FI110347B - Data transmission and input of electrical energy for an electrical appliance in a clothing article - Google Patents

Description

110347

Data transmission and electrical energy supply for the accessory electrical device

Background of the Invention

The invention relates to the transmission of electrical equipment comprising accessories and to the supply of electrical energy required as a power source for the electrical equipment, in particular between a vehicle and smart clothing. By smart accessory is meant any wearable clothing, for example, a jacket, pants, gloves, helmet, boots, comprising one or more electrical devices, typically controlled by a microprocessor, which performs various functions. These functions are typically to satisfy a user's communications needs, to improve security or presence. The microphone / headset is also considered to be such an electrical device for the purposes of this application.

Electrical accessory accessories have been developed specifically for motorcyclists and snowmobile users. It is particularly advantageous for the users of these vehicles 15 to be able to provide heating or cooling, possibly controlled by a microprocessor, in the driving suit so that the temperature is always comfortable for the user. Also, communication devices integrated into the helmet, such as a microphone, headphones and possibly also visor projections, can be presented to the user. The user of the vehicle is often alone, so that the safety 20 can be increased by various electrical devices connected to the clothing. Current technology already allows the driver to be alert and physically alert and to trigger alarms, either for the driver himself or for rescue personnel, for example. The reduction in the external size of IT devices and the lowering of their costs and efficiency will facilitate the integration of new devices. However, the application of new technologies to accessories is limited by the problems associated with the supply of electricity. Specifically ': * ytys Cooling / heating devices require a large amount of electrical energy, which makes the batteries required for the accessory large and heavy. It is possible that the power supply * · * is fed to the electrical devices of the accessory, but in this case, however, typically several wires are required, which is impractical. Also, · ·. t accessories may need their own wires for data transmission and / or * '!' to provide power supply. Thus, the accessory becomes the same as the batteries:,; : heavy or difficult to use due to multiple wires and their connections.

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Brief Description of the Invention

It is an object of the invention to provide an improved method and apparatus implementing the method for operating electrical devices of a vehicle wearer. The objects of the invention are achieved by methods and systems. 5 which are characterized by what is stated in the independent claims. Preferred embodiments of the invention are claimed in the dependent claims.

The invention is based on the fact that a separate smart card can be used to perform user authentication, after which only authorized users can utilize the vehicle resources for the electrical equipment of the accessory. According to a first aspect of the invention, an electrical power supply is connected from the vehicle to the accessory electrical device if the comparison data received from the user and the identification data stored on the smart card are substantially identical. According to another aspect of the invention, a communication link is provided between the vehicle and at least one electrical device if the reference information received from the user and the identification data stored on the smart card are substantially identical.

An advantage of the solution according to the invention is that it can be ensured that only the authorized user can use the resources of the vehicle for the needs of the equipment of the accessory. When power supply is typically provided from a vehicle with 20 significantly larger resources, the use of heavy and uncomfortable batteries can be avoided and the electrical equipment can be guaranteed to operate at least during the operation of the vehicle. However, if the accessory has a battery, it can be conveniently charged while using the vehicle. When communication between the vehicle and the accessory device is arranged, for example, the vehicle, * · * can be transmitted. 25 operational information for the user and, on the other hand, user activity information for the vehicle controller. Preferably, one wire is used for the passage; between the advice and the accessory, at least to provide power to all electrical devices, thus avoiding the difficulty of using multiple discrete wires.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the vehicle can only be used if the user knows the identification information stored on the smart card, i.e. the reference value corresponds to the identification information. In this case, substitutions may also be made; ! ·, Ignition key on the smart card and makes unauthorized use of the vehicle difficult.

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BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be further described in connection with preferred embodiments, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 generally illustrates a system according to a preferred embodiment of the invention:

Figure 2 is a block diagram of a system according to a preferred embodiment of the invention; and

Fig. 3 is a flow chart illustrating a method according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Fig. 1 illustrates a system according to the invention comprising a vehicle VEH comprising a power supply PS, a smart card reader unit SCR mounted on a vehicle VEH, a smart card SC connected to a reader unit SCR, and a smart accessory CL. VEH can be any propulsion vehicle comprising a current-15 source PS, such as a motorcycle, snowmobile, electric wheelchair, jet ski, truck or boat. The accessory CL may be, for example, a jacket, lingerie, overalls, helmet, headphones, footwear or a combination of the above, it is essential that the accessory CL has at least one electrical device ED. An intelligent accessory CL typically has a plurality of networked electrical devices ED 20, for example, a jacket is provided with a central device that can control other devices and provide at least electrical power to them due to W. This avoids the difficulty of handling multiple wires. The following are some pre-, ·. brands of accessories and electrical equipment they include ED: '..! t - Gloves: Heating Elements and Connection to Central Controller, Possibly Control Sensors »* · | - Helmet: Heating and Cooling Elements and Connecting to Central Controller '' I · '', Microphone, Headphones, Night Vision Equipment v - Jacket: Microprocessor Central Controller, Connected to Other Parts, Powered by W, Temperature Sensor, Heart Rate Monitor, heat; * i 30 Heating and Cooling Elements, Means for Arranging Data Transmission to the I: 1, - Trousers: Heating and Cooling Elements and Connecting to Central Equipment, Tea and Boots

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'*; - '- Boots: Heating & Cooling Elements and Attachment to Trousers i s »» i »5 1 *

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In the following, it is assumed that the electrical device ED comprises at least communication means. The ED can be a vital signs monitoring device, with vital signs sensors providing information about the user's condition and, if necessary, sending an alert to the medical staff. The ED may also comprise accelerometers, whereby an alarm may be transmitted due to excessive abrupt deceleration. The ED may also be an entertainment electronic device for playing multimedia content.

A smart card SC is typically a credit card sized plastic card with a chip containing a memory and memory controlling microprocessor. Furthermore, the surface of the smart card SC has electrical contacts through which the operating voltage can be transmitted to the smart card SC and the control and data signals are transmitted from the reader unit SCR to the reader unit SCR. The interfaces between the smart card SC and the reader unit SCR can be based on ISO 7810-7816 standards. According to a preferred embodiment, the electrical energy supply from the vehicle VEH to the electrical device ED is provided through a smart card SC. The flexible card W can be connected to the smart card SC and the electrical device ED 15 by means of the connector CN, through which the required electric energy can be supplied to the ED. In this case, the SC further comprises conductors EC through which the electrical energy supply can be arranged from the SCR to the connector CN and through the connector CN to the conductor W. The device can be arranged as easily as possible, e.g. and • · .. and smart card SC connected to wire W and connect SC to reader unit SCR. Connectors: ·. '. The CNs are preferably quick couplers, whereby the smart card SC and the wire W are connected.

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'Alternatively, the wire W can be connected to the vehicle VEH connector' 25 and supplied directly from the vehicle VEH to the wire W. According to yet another embodiment, communication between the electrical device ED and the vehicle VEH 'is provided through a smart card SC and wire W. In this case, the smart card SC also comprises information transmission channels IC which, according to one embodiment, transmit information between the chip and the wire W. Thus, in this embodiment, wire W and connector CN support both electrical energy supply and data transmission. It is also possible that the communication is arranged via the ECs of the wires used to supply the electrical energy. The smart card SC and the CN connector can utilize solutions such as those used in PCMCIA interfaces, making the SC thicker than a typical smart card.

The smart card reader unit SCR comprises a reader and a reader controller (computer executable driver software) for controlling the smart card and, in the context of this application, also for controlling the power supply and / or data transmission to one or more electrical devices ED based on user identification.

Fig. 2 illustrates, by means of a block diagram, the structure of a system according to a preferred embodiment. The smart card reader unit SCR comprises a processor RCPU, communication means R1 / O for SCR communication, and RMEM memory. The smart card reader unit SCR may have its own UI, for example a keyboard or a display, or it may use the vehicle VEH user interface. The smart card SC comprises a microprocessor 10 SCPU, communication means S1 / O (typically at least I / O contacts on the smart card chip) and memory SMEM. Also, the electrical device ED comprises a processor CCPU, a communication means Cl / O, and a memory CMEM. In the example of Figure 2, the ED comprises a cooling / heating device AC and one or more sensors S, for example for measuring temperature. Typically, the ED 15 includes an interface that allows the user to control the ED's operation, for example, by adjusting the temperature or dialing numbers. It is important to note that, according to a first aspect of the invention, the electrical device ED can only be a device requiring electrical energy supply, and the means Cl / O, CCPU and CMEM shown in Figure 2 are not necessary;

Processing Units RCPU, SCPU, CCPU (Central Processing Unit), * · (> controls the operation of the devices (SCR, SC, ED) on the basis of non-volatile part programs stored in non-volatile part (RMEM, SMEM, CMEM). ··· In order to achieve the functionality according to a preferred embodiment illustrated in Figure 3. It is also possible to use March solutions to the non-volatile part of the SMEM of the smart card SC, for example *> * * · ^ 'EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read). The data contained in the smart card SC is preferably arranged in different directories with different access to the card and external devices 30. The volatile part of the memory (RMEM, SMEM, CMEM) can be used as a temporary storage place for the data.

: 'The SCR functions of the smart card reader unit may be part of the vehicle control system VEH. The smart card reader SCR information transfer means R1 / O comprises the processing unit RCPU means for operating smart card SC 35, i.e., an adapter circuit and counter contacts for the smart contacts SC means Sl / O *: ··: electronic contacts for reading smart card SC information and transferring data. The smart card SC is typically serialized. The R1 / O also comprises means for communicating with the VEH vehicle other devices, for example the VEH vehicle central computer, or for transmitting data to the user interface UI, e.g. The R / O further comprises means for establishing a communication link with the Cl / O of the ED. Information in analog or, more preferably, digital form can be transmitted wirelessly using conventional transmission solutions. It is possible to use specific bus solutions, such as the CAN 11 Controller Area Network (CAN) compliant with ISO 11898. Data transmission may also be provided through transceivers providing wireless data transmission. The wireless connection can advantageously be arranged using short-range radio frequency technology, of which Bluetooth is one example. According to one embodiment, the transceiver and controller providing the wireless connection are not part of the smart card reader unit SCR, but are located elsewhere in the vehicle VEH.

The communication device Cl / O of the electrical device ED comprises at least interfaces for providing communication with the SCR means R1 / O and typically with various other devices connected to the device ED, i.e. other processor-containing devices or ED-controlled devices of FIG. and S. According to one embodiment, the means 20 S1 / O and Cl / O may also provide communication between SC and ED,:. whereby also the communication between the means R1 / O and Cl / O can be arranged in intelligent: ·. ·, Via SC card.

. The method according to a preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to Figure 3. The smart card SC is mounted-25 on a smart card reader unit SCR which switches the operating voltage to it. The smart card SC transmits to the smart card reader unit SCR information about its capabilities, such as its supported protocols and Manufacturer information. If the smart card reader unit SCR is able to use the smart card SC, the identification information stored in the SMEM memory 302 is retrieved. The identification information is typically a PIN (Personal Identity-30 fication Number), but may also include, for example, the information needed to verify a fingerprint.

The user is asked to provide through the UI 303; · Identification information associated with the smart card SC (or any of the profiles it comprises), pre-· (for example, a user interface display requests or only waits for 35 user comparative information. The user enters the comparator 304 user interface UI, typically via a keyboard, and received reference value 304 It will be appreciated that steps 302 and 303, 304 may also be performed in the other way, that is, first, comparative information may be obtained from the user before retrieving the identification information from the SMEM memory.

If the data do not match, the use of the vehicle and the power supply to the accessory are blocked 307. The SCR may block the power supply to the smart card SC and the vehicle VEH to the electrical system or send the blocking information to another control device that blocks the power supply. Advantageously, the user is also informed, for example, by means of a display, and possibly requested to re-enter the reference information. In this way, it can be ensured 10 that only a user who knows the identity (or correct physical properties) can use the smart card SC. Unauthorized use of VEH can be effectively prevented and no separate ignition key is required.

If the data match, the power supply is connected from the power source 308 of the vehicle VEH PS to the electrical device ED of the accessory CL, and the data transmission is provided by the means of communication of the vehicle 0, if the reference data and the identification data are substantially equivalent.

The SCR then controls the power supply so that the power supply 20 is switched from a power source PS, typically through a SCR, to a smart card SC, from which power is further supplied via line W to at least one electrical device ED, thereby allowing the use of electrical equipment ED.

! When the electrical energy supply is provided to the electrical device ED, SCR

may activate communication means Cl / O which may initiate communication with means R1 / O according to the communication protocol used. The SCR (RCPU) may control the means for communicating the R / IO data through the smart card SC information transfer, channels, connector CN, wire W, and its connector to the electrical device ED with the electrical device ED means Cl / O. The communication may also be wireless, whereby the RCPU may advantageously control the transceiver 30 providing bidirectional communication (located in the SCR or elsewhere in the vehicle VEH) to establish a wireless connection with the Cl / O transceiver of the means.

According to a preferred embodiment, the use of a vehicle VEH is also permitted, whereby, for example, the SCR engages the vehicle immobilizer 308 of the vehicle VEH 358 to release the flow of electrical energy for starting the engine 8 110347. The SCR may also direct the supply of electrical energy to another electrical device, for example a radio comprised in a vehicle VEH.

According to one embodiment, the RCPU performs steps 302-308. Comparison information can be obtained from the VEH 304 vehicle user via a 5 UI keypad on the user interface or a push screen. Verification can also be performed by biometric methods such as fingerprint recognition, voice recognition or eye characteristics. In this case, the comparison data is generated, for example, in a fingerprint recognition device (may also be integrated in the smart card SC) and compared with the identification data 10 stored in the smart card SC.

It is possible that the SCPU of the smart card SC performs a comparison 305, on the basis of which it may authorize the RCPU to proceed to step 307 or 308. In this case, the identification information need not be transmitted from the smart card SC.

The communication link between the ED and the vehicle is disconnected and the power supply 15 is blocked to the electrical device ED when the smart card SC is removed from the reader unit SCR. According to one embodiment, the use of the vehicle VEH is also prevented when the smart card SC is removed from the reader unit SCR. This solution has a particular advantage in the snowmobile, which can be arranged to stop the engine when the wire W is disconnected from the smart card SCR or the smart card SC is disconnected from the reader unit 20 SCR.

Typically, the SCR (or other communication device authorized by SCR after inspection 305) acts as a relay for other VEH equipment. One example is the navigation application where the satellite position of the vehicle is. the incentive device determines the location of the vehicle and determines, based on the map data, 25 directions to the destination selected by the user. These instructions can be transferred to a helmet microphone, for example. The information to be transmitted between the smart card reader unit SCR and the electrical device ED may be, for example, speech information converted into an electronic signal which is transmitted from the earpiece / microphone via the vehicle mobile communication functionality to the network.

The information may also be information used to control vehicle VEH devices, such as remote control commands for vehicle VEH controls which may be transferred to the electrical device ED of the accessory CL, which may: You can also get voice recognition from the microphone. The information may also be information collected by the ED users of electrical equipment. The SCR can continuously monitor the communication link. According to one embodiment, the SCR may provide an alarm to the alert center if the ED (or SCR) detects a severe impairment of the operator's vital functions. A warning of malfunctioning of the VEH may also be sent to the wearer and / or helmet display.

The use of a smart card 5 according to a preferred embodiment of the invention enables a wide variety of control functions. In addition to one or more identification data, a variety of other information can be stored on the smart card SC to control the operation of the vehicle VEH equipment. The smart card SC can store settings related to the vehicle VEH, for example various settings related to instrument panel features, alarms or warnings, or settings related to control devices. One example is that the motorcycle access card has different profiles for each member of the family (each with its own identification information), for example, in a children's profile, the motorcycle power is reduced or a speed limit is set.

According to one embodiment, data can also be transferred between SC and ED. For example, SMEM can store settings related to the accessory, such as personal temperature or different permissions to use communication devices. On the other hand, the data collected by the electronic device ED can also be stored in the smart card memory SMEM, for example pulse history of the VEH user or commands given by the user to operate the accessory or vehicle 20. The smart card SC may also comprise other applications, such as the functionality of a subscriber identity unit used in a mobile station integrated in the accessory CL, such as a GSM (Subscriber Identity Module) SIM system or a UMTS system. (Universal Mobile Telecommunications System) USIM (UMTS

,.,: 25 Subscriber Identity Module) functionality. This eliminates the need for a separate smart card for the mobile station. The smart card SC can also be used as an electronic driving license by storing the information required by the authority.

* »* · * It will be obvious to a person skilled in the art that as technology advances, the basic idea of the invention can be implemented in many different ways. The invention and its embodiments are thus not limited to the examples described above, but may vary within the scope of the claims.

Claims (10)

A method for providing electrical power supply and / or communication in a system comprising a power supply (PS) vehicle (VEH) and at least one vehicle wearable accessory (CL) provided with at least one electrical device (ED) and / or a second communication device (CI / O), in its operative state, at least communicating with the first communication device (R1 / O) on the vehicle (VEH), comprising: connecting (301) a smart card (SC) to a smart card in the vehicle (VEH) 15; retrieving (302) the identification information stored in the smart card (SC), - receiving (303, 304) the reference information from the user, and then comparing (305) the reference information with the identification information, characterized in that, in response to the comparison information and the identification information when comparing them, they are substantially equivalent, switching on the power supply and / or the data transmission from the vehicle (VEH) *. ί · # 25, at least one of the outfit (CL) of the sähkölaittee- (ED) and / or the second communication means • * A * · T. (CI / O) to permit its use by an authorized user. • · · Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the power supply from the vehicle (VEH) is connected via a smart card (SC) and a V wire (w) connected thereto to the electrical device (ED) of the accessory (CL). ♦ · Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the communication link is at least one of the first communication means (RI / O) of the vehicle (VEH) and the second communication means (CI / O) of the accessory (CL). ) is implemented via a smart card (SC) and a cable (w) connected to it. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the communication link between the vehicle (VEH) and the accessory (CL) is carried out wirelessly. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the vehicle (VEH) is allowed to be used in response to the comparison data and the identification data being substantially identical. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the operation of the vehicle (VEH) is interrupted in response to the removal of the smart card (SC) from the smart card reader unit (SCR). A system for implementing electrical energy supply and / or communication, comprising a power supply (PS) vehicle (VEH) and at least one vehicle wearable accessory (CL) provided with at least one electrical device • "(ED) and / or another means of communication (CI / O) which is: '/ 25 in use at least in communication with the first means of communication (VEH) on the vehicle (RH / O), whereby the system; further comprising: - a smart card reader unit (SCR) to be installed in a vehicle (VEH) having at least one interface for attaching at least one smart card (SC), - means for retrieving identification information stored in the smart card (SC) memory »SM; : .V 'means for receiving reference information using:: 35 ice via a vehicle interface (VEH); · [(UI), and • · ·. - means for comparing reference information to the identifier, characterized in that the system comprises means for connecting an electrical energy supply and / or data link 12 110347 I from the vehicle (VEH) to at least one electrical device (ED) in the clothing (CL) and / or -! the communication means (Cl / O) to enable its use by the authorized user in response to the comparison information and the identification information being substantially identical. System according to Claim 7, characterized in that interfaces (EC) are provided on the smart card reader unit (SCR) 10 and the smart card (SC) to supply at least electrical energy from the power supply (PS) to the smart card (SC), wherein the smart card (SC) and respectively, the one or more electrical devices (EDs) comprising interfaces (CN) for connecting a wire (w) used to supply the electric energy 15, wherein in response to the reference data and the identification information being substantially identical, the smart card reader (SCR) SC) and via a wire (w) 20 connected thereto to the electrical device (ED) of the accessory (CL). System according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the data transmission connection is at least. · * Vehicle (VEH) such as the first I «· i 2 5 communication medium (RI / 0) and accessory (CL) such as. : the color of the second communication medium (CI / O) it contains;; ··; Lille is provided via a smart card (SC) and a cable (w) connected to it. • «· • · A system according to any one of claims 7-9. a system, characterized in that the system further comprises means for preventing the operation of the vehicle (VEH), if the smart card (SC) is removed from the smart card reader:: and / or the reference data and identification information do not correspond substantially each other. »* · * T 13 110347