Method for processing a user interface configured to communicate with a communication terminal.

Abstract

A process for handling a first user interface configured to communicate with a communication terminal is implemented by said communication terminal (20) and comprises: - obtaining descriptive data of the first user interface (I1); - displaying a second user interface (I2) generated from said descriptive data of the first user interface obtained; - for an action by a user (30) on said second displayed user interface, sending to said first communication interface data representing said action, the reception of said data by said first communication interface inducing the implementation of said action on the first communication interface. Figure for the abbreviation: Fig. 1

Description

Title of the invention: Method for processing a user interface configured to communicate with a communication terminal.

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for processing a user interface configured to communicate with a communication terminal.

[0002] It also relates to a processing device and a communication terminal implementing such a processing method.

[0003] The invention relates to user interfaces, particularly input or acquisition interfaces. It applies more specifically to user interfaces whose use is shared among several users and requires user interaction. An input or acquisition interface is an interface designed to collect user input. Such a user interface includes, for example, a keyboard (physical or displayed on a screen), a joystick, a button, a scroll wheel, etc.

[0004] Nowadays, numerous user interfaces (or human-machine interfaces) are accessible to the public or at least to a community, for a variety of uses. These may include, for example, a payment terminal keypad, a bank ATM, an elevator, an electronic door lock, an intercom, etc.

[0005] Because these user interfaces are used by many people, their shared use significantly contributes to the spread of certain microbes such as viruses or bacteria. Therefore, the use of these interfaces can be problematic, particularly in the event of a pandemic.

[0006] The present invention proposes a technique allowing the use of a user interface, without it being manipulated by a user.

[0007] To this end, the invention aims, according to a first aspect, at a method of processing a first user interface configured to communicate with a communication terminal.

[0008] According to the invention, the processing method comprises the following steps implemented by the communication terminal: - obtaining descriptive data from the first user interface; - display of a second user interface generated from the descriptive data obtained from the first user interface; - for a user action on said second displayed user interface, transmission to said first communication interface of data representing said action, and reception of said data by the first interface communication leading to the implementation of said action on the first communication interface.

[0009] Thus, actions performed by a user on the second user interface are transmitted to the first user interface for implementation. Indeed, the user can perform an action on the first user interface indirectly, by performing it directly on the second interface, that is, by manipulating the second interface. In other words, the user performs an action on the first user interface without interacting with it, that is, without manipulating it (without operating it manually).

[0010] Therefore, if the first user interface corresponds to a user interface shared between several users, remote processing of this first interface avoids the risk of spreading microbes.

[0011] Generating the second user interface using descriptive data from the first user interface allows the first user interface to be restored, that is, to be reproduced faithfully, for display, for example on the communication terminal.

[0012] User interface descriptive data means data describing the user interface (or giving details about the user interface), in particular describing its structure as well as the functionalities of the different parts of the user interface.

[0013] Thus, the descriptive data of the first user interface are data that allow us to reconstruct this first user interface by generating a second user interface similar to the first user interface, that is to say having the same structure and the same functionalities as the first user interface.

[0014] The characteristics of the treatment process presented below can be taken individually or in combination with each other.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the processing method includes, prior to obtaining, receiving from the first interface an identity message containing information indicative of the identity of the first user interface, said obtaining being implemented in response to said receipt of a message.

[0016] The first user interface sends this message to a communication terminal located in its environment. Indeed, the communication terminal and the first user interface, being close to each other, can communicate with each other.

[0017] In one embodiment, the user interface can detect the presence of the communication terminal in its environment, the emission of the identity message being implemented when the communication terminal is detected.

[0018] It should be noted that the issuance of an identification message by the first user interface initiates the implementation of the proposed processing method. The first user interface sends this identification message to a single communication terminal, thus offering the use of the first user interface to only one user at a time.

[0019] According to one feature, the received identity message includes information representative of a predefined type of user interface, the descriptive data obtained being associated with said predefined type of interface.

[0020] According to one feature, the received identity message includes a user interface identifier, the descriptive data obtained being associated with said user interface identifier.

[0021] In this embodiment, the first user interface announces its user interface identifier, and the user uses it to obtain the descriptive data associated with the received identifier.

[0022] This descriptive data can be stored in the communication terminal's memory, for example, if the initial user interface has been previously recreated in the communication terminal. The descriptive data can also be stored in other equipment such as a communications network server.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the acquisition involves receiving descriptive data from the first user interface.

[0024] In this embodiment, the first communication interface itself addresses the communication terminal with the data describing it.

[0025] According to another embodiment, the data is obtained from a storage module present in said communications terminal.

[0026] In this embodiment, the communication terminal itself includes the descriptive data of the first user interface.

[0027] According to one feature, the processing method further comprises, prior to obtaining descriptive data, issuing a request asking for the identity of the first user interface.

[0028] Thus, the communication terminal requests the first user interface to identify itself. For example, the user of the communication terminal can perform an action in the communication terminal that triggers the issuance of the request requesting the identity from the first user interface.

[0029] According to one feature, the processing method further comprises, after the elapsed of a predefined period of time from the display of said second user interface, the disconnection between the first user interface and the communication terminal.

[0030] In this embodiment, the disconnection is implemented automatically after the elapsed predefined time period so that the first user interface can be used by other users via their communication terminal.

[0031] In other embodiments, the disconnection between the first user interface and the communication terminal may take place after the predefined period of time has elapsed from other times other than the display of said second user interface, for example from the receipt from the first interface of an identity message, or others.

[0032] In another embodiment, the communication terminal sends a disconnection request to the first user interface configured to disconnect the first user interface and the communication terminal.

[0033] According to this embodiment, the user can himself implement the disconnection between the first user interface and the communication terminal once he has finished using the user interface.

[0034] For example, the first user interface and / or the communication terminal can be configured to implement automatic logout by default. If the first user interface and / or the communication terminal sends a logout request before the time period has elapsed, the first interface and / or the communication terminal are disconnected.

[0035] According to one feature, the processing method further comprises, after the elapsed of a predefined period of time from the display of the second user interface, the reception from the first user interface of a deactivation message intended to inform the user of the communication terminal of the disconnection between the first user interface and the communication terminal.

[0036] The user is thus informed that for an action by a user on the second user interface carried out after receiving the deactivation message, the transmission to the first communication interface of data representative of the action will not be implemented.

[0037] The user of the communication terminal is thus informed that they can no longer use the first user interface via the second user interface displayed on their communication terminal. Indeed, since the first user interface is shared between different users, the user can use the first interface of user during the predefined period of time so as to allow its use by other users in turn respectively.

[0038] According to one feature, the treatment process further comprises: - receipt of a user action representative of the completion of transmissions to the first user interface, of data representative of a user action on the second user interface, and - sending to the first user interface, a disconnect request configured to disconnect the user interface and the communication terminal.

[0039] The user can thus, once he has finished using the first user interface, disconnect his communication terminal (previously connected to the first user interface), in particular the second user interface, from the first user interface, so that the latter can be used by other users via their respective communication terminals.

[0040] In one embodiment, the method includes sending a notification to the first user interface intended to inform the first user interface of the disconnection of the user interfaces.

[0041] In another embodiment, the communication terminal periodically receives a "heartbeat message" (in Anglo-Saxon terminology) intended to check whether the first user interface is being used.

[0042] According to one feature, the processing method further comprises the following steps implemented by a processing device for said first user interface: - reception from the communication terminal of data representative of a user action performed on a second user interface displayed on the communication terminal from descriptive data of the first user interface obtained by the communication terminal; - implementation of said action on the first communication interface from the representative data of an action received.

[0043] Thus, the first user interface, receiving data representing a user action on the second user interface, implements the action based on this data. For example, if the first user interface is a numeric keypad, and the user presses a key on a second numeric keypad displayed on their communication terminal, the communication terminal generates and sends data representing the action on that key to the first numeric keypad. The first numeric keypad, receiving this data, presses the key on the first numeric keypad equivalent to the key on the second numeric keypad that was pressed.

[0044] According to one feature, the processing method further comprises sending to the communication terminal a message containing information indicating the identity of the first user interface.

[0045] According to one feature, the processing method includes receiving from the communication terminal an identification request, the identity message containing indicative information of the identity being issued in response to said reception.

[0046] The present invention relates, according to a second aspect, to a communication terminal configured to communicate with a processing device of a first user interface implementing the proposed processing method.

[0047] According to a third aspect, the present invention relates to a processing device for a first user interface comprising, being configured to communicate with a communication terminal and to: - receive from the communication terminal, data representative of a user action performed on a second user interface displayed on said communication terminal, from descriptive data of the first user interface obtained by the communication terminal; - implement said action on the first communication interface from the representative data of an action received.

[0048] The present invention relates, according to a fourth aspect, to a system comprising a first user interface, a device for processing said first user interface and a proposed communication terminal.

[0049] The present invention relates, according to a fifth aspect, to a computer program comprising code instructions for implementing the steps of the proposed processing method when executed by a processor.

[0050] The present invention relates, according to a sixth aspect, to a processor-readable information carrier in a communication terminal or processing device, on which the proposed computer program is recorded.

[0051] The communication terminal, the processing device, the system, the computer program and the information medium have characteristics and advantages similar to those described above in relation to the processing method.

[0052] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent in the following description.

[0053] To the attached drawings, given by way of non-limiting examples: - Fig. 1 schematically illustrates an example of the implementation of the proposed user interface processing method; - [Fig.2a] illustrates steps of a treatment process conforming to a first embodiment in the form of an exchange between entities of [Fig.1]; - [Fig.2b] illustrates steps of a treatment process conforming to a second embodiment in the form of an exchange between entities of [Fig.1]; - [Fig.2c] illustrates steps of a treatment process conforming to a third embodiment in the form of an exchange between entities of [Fig.1]; - Figure 3 illustrates examples of messages exchanged between entities in Figure 1; - Figure 4a illustrates a hardware architecture capable of implementing steps in the proposed processing procedure; and - [Fig.4b] is a functional representation of a communication terminal or a processing device conforming to an embodiment.

[0054] The invention relates to user interfaces, particularly input or acquisition interfaces. It applies more specifically to user interfaces whose use is shared among several users and requires user interaction. An input or acquisition interface is an interface designed to collect user input. Such a user interface includes, for example, a keyboard (physical or displayed on a screen), a joystick, a button, a scroll wheel, etc.

[0055] Of course, other applications are possible regardless of whether the user interface is shared or not. For example, the invention can be used to remotely control a user interface, for instance, to perform an action on behalf of a user who is near the first user interface and wishes to use it but is unable to do so. For example, the first user interface may be located in an electronic lock requiring a code that the user does not know. In this situation, a second user can remotely control the first user interface using a communication terminal implementing the proposed processing method.

[0056] Figure 1 illustrates an example of the application of the proposed technique. In this example, the user interface II is a numeric keypad that can have various functions. It can be used in a payment terminal, a bank ATM, a digital lock, etc. (not shown). The operation of the numeric keypad is managed by a processing device 10 configured to implement the proposed technique.

[0057] Thanks to the proposed technique, the numeric keypad II is reproduced on a communication terminal 20 of a user 30 wishing to use the numeric keypad II. The user 30 can thus interact with the numeric keypad II by manipulating the virtual keyboard 12 reproduced in their communication terminal 20, that is, without manipulating the numeric keypad II. For this purpose, the processing device and the terminal Communication systems are configured to implement the proposed processing method. This method will be described in detail with reference to Figures 2a to 2c.

[0058] In one embodiment, the processing method is implemented when the user brings their communication terminal 20 close to the first interface II. "Bringing a communication terminal and a user interface close" means placing the communication terminal and the user interface close enough to each other to be able to exchange messages using a short-range wireless communication technique, such as WiFi, Bluetooth (trademark), WiFi Direct, etc.

[0059] In another embodiment, the processing method can be implemented remotely, for example, to perform an action for another user whose terminal is not configured to implement the invention, for example, to operate a digital lock and open a door remotely. To implement this embodiment, communication technologies such as LTE (Long Term Evolution), 5G, etc., can be used.

[0060] In the illustrated example, the numeric keypad II is divided into 12 identical parts, each part corresponding respectively to keys or buttons, such as push buttons or touch buttons. The keys in this example correspond respectively to the numbers from zero to nine, "OK" and "Cancel".

[0061] The communication terminal 20 and processing device 10 will be described in more detail with reference to Figures 4a and 4b.

[0062] Different embodiments of the technique for reproducing a user interface II on a communication terminal 20 are described below with reference to figures 2a to 2c.

[0063] Figure 2a represents a first embodiment of the method for processing a user interface in the form of exchanges between the first user interface II and the communication terminal 20. More particularly, the exchanges are implemented between the processing device 10 and the communication terminal 20. Thus, in this document, the exchanges between the first user interface II and the communication terminal 20 correspond to exchanges between the processing device 10 of the first user interface II and the communication terminal 20.

[0064] According to one embodiment, the first user interface II sends El an identity message M containing information indicative of the identity of the first user interface II. The communication terminal 20 receives, during a reception step Fl, from the first user interface II, the identity message M containing information indicative of the identity of the first user interface II. In response to this reception Fl, the communication terminal 20 obtains F2 descriptive data of the first interface User interface II. In this embodiment, the identity message M contains information of type_10 representing a predefined type of user interface. Thus, in this embodiment, the indicative information of the identity of the first user interface II is the information of type_10 representing a predefined type of user interface.

[0065] The communication terminal 20 and / or an entity (not shown) that can communicate with the communication terminal 20, includes storage means in which a set of predefined user interface types are stored in association with a set of descriptive data respectively.

[0066] By way of non-limiting example, two types of user interface are stored in the storage means:

[0067] Typel [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 0, OK, Cancel]

[0068] Type2 [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 0, OK]

[0069] In the embodiment illustrated in [Fig. 1], the user interface II is of the first type above (type 1). Thus, in this example, the communication terminal 20, upon receiving information of type 1 (representative of this type of user interface), obtains the descriptive data of the user interface II. In this example, the descriptive data includes the data [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 0, OK, Cancel].

[0070] In one embodiment, the user interface II regularly broadcasts type_10 information, so that a communication terminal 20 approaching the user interface receives this type information. In this embodiment, the communication terminal 20 arriving in the environment or geographical area around the user interface II (geographical area in which reception of the user interface is possible) receives type_10 user interface information and obtains, from this type information, the descriptive data of the user interface II.

[0071] In another embodiment, the user interface can detect the presence of the communication terminal in its environment, around it, with the identity message being sent when the communication terminal 20 is detected. The implementation of the detection of a communication terminal by another entity is known to those skilled in the art and will not be described here.

[0072] In another embodiment, the user of the communication terminal 20 can initiate the implementation of the described method. For example, the method can be initiated by the user pressing a key on their communication terminal 20.

[0073] In this embodiment, the first user interface II receives E0 (step represented by dashed lines) from the communication terminal, which sends it FO, an identification request or identity request Ri. In response to receiving this identification request, the first user interface sends the message containing indicative identity information.

[0074] Once the descriptive data DD has been obtained, a second user interface 12 is generated, during a generation step F30, from the descriptive data obtained. Then, the generated second user interface 12 is displayed, during a display step F40, on the communication terminal 20.

[0075] In one embodiment, after receiving information of type `` from the first user interface II, the communication terminal 20 initiates a pairing phase with the first user interface. To do this, the communication terminal 20 sends a pairing request RI to the first user interface II. This pairing request RI contains data representing the identity of the communication terminal 20, allowing it to be uniquely identified. The first user interface II, after receiving E2 the pairing request RI, sends E3 an acceptance message Ack_Rl of the pairing request RI to the communication terminal 20.

[0076] This pairing phase between the communication terminal 20 and the first user interface establishes a CC communication channel between them, through which they can exchange data securely. In this embodiment, the communication terminal 20 and the first user interface II exchange data once the communication terminal 20 has received F12, the Ack_Rl acceptance of the pairing request RI.

[0077] The pairing phase is shown in this figure after the implementation of steps F20 to F40. Of course, it can be implemented before these steps or concurrently.

[0078] Once the first user interface and the communication terminal are paired, these devices are considered to be connected to each other. The exchange of messages between them is then possible.

[0079] Once the first user interface II and the communication terminal 20 are paired and the second user interface 12 is displayed on the communication terminal 20, the user can act on the first user interface II using his communication terminal, in particular by acting on the second user interface 12 displayed on his communication terminal 20.

[0080] When the user performs an action on the second user interface 12 (displayed on their communication terminal), for example, positioning their finger next to a touch key, data 100 representing this action is transmitted, during a transmission step F50, to the first communication interface II. The first user interface receives this data during a reception step. E4, 100 representative data of this action, induces the implementation E5 of the action on the first user interface II.

[0081] By the implementation of the action on the first user interface, we mean the transformation of events or actions carried out on the second user interface into events or actions carried out on the first user interface.

[0082] As is known to those skilled in the art, events of a user interface, for example a keyboard, are transformed into actions by a processing device or management module configured to manage the operation of the user interface. In the technique described, the processing device 10 of the first user interface II receives data representing an action performed on the second user interface 12 and processes this action as if it had been performed on the first user interface itself.

[0083] Thus, by inducing the implementation of an action on the first user interface, it is understood that the data representing an action are retrieved by the first user interface II and used as if the actions carried out on the second user interface 12 had been carried out on itself.

[0084] By way of non-limiting example, the user can enter a PIN code by pressing several numeric keys on the second user interface 12 and then the OK key. Data representing these actions is sent E50 to the first user interface II, and then the first user interface II implements the actions performed on the second user interface 12, i.e., it presses the corresponding numeric keys and then the OK key. In other words, the first user interface acts as if the code had been entered on itself.

[0085] In one embodiment, after the elapsed of a predefined period of time from the display of said second user interface, the first user interface and the communication terminal are disconnected.

[0086] In this embodiment, the disconnection is implemented automatically after the expiration of a predefined time period so that the first user interface can be used by other users via their communication terminal. In other words, the user of the communication terminal has a maximum duration corresponding to the predefined time period to use the first user interface. Once this time period has elapsed, the first user interface is released so that it can be used by other communication terminals.

[0087] Indeed, in this embodiment, a limited time is allotted for the connection between the communication terminal and the first user interface. Once this After a certain time has elapsed, the communication terminal and the first user interface are disconnected.

[0088] It is considered that when the first user interface and the communication terminal are disconnected, the communication channel previously established during their pairing no longer exists. Thus, the first user interface and the communication terminal can no longer exchange messages, or in other words, the user can no longer interact with the first user interface via the communication terminal.

[0089] In one embodiment, the communication terminal 20 receives a deactivation message from the first user interface II, informing the user of the communication terminal 20 that the communication terminal 20 and the first user interface will be disconnected. Thus, the user is informed that any action performed by a user on the second user interface after receiving this message will prevent the transmission of data representing the action to the first communication interface.

[0090] In another embodiment, the communication terminal can terminate communication with the user interface. For example, the user can perform an action on the communication terminal to indicate that no further actions will be sent to the first user interface. In this embodiment, the user initiates the disconnection between the communication terminal and the first user interface.

[0091] According to this embodiment, the communication terminal sends a disconnection request to the first user interface configured to disconnect the first user interface and the communication terminal.

[0092] In one embodiment, the first user interface and / or the communication terminal can be configured to implement automatic logout by default. If the first user interface and / or the communication terminal sends a logout request before the time period has elapsed, the first interface and / or the communication terminal are disconnected.

[0093] According to another embodiment, the communication terminal periodically receives a "heartbeat message" to check whether the first user interface is in use. If the communication terminal responds positively, i.e., the first user interface is still in use, the connection between the first user interface and the communication terminal is maintained. This prevents unexpected disconnections, for example, following a period of inactivity.

[0094] The implementation of this type of checks using “heartbeat” type messages is known to those skilled in the art and will not be described in detail here.

[0095] Fig. 2b represents a second embodiment of the process of processing a user interface in the form of exchanges between the first user interface II and the communication terminal 20.

[0096] According to one embodiment, the communication terminal 20 receives, during a reception step F10', from the first user interface II, an identity message M' containing a user interface identifier IDi,

[0097] In response to this reception F10', the communication terminal 20 obtains F20' of descriptive data of the first user interface II. In this embodiment, the user interface identifier IDi corresponds to information indicative of the identity of the first user interface II.

[0098] In one embodiment, descriptive data of the first user interface II have been stored beforehand in association with the user interface identifier IDi received, for example, when the communication terminal has been previously used to reproduce a first user interface II having this interface identifier IDi.

[0099] Similar to the first embodiment, the descriptive data of the first user interface is obtained by querying, using the received user interface identifier IDi, a storage means located in the communication terminal or other equipment external to the communication terminal, for example a server.

[0100] The other processing steps according to this embodiment are similar to the steps described with reference to [Fig.2a] and will not be described again here.

[0101] Fig. 2c represents a third embodiment of the process of processing a user interface in the form of exchanges between the first user interface II and the communication terminal 20.

[0102] Some of the steps are similar to those described with reference to [Fig.2a] and will not be described again here.

[0103] In this third embodiment, the first user interface II sends El” an identity message M” containing information indicating its nature, that is, indicating that it is a user interface. In this embodiment, information indicating the nature of the first user interface II corresponds to information indicative of the identity of the first user interface II.

[0104] Next, the communication terminal 20 receives, during a reception step F10”, from the first user interface II, the identity message M indicating that it is a user interface. In response to this reception F10”, the communication terminal 20, obtains F20’’ descriptive data of the first user interface II.

[0105] In this embodiment, the descriptive data DD are received from the first user interface II. In the described embodiment, the first user interface II sends Eli”, E12”, to the communication terminal 20, first descriptive data DD1 describing its structure and the numeric keys, and then second descriptive data DD2 describing the non-numeric keys. Thus, the communication terminal 20 receives, in a first reception step F21”, the first data DD1 describing the structure and the numeric keys of the first user interface II, and in a second reception step F22”, the second descriptive data DD2 describing the non-numeric keys.

[0106] Of course, in other embodiments, the first user interface can address the descriptive data in a single message or divide the descriptive data into several messages.

[0107] In the example of user interface shown in [Fig.1], the communication terminal receives, during the first reception step F21”, a message containing an indication of the number of rows and columns of keys constituting the numeric keypad as well as the first and last numbers (zero and nine) associated with the keys of the keypad.

[0108] In one embodiment, the communication terminal 20 addresses F21a”, F22a” to the first user interface II, ACK confirmation messages of the receipt of descriptive data DD1, DD2, when it has successfully received the descriptive data.

[0109] In one embodiment, when, during the descriptive data reception step, for example during the first reception step F21”, the communication terminal has not received all the descriptive data (in this example, the first descriptive data DD1), the communication terminal 20 sends F21b” (represented by dashed lines) to the first user interface II a request Req asking for the unreceived data. This request Req contains packet numbers containing missing data. The first user interface II sends El1b” to the communication terminal 20 the missing data. If the data is successfully received by the communication terminal, it sends F21a” an ACK confirmation message of the receipt of the descriptive data; otherwise, it sends another request asking for the unreceived data.

[0110] As with the embodiments described above, once the descriptive data DD1, DD2 are obtained, a second user interface 12 is generated, during a generation step F30”, from the descriptive data obtained. Then, the generated second user interface 12 is displayed, during a display step F40”, on the communication terminal, and when the user performs an action on the second user interface 12, data 100” representing this action is transmitted, during a transmission step F50”, to the first communication interface II. The reception E4”, by the first user interface, of the data 100” representing this action triggers the implementation E5” of the action on the first user interface II.

[0111] Fig. 3 illustrates examples of messages exchanged between the first user interface II and the communication terminal 20.

[0112] In one embodiment, the data exchanged between the first user interface II and the communication terminal 20 are organized into packets.

[0113] In a known manner, each packet contains a header including information necessary for the routing and reconstruction of the data upon receipt.

[0114] A header that may be present in a packet used by the proposed technique is referenced as 1000 in [Fig. 3]. The first three bits of the header, T2, T1, T0, are used to encode the type of message sent, for example, whether it is data (e.g., descriptive data), a request, a confirmation, etc. When it is a packet containing data, the following five bits, Pn4 - PnO, are used to encode the number of packets in the message sent, and the five bits, Po4 - PoO, following these, Pn4 - PnO, are used to encode the order of the present packet within the message packets.

[0115] An example of encoding the type of message sent is as follows: T2 Tl T0 Type 0 0 1 Identity message data 0 1 0 Ack 0 1 1 Request 1 0 0 Structure data 1 0 1 Key data

[0116] Of course, the header structure described is given by way of example; the number of bits and the order may differ. For example, the number of bits encoding the message type depends on the number of message types to be encoded.

[0117] Examples of ACK 300 acceptance or confirmation messages, 400 structure data messages, and 500 request type messages are shown as examples. Illustrative. In one embodiment, these messages include a first bit indicating the message type, followed by a first group of bits indicating the number of message packets, and a second group of bits indicating the packet order. The packet then contains the data.

[0118] An example of an ACK 300 acceptance or confirmation message includes a bit indicating the type of acceptance or confirmation message, i.e., positive or negative acceptance / confirmation.

[0119] For example, the data in the 400 "structure data" message of the first user interface includes the data ABCDEFGHU, which can correspond to letters corresponding to keys in the user interface. The data in the "request" message includes data indicating whether it is, for example, a pairing request or a missing data request. In the example shown, the data contains 0x45FF, indicating that it is a pairing request.

[0120] An example of a 500 request type message includes the request type, to indicate whether it is, for example, a matching request or a missing data request.

[0121] Fig. 4a schematically illustrates a hardware architecture of equipment that can be a communication terminal or a user interface processing device that can implement the proposed processing method.

[0122] The equipment 20, 10 includes a communication bus 200 to which are connected: - a processing unit 201, named in the figure CPU (for "Central Processing Unit") and which may include one or more processors; - a non-volatile memory 202, for example ROM (for "Read Only Memory"), EEPROM (for "Electrically Erasable Read Only Memory") or a Flash memory; - a random access memory 203 or RAM (for "Random Access Memory"); - an input / output interface 204, labeled I / O (for "Input / Output") in the figure, for example keys or buttons, a screen, a keyboard, a mouse, or another pointing device such as a touchscreen or remote control, enabling a user to interact with the equipment 20, 10 via a graphical interface or human-machine interface; and - a communication interface 205, named COM in the figure, adapted to exchange data for example with other equipment, or with a server via a communications network.

[0123] The random access memory 203 includes registers adapted for storing variables and parameters created and modified during the execution of a computer program comprising instructions for implementing the proposed processing method. The instruction codes of the program stored in non-volatile memory 202 are loaded into RAM memory 203 for execution by the CPU processing unit 201.

[0124] Non-volatile memory 202 is, for example, a rewritable memory of type EEPROM or Flash memory that can serve as a medium within the meaning of the invention, that is, that can include a computer program (PG) comprising instructions for implementing the proposed processing method. The rewritable memory can include, for example, user interface types or descriptive data for user interfaces.

[0125] This PG program defines, through its instructions, functional modules of the equipment 20, 10 which are implemented and / or control the hardware elements described above. Figure 4b is a functional representation of equipment 20, 10 according to one embodiment.

[0126] In the case of the communication terminal 20, these modules may include, in particular: - a retrieval module 21 configured to obtain descriptive data from the first user interface II; - a display module 22 configured to display a second user interface 12 generated from said descriptive data of the first user interface obtained; - a transmission module 23 configured to transmit to said first communication interface, for an action of a user on said second displayed user interface, data representative of said action, the reception of the data by the first communication interface inducing the implementation of said action on the first communication interface.

[0127] In the case of the first user interface processing device, these modules may include, in particular: - a receiving module 11 configured to receive from the communication terminal, data representative of a user action performed on a second user interface displayed on the communication terminal from descriptive data of the first user interface obtained by the communication terminal; - an implementation module 12 configured to implement the action on the first communication interface based on said data representing an action received. In some embodiments, the communication terminal 20 may further include: - a 24-port receiving module configured to receive an identity message from the first interface containing indicative identity information of the first user interface, said acquisition being implemented in response to said receipt of a message; - a second transmission module 24 configured to send, prior to obtaining descriptive data, a request asking for the identity of said first user interface; - a disconnection module 25 configured to disconnect from the first user interface, after a predefined period of time has elapsed from the display of the second user interface; - a receiving module 26 configured to receive a user action representative of the completion of transmissions to the first user interface, and data representative of a user action on the second user interface; and - a third transmission module 27 configured to send a disconnection request to the first user interface, configuring it to disconnect the user interface and the communication terminal. This transmission module can also be configured to send a notification to the first user interface informing it of the disconnection of the user interfaces.

[0128] According to this embodiment, the first, second and third emission modules may correspond to a single emission module or to several emission modules.

[0129] According to embodiments, the processing device 10 may include: -a transmission module 13 configured to transmit to the communication terminal, a message containing information indicative of the identity of the first user interface; - a receiving module 14 configured to receive from the communication terminal, an identification request, the message containing indicative information of the identity being issued in response to said reception.

[0130] The aforementioned modules and means are controlled by the processor of the processing unit 201. They can take the form of a program executable by a processor, or a hardware form, such as a specialized integrated circuit (known in Anglo-Saxon terminology as ASIC for "Application-Specific Integrated Circuit"), a system on chip (known in Anglo-Saxon terminology as SoC for "System On Chip"), or an electronic component of the type programmable logic circuit, such as a component of type FPGA (for "Field-Programmable Gate Array").

[0131] Thus, thanks to the invention, user interfaces shared between several users can be reproduced in the communication terminals of the users respectively for their individual use.

Claims

Claims

1. Method for processing a first user interface associated with a first communication terminal, configured to communicate with a second communication terminal, said processing method comprising the following steps implemented by said second communication terminal: - display (F40; F40'; F40”) of a second user interface (12) generated (F30; F30'; F30”) from descriptive data of the first user interface; - for an action of a user (30) on said displayed second user interface, transmission (F50; F50'; F50”) to said first communication interface, of data representative of said action (100), the reception (E4; E4'; E4”) of said data by said first communication interface inducing (E5; E5'; E5”) the implementation of said action on the first communication interface;said processing method being characterized in that it further comprises the following steps implemented by said second communication terminal: - transmission (E0) of a request (Ri) requesting the identity of said first user interface, - said transmission having resulted in the reception of said identity, obtaining (F20; F20'; F21”, F22”) of said descriptive data (DD; DD1, DD2) of said first user interface (II) from said first terminal.;

2. Processing method according to claim 1, comprising, prior to obtaining, receiving (F10; F10'; F10”) from the first interface an identity message (M) comprising information indicative of the identity of the first user interface, said obtaining being implemented in response to said reception of a message.

3. Processing method according to claim 2, in which said received identity message (M) comprises information representative of a predefined type (lype_10) of user interface, the descriptive data obtained being associated with said predefined type of interface.

4. Processing method according to one of claims 2 or 3, wherein said received identity message comprises a user interface identifier (IDi), the descriptive data obtained being associated with said user interface identifier.

5. Processing method according to one of claims 1 to 4, in which the obtaining comprises the reception (F21”, F22”) of said descriptive data from the first user interface.

6. Processing method according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising, after the lapse of a predefined period of time (T) from the display of said second user interface, the disconnection (F60; F60'; F60”) between the first user interface and the second communication terminal.

7. Processing method according to one of claims 1 to 6, comprising: - receiving a user action representative of a finalization of transmissions to said first user interface, data representative of an action of a user on said second user interface, and - transmitting to said first user interface, a disconnection request configured to disconnect the user interface and the second communication terminal.

8. Processing method according to one of the preceding claims further comprising the following steps implemented by a device for processing said first user interface: - reception (E4; E4'; E4”) from the second communication terminal, of data representative of an action of a user carried out on a second user interface displayed on said second communication terminal, from descriptive data of said first user interface obtained by said second communication terminal; - implementation (E5; E5'; E5”) of said action on the first communication interface from said data representative of an action received.

9. A processing method according to claim 8, further comprising transmitting (El; El'; El”) to said second terminal communication, an identity message (M) comprising information indicative of the identity of the first user interface.

10. Communication terminal configured to communicate with a processing device of a first user interface associated with another communication terminal, implementing the processing method according to one of claims 1 to 9.

11. Device for processing a first user interface associated with a first communication terminal, integrated into a second communication terminal, said processing device implementing the following steps: - displaying a second user interface generated from descriptive data of the first user interface;- for an action by a user on said second displayed user interface, transmission to said first communication interface of data representative of said action, the reception of said data by said first communication interface inducing the implementation of said action on the first communication interface, said device being characterized in that it further implements the following steps: - transmission of a request requesting the identity of said first user interface, - said transmission having resulted in the reception of said identity, obtaining the descriptive data of said first user interface from said first terminal.;

12. System comprising a first user interface, a device for processing said first user interface according to claim 11 and a communication terminal according to claim 10.

13. Computer program comprising code instructions for implementing the steps of the processing method according to one of claims 1 to 9 when executed by a processor.

14. Information carrier readable by a processor in a communication terminal or a processing device, on which the computer program according to claim 13 is recorded.

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