therefore be established unnoticed by the user, for example while the user is carrying or using the communication device.

[0009] The detector can be part of a processor or microprocessor of the communication device. The detector can be communicatively connected to the communication interface and the power supply interface, for example, to detect the connection of the power source to the power supply interface and / or to transmit the detection signal to the communication interface.

[0010] The additional communication device can be a computer, a laptop, a tablet PC, or a mobile phone, in particular a smartphone. A program or app can be installed on the additional communication device, which prompts a user to connect the power source to the supply interface of the communication device to establish a communication connection between the communication device and the additional communication device.

[0011] The energy source can supply the communication device with a voltage or current, in particular a charging current. The energy source can be a power supply that converts currents and / or voltages from a power grid, for example, a 230 V power grid, into the voltages and / or currents required by the communication device. The energy source can also be a charger or another communication device, for example, a computer or laptop.

[0012] The wireless communication network can be a Bluetooth communication network, an NFC communication network, or a WLAN communication network. The wireless communication network can also be a telecommunications network, in particular a mobile radio network. The telecommunications network can be a Next Generation Mobile Network (NGMN).

[0013] According to one embodiment, the communication device comprises an energy storage device for supplying the communication interface with electrical energy, wherein the communication interface is configured to transmit the communication response signal, regardless of the charge state of the energy storage device, only when the detection signal is present. This provides the advantage of enabling mobile use of the communication device while simultaneously ensuring that the communication response signal can only be transmitted when a user of the mobile communication device connects it to the energy source for charging the energy storage device. The energy storage device can be a rechargeable battery.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the detector is configured to monitor a charging current of the energy storage device and to detect the connection of the energy supply interface to the energy source when the charging current is present. This provides the advantage that the connection of the energy supply interface to the energy source can be efficiently monitored.

[0015] The charging current can also be a maintenance charging current, which flows from the energy source into the energy storage device when the energy storage device is fully charged, so that the connection of the energy supply interface to the energy source can be efficiently detected even when the energy storage device is fully charged.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the communication interface is a wireless communication interface, in particular a Bluetooth communication interface, an NFC communication interface, or a WLAN communication interface. The Bluetooth communication interface can be designed according to a Bluetooth standard such as Bluetooth v4.0 or "Bluetooth Low Energy," Bluetooth v4.1, Bluetooth v4.2, or an older Bluetooth standard.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the communication request signal comprises a connection request for establishing a communication connection between the communication device and the further communication device, wherein the communication interface is configured to initiate the communication connection by transmitting the communication response signal. This provides the advantage that a communication connection between the communication device and the further communication device can be efficiently initiated by transmitting the communication response signal.

[0018] If the communication connection is a Bluetooth communication connection, the exchange of the communication request signal and the communication response signal can correspond to a pairing of the communication devices. The communication connection subsequently established between the communication devices can correspond to a bonding between the communication devices.

[0019] The communication interface can be designed to enter a pairing mode when the detection signal is present, wherein the communication interface is designed to transmit the communication response signal in response to receiving the communication request signal and to establish the communication connection in the pairing mode.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the communication interface is configured to terminate the communication connection with the additional communication device after a preset time interval has elapsed. This provides the advantage that the duration of the communication connection can be limited in time and the communication device can be efficiently protected from unwanted interference.

[0021] The time interval can have a duration of, for example, 5 seconds, 10 seconds, 20 seconds, 30 seconds, 1 minute, or 5 minutes. The duration of the time interval can be set as a factory default during the manufacture of the communication device. Furthermore, the duration of the time interval can be set by a user via the additional communication device, for example, using an app or a computer program, while a communication connection with the communication device is established.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the detector is configured to detect an interruption in the connection between the power supply interface and the power source. Upon detecting an interruption in the connection between the power supply interface and the power source, the detector is configured to trigger the communication interface to terminate the communication connection. This provides the advantage that the communication device can be efficiently protected from unwanted interference by the communication device upon interruption of the connection between the power supply interface and the power source.

[0023] The detector can be configured to output an interruption signal upon detecting an interruption in the connection between the power supply interface and the power source. The communication interface can be configured to terminate the communication connection upon the presence of the interruption signal.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the power supply interface comprises an electrical connector, in particular a USB connector, for connecting an electrical line arrangement, wherein the electrical line arrangement electrically connects the power supply interface to the power source. This provides the advantage that an efficient connection can be established between the power supply interface and the power source for supplying power to the communication device.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the communication request signal comprises an identity of the further communication device, in particular a device ID of the further communication device, wherein the communication device comprises a processor configured to detect the identity of the further communication device based on the communication request signal. This provides the advantage that the further communication device can be efficiently identified by the communication device.

[0026] The processor and the detector can be the same. The processor can be communicatively connected to the communication interface and / or the power supply interface.

[0027] The communication request signal may further include a device name, a device class, a list of services of the further communication device or technical information such as device properties, manufacturer, Bluetooth specifications or a clock offset of the further communication device.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the communication device comprises a memory, wherein the processor is designed to store the identity of the further communication device in the memory when the detection signal is present.

[0029] The processor may further be configured to store a characteristic of the communication connection, in particular a cryptographic key or PIN code shared between the communication device and the further communication device, in the memory.

[0030] According to one embodiment, the processor is configured to compare the identity of the additional communication device with the identities stored in the memory each time a communication request signal is received from another communication device. The processor is configured to control the communication interface to transmit the communication response signal if the identity of the additional communication device and an identity stored in the memory are identical. This provides the advantage of efficiently detecting whether the communication device has already established a communication connection with the additional communication device at an earlier point in time.

[0031] The processor can be configured to output a control signal if the identity of the further communication device and an identity stored in the memory are identical. The communication interface can be configured to transmit the communication response signal when the control signal is present and to initiate the communication connection.

[0032] This allows the communication device to initiate a communication connection with an already known and secure additional communication device, even in mobile operation where the power source is not connected to the power supply interface. Furthermore, this method can ensure that an unintentional transmission of the communication response signal to an as yet unknown additional communication device and an unnoticed or unintentional establishment of the communication connection with the unknown additional communication device can be effectively prevented. The unknown additional communication device can be another communication device that has not previously established a communication connection with the communication device.

[0033] According to one embodiment, the communication device is a wearable communication device, in particular a smartwatch, a smartphone, or a fitness bracelet or chest strap. The communication device can be a so-called "wearable device," which is worn by a user on their clothing or on the surface of their body. The communication device can also be a mobile communication device such as a mobile phone, a laptop, or a tablet PC.

[0034] According to one embodiment, the communication device comprises a display, in particular a display or a touch display, wherein the display is configured to indicate a state of the communication device. This provides the advantage that a user can be efficiently informed about the state of the communication device, for example, the establishment or termination of the communication connection with the other communication device.

[0035] According to one embodiment, the communication interface is configured to transmit a communication readiness signal at continuous time intervals, wherein the communication readiness signal comprises an identity of the communication device, in particular a device ID of the communication device. The further communication request signal can further comprise a device name or a device class of the communication device. This provides the advantage that another communication device can be efficiently informed of the communication device's readiness for communication.

[0036] The further communication device can be configured to transmit the communication request signal to the communication device in response to receiving the communication readiness signal from the communication device. Furthermore, the further communication device can be configured to prompt a user to connect the power source to the power supply interface of the communication device in response to receiving the communication readiness signal from the communication device, for example, by means of a text or image message on a display of the further communication device.

[0037] According to a second aspect, the invention relates to a method for communication of a communication device with another communication device via a wireless communication network, comprising connecting a power supply interface of the communication device to a power source in order to supply the communication device with stationary electrical energy, detecting a connection of the power supply interface to the power source, outputting a detection signal upon detection of the connection of the power supply interface to the power source, receiving a communication request signal from the further communication device via the wireless communication network, and transmitting a communication response signal to the further communication device in response to receiving the communication request signal if the detection signal is present.This has the advantage that unwanted transmission of the communication response signal can be efficiently avoided.

[0038] The invention can be implemented in software and / or hardware.

[0039] Further embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 a schematic representation of a communication device; Fig. 2 a schematic representation of a communication device; Fig. 3 is a flowchart of a method for communication of a communication device with another communication device; and Fig. 4a-b schematic representations of the communication between a communication device and other communication devices.

[0040] In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. It is understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural or logical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. The following detailed description, therefore, is not to be taken in a limiting sense. Further, it is to be understood that the features of the various embodiments described herein may be combined with one another unless specifically indicated otherwise.

[0041] The aspects and embodiments are described with reference to the drawings, where like reference numerals generally refer to like elements. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of one or more aspects of the invention. However, it may be apparent to one skilled in the art that one or more aspects or embodiments may be practiced with a lesser level of specific detail. In other instances, well-known structures and elements are shown in schematic form to facilitate describing one or more aspects or embodiments. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural or logical changes may be made without departing from the concept of the present invention.

[0042] Devices are described, and methods are described. It is understood that basic properties of the devices also apply to the methods, and vice versa. Therefore, for the sake of brevity, duplicate descriptions of such properties are omitted where appropriate.

[0043] Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of a communication device 100 for communicating with another communication device 101 via a wireless communication network 103 according to one embodiment.

[0044] The communication device 100 comprises a power supply interface 105, which is connectable to a power source 107 in order to supply the communication device 100 with stationary electrical energy, a detector 109, which is designed to detect the connection of the power supply interface 105 to the power source 107, wherein the detector 109 is designed to output a detection signal upon detecting the connection of the power supply interface 105 to the power source 107, and a communication interface 111, which is designed to receive a communication request signal from the further communication device 101 via the wireless communication network 103, wherein the communication interface 111 is designed, in response to receiving the communication request signal, to transmit a communication response signal to the further communication device 101 only when the detection signal is present.

[0045] The detector 109 can be part of a processor or microprocessor of the communication device 100. The detector 109 can be communicatively connected to the communication interface 111 and the power supply interface 105, for example, to detect the connection of the power source 107 to the power supply interface 105 and / or to transmit the detection signal to the communication interface 111.

[0046] The additional communication device 101 can be a computer, a laptop, a tablet PC, or a mobile phone, in particular a smartphone. A program or app can be installed on the additional communication device 101, which prompts a user to connect the energy source 107 to the supply interface 105 of the communication device 100 to establish a communication connection between the communication device 100 and the additional communication device 101.

[0047] The energy source 107 can supply the communication device 100 with a voltage or current, in particular a charging current. The energy source 107 can be a power supply that converts currents and / or voltages from a power grid, for example, a 230 V power grid, into the voltages and / or currents required by the communication device 100. The energy source 107 can also be a charger or another communication device, for example, a computer or a laptop.

[0048] The wireless communication network 103 can be a Bluetooth communication network, an NFC communication network, or a WLAN communication network. The wireless communication network 103 can also be a telecommunications network, in particular a mobile radio network. The telecommunications network can be a Next Generation Mobile Network (NGMN).

[0049] The communication device 100 in Fig. 1 further comprises an energy storage device 113. The energy storage device 113 can be configured to supply electrical energy to the communication interface 111. Furthermore, the energy storage device can be configured to supply other components of the communication device, for example, the detector 109 or a display of the communication device 100.

[0050] The energy storage device 113 can be a battery of the communication device 100, which supplies the communication device 100 with electrical energy when the power supply interface 105 is disconnected from the power source 107. The communication device 100 can thus be a mobile communication device. The energy storage device 113 can be charged with electrical energy when the power source 107 is connected to the power supply interface 105.

[0051] The detector 109 can be configured to monitor a charging current of the energy storage device 113 and to detect the connection of the energy supply interface 105 to the energy source 107 when the charging current is present. The charging current can also be a maintenance charging current, which flows from the energy source 107 into the energy storage device 113 even when the energy storage device 113 is fully charged, so that the connection of the energy supply interface 105 to the energy source 107 can be efficiently detected even when the energy storage device 113 is fully charged.

[0052] The communication interface 111 can further be designed to transmit the communication response signal, regardless of a charge state of the energy storage device 113, only when the detection signal is present.

[0053] The communication device 100 in Fig. 1 further comprises an electrical line arrangement 117 which electrically connects the power supply interface 105 to the power source 107.

[0054] The power supply interface 105 may include an electrical connector, in particular a USB connector, for connecting the electrical line arrangement 117. The USB connector may be a mini USB connector, a micro USB connector, or a USB-C connector. The electrical line arrangement 117 may be a USB cable having a USB connector on at least one side.

[0055] According to one embodiment, the connection of the power supply interface 105 to the power source 107 can also be wireless, for example, by means of inductive power transmission. In this case, the power supply interface 105 can be configured to wirelessly receive currents and / or voltages. For this purpose, the power supply interface 105 can establish a resonant inductive coupling with the power source 107.

[0056] The communication interface 111 may comprise a wireless communication interface, in particular a Bluetooth communication interface, an NFC communication interface, or a WLAN communication interface. The Bluetooth communication interface may be configured according to a Bluetooth standard such as Bluetooth v4.0 or "Bluetooth Low Energy," Bluetooth v4.1, Bluetooth v4.2, or an older Bluetooth standard.

[0057] Fig. 1 further shows a communication connection 115 between the communication device 100 and the further communication device 101 via the wireless communication network 103 according to one embodiment.

[0058] The communication request signal may include a connection request for establishing the communication connection 115 between the communication device 100 and the further communication device 101. The communication interface 111 may be configured to initiate the communication connection 115 by transmitting the communication response signal.

[0059] The communication connection 115 can be a wireless communication connection, for example, a Bluetooth communication connection, an NFC communication connection, or a WLAN communication connection. Data, in particular user data of a user of the communication device 100, can be exchanged between the communication device 100 and the further communication device 101 via the communication connection 115. Furthermore, the communication device 100 can be configured and / or controlled by the further communication device 101 via the communication connection 115.

[0060] If the communication connection 115 is a Bluetooth communication connection, the exchange of the communication request signal and the communication response signal can correspond to a pairing of the communication devices 100, 101. The communication connection 115, which is subsequently established between the communication devices 100, 101, can correspond to a bonding between the communication devices 100, 101.

[0061] The communication interface 111 can be configured to enter a pairing mode when the detection signal is present, wherein the communication interface 111 is configured to transmit the communication response signal in response to receiving the communication request signal and to establish the communication connection 115 in the pairing mode.

[0062] The communication interface 111 can further be designed to terminate the communication connection 115 with the further communication device 101 after a preset time interval has elapsed, for example in order to limit the duration of the communication connection 115 and thus to protect the communication device from unwanted interference.

[0063] The time interval can have a duration of 5 seconds, 10 seconds, 20 seconds, 30 seconds, 1 minute, or 5 minutes. The duration of the time interval can be set as a factory setting during the manufacture of the communication device 100. Furthermore, the duration of the time interval can be set by a user via the additional communication device 101, for example, using an app or a computer program, while a communication connection 115 with the communication device 100 is established.

[0064] The detector 109 can be configured to detect an interruption in the connection between the power supply interface 105 and the power source 107 and, upon detection of an interruption in the connection, to control the communication interface 111 to terminate the communication connection 115. The detector 109 can be configured to output an interruption signal upon detection of an interruption in the connection between the power supply interface 105 and the power source 107, wherein the communication interface 111 can be configured to terminate the communication connection 115 upon the presence of the interruption signal. This allows the communication device 100 to be particularly effectively protected against unwanted interference by the additional communication device 101 after the connection to the power source 107 has been terminated, for example, unwanted further data transmission.

[0065] Fig. 2 shows a schematic representation of the communication device 100 for communication with the further communication device 101 according to a further embodiment.

[0066] The communication device 100 in Fig. 2 comprises a processor 201. The processor 201 can be communicatively connected to the communication interface 111 and / or the power supply interface 105.

[0067] The communication request signal may include an identity of the further communication device 101, in particular a device ID of the further communication device 101. The processor 201 may be configured to detect the identity of the further communication device 101 based on the communication request signal. In this way, the further communication device 101 can be efficiently identified.

[0068] Processor 201 and detector 109 may be identical. Furthermore, processor 201 and detector 109 may be part of a common processor of communication device 100, for example, a microprocessor of communication device 100.

[0069] The communication request signal may further include a device name, a device class, a list of services of the further communication device 101 or technical information such as device properties, manufacturer, Bluetooth specifications or a clock offset of the further communication device 101.

[0070] The communication device 100 in Fig. 2 further comprises a memory 203.

[0071] Processor 201 can be configured to store the identity of further communication device 101 in memory 203 when the detection signal is present. Memory 203 and processor 201 can be communicatively connected for this purpose. Furthermore, processor 201 and detector 109 can be communicatively connected.

[0072] The processor 201 can further be configured to capture a characteristic of the communication connection 115, in particular a cryptographic key or PIN code shared between the communication device and the further communication device, and / or a characteristic of the communication network 103, and store it in the memory 203. The data can be stored in a look-up table in the memory 203.

[0073] The processor 201 can be configured to compare the identity of the further communication device 101 with the identities stored in the memory each time it receives a communication request signal from a further communication device 101. The processor 201 can also be configured to control the communication interface 111 to transmit the communication response signal if the identity of the further communication device and an identity stored in the memory 203 are the same. For this purpose, the processor 201 can be configured to output a control signal if the identity of the further communication device 101 and an identity stored in the memory are the same, wherein the communication interface 111 can be configured to initiate the communication connection 115 when the control signal is present.

[0074] In this way, it can be determined whether the communication device 100 has already established a communication connection 115 with the additional communication device 101 at an earlier point in time. Thus, the communication device 100 can establish a connection with an already known and secure additional communication device even during mobile operation of the communication device 100 without a connection to the energy source 107. At the same time, an unintentional transmission of the communication response signal to an as yet unknown additional communication device and thus an unnoticed or unintentional establishment of the communication connection 115 with the unknown additional communication device during mobile operation of the communication device 100 can be efficiently avoided. The unknown additional communication device can be another communication device that has not previously established a communication connection 115 with the communication device 100.

[0075] When initiating the communication connection 115 between the communication device 100 and the further communication device 101, the memory 203 can be configured to delete stored identities of other communication devices that previously established a communication connection 115 with the communication device 100 and / or to overwrite them with the identity of the further communication device 101. Thus, only the identity of the further communication device 101 that most recently established a communication connection 115 with the communication device 100 can be stored in the memory.

[0076] The communication device 100 in Fig. 2 further includes a display 205.

[0077] The display 205 can comprise a display, in particular a touch display, or display elements, in particular LEDs. The display 205 can be configured to display a state of the communication device 100. The state can be an operating mode of the communication device 100, for example, a pairing or bonding mode. The state can also be an establishment or termination of the communication connection 115, an existing communication connection 115, or a non-existent communication connection 115. Furthermore, the displayed state can be a charge state of the energy storage device 113.

[0078] According to one embodiment, the communication device 100 is a wearable communication device, in particular a smartwatch, a smartphone, or a fitness bracelet or chest strap. The communication device 100 can be a so-called "wearable device," which is worn by a user on their clothing or on the surface of their body. The communication device 100 can also be a mobile communication device such as a mobile phone, a laptop, or a tablet PC.

[0079] The communication device 100 can be configured to collect medical data or fitness data, such as movement data, of a wearer during use and to transmit this data to the additional communication device 101 when a communication connection 115 is established. Due to the private nature of this data, there may be a particular need for protection against unwanted reading of the data.

[0080] According to a further embodiment, the communication interface 111 is configured to transmit a communication readiness signal at continuous time intervals, wherein the communication readiness signal comprises an identity of the communication device 100, in particular a device ID of the communication device 100. The communication readiness signal may further comprise a device name or a device class of the communication device 100.

[0081] The further communication device 101 can be configured to transmit the communication request signal to the communication device 100 in response to receiving the communication readiness signal from the communication device 100. Furthermore, the further communication device 101 can be configured to prompt a user to connect the power source 107 to the power supply interface 105 of the communication device 100 in response to receiving the communication readiness signal from the communication device 100, for example, by means of a text or image message on a display of the further communication device 101.

[0082] Fig. 3 shows a flowchart of a method 300 for communication of the communication device 100 with the further communication device 101 via the wireless communication network 103.

[0083] The method 300 comprises connecting 301 the energy supply interface 105 of the communication device 100 to the energy source 107 in order to supply the communication device 100 with stationary electrical energy, detecting 303 the connection of the energy supply interface 105 to the energy source 107, outputting 305 the detection signal upon detection of the connection of the energy supply interface 105 to the energy source 107, receiving 307 the communication request signal from the further communication device 101 via the wireless communication network 103, and transmitting 309 the communication response signal to the further communication device 101 in response to receiving 307 the communication request signal when the detection signal is present.

[0084] Fig. 4a and Fig. 4b show schematic representations of the communication between a communication device 401 and the further communication device 409 according to further embodiments. The communication device 401 in the embodiments in Fig. 4a and Fig. 4b is a smartwatch comprising a housing with a display 403 and a wristband.

[0085] In the embodiment in Fig. 4a, the smartwatch 401 is connected to a power source 405. The power source 405 is in Fig. 4a shows a charger or power supply unit connected to the smartwatch 401 via a charging cable 407. While the smartwatch 401 is being charged by the charger 405, it can be in pairing mode. In pairing mode, the smartwatch 401 can establish a communication connection 411, in particular a Bluetooth communication connection, with another communication device 409. Thus, the user of the smartwatch 401 can specifically initiate the pairing or establishment of the communication connection 411 with the other communication device 409 by connecting the communication device 401 to the charger 405.

[0086] By connecting the communication device 401 to the energy source 405, a pairing request from the other communication device 409 can be confirmed. With conventional communication devices such as smartphones, this confirmation is usually performed by the user, for example, by actuating a control element of the communication device 401 or entering a PIN. With a communication device 401 as shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 4a, connecting the communication device 401 to the power source 405 can replace the actuation of a control element or the entry of a PIN to confirm the pairing request. The communication device 401 does not need to have any control elements or displays for this purpose.

[0087] In the embodiment in Fig. 4b, there is a communication connection 411 between the communication device 401 and the further communication device 409, which has previously entered into pairing with the Smartwatch 401. In Fig.4b, an unknown additional communication device 413 now attempts to initiate a communication connection with the smartwatch 401. However, since the smartwatch is not connected to the charger, it does not send a communication response signal to the additional communication device 413, and no pairing with the additional communication device 413 occurs.

[0088] However, the communication connection 411 with the already paired additional communication device 409 remains intact, so that data exchange between the smartwatch and the additional communication device 409 is still possible. List of reference symbols 100 communication devices 101 additional communication device 103 Communication network 105 Power supply interface 107 Energy source 109 Detector 111 Communication interface 113 Energy storage 115 Communication connection 117 Line arrangement 201 processor 203 memory 205 Advertisement 300 Method for communication of a communication device with another communication device 301 Connect 303 Detect 305 Spend 307 Receive 309 Sending 401 Communication device 403 Display 405 charger 407 charging cable 409 additional communication device 411 Communication connection 413 additional communication device

Claims

[1] Communication device (100) for communicating with another communication device (101) via a wireless communication network (103), comprising: a power supply interface (105) which is connectable to a power source (107) in order to supply the communication device (100) with stationary electrical power; a detector (109) which is designed to detect the connection of the energy supply interface (105) to the energy source (107), wherein the detector (109) is designed to output a detection signal upon detection of the connection of the energy supply interface (105) to the energy source (107); and a communication interface (111) configured to receive a communication request signal from the further communication device (101) via the wireless communication network (103); wherein the communication interface (111) is designed to transmit a communication response signal to the further communication device (101) in response to receiving the communication request signal only when the detection signal is present. [2] Communication device (100) according to claim 1, comprising an energy store (113) for supplying the communication interface (111) with electrical energy, wherein the communication interface (111) is designed to transmit the communication response signal, regardless of a charge state of the energy store (113), only when the detection signal is present. [3] Communication device (100) according to claim 2, wherein the detector (109) is designed to monitor a charging current of the energy storage device (113) and to detect the connection of the energy supply interface (105) to the energy source (107) in the presence of the charging current. [4] Communication device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the communication interface (111) is a wireless communication interface. [5] Communication device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the communication request signal comprises a connection request for establishing a communication connection (115) between the communication device (100) and the further communication device (101), and wherein the communication interface (111) is designed to initiate the communication connection (115) by transmitting the communication response signal. [6] Communication device (100) according to claim 5, wherein the communication interface (111) is designed to terminate the communication connection (115) with the further communication device (101) after a preset time interval has elapsed. [7] Communication device (100) according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the detector (109) is designed to detect an interruption of the connection of the energy supply interface (105) to the energy source (107), wherein the detector (109) is further designed to control the communication interface (111) to terminate the communication connection (115) upon detection of an interruption of the connection of the energy supply interface (105) to the energy source (107). [8] Communication device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the power supply interface (105) comprises an electrical connection for connecting an electrical line arrangement (117), wherein the electrical line arrangement (117) electrically connects the power supply interface (105) to the power source (107). [9] Communication device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the communication request signal comprises an identity of the further communication device (101), wherein the communication device (100) comprises a processor (201) which is designed to detect the identity of the further communication device (101) on the basis of the communication request signal. [10] Communication device (100) according to claim 9, wherein the communication device (100) comprises a memory (203), wherein the processor (201) is designed to store the identity of the further communication device (101) in the memory (203) when the detection signal is present. [11] Communication device (100) according to claim 10, wherein the processor (201) is designed to compare the identity of the further communication device (101) with the identities stored in the memory (203) each time a communication request signal is received from a further communication device (101), wherein the processor (201) is designed to control the communication interface (111) to transmit the communication response signal if the identity of the further communication device and an identity stored in the memory (203) are the same. [12] Communication device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the communication device (100) is a portable communication device. [13] Communication device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the communication device (100) comprises a display (205), wherein the display (205) is configured to display a state of the communication device. [14] Communication device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the communication interface (111) is designed to transmit a communication readiness signal at continuous time intervals, wherein the communication readiness signal comprises an identity of the communication device (100). [15] Method (300) for communicating a communication device (100) with another communication device (101) via a wireless communication network (103), comprising: Connecting (301) a power supply interface (105) of the communication device (100) to a power source (107) in order to supply the communication device (100) with stationary electrical power; Detecting (303) a connection of the power supply interface (105) to the power source (107); Outputting (305) a detection signal upon detected connection of the power supply interface (105) to the power source (107); Receiving (307) a communication request signal from the further communication device (101) via the wireless communication network (103); and Sending (309) a communication response signal to the further communication device (101) in response to receiving (307) the communication request signal when the detection signal is present.

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