EP3039661B1 - Remote control by means of passive components - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates Field of the invention:

The invention relates to the field of remote controls. That means there are electrical devices to control remotely. A remote control usually refers to an electronic hand-held device with which devices or machines can be operated over short to medium distances (about 2 to 20 m). The term remote control can also be used as a radio remote control. Usually, a remote control requires its own power supply (battery), is often a bit unwieldy or confusing, but usually not where you look.
The pamphlets EP 2 073 182 A2 . US 2007 / 194100A1 . US2006 / 197676 A1 show different versions of RFID solutions.

Summary of the Invention: According to the invention, there is provided a remote control according to claim 1 and a receiver according to claim 8. The proposed invention does not have the aforementioned disadvantages. It consists of passive components that do not require a permanently connected power supply, is just a few millimeters high (eg 1-2mm) and is glued to the destination or is already integrated into objects (eg tables). In an alternative embodiment, it may also be active transponder.
In a preferred embodiment, the controls are arranged in a matrix form and to a contactless keyboard or a contactless freely definable input unit ("Remote control") combined. Each key of the remote control here is z. B. in an autonomously switchable RFID transponder.

The controls can z. B. itself be cut and printable, so that each user can put together his "passive-remote" individually. In an ordinary printer, the keyboard template or a foil may be printed to attach it to the keyboard template. The printed keyboard template or the keyboard template with glued-on foil can then be adjusted with an ordinary pair of scissors or a paper cutter according to individual needs.

Also, the order finished keyboards on the Internet, z. B. in a special portal in which one indicates his wishes regarding the keyboard label and size can be realized. Similar to how z. B. today compiles your own photo albums on the PC, remote controls could be designed according to their own wishes and tastes, possibly even "prepared" for specific use on various devices.
The preparation refers to an assignment of the buttons of the remote control, z. For example, specific IR codes required by the terminal to execute a command (eg, "TV On").

The keyboard can be on the back z. B. be provided with an adhesive film, with which they can then be attached to the destination.

Since the remote control consists almost of a foil, contains no active components that require a "maintenance" such. As an ordinary remote control, in which the battery must be replaced from time to time, the proposed invention is completely waterproof, viz. H. even a potted water glass on the remote control leads to no damage. The remote control is easily washable with a wet cloth. In addition, it is flexibly attachable, z. B. by sticking to a round leg of a table.

In accordance with the present invention, the remote control for technical devices includes a passive RFID transponder that triggers a switch contact upon physical contact by a user to send information to control the technical device. In this case, the remote control preferably sends to a proxy or an intermediate device, which then implements a conversion of the information sent in commands for a device. It should be noted that preferably the switch is part of the RFID transponder, and can for example make contact mechanically by touch. It can thus be a very thin flat membrane key, which makes contact by pressing, so that the corresponding chip, which is arranged in the RFID transponder, is activated or supplied with power.

The energy for the switchable RFID transponder is preferably transmitted via the resonance frequencies, whereby the passive components are supplied. Caching of the energy in the form of a capacitor is also conceivable. The contact creates an at least 1-valent operating state, which is determined by the switching contact in order to generate or to send the information to be transmitted.
The transmission of the signal (information) takes place in particular in the form of the interpretable by the receiver influencing the electromagnetic field of the transmitter ("power supply").

However, it is conceivable that an RFID transponder has a plurality of contact areas in order to transmit different signals due to the different contacts of different locations. In this case, a transponder has multiple contacts and sends different signals depending on the contacts that have been touched. In another embodiment, a plurality of transponders are arranged in a remote control, each having a switch contact, so that each transponder sends its own signal when the switch contact is touched. Here, a plurality of transponders is provided, each associated with a switching contact of the remote control, which are autonomously switchable to control a variety of functions. Thus, the individual transponders can also be pressed in parallel to send information in parallel.

The switch contact is preferably a make contact, which either produces a power supply upon actuation, preferably by switching on a receive antenna, or activates an internal logic of the RFID transponder, which leads to a transmission of the information.

Each RFID module preferably has its own antenna or else modules are grouped into groups which operate via the same antenna, which however may also have disadvantages.

In a further embodiment, the remote control is designed as a film, which is preferably flexible, self-adhesive, magnetic and / or waterproof.

Thus, the remote control may have been created by a printing process in which a film was printed. On the back of the film, a corresponding adhesive or a magnetic film is arranged, which allows attachment to a substrate.

Due to this very flexible design of the remote control, the keyboard for the disabled is particularly useful for visually impaired people, preferably each button has a size, e.g. of 5x5 cm. Other sizes and applications, eg. B. attached (glued) to a walker, are conceivable.

In a preferred embodiment, the transponder obtains the energy from a locally existing radio network, eg. B. WLAN. Wi-Fi is set by appropriate standards and is often available throughout the house. In a preferred embodiment, a WLAN router is formed by an appropriate software adaptation so that the information transmitted by the remote control can also be received. Often this is the change in the Wi-Fi signal sent by the remote control. The wireless router detects the information sent from the remote and generates commands to control the devices. These commands can be sent via different interfaces eg via infrared, Bluetooth, WLAN, or Ethernet / LAN. In a corresponding table managed by the router, an assignment of the commands to the information sent by the transponder can be made. Via a corresponding user interface of the WLAN router (web interface), an assignment of the information of the remote control, which can represent, for example, a specific code, then takes place to the command or the command that is to be executed in order to control a device. So in this table, for example, the information of the transponder be associated with information (command) to be sent via an infrared interface, for example, to turn on a TV. In one possible embodiment, these commands can also be learned from the original remote control of the television, so a variety of learning remotes are known. In an alternative embodiment, the commands for the individual devices can be downloaded from an Internet server if, for example, these are provided by the manufacturer of the device in order to be able to insert them into the table.

In one possible embodiment, the receiver has the functionality of a WLAN router or access point (hereafter generally referred to as a WLAN router) which is additionally capable of receiving the information from the remote control and then generating commands to send it to devices via the Send interfaces of the wireless router. A WLAN router is a device that connects to one end of a WLAN device, and then forward their information over a network. This further network can again be a WLAN, an Ethernet, or, for example, a DSL, power network, generally wired networks or networks by radio, for. GSM, UMTS, LTE. Such a wireless router is additionally assigned the function of a receiver for the remote control. The WLAN unit of the router is used, on the one hand to supply the transponder with energy, and on the other hand, to receive the information of the transponder in order to then process them further.

In another embodiment (repeater remote), there is a separate remote control receiver that includes a radio transmitter that transmits power to the remote control or transponder. Furthermore, the receiver for the remote control comprises a first radio receiver for the information from the remote control and a second transmitter, which sends the information from the remote control to the device. However, before the information is forwarded, it is processed by a processing unit that is configured to process the information from the remote control to send it to the device via the second transmitter.

As already stated above, these signals can be forwarded to the devices as an IR signal (infrared or optical), a Bluetooth signal or an IP signal via the second transmitter.

Thus, there are a number of advantages, so no built-in power supply (eg battery) of the remote control is necessary because there is a use of switchable passive RFID transponder.

Also, no maintenance costs of the keyboard are necessary because there are no active components and only very limited moving parts are used (the thickness of the keyboard is essentially determined by the height of the detectable pressure point for switching the RF transponder).

The keyboard is waterproof, washable and flexible, z. B. also on uneven or curved surfaces.

A simple and very cost-effective production of the keyboard by a suitable printing on-site z. B. by means of special 3D printer or a completion based on prefabricated RFID carrier printed with a standard printer or as an ordering service is conceivable, in analogy to a "Fotoservice" on the Internet. The basis of the remote control consists of arrays of fully assembled switchable RF transponders that can be manufactured cheaply.

The invention can be used with existing wireless router / access point for implementation. For devices that are controlled via web or an app, then only the thin stick-on keyboard is needed.
Existing routers / access points can be upgraded to the required functionalities via SW update, and new routers / access points can be built at no extra cost.

When using "Repeater-Remote" is a completely independent operation of already existing at the place of use or even non-existing technology (eg network, Internet, wireless) possible. The "Repeater-Remote" can control any terminal directly, which can now be controlled with a remote control. By means of a web front-end / app, the assignment of the transponder signal to a specific function (eg "TV-on") can be quickly changed and even supplemented at any time. Macros can also be implemented, for example. In "TV On" + "Amplifier On".

The remote control could also be used by people who have physical disabilities. So keyboards could be realized with almost any size buttons, z. B. 5x5 cm for visually impaired people.

Brief Description:

• The FIG. 1 shows an RFID module in matrix arrangement on a remote control, with a representation of possible arrangements of the associated antenna. Thus, several modules may have an antenna or be associated with an antenna.
• FIG. 2 shows a schematic representation of the structure of an RFID transponder (transmitter), consisting of a microchip, an antenna and electrically conductive connections.
• FIG. 3 shows a schematic representation of the structure of the RFID chip (microchip), wherein the antenna is responsible for the reception and transmission of the signals, and the "power supply" of the RFID module is usually the identical component (hardware).
• FIG. 4 shows the schematic representation of the structure of an RFID reader / transmitter (receiver).

Embodiment of the invention

In a preferred embodiment, an arrangement of one or more mostly arranged in matrix form RFID modules on the remote control. RFID is a transponder that transmits information (signals). In addition, a receiver capable of receiving and evaluating the signals is necessary.

Compared to the usual use of RFID, there is a big difference in that the contacts (RFID transponders) in inactivity, h. Non-operation does not send out a signal and only when actuated such a signal is transmitted. But this can also be the other way round, i. if no information is sent, this is interpreted as a command.

It is thus a switchable RFID transponder, or generally based on resonance frequencies transmission modes of energy, for the supply of passive components, in which generated via an at least 1-valued operating state (switching state), the information to be transmitted and in particular in the form of Influencing at least one existing on-site radio field is transmitted.

The switch contact is usually a make contact and either provides power upon actuation (i.e., "receive antenna" is closed) or the internal logic of the RFID transponder is turned on (i.e., now the transponder is allowed to transmit).

• Realisierung ohne Zusatzgerät, bei vorhandenem WLAN-Router und über das Netzwerk (LAN/WLAN) steuerbarem Endgerät , z. B. intelligenter Fernseher "Smart- TV".
• Realisierung mit Zusatzgerät "Repeater-Remote", und nicht über das Netzwerk(LAN/WLAN) steuerbarem Endgerät, z. B. Fernseher .

On the already known technology "RFID" is set up here to take over already available security and production techniques cost-effectively.
In the technical realization of the receiver, the following general approaches are feasible, although there may also be mixed forms among each other:

• Realization without additional device, with existing WLAN router and over the network (LAN / WLAN) controllable terminal, z. B. Smart TV "Smart TV".
• Implementation with additional device "Repeater-Remote", and not via the network (LAN / WLAN) controllable terminal, eg. B. TV.

In the realization without additional device, the power required for the power supply of the transponder of the already existing at the site of "passive remote" wireless network, z. B. WLANs provided. When a switch contact (transponder) is actuated, the signal (eg "TV On") is generated and transmitted to a router ready for reception. The router evaluates the signal => determines it is the signal "TV On"=> transmits this via IP protocol to the TV => TV (Smart TV) turns on.
Since most routers on the HW side should be able to receive the signal, only special software would have to be developed in order to convert the signal into a command via IP protocol and forward it to the device to be controlled. Modern router of the manufacturer AVM, z. For example, if you already have your own menu item for home automation, then the administration of "Passive Remote" could also be implemented.

1. 1. Generell: Empfang des Transponder-Signals bei Betätigung eines Kontakts
2. 2. Generell: Transformation des empfangenen Signals in ein für das Endgerät interpretierbares Kommando, z. B. in ein IR-Signal, Bluetooth-Signal oder ein IP-Signal (für die Weiterleitung im IP-Netzwerk zum Empfänger).
3. 3. Optional: Web-Frontend/App, zur Zuordnung der Transponder-Signale in für das zu steuernde Endgerät auswertbare Steuersignale (z. B. IR-Signal, Bluetooth-Signal oder ein IP-Signal => "Fernseher Ein".)
4. 4. Optional: Versorgung der Transponder mit der für die Aussendung eines Signals notwendigen Energie per elektro-magnetischer Wellen. 5. Optional: Einbindung in das bereits vorhandene IP-Netzwerk per LAN, Power_LAN oder WLAN.

When approaching with additional equipment, the energy required for the power supply (if not possible on the basis of existing WLANs) is transmitted by an additional module, the so-called "repeater remote". This could be realized from the form factor analogous to a plug-in power supply, d. It is simply plugged into an outlet already in place at "Passive Remote". "Repeater-Remote" has the following general and
optional tasks:

1. 1. General: reception of the transponder signal when a contact is actuated
2. 2. General: transformation of the received signal into an interpretable for the terminal command, z. B. in an IR signal, Bluetooth signal or an IP signal (for forwarding in the IP network to the receiver).
3. 3. Optional: Web front-end / app, for assigning the transponder signals to control signals that can be evaluated for the terminal to be controlled (eg IR signal, Bluetooth signal or an IP signal =>"TVOn").
4. 4. Optional: Supply of the transponder with the necessary energy for the transmission of a signal by electromagnetic waves. 5. Optional: Integration into the existing IP network via LAN, Power_LAN or WLAN.

If, from the socket used, the IR transmitter diode installed in the "repeater remote" can not be "seen" by the terminal, then an additional module (eg an IR diode with a 2m cable plugged in via a jack) can be used is then attached so that there is line of sight to the terminal to be controlled.

During commissioning, the keyboard keys (transponders of the "passive remote") are assigned to the commands expected by the receiver. For this, the WLAN router / access point must be put into the learning mode during the first technical implementation or, in the second technical implementation, the "repeater remote".

This can be accessed via the web front-end / app on the router / access point and the readiness to learn to receive the transponder signals are activated. Thereafter, then all keys of the keyboard must be pressed briefly in a planned sequence, so that the transponder are known to the system. By specifying the Arrey size, eg. B. 4 x 8, the 32 fields are then displayed sequentially in the web front-end / app graphically as learning and filled by means of a user function possibly with user guidance.
When integrating the "repeater remote" into the IP network via LAN / WLAN, the transponder signals are announced as in the case of the WLAN router.
In autonomous operation (without use at the site of existing networks) provides the "repeater remote" via ad hoc network a wireless connection z. B. to a laptop or smartphone ago. The announcement of the transponder signals then takes place via web frontend / app as with the WLAN router.

The production of the remote control "Passive Remote" can over a z. As provided on the Internet service, so that not only an automatic label and any design requirements are realized, but also direct assignment between the "passive remote" (ie the transponder signals used in connection with their arrangement) and the terminal to be controlled be determined. The device would be very comfortable in this case, since only one identity feature for commissioning the Passive Remote would be needed. The identity feature could be a QR code, bar code or serial number printed on the remote control or its packaging. All the data needed for control could then be provided via the Internet and only a few keys (i.e. RFID transponders) could be operated to verify operability.

If you get a new device or want to control other devices, then through the web front-end / app, the existing Assignments are changed. If "Passive Remote" is integrated in the IP network, it can be used to control any actions. In addition to the control of hi-fi / TV terminals and any IP-capable actuators, eg. For example, to turn on and off the lights in the house or the opening of the front door, if someone has previously rung at this. Even macros could be started by pressing a button, such. B .: 1. Turn on the TV; 2. Turn on the amplifier; 3. Switch off the room lighting.

The realization of "passive-remote" would in principle also work by means of switchable RFID transponders. However, this form of realization should be considered as a maximum in exceptional cases, since this realization is very error-prone. So z. B. only a very limited uniquely be recognized whether a button (RFID transponder) was specifically turned off, is defective or simply "only" currently no longer receivable.

The FIG. 1 shows an RFID module in matrix arrangement on a remote control, with a representation of possible arrangements of the associated antenna. Thus, several modules may have an antenna or be associated with an antenna.

FIG. 2 shows a schematic representation of the structure of an RFID transponder (transmitter), consisting of a microchip, an antenna and an electrically conductive connection. If not already integrated in the housing of the microchip, a capacitor could optionally also be used as a separate component in order to increase the range of the transmitter and / or the reaction time from the actuation of the probe to the transmission of the information.

FIG. 3 shows a schematic representation of the structure of the RFID chip (microchip), wherein the antenna for the reception and transmission of the signals, as well as the "power supply" of the RFID module are usually the identical component (hardware). The receiving path with antenna with receiver and demodulator is optional to see, in the simplest realization, the receiving antenna is only needed for power.
In more complex applications, a specific "function signal" can be received and decoded, in the context of which only the signal emitted upon actuation of the contact may then be sent, eg. B. offset in time. Security functions are also feasible, so that z. B. the RFID transponder its "secret" (information) only reveals when a concrete information is obtained as a function signal (password). In this way, highly secure remote controls would be conceivable that can only be used in conjunction with a specific function signal.

FIG. 4 shows the schematic representation of the structure of an RFID reader / transmitter (receiver).

The transmit antenna is used in the simplest application only the "power supply" of the RFID transponder and can be housed in the same housing as the receiving device or else be realized on the basis of other devices.

The interfaces output the control code required in each case by the terminal to be controlled in a manner that can be processed by it, for B. Infrared signal for a TV.

1. 1.) Mittels Web-Frontend/App wird eine Zuordnung zwischen Taster und Funktion (z. B. Einschalten) festgelegt. Dies geschieht idealerweise auf Basis der vorherigen Auswahl des zu steuernden Gerätes aus einer Datenbank, die die jeweiligen vom Empfänger verarbeitbaren Steuercodes in Abhängigkeit der Funktion (z. B. Einschalten) bereits enthält.
2. 2.) Die Interfaces dienen hierbei nicht nur als Sender, sondern auch als Empfänger für den Anlernprozess, d. h. der Zuordnung der Tasten von neuer zu "alter" (bereits vorhandener) Fernbedienung. Konkret geschieht dies dann folgendermaßen:
   1. a) Die Auswerte- und Steuerlogik wird in die Phase "Anlernen" versetzt.
   2. b) An der neuen und der alten Fernbedienung wird gleichzeitig oder auf Basis eines vorher festgelegten Prozesses (z. B. zuerst Betätigung Taster Fernbedienung "alt" und dann Taster Fernbedienung "neu") die Zuordnung zwischen den Tasten und den dabei zu sendenden Steuercodes hergestellt. Voraussetzung ist, dass über das Interface der Steuercode für die jeweilige Funktion fehlerfrei empfangen werden kann. Auf diese Weise wird die neue Fernbedienung hinsichtlich des zu verwendenden Codes "angelernt.
   3. c) Die Phase "Anlernen" wird beendet.

Im Speicher sind die auf die vorgenannte Art und Weise entstandenen Zuordnungen, das zu verwendende Interface, ggf. vorgenommene Festlegungen zu zuvor programmierten Abläufen (Makros) und weiter allgemeine Betriebseinstellungen abgelegt.
Das Web-Frontend ermöglicht einen Zugriff per http:// bzw. https:// auf die Auswerte- und Steuerlogik. Hierüber lassen sich (in Abhängigkeit des Umfangs des Graphical-User-Interfaces) auch direkt Steuerbefehle geben, ohne Betätigen einer Taste.The assignment between "actuated" RFID transponder
(Button) and control code for the device to be controlled (eg
TV) happens in two ways:

1. 1.) By means of the web front-end / app, an assignment between push-button and function (eg switch-on) is defined. Ideally, this is done on the basis of the previous selection of the device to be controlled from a database which already contains the respective control codes that can be processed by the receiver depending on the function (eg switching on).
2. 2.) The interfaces serve not only as a transmitter, but also as a receiver for the learning process, ie the assignment of the keys from new to "old" (already existing) remote control. Specifically, this happens as follows:
   1. a) The evaluation and control logic is put into the "teach-in" phase.
   2. b) On the new and the old remote control, the assignment between the keys and the control codes to be sent at the same time or based on a predetermined process (for example, first pressing the remote control "old" button and then the "remote control" button) , Prerequisite is that the control code via the interface can be received error-free for the respective function. In this way, the new remote control with respect to the code to be used "trained.
   3. c) The "Teach in" phase is ended.

The memory stores the assignments created in the aforementioned manner, the interface to be used, any settings made for previously programmed procedures (macros) and further general operating settings.
The web frontend enables access via http: // or https: // to the evaluation and control logic. This can (depending on the scope of the graphical user interfaces) also give direct control commands, without pressing a button.

1. 1. Funknetz sendet Passwort und Geheimnis 1
2. 2. Transponder "erkennt" Passwort und berechnet auf Basis des Geheimnis 1 ein Geheimnis 2
3. 3. Geheimnis2 wird zusammen mit dem Code vom Transponder an das Funknetz (bzw. den Empfänger) gegeben, wobei das Geheimnis 2 mit dem Code auch "verrechnet" sein kann, z. B. per XOR-Verknüpfung.
4. 4. Der Empfänger vergleicht das Ergebnis von Geheimnis 2 und dem Code das vom Transponder ausgesendet wurde mit dem selbst hierfür errechneten Ergebnis.
5. 5. Stimmen beide Ergebnisse überein, wird eine Funktion (z. B. Tor auf) durchgeführt. Stimmen die Ergebnisse nicht überein, wird keine Funktion ausgeführt. Es ist zu beachten, dass dem Transponder und dem Empfänger der Algorithmus zur Berechnung des Geheimnis 2 aus Geheimnis 1 und die Bildung des Ergebnis aus Code und Geheimnis 2 bekannt sein müssen. Geheimnis 1 wird vom Empfänger ausgesendet, ist diesem somit bekannt und der Transponder erhält dies per Funk.

According to the invention, a password exchange and / or a challenge response method is in use.
For example, it should be noted that many users have a remote control for their garage door. The "password" for opening the gate is the knowledge of a particular code among up to several million possible codes. However, if the remote control in the car is forgotten while the car is in the workshop, it is easy for unauthorized persons to create a duplicate of the remote control. In addition to "learnable" universal remote controls, it is usually not a problem to obtain a replacement remote control and then to train them on the existing in the car remote control.
By means of the inherent security mechanisms in more complex RFID transponders, this could be prevented, namely, if the transponder only responds with the correct code if it has previously received a specific password via radio. In this way, there is, in a certain way, a Challenge Response mode. A "complete" operation "Challange ->Response" is obtained if the integrated microcontroller supports this function as follows.

1. 1. Radio network sends password and secret 1
2. 2. Transponder "recognizes" password and calculates a secret based on secret 1 2
3. 3. secret2 is given together with the code from the transponder to the radio network (or the receiver), wherein the secret 2 with the code can also be "billed", z. B. by XOR link.
4. 4. The receiver compares the result of secret 2 and the code sent by the transponder with the result calculated for this purpose.
5. 5. If both results match, a function (eg Go on) is performed. If the results do not match, no function is performed. It should be noted that the transponder and the receiver must be aware of the algorithm for calculating secret 2 from secret 1 and the formation of the result from code and secret 2. Secret 1 is sent out by the receiver, so this is known to him and the transponder receives this by radio.

• der Code lautet "1000"
• das Geheimnis 1 lautet "1"
• der Algorithmus zur Berechnung von Geheimnis 2 lautet: Geheimnis 2 = Geheimnis 1 + "2"
• => das Geheimnis 2 wäre somit "3"
• der Code "1000" wird mit dem Geheimnis 2 "verrechnet", z. B. per mathematischer Addition ("1000" + "3") => vom Transponder übertragen würde "1003"
• der Empfänger würde sich auf identischem Weg das Ergebnis berechnen. Sind beide Ergebnis gleich, ist der Transponder als "Echt" bzw. das "Original" verifiziert.

Below is an example that implements this method:

• the code is "1000"
• the secret 1 is "1"
• the algorithm for calculating secret 2 is: secret 2 = secret 1 + "2"
• => the secret 2 would be "3"
• the code "1000" is "set off" with the secret 2, z. B. by mathematical addition ("1000" + "3") => would be transmitted from the transponder "1003"
• the recipient would calculate the result in an identical way. If both results are the same, the transponder is verified as "real" or the "original".

1. a) Basis Challange-Response-Betrieb: Der "richtige" Code wird nur in einem konkreten Funknetz "ausgesendet". Damit ist das Risiko des unerlaubten Auslesens des Codes signifikant verringert. Es wird hierbei jedoch immer der gleiche Code ausgesendet.
2. b) Voller Challange-Response-Betrieb: Der "richtige" Code wird nur in einem bekannten Funknetz "ausgesendet". Das für eine Aktion benötigte Signal ("Code") verändert sich jedoch ständig in einer nur dem Transponder und Empfänger bekannten Art und Weise. Somit ist es für potentielle "Angreifer" nicht möglich den Code zu erraten.

The above mechanism ensures that:

1. a) Basic Challange Response mode: The "correct" code is only "sent out" in a specific radio network. This significantly reduces the risk of unauthorized reading of the code. However, the same code is always sent out here.
2. b) Full Challange Response Operation: The "correct" code is only "broadcast" in a known radio network. The signal required for an action ("code"), however, constantly changes in a manner known only to the transponder and receiver. Thus, it is not possible for potential "attackers" to guess the code.

Claims (12)

1. Remote control for technical equipment comprising a passive or active RFID transponder configured such that, upon physical contact by a user, a switching contact is triggered to transmit information to control the technical equipment, wherein the remote control is configured such that the information is not transmitted until a special function signal, a password, is received from the transponder beforehand when a button is actuated, with a device for a challenge-response method with a receiver, wherein a setup and configuration is given to perform the following steps:

   - Receiving from radio network/receiver the password and secret 1

   - Recognizing the password and calculate based on the secret 1 of a secret 2;

   - Sending of the secret 2 together with a code of the transponder to the network/receiver, wherein the secret 2 can also be computed with the code, preferably via XOR linkage.
2. The remote control according to the preceding claim, wherein the energy for the passive switchable RFID transponder being transmittable via the resonant frequencies or generally via electromagnetic waves, for supplying passive components with an at least 1-value actuating state, which is determined by the switching contact, for generating or transmitting the information to be transmitted.
3. The remote control according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the switching contact is a closing contact which either provides a power supply on actuation, in which preferably a receiving antenna can be connected, or which switches on an internal logic of the RFID transponder which leads to a transmission of the information.
4. The remote control according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein a plurality of transponders are provided, each associated with a switching contact of the remote control, which are autonomously switchable to control a plurality of functions.
5. The remote control according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the remote control being in the form of a film which is preferably flexible, self-adhesive, magnetic and/or waterproof and has preferably been produced by a printing process.
6. The remote control according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the switching contacts having buttons of any size to be usable by visually impaired persons, preferably each button having a size of 5x5 cm.
7. The remote control according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by a device which draws power from a WLAN radio.
8. A receiver capable of communicating with a remote control in accordance with one or more of the foregoing claims, having the functionality of a WLAN router which is additionally capable of receiving the information of the remote control to then generate commands to send to devices via the interfaces of the WLAN router, characterized by means for implementing a challenge-response method with the remote control comprising the steps of:

   - Sending a password and secret 1

   - receiving secret 2 transmitted together with the code from the transponder, wherein it being possible for the secret 2 to be computed against a code, in particular by XOR linkage, the transponder having previously received the password and having calculated a secret 2 on the basis of the secret 1;

   - comparing the result of secret 2 and the code transmitted by the transponder with the result itself calculated therefor;

   - if both results coincide, a function is carried out, if the results do not coincide, no function is carried out.
9. Remote control receiver according to claim 8, comprising

   - a radio transmitter that transmits power to the remote,

   - a first receiver for the information from the remote control,

   - a second transmitter transmitting the information from the remote control to the unit;

   - a processing unit adapted to process the information from the remote control to transmit it to the apparatus via the second transmitter.
10. Receiver according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the information from the remote control is forwarded to the device as an IR signal, Bluetooth signal, RF signal or an IP signal via the second transmitter.
11. Receiver according to one or more of claims 8, 9 and 10, characterized by a web interface via which information from the remote control can be assigned to a specific function of the device, the processing unit being designed to convert received information from the remote control into a signal for the terminal on the basis of the assignment.
12. Receiver according to one or more claims 8, 9, 10 and 11, characterized by a learning capability in which the signals of the terminals can be learned in order to serve an assignment.

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