BE1018562A6 - PORTABLE DEVICE FOR IDENTIFICATION. - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a portable identification device 1 comprising a first transceiver 2, at least one memory 5 comprising an own identifier 8 of the device 1 and connected to said first transceiver 2 in order to transmit at least said own identifier 8 through said first transceiver 2 and store at least one set of external identifiers 8 ', 8 ", 8'" received through said first transceiver 2. Said first transceiver 2 has at least one passive mode of operation, in which said transceiver 2 only transmits said own identifier 8 in response to an identification request comprising an external identifier 8 ', 8 "of the same type. The invention also relates to a system and to a method exchange of information, in particular through a social networking website.

Description

"Portable identification device"

The present invention relates to a portable identification device, as well as to a system and method for exchanging information.

In the field of social relations, the need to exchange personal information has long been known. This need has long been met by the use of business cards containing personal, professional or corporate contact data. However, the ability of such business cards to hold information is limited. In addition, depending on the type of contacts, it may be desired to transmit different information to the contact.

To solve at least the problem of the limited capacity of business cards, several methods have been proposed before. For example, business cards have been proposed that include a computer readable digital data medium. For example, there are known business cards CD-Rom, but also business cards with a memory, as disclosed in the German patent application DE 10125658. However, given the manufacturing costs of such media, and the fact business cards are a product, by definition, non-reusable, this option has obvious economic disadvantages.

For this reason, devices have also been proposed for exchanging such information without exchanging a physical medium. This functionality has, for example, been integrated into PDAs or mobile phones, thus making it possible to transmit a virtual business card, or vCard, from one such device to another using the transmission means normally incorporated in such devices. i.e., infrared transmission ports, Bluetooth® transceivers, or a mobile radio transceiver, eg according to GSM, CDMA, UMTS, etc. standards.

It has also been proposed to integrate such functionalities into a more portable dedicated device. For example, in the patent applications FR 2 884 332 and US 2004/0177128, portable identification devices are described comprising at least a first transceiver, at least one memory having an own identifier of the device and connected to said first transceiver. transceiver for transmitting at least said own identifier through said first transceiver and storing at least one set of external identifiers received through said first transceiver.

However, all these means of transmission are energy intensive. For this reason, the broadcast is only made by an explicit command from the user. In addition, the exchange is not necessarily reciprocal: each party must decide separately to send its identifier to the other party.

The present invention addresses these problems with a first transceiver having at least one passive mode, wherein said first transceiver transmits said own identifier only in response to an identification request comprising an external identifier of the same type. Thus, the user can ensure wide dissemination of its own identifier, while limiting its energy consumption, and ensuring the reciprocity of its communication. The device according to the invention can thus be used in meetings, events, parties, etc. to ensure the exchange of contact data with interested third parties and sharing certain common interests, and this automatically and easily.

Preferably, said transceiver also has an active mode, wherein said first transceiver issues an identification request having said own identifier. In this way, the user can also choose to be the one that initiates the exchange of identifiers, and this so as to increase in certain circumstances the number of identifiers obtained in exchange. In order to allow the user to choose one or the other mode, the device may comprise conventional means of selection, such as push buttons or slide buttons.

Preferably, said first transceiver may be substantially omnidirectional, which facilitates its use and increases the potential number of information exchanges.

Preferably, the device according to the invention may further comprise a second substantially directional transceiver and also connected to said memory for transmitting at least said own identifier through said second transceiver and / or store at least one set external identifiers received through said second transceiver. In this way, the device according to the invention offers a third mode of transmission and receipt of identifiers allowing the exchange of identifiers in a private and discrete way avoiding the interception of identifiers by third parties, since only interlocutors in the line transmission will have access. Preferably, said second transceiver may be an infrared transceiver, which provides efficient and highly directional transmission at low cost and low power consumption. The same conventional selection means can be used to choose this other mode.

Preferably, said first transceiver may be a radio frequency transceiver. This ensures a substantially omnidirectional transmission and can cross light obstacles, such as clothing, with means readily available on the market and at a limited cost. More preferably, this first transceiver can work in an ISM band and even more preferably at 2.4 GHz. Thus one uses a band available for this application at a reduced cost.

Preferably, the device of the invention may further comprise a data transfer connector, such as a USB connector. In this way it can easily be connected to a computing device such as, for example, a personal computer, a PDA, a smartphone, etc. to transmit the external identifiers received by the first or the second transceiver, or to receive the own identifier.

Preferably, the device of the invention may further comprise a battery, more preferably rechargeable. In the latter case, if the device also has a data transfer connector that also provides power, such as a USB connector, the battery can also be connected to a charger connected to said connector, to recharge the battery during connection of the device. to a computing device.

The present invention also relates to an information exchange system, comprising: a set of portable identification devices of the invention, each with a different own identifier; a database comprising information associated with each of said identifiers; connection means to said database for accessing the information associated with at least one identifier by transmission of the respective identifier.

Thus, two parties can put information (personal, commercial, etc.) one at the disposal of the other reciprocally by wireless transmission of simple identifiers. Access to the information could be conditioned by other requirements, for example, password identification, database subscription, and so on.

Preferably, this system may comprise a remote server hosting said database, said connection means comprising a computer network. The information can thus be centralized, while remaining accessible. More preferably, said computer network may be a TCP / IP network, such as, for example, the Internet. The information is thus accessible across the globe. Even more preferably, said server may host a website for presenting said information. The information can be presented in a flexible and easily understandable and manageable way. In particular, this website may be a social networking site. Such sites, increasingly popular, expand the possibilities of interaction between users of the system beyond the simple exchange of business cards.

Preferably, the system may further comprise a set of own identifier transmission terminals and receipt and storage of external identifiers. These kiosks can be used, for example, by companies as a marketing tool to transmit business information, for example, about promotions, while identifying potential customers.

Preferably, the system may further comprise a set of storage devices and own identifier transmission, without means for receiving external identifiers. These devices, which can be produced at very low cost, could also be used to transmit commercial information to potential customers.

The present invention also relates to an information exchange method, comprising the steps of: - transmitting a wireless signal comprising an identification request with a first identifier; receiving the first identifier and automatically transmitting a wireless signal comprising a second identifier in response to the request; - connection to a database comprising information associated with each of said identifiers; and access to the information associated with at least one of said identifiers by transmission of the respective identifier.

Thus, two parties can put information (personal, commercial, etc.) one at the disposal of the other reciprocally by wireless transmission of simple identifiers. Access to the information could be conditioned by other requirements, for example, password identification, database subscription, and so on.

Preferably, said identifiers may be simple numerical codes. Thus, the tape size and volume of memory required for, respectively, the transmission and storage of identifiers are very significantly reduced compared to methods involving the transmission of vCards. Even more preferably, said identifiers may be 32-bit codes. Thus, a very large amount of unique identifiers is available without the need for a large bandwidth.

Preferably, said portable identification device may include, in its memory, a program for carrying out said method on a computing device.

Details of the invention are described below with reference to the drawings.

Figure 1 schematically illustrates a portable identification device according to a preferred embodiment of the invention; FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a device according to the same embodiment; FIG. 3a represents the interaction between two such portable identification devices, one in active mode and the other in passive mode, and FIG. 3b a flow diagram of this interaction; FIG. 4 diagrammatically represents the interaction of such a portable identification device in active mode with a plurality of other passive identification devices in passive mode in the radius of action of its transceiver; FIG. 5 diagrammatically represents the interaction of two such portable identification devices in the directional transmission mode; FIG. 6 schematically represents an information exchange system according to one embodiment of the invention, comprising a set of portable identification devices, a database, a connection device to said database, a terminal transmission, and a device for storing and transmitting its own identifier; Figure 7 schematically shows a personal page of a social networking website of the information exchange system of Figure 6; and Figure 8 schematically shows a promotional page of the same website.

The portable identification device 1 according to a preferred embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 comprises a first substantially omnidirectional radiofrequency transceiver 2, a second substantially directional infrared transceiver 3, a USB connector 4, a memory 5, a processor 6 connecting and controlling the previous components, and a user interface 7 connected to the processor 6, and comprising a push button 7a, a two-position slider button 7b, a green LED light 7c, and a red LED light 7d. The device 1 also includes a rechargeable battery 7 to power the whole, connected to the connector 4 for charging.

The first transceiver 2 is preferably an ISM band transceiver. Table 1 presents six possible alternatives for the entire processor / memory / transceiver RF: in the first column is presented the combination of a General Microcontroller STMicroelectronics STM32 with a transceiver Nordic Semiconductors nRFL01 +, in the second column that of a microcontroller of the same type STM32 with a transceiver ChipCon CC1100, in the third column that of a microcontroller also of the same type STM32 with a transceiver ChipCon CC2500, in the fourth column a microcontroller Nordic Semiconductors nRFL24LE1 with transceiver integrated in the fifth a ChipCon CC1111 microcontroller with integrated transceiver, and in the sixth a ChipCon CC2511 microcontroller with integrated transceiver. All these microcontrollers integrate a processor and a memory of 16kB in the form of Flash memory. In all these cases, the first transceiver 2 will therefore be a substantially omnidirectional radiofrequency transceiver with a range of about 1 m.

In practice, for cost reasons, the fourth option (nRFL24LE1) is preferred. However, the other five options are also possible, as well as possible future systems that are more efficient and / or cheaper.

As can be seen in FIG. 2, the portable identification device will preferably take the form of a conventional USB stick, for example a USB key-holder stick.

ISTM32 / I STM32 / I STM32 / nRFL24 CC1111 CC25 nRFL01 + CC1100 CC2500 LE1

Frequency 2400 433 and 2400 2400 433 and 2400 [MHz] 868 868

Processor Cortex Cortex Cortex 8051 8051 8051 M3 M3 M3

Voltage [V] 2.0 to 3.6

Consumption 11 11 11 11 16 16 transm. [my]

Consumption 13 13 13 12 17 17 recept. [my]

Consumption 2.5 2.5 2.5 480 0.3 0.3 "deep sleep" [μΑ]

Enclosure LQFP48 LQFP48 LQFP48 QFN32 QFN36 QFN3 'QFN20 QFN20 QFN20 Flash Memory 16 [kB]

GFSK FSK FSK GFSK FSK FSK Modulation

GFSK GFSK GFSK GFSK

MSK MSK MSK MSK

RSSI measurement No Yes Yes No Yes Yes PST Yes Yes Yes No No Not on board

Comparative Table 1

The second transceiver 3 is a substantially directional infrared port, for example of the IrDA type having a range of about 10 cm. Both the first and second transceivers 2, 3 can be used for contactless transmission and reception of unique identifiers 8 in the form of 32-bit digital codes that can be stored in the memory 5 and transmitted by the connector 4. In the user interface 7, the push-button 7a is used to activate and deactivate the device 1, as well as to activate the sending of a unique identifier 8 by the first or the second transceiver 2. 3, according to the position of the slide-button 7b. The green LED light 7c is used to indicate the reception of a valid external identifier 9, and the red LED light 7d is used to indicate (by slow flashing) the non-reception of a valid external identifier 8, or (by fast flashing ) a saturation of the memory 5.

The exchange of identifiers 8 between two identical portable identification devices 1, T through their first radiofrequency transceivers 2 is illustrated in FIGS. 3a, 3b. In both cases, the slide-buttons 7b, 7b 'are in the RF position, that is to say, omnidirectional transmission and reception by the first transceiver 2, 2'. However, in a device 1, the push button 7a is pressed, and the first transceiver 2 therefore actively sends an identification request with its identifier 8 in step 101. In the other device T, the pushbutton 7a 'is not pressed, and the first transceiver 2' is therefore in passive mode. However, if, in step 102, the device T correctly receives the identifier 8 of the device 1 through its first transceiver 2 ', in step 103 its green LED light 7c' will illuminate briefly to indicate the reception, and, in step 104, it will send in response its own identifier 8 'through its first transceiver 2'. If it does not correctly receive the identifier 8, however, in step 105 its red LED light 7d 'will continue to flash slowly. Similarly, if in step 106 the device 1 correctly receives the identifier 8 'sent in response to its own identifier 8, in step 107 its green LED light 7c will illuminate briefly to indicate reception, while 'it does not receive it correctly, in step 108 its 7d' red LED light will continue to blink slowly.

In FIG. 4, it is illustrated how an active identification device 1 in active omnidirectional mode interacts with a plurality of devices 1 'of the same type in passive omnidirectional mode. When the device 1 sends its identification request with its identifier 8, all the devices 1 'in passive mode in the reception radius of the first transceiver 2 register the identifier 8 and respond with their identifiers 8', which are They are in turn captured and recorded by the device 1. However, since these responses are not identification requests, it is avoided that the passive mode T devices register them and begin to respond to each other. In this way we ensure the reciprocity of exchanges and we also avoid a chain reaction.

In FIG. 5, the interaction between two portable identification devices 1, T in directional transmission mode is illustrated. In this case, the slide-buttons 7b, 7b 'are in the IR position, that is to say, directional transmission and reception by the second transceiver 3, 3'. When the push button 7a of the device 1 is pressed, it sends its identifier 8 to the other device T which indicates the correct reception by its green LED light 7c and records the identifier 8. However, in this mode, the device T does not respond with its own identifier 8 'than if its user pushes its push button 7a'. The discretion of the transmission is ensured by the strong directionality and the low range of the second transceivers 3, 3 '.

These portable identification devices 1,1 'can be integrated into an information exchange system 9, such as that of which a preferred embodiment is illustrated in FIG. 6. Apart from the portable identification devices 1, T, the system 9 according to this embodiment may also include terminals 8 for issuing identifier 8 "clean and receiving and storing external identifiers 8, 8 '. These terminals 10 issue permanently or periodically identification requests with their own identifiers 8 "in the frequency of the first transceivers 2, 2 'portable identification devices 1,1'. Thus, they can transmit their identifier 8 "to a large number of devices 1, 1 ', and receive in exchange a large number of their identifiers 8, 8'. These terminals 10 are not necessarily portable, they could receive transceivers of greater power and therefore reach, and batteries of larger capacity, or even a network supply. In addition, given the greater number of identifiers 8, 8 'that they would be able to receive, it would also be preferable to equip them with higher capacity memories. A possible use of these terminals 10 would be for marketing, and in particular for the transmission of commercial information. For this reason, it would be better to equip them also with a clock, to allow the analysis of its attendance, as well as additional interfaces, such as a screen. The terminals 10 could also be equipped with transmission means, such as a wireless or wired computer network connection to track its remote attendance in real time.

The system 9 could also include devices 11 for storing and transmitting an own identifier 8 '", without means for receiving external identifiers. Such devices 11 could be in the form of simple memories with a connector compatible with the connectors 4,4 'of the portable identification devices 1,1', thus transmitting their identifiers 8 '"to the device 1,1' by simple physical connection with a transmission protocol based preferably on a minimum of son, such as, for example, a 1-wire (Dallas) or PC (NXP) type protocol. Like the terminals 10, these devices 11 would be particularly advantageous for marketing applications.

The system 9 furthermore comprises a remote server 12 hosting a database 13 comprising information 14 associated with each of the identifiers 8,8 ', 8 ", 8'", and means of connection to this remote server 12, such as for example, a computer network 15 such as the Internet, and a computing device 16 connected to the network 15. It should be noted that one must understand "computing device" in a broad sense including not only personal computers, but also for example, PDAs, smartphones, video game consoles, multimedia devices, etc.

By connecting the portable identification device 1 to the computing device 16, the device 1 transmits not only its own identifier 8, which makes it possible to identify the user, but also the external identifiers 8 ', 8 "and 8'" that it would have received from, respectively, other portable identification devices 1 ', terminals 10 and devices 11. Through the computing device 16, the user can access information 14 in the database 13 associated with these external identifiers 8 ', 8 "and 8'". Preferably, the access will be secured, apart from the identifier 8, at least by a password, although other means, for example biometric, are also possible.

If the network 15 is a TCP / IP protocol network, the information 14 could be presented through a website, such as, for example, a social networking website, with custom pages 16 depending on the user. An example of such a page 16 is illustrated in Figure 7. This page 16 may include information 14 (such as, for example, text, images, or links to other pages) relating to private contacts 17, public contacts 18, or events or commercial offers 19. Information concerning events or commercial offers 19 could include links to pages, possibly housed in the same site, including for example, a title 20, advertisements 21 of sponsors, lists of participants 22 subscribers to the same service, photos 23, videos 24, chats in real time 25, forums 26, games 27, etc.

Thus, the social networking website, in combination with the device, system and method of the invention offers significant new opportunities for social interaction, very purely recreational, well for commercial purposes.

Although the present invention has been described with reference to specific exemplary embodiments, it is obvious that various modifications and changes can be made to these examples without departing from the general scope of the invention as defined by the claims. For example, the portable identification device 1 could comprise a second push button dedicated to the second transceiver 3 and making it possible to transmit the identifier 8 by this second transceiver 3 independently of the position of the slider 7b; the user interface 7 of the portable identification device 1 could take different forms other than that described in the detailed description; the first and second transceivers 2,2 ', 3,3' could use other frequencies or types of transmissions to communicate, such as for example ultrasound or visible light; connector 4 could be of a different type to the USB connector shown; the device 11 could transmit its identifier 8 '"without contact; or the portable identification device 1 could be integrated into a portable computing device directly allowing access to said network 15. Therefore, the description and the drawings should be considered in a purely illustrative rather than restrictive sense.

Claims (12)

1. Portable identification device (1) comprising a first transceiver (2), at least one memory (5) having an own identifier (8) of the device (1) and connected to said first transceiver (2) for transmitting at least said own identifier (8) through said first transceiver (2) and storing at least one set of external identifiers (8 ', 8 ", 8'") received through said first transceiver (2 ), characterized in that said first transceiver (2) has at least one passive operating mode, wherein said transceiver (2) transmits said own identifier (8) only in response to a request of identification comprising an external identifier (8 ', 8 ") of the same type. Portable identification device (1) according to claim 1, wherein said first transceiver (2) also has an active mode, wherein said first transceiver (2) issues an identification request including said identifier clean (8). The portable identification device (1) according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein said first transceiver (2) is substantially omnidirectional. A portable identification device (1) according to claim 3, further comprising a second substantially directional transceiver (3) and also connected to said memory (5) for transmitting at least said own identifier (8) through said second transceiver (3) and / or storing at least one set of external identifiers (8 ', 8 ") received through said second transceiver (3). The portable identification device (1) according to claim 4, wherein said second transceiver (3) is an infrared transceiver. Portable identification device (1) according to any of claims 1 to 5, wherein said first transceiver (2) is a radio frequency transceiver, preferably in an ISM band and more preferably at 2, 4 GHz. 7. Portable identification device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a data transfer connector (4), such as a USB connector. 8. Portable identification device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising a battery (7), preferably rechargeable. An information exchange system (9), comprising: - a set of portable identification devices (1,1 ') according to any one of claims 1 to 8, each with a unique identifier (8,8') different ; a database (13) comprising information (14) associated with each of said identifiers (8,8 '); - Connection means to said database (13) for accessing information (14) associated with at least one identifier (8,8 ') by transmission of the respective identifier (8,8'). The system (9) of claim 9 including a remote server (12) hosting said database (13), said connection means including a computer network (15). The system (9) of claim 10, wherein said computer network (15) is a TCP / IP network. 12. System (9) according to claim 11, wherein said server (12) hosts a website for presenting said information (14). 13. System (9) according to claim 12, wherein said website is a social networking site. 14. System (9) according to any one of claims 9 to 13, further comprising a set of transmit terminals (10) of own identifier (8 ") and receipt and storage of identifiers (8.8 ' ) external. 15. System (9) according to any one of claims 9 to 14, further comprising a set of devices (11) for storage and transmission of own identifier (8 "'), without means for receiving external identifiers. 16. A method of exchanging information, comprising the steps of: - transmitting a wireless signal comprising an identification request with a first identifier (8); receiving the first identifier (8) and automatically transmitting a wireless signal comprising a second identifier (8 ') in response to the request; connecting to a database (13) comprising information (14) associated with each of said identifiers (8,8 '); and access to information (14) associated with at least one of said identifiers (8,8 ') by transmission of the respective identifier (8,8'). The information exchange method of claim 16, wherein said identifiers (8,8 ') are simple numeric codes. The information exchange method of claim 17, wherein said identifiers (8,8 ') are 32-bit codes. 19.Digital data medium comprising a computer program for performing a method according to any one of claims 16 to 18. 20.A portable identification device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8 comprising a digital data medium according to claim 19, said digital data medium preferably being said memory (5).