JP2009528592A - Computer system with passive wireless keyboard with improved transmission range - Google Patents

Abstract

The wireless keyboard reader combination comprises a keyboard (10) having a plurality of keys (11), an antenna (24), and a plurality of passive transponder circuits (20), the wireless keyboard reader combination comprising an antenna (24 ) And associated with the key (11). Passive keyboards extend the range and preferably use a transponder. The transponder uses backscatter transmission without using power from the interrogator field of the reader. For example, a SAW transponder is used. Furthermore, the transponder (20) is supplied with power from a key operation. The transponder circuit (20) is connected to the antenna and provides an encoded response that identifies the key corresponding to the key operation. The associated reader contains the source of the query field (16). The query field (16) is applied to the antenna and decoder of the keyboard (10) and measures the encoded response from the passive transponder circuit.
[Selection figure] None

Description

  The present invention relates to a wireless keyboard and a computer system using the wireless keyboard. The invention further relates to a method for wireless text input to a computer system.

  Wireless keyboards have many advantages over the more common wired keyboards used in computer systems. First, the wireless keyboard provides greater flexibility with respect to the relative positional relationship between the user and the computer. This reduces the work burden and fatigue associated with the use of the computer. Further, the wireless keyboard reduces the number of wires connected on or around the desktop and reduces tangled and complicated wire entanglements. This creates an orderly appearance of the overall system and gives the computer system a more sophisticated and / or premium appearance. As a result, this approach of avoiding wiring has become more important as more accessories are included in a typical computer system that clutters the work space.

  Currently available wireless keyboards are either infrared or RF based transmission systems. Infrared systems are the most simplified and not expensive. However, the infrared system needs to be arranged linearly with respect to the receiver. This results in inconsistent transmission when the keyboard moves or when other obstacles block the transmission path. The RF system does not have such a problem, but is more expensive than the infrared system. In particular, the reliability of RF system transmission in any range will depend on the RF frequency and transmitter power and quality. Therefore, in order to maintain the reliability related to transmission, an expensive high-frequency transmitter and / or high-power transmitter is required. However, due to the performance advantage of RF systems, the use of RF systems for wireless keyboards is increasing compared to infrared systems.

  It is clear that the main reason why wireless keyboards have not been widely replaced with wire-connected keyboards so far is that they need to replace batteries. If the battery of a computer system with a wireless keyboard runs out, the system will not be usable until the battery is replaced. Obviously, when battery shortage is not expected, this will cause significant inconvenience. In addition, keyboards typically scan a matrix of keys continuously to detect key presses. Thus, battery power continues to be consumed for key scanning even when there is no data input from the keyboard. Thus, the battery life in the wireless keyboard is necessarily limited.

  As a result of these wireless keyboard limitations, it can be said that the wireless keyboard does not meet the potential to replace the wire-connected keyboard of the computer system.

  In a first embodiment, the present invention comprises a monitor, a processor, a reader comprising an interrogating field source and decoder, and a series of keys, encoded in a time domain. A plurality of encoded transponders that provide reflected pulses and the interrogation field using signals that are selectively connected to one or more of the transponders in response to keystrokes and encoded in response to keystrokes There is provided a computer system comprising a wireless keyboard having one or more antennas that reflect light.

  In another embodiment, the invention comprises a monitor, a processor, an integrated wireless network circuit and an RFID reader, wherein the integrated wireless network circuit and the RFID reader have at least one shared antenna. The integrated circuit provides a computer system that provides a query field, receives a reflected field, and provides wireless network transmission and reception. The computer system includes a wireless keyboard, wherein the wireless keyboard is responsive to a plurality of keys, a plurality of transponders encoded to provide a reflected response using backscatter transmission, and a key operation. One or more antennas that selectively connect to one or more transponders and reflect the interrogation field using a signal encoded in response to a key operation.

  In another embodiment, the present invention provides a backscatter that selectively reflects the query field using a monitor, a processor, a reader comprising a query field source and decoder, an antenna, and an encoded signal. Selectively connecting to a wireless mouse with a transmission circuit, a plurality of keys, a plurality of transponders encoded to provide a reflected response, and one or more of the transponders in response to a key operation A computer system comprising a wireless keyboard having one or more antennas that reflect the query field using a signal encoded in response to a key operation.

  In another embodiment, the present invention provides a freely movable keyboard and receiver with one or more manually operated keys, one or more antennas that are reflectively connected to the query field, and A method for performing short-range wireless data transmission between the two is provided. The method includes providing an electromagnetic query field, reflecting the query field from one or more antennas mounted in the keyboard, and without using power from the query field or battery. Further comprising: modulating a reflected field using a response encoded in response to the operation of one or more keys; and detecting the modulated reflected field at the receiver. Features.

  In another embodiment, the present invention provides a short distance transmission of input and control signals between a device having a receiver and an input or control device comprising one or more manually operated inputs. To provide a wireless method. The method includes a step of transmitting an inquiry field to the input device, and without using power from the inquiry field or battery, and is arranged in the input device and includes a manually operated input unit on the input device. Responsive to operation, transmitting a backscattered modulated return field to the receiver using an antenna configured to connect reflectively to the interrogation field; and Detecting a scatter modulated return field.

  In another embodiment, the present invention provides a computer system comprising a monitor, a processor, a source for a query field, a reader comprising a decoder, and a keyboard having a plurality of keys. The keyboard includes one or more transponders, one or more transducers that respond to keystrokes and convert mechanical energy to power the one or more transponders into electrical energy, and the one or more transponders One or more antennas are connected to the transponder and modulate the interrogation field using a signal encoded in response to a key operation.

  In a preferred embodiment, the one or more transducers that convert mechanical energy into electrical energy comprise one or more piezoelectric transducers or one or more magnetic transducers. The transponder preferably operates without using energy from the interrogation field or battery. One or more antennas may be a plurality of antennas, and each may be connected to a plurality of keys. For example, one or more antennas can comprise a multi-element antenna array. The keyboard may have a multi-layer structure, and one or more antennas may be a plurality of antennas formed in a layer independent of a transducer that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy. The one or more antennas may comprise one or more antennas formed in a layer independent of the transponder. The modulation of the query field may be backscatter modulation using query field reflection.

  In another embodiment, the present invention provides a wireless controller system comprising a reader comprising a query field source and a decoder and a wireless controller comprising a wireless controller. The wireless controller connects to one or more manually operated inputs, one or more transponders, one or more transducers that convert mechanical energy into electrical energy, and the one or more transponders. And, using energy from one or more converters that convert the mechanical energy into electrical energy, one or more that modulates the interrogation field with an encoded signal in response to operation of the input. It consists of a wireless controller equipped with the above antennas.

  In preferred embodiments, the one or more transducers that convert mechanical energy into electrical energy comprise one or more piezoelectric transducers or one or more magnetic transducers. The modulation of the query field may be backscatter modulation using query field reflection.

  In another embodiment, the present invention provides a short range of wireless data between a controller and one or more manually operated inputs and one or more antennas connected to an interrogation field and a receiver. A method for performing transmission is provided. The method includes providing an electromagnetic interrogation field; modulating an interrogation field using a response encoded using energy resulting from operation of the one or more inputs; and the receiver And detecting the field modulated and reflected at.

  In a preferred embodiment, the modulation of the interrogation field may be backscatter modulation using interrogation field reflection. The controller may include a keyboard and the input unit may include a key. The energy arising from one or more inputs may come from one or more piezoelectric transducers connected to the inputs or one or more magnetic transducers connected to the inputs. Modulation of the inquiry field is preferably performed without using power from the inquiry field or battery. As an example, the receiver is arranged in a computer, and the data is key data of a keyboard.

  Further features and principles of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the invention.

  US Patent No. 5838138, US Patent No. 6094156, US Patent Application No. 09/978615 (Filing Date: October 16, 2001) (US Patent No. 7006014), US Patent Application No. 10/003778 (Filing Date) : October 31, 2001) and US Patent Application No. 10/027369 (filing date: December 20, 2001) are hereby incorporated by reference into the present patent application.

  1A and 1B show that a passive wireless keyboard (10) and a wireless mouse (12) are incorporated into a computer system. The keyboard (10) is a QWERTY keyboard having an integrated conventional structure. Alternatively, the keyboard (10) may be a foldable design as disclosed in US Pat. No. 6,994,156. Note that the disclosure of US Pat. No. 6,994,156 is incorporated herein. The illustrated computer system includes a housing (14) that includes a processor, a hard disk drive, other components in a conventional computer system, and a reader unit. This reader unit is the source of the query field (16), which is used to query the passive keyboard (10) and receive wireless transmissions from the wireless mouse (12). A wireless mouse, described below, uses passive wireless transmission and active wireless transmission. The computer system also includes a monitor (18), which is a CRT display, LCD display, or display by conventional computer technology. The interrogation field (16) is an RF modulation field generated by the reader and is used for the appropriate antenna in the housing (14). Optionally, a reader and / or antenna may be contained within the monitor (18). The reader is incorporated in an additional unit or a keyboard input unit. The additional unit works with the computer housing (14) via an available port, such as a USB port.

  When a key operation is performed and an encoded response is provided to the reader indicating that the key operation has been performed, each key on the keyboard (10) has a passive transponder and an inquiry field (16). Connect. For example, a key operation on the keyboard (10) closes the switch, and the transponder corresponding to the key and the antenna are connected. This connects the key to the query field (16) and provides an encoded response to the reader in the computer housing (14). Alternatively, the antenna is connected / disconnected by adjusting / detuning the circuit. Each transponder corresponding to a particular key on the keyboard (10) has a unique code, which is used to identify the key that is read by the reader. Thus, each transponder identifies a particular key operation that is communicated to the computer processor.

  Passive transponder tags (or RFID tags) are well known. However, most of these tags have a limited range of use. Such passive tags are mainly used for security systems and inventory tracking. In general, such tags include antennas and integrated circuits incorporated in small packages and are provided at a relatively low cost. The antenna is used by the passive transponder and receives energy from the interrogation field. This energy is used by the transponder, which provides an encoded response to the interrogation signal. When the passive transponder receives energy from the query field, there is a need to solve the problem of limited readable distance. When a small size induction antenna is used in the reader and supplies power, the distance that can be read is limited to a few centimeters. A system capable of reading a long range uses a very large reading antenna. For example, in passive RFID tags based on security access systems or theft detection systems, the reader antenna is typically sized to the size of the doorway or entrance. It is desirable to expand the readable range of the wireless keyboard without using a large reader antenna. Several methods for increasing the readable range are described in the above-mentioned US patent application Ser. No. 09/978615 (the '615 application), which utilizes a different aspect than the present application. SAW (surface acoustic wave) passive transponder tags have advantageous features in combination with the present invention. SAW tags and readers use time-encoded backscatter transmission using a series of reflected pulses. The series of reflected pulses are delayed to avoid reflected noise from the environment. Since the SAW tag does not require power from the inquiry field, the SAW tag can increase the distance that can be read. Readers suitable for reading SAW tags and responses from SAW tags are well known and commercially available. For example, such tags and readers are available from RF SAW, Inc. The following patents also disclose SAW RFID tags and readers; US Pat. No. 6,696,493, US Pat. No. 6,958,696, US Pat. No. 6,919,802, US Pat. No. 6,675,789, US Pat. And U.S. Pat. No. 6,088,881 the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. Further, details of SAW RFID tags and readers are disclosed in RFID Handbook, second edition, 2003, Wiley Pub. By Klaus Finkenzeller. In addition, the said content of an indication is integrated in this specification as a reference (the relevant part of a reference is easily understood by those skilled in the art). The delayed backscatter modulator is implemented on the keyboard using individual members including delay lines connected to the antenna. Other backscatter tags and reader systems are also used. Various backscatter modulator circuit designs and techniques are well known. For example, the design and approach is described in the RFID Handbook described above. In addition to these and other prior disclosures, US Pat. No. 6,430,031 is used. The contents of the patent are incorporated herein by reference. In addition, non-backscatter systems are used and several systems are described in the '615 application. By selecting the system, the desired readable range is achieved and implemented at the desired cost.

  FIG. 2 is a part of the keyboard (10) and shows a part of the arrangement of the ID tag (20) of the passive transponder. The tag comprises a SAW tag and details of the design of the tag (20) are described in the aforementioned US patent. Each ID tag (20) comprises a chip, which stores a unique code for a particular key on the keyboard (10), to which the tag (20) corresponds. As shown in the figure, each tag (20) is connected to an antenna (24) via a switch (22). When the keyboard user operates the key, the key is driven and the switch (22) is closed. As a result, the individual ID tag (20) is connected to the antenna (24). Thus, the tag connects to the interrogation field, reflects the field for the modulation response, and provides a tag specific code to the reader. Each tag (20) has its own antenna. The size of the antenna limits the readable range, but it is generally preferable to make the reflection characteristics of the antenna associated with each tag as large as possible. This is accomplished by providing an antenna to which a plurality of individual tags (20) are connected. As a result, the antenna (24) makes a general passive RFID almost the size of the entire keyboard and greatly enhances the connection to the inquiry field. Correspondingly, the distance that can be read, the reading speed and the integration are increased. The antenna (24) is shown as a single dipole antenna (24), but other antenna types such as multi-line folded dipole antennas are also available. The antenna (24) is also formed on the keyboard independent layer from the tag (20) by connection (26) between the antenna layer and the layer where the tag (20) is formed. Thereby, a patch antenna (24) or an antenna can be used. The antenna includes a patch array or a microstrip line. Whether the antenna (24) is arranged on the same board as the tag (20) or another circuit board, the antenna can be easily and inexpensively assembled using printed circuit board technology. Preferentially formed.

  Still referring to FIG. 2, in one embodiment of the tag antenna (24), separate antennas (24) are provided for various key groups. The number of additional antennas provided is selected to reduce or eliminate the possibility of simultaneous operation of keys sharing the antenna during normal use of the keyboard. This reduces the trouble during the reading operation between the keys operated simultaneously. For example, a typical computer keyboard with CTRL, ALT, and SHIFT keys is suitable for use with other keys, each of which is connected to a separate antenna (24). Sometimes. Another antenna (24) may be connected to the remaining keys including all text keys. Additional or fewer antennas may be provided for specific keyboard functionality. Alternatively, antenna / key groups are made for optimal connection of printed circuits and / or optimal placement of printed circuits. The printed circuit has antenna and tag connections on the keyboard. For example, the keys may be connected in columns with antennas arranged in rows along the top (schematically illustrated) and bottom of the keyboard. Preferably, as described above, the entire antenna effectively uses most of the keyboard area and maximizes the reading range.

  Referring to FIG. 3, a circuit implementation of the wireless mouse (12) is illustrated. When a mechanical position encoder is used for the mouse (12), position information is transmitted passively. This is described in detail in US patent application Ser. No. 10 / 003,778. If an optimal position encoder is desired, active backscatter transmission is used as illustrated in FIG. The conventional optimal tracking circuit (28) is connected to an active backscatter transmitter comprising a modulator (30) and an antenna (32). The active backscatter modulator uses the same general structure as the passive backscatter modulator described above, ie, in the '012 patent, or described in the RFID Handbook. The backscatter modulator is powered by a battery and a modulation input. The modulation input is derived from the position input signal rather than the modulation input stored in the IC. The optimal tracking circuit and modulator are powered by the battery (34). However, the transmitter need not supply power to the transmitter via the antenna. This is because a backscatter / reflection transmission of the query field is made. This embodiment reduces average power consumption over conventional optimal wireless mouse systems that use batteries to power the RF transmitter. It is known that the battery life is relatively short in the system as described above. Therefore, extending the battery life in this embodiment is a desired improvement. A shared reader may also be used with a wireless keyboard.

Referring to FIG. 4, a block diagram of the reader is illustrated. As described above, the structure of the reader is known and described by Klaus Finkenzeller in the patent and the RFID Handbook (Chapter 11). The structure of the reader need not be described in detail here, but FIG. 4 illustrates a reader aspect suitable for this application. As shown, the reader includes a key reader, a decoder (40), a mouse reader, and a decoder (42). When a SAW type tag is used on the keyboard (10) and an actively modulated backscatter system is used on the wireless mouse (12), the query field is pulsed to the keyboard and to the mouse and reader circuit. Become continuous.
These are each operated at various frequencies. Each has a plurality of frequencies, f1-fn. The multiple frequencies of the reader are limited to normal operation keys such as ctrl, shift, and alt while preventing the keys from being operated simultaneously by interference. The mouse decoder uses multiple frequencies in sequence as described in the '788 application. Other techniques for preventing multiple tags from being read simultaneously due to interference are known and may be used instead of assigning a particular frequency to a common operating tag. For example, the protocol may show a faint response to a particular time slot or an arbitrary response time may be used, but this protocol will minimize interference between tags without using a separate frequency. Is possible.

  The decrypted key and mouse information is provided to the control processing circuit (44). The control processing circuit (44) converts the combined information into conventional formatted key and mouse control data. The control data is provided to the computer processor on line (46). Some or all of the functionality of the circuit (as well as the functionality of 44, decoders 40, 42) is provided to the computer processor, which provides a cost / cost benefit.

  Referring to FIG. 5, a block diagram of a reader is illustrated, which shares the circuit and the wireless network circuit. Wireless network circuits such as those described above are very well known, for example, as defined in Wifi instructions and also include systems such as Bluetooth as used herein. 2.45 GHz is a frequency generally used in the above system, and a 2.45 GHz SAW tag can be used as well. This combined circuit is advantageous in terms of space and cost for a computer system having wireless network capacity. For example, the wireless network and key / mouse reader circuits are formed on a single circuit board. As shown, the combined reader and wireless network circuit (50) comprises a shared antenna (52). The antenna (52) is connected to a key reading circuit block (54), a wireless network circuit block (56), and a mouse reading circuit block (58) via a selection coupler (60). If the same antenna is used for transmission and reception, the coupler comprises a directional coupler and a switch (the bi-directional arrow line comprises another single path from the directional coupler, this method suitable for the figure. In the figure). The switchable circuit receives timing control signals from either of the circuit blocks. The timing signal is transmitted between the blocks via lines (62) and (64). If each circuit block operates at a different frequency, the selective coupler also includes a filter that blocks a single element of the other circuit block. The output of the key and mouse reader is provided to the computer system processor along lines (66) (68). Two-way communication of the wireless network takes place along line (70). Although shared antennas provide spatial advantages and cost savings, additional functionality is also shared between circuit blocks. For example, the circuit block (56) controls all transmission signals by another decoder block in which reception and decoder functions are used. Another transmission circuit is provided, but a common decoder block is used in the circuit block (56). Eventually all functions are implemented in a common block (56).

  The identification process is implemented by the reader of FIG. 4 or FIG. The reader allows multiple wireless keyboards to be used in close proximity without interference. The first process approach utilizes the distance at which the characteristics of the SAW tag and reader are detected. In this approach, the reader detects the encoded response and its distance and compares it to a predetermined maximum distance, such as 6, 8, or 10 feet. If the detected distance exceeds the limit, key detection is rejected. Alternatively, the reader outputs a distance and a key code for the computer system processor. The computer system processor then compares the distance defined as the maximum distance and accepts or rejects the key code. In either case, the distance can be set by the user, but if the distance is identified within the computer system processor, the distance setting capacity that can be set by the user is more easily implemented. A further identification process approach utilizes the different codes of the various keyboards and stores the codes that are valid for the keyboard in a table of the reader or computer system. In this approach, the reader detects the encoded response, compares a table of valid codes, and accepts or rejects the key code. As with conventional techniques, this identification technique may be performed by a computer system processor. To allow keyboard exchange between computers, the table may be recorded in a non-volatile memory on the keyboard accessible by the computer system, such as via a USB cable. Alternatively, the table may be housed in a device driver such as a CDROM or other storage device equipped with a keyboard.

  6A and 6B are top and side cross-sectional views of a keyboard (10) using a multilayer structure and a planar antenna structure. Referring first to FIG. 6A, the layers of the keyboard (10) are illustrated using a planar antenna style. Generally, the antenna (24) of the flat tag uses a known patch antenna or a plurality of stripline structures. The plurality of strip lines are formed on a keyboard housing or a portion of the housing. For example, the patch antenna structure is listed in the RFID Handbook (Chapter 4). Planar styles are generally divided into columns or rows of antennas (24) or antenna elements (28) beyond the keyboard. Other configurations are possible. The antenna configuration is selected for a particular implementation to maximize the connection using reflection from the interrogator field from the reader. The second layer of the keyboard (10) comprises a switch (22) and a tag (20) connected to the tag antenna by a connection (26), as shown in connection with FIG. The tag layer (82) is configured on top of the antenna layer (84) as illustrated in FIG. 6B. The connecting portion (26, FIG. 2) is connected to the antenna (24) through the conductive biasing means (80). The tag (20), switch (22), and connection (26) are formed on a suitable circuit board. A layer with a key (86, shown in FIG. 1A) is constructed on top of the tag layer with the key aligned with the switch (22).

  As described above, the antenna (24) is optimized for data return to the reader, for example, transmitting data via backscatter modulation. For example, if a 2.45 GHz query field is used, an antenna or antenna element range corresponding to approximately half the wavelength is used. In addition to the patch antenna, for example, the antenna (24) may be a half-wave dipole antenna array. The dipole antenna array is configured to span most of the keyboard and provides a strong reflected signal. Multiple antennas (24) may also be provided, each connected to one or more circuits as described above. A plurality of antennas (24) are also provided with each other in various orientations in order to reduce the sensitivity to the orientation of the keyboard. Further, other antenna structures may be used, for example, a bow tie antenna, a multi-element half-wave dipole, or a folded dipole antenna structure may be employed.

  SAW tags and readers use time domain decoding. The time domain decryption is used to identify simultaneously operated keys. This identification is made by using specific time slots for simultaneously operated keys. This property utilizes the teachings of FIG. 17 of the '615 application reproduced as FIG. The illustrated manner comprises a timing signal encoded in a reflective manner within the SAW tag circuit. Timing (118) indicates the start of the SAW reading window (activated by the reader timing circuit to identify noise). For example, slot or code (120A) corresponds to a first multifunction key (eg, Ctrl), (120B) is a second multifunction key (eg, Shift), and (120C) is a third multifunction key ( For example, Alt) and (120D) correspond to alphanumeric keys (eg, QWERTY keyboard).

  Referring to FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 8, another embodiment of the present invention that uses power by key operation will now be described. Each key (11) of the keyboard (10) provides power to the passive transponder when the key is operated and the passive transponder provides an encoded response to the reader indicating the operation of the key. Each transponder corresponding to any key on the keyboard (10) has a special code that identifies the key to be read by the reader and thus identifies the operation of a particular key to the computer processor. Power by key operation is provided through a converter (25) that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy as described in the '138 patent. For example, a small magnet is attached to each key, and the key is pressed against a wire coil connected to a transponder. Alternatively, the piezoelectric transducer is compressed by key operation. Because the passive transponder circuit requires significantly lower power and there is no need to supply power to the antenna for signal transmission, a small converter that converts mechanical energy to power energy is used, and the keyboard Reduce weight and cost.

  Various passive transponder tags (or RFID tags) are known, but most have limited read distance. Passive tags as described above are mainly used for security systems and merchandise inventory tracking. Such tags generally include an antenna and an integrated circuit. The antenna and the integrated circuit are combined in a small case and provided at a relatively low cost. The antenna is used by a passive transponder to receive energy from the interrogation field. The energy is used by the transponder to provide an encoded response to the interrogation signal. In order for the passive transponder to receive energy from the interrogation field, it is primarily a reading distance limitation, often limiting the reading area to a few centimeters where a small inductive antenna is used in the reader to supply power. Long distance systems often use very long reader antennas, for example, passive RFID tag-based security access systems, or theft antennas of reader detection systems are typically used at entrances or entrance doorways. Fit to size. It would be desirable to expand the range of a wireless keyboard without using a large reader antenna. By using a key that generates electric power, the limitation of the range of use common to all RFID tag systems and the like is removed. RFID Handbook, (second edition, 2003, Wiley Pub., By Klaus Finkenzeller) discloses details of various RFID tags and readers, the disclosure of which is incorporated into the present invention by reference. (The relevant parts are easily understood by those skilled in the art). In any system as described above, the tag comprises a modulator. The modulator is powered by the generated RF field. The power supply connection with the antenna is easily replaced by connecting with the power output of the converter that converts mechanical energy into power energy. As described above, various RFID tag structures may be used. The tag structure includes an electrostatic system, a derivative system, and a backscattering system, and the latter is suitable for use in many cases because it is a small transmitting antenna and has a wide reading range. Various backscatter modulator circuit structures and techniques are known and described in detail, for example, in the RFID Handbook (eg, pages 143 to 145). In particular, a typical backscatter tag circuit is shown in FIG. 4.88 on page 145 and includes a rectifier and a power generation circuit. The rectifier and power generation circuit are connected to the power converter (25) described above instead of a tag antenna (the tag circuit shown is much more complex than that required by the present invention. This is because the tag circuit has a writable code capacity and generation of HV that are not necessary for keyboard applications.) In order to reduce the probability of key interference, the tag circuit has a characteristic that cuts with time. Included, limiting the modulation cycle to tens of milliseconds. In addition to the above and other known teachings, the teachings of US Pat. No. 6,243,012 may be used. The disclosure of that teaching is incorporated by reference into this application and provides a simpler and less expensive modulator structure (as well as the above modifications of the tag circuit described in the RFID Handbook). 2 is replaced by a power converter (25)). Non-backscattering systems are also used and some specific examples are described in the '615 application as well as the RFID Handbook. The choice of system is related to the desired range and cost to be applied. Of course, the modulator circuit is constructed directly on the keyboard via the circuit board rather than using a separate RFID tag. Furthermore, an RFID circuit without a chip has been developed, and for example, a transistor film including a modulator circuit can be commercialized. Similarly, an energy converter (25) is provided in the membrane or a combination of membrane and another layer. For example, a film having a magnetic member in a deformation region that is in line with the key is used with corresponding printed coil patterns arranged in a row on the circuit board. The coil pattern is printed by a known technique. For example, refer to the section 12.2.1 in the RFID Handbook. The contents disclosed herein are incorporated into the present invention by reference. Further, some or all of the functions of the energy converter (25) and the transponder (20) may be combined or integrated. As an example, the micromechanical switch and the resonant circuit can provide an appropriate mechanical connection in response to a keystroke and provide the output of the oscillator and adjust the query field. The combined structure as described above can be incorporated into a single chip. Various MEMs structure designs such as microresonators are known and described, for example, in RF and Microwave Handbook, CRC Press (2001), Chapter 6.4. The contents disclosed therein are incorporated into the present invention by reference.

  In particular, referring to FIG. 8, a portion of the keyboard (10) is illustrated, illustrating a particular exemplary arrangement having multiple antennas and a portion of a passive transponder ID tag (20) array. Each tag (20) has an antenna. Although the size of the antenna may limit the reading range, it is generally desirable to have the largest possible antenna reflection characteristics associated with each tag. This is done by providing a shared antenna that connects to multiple individual tags (20). This allows the antenna (24) to be made larger than a typical passive RFID application and dimensioned to be approximately equal to the overall keyboard size. By being equal to the size of the entire keyboard, the connection with the inquiry field is increased, and the reading distance, the reading speed, and the integration are increased. Although the antenna (24) is illustrated as a simple dipole antenna (24), it will be appreciated that other antenna types such as a multi-wire folded dipole are possible. Furthermore, the antenna (24) is formed on another layer of the keyboard by a tag (20) having a connection (26) provided between the antenna layer and the layer in which the tag (20) is formed. This makes it possible to use a patch antenna (24) or an antenna with an array of patches or microstrip lines. Whether the antenna (24) is on the same circuit board as the tag (20) or on a separate circuit board, the antenna is advantageously formed using printed circuit board technology, facilitating assembly and reducing costs.

  Still referring to FIG. 8, in one embodiment of the tag (24), separate antennas (24) are provided for various groups of keys. Selecting a different number of antennas reduces or eliminates the possibility of simultaneously operating keys sharing antennas during normal keyboard use. This reduces interference during the reading operation between keys operated simultaneously. For example, a typical computer keyboard with CTRL, ALT, and SHIFT keys is suitable for use with other keys, although these keys may each be connected to a separate antenna (24). Good. Another antenna (24) may then be connected to the remaining keys including all text keys. Additional or fewer antennas may be provided for specific keyboard functionality. Alternatively, antenna / key classification is done for optimal connection of printed circuits and / or optimal placement of printed circuits. The printed circuit has antenna and tag connections on the keyboard. For example, the keys connect to antennas and columns arranged in rows along the top (as diagrammed) and bottom of the keyboard. Preferably, as described above, the entire antenna effectively uses most of the keyboard area to maximize the reading range.

  Of course, the above embodiments are merely exemplary, and various implementations of both a keyboard and reader system and a keyboard are possible. For example, in relation to the overall system, depending on the keyboard reading range of the implemented system, the system using the keyboard also comprises an entertainment system. This is described in the '156 patent, which is incorporated by reference into the present invention. The entertainment system has a keyboard for remote control input as described. The entertainment system includes a game system and game control keys. A game controller is illustrated in the '138 patent and may be used here in wireless operation. In addition, various computer devices, such as Internet appliances, and other desktop systems may also use the present invention.

  In addition, simple controllers use manually operated tags and readers. The manually operated tag and reader perform a manually operated input as described, supply power to the tag circuit, and activate the control function wirelessly using the encoded response. Such a controller is generally illustrated in FIG. The controller (100) may have a single manual input (102) such as a key or switch, or multiple manual inputs. The reader (104) operates as described above and includes a suitable antenna and reading electronics. Examples of controllers include home or office wireless controllers, such as optical switches or home automation controls, or door / window wireless sensors for home / office security systems. In the latter case, if the door or window is closed by a spring or other biasing means, the power from the manual input remains under tension, rather than pushing the manual input as in the previous embodiment. Provided by releasing manual input. Other embodiments of the controller application include keyless entry systems for home or automobile use. Various other applications are possible as well.

  There are many examples of changes in the implementation and arrangement of readers and tags, and details including various combinations of transmission schemes, antenna structures, modulation schemes, frequency ranges, etc. will not be described.

1 is a diagram illustrating a computer system including a passive wireless keyboard according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a diagram illustrating a computer system including a passive wireless keyboard according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1B is a cutaway view of the wireless keyboard of FIG. 1A or FIG. 1B showing a transponder ID tag and antenna used in the keyboard. 1B is a schematic diagram of a wireless mouse circuit used in one embodiment of the computer system of FIG. 1B. FIG. 1B is a block diagram of electrical elements of a tag reader used in the computer system of FIG. 1A or FIG. 1B. It is a block diagram of the tag reader which concerns on a modified form. It is a top view of the multilayer keyboard used for a flat antenna structure. It is sectional drawing of the multilayer keyboard used for a flat antenna structure. It is a timing diagram which shows the specification of the time slot peculiar to the key operated simultaneously. 1B is a cutaway view of the wireless keyboard of FIG. 1A or FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a wireless controller according to the present invention. FIG.

Claims (40)

A monitor,
A processor;
A reader comprising an inquiry field source and a decoder;
Multiple keys, a plurality of encoded transponders that provide a series of reflected pulses encoded in the time domain, and selectively connected to one or more of the transponders in response to a key operation and key operation A computer system comprising a wireless keyboard comprising one or more antennas that reflect the query field using a signal encoded corresponding to.   The computer system of claim 1, wherein the transponder comprises a SAW transponder.   The computer system of claim 1, wherein the transponder operates without using power from the interrogation field or other power source.   The computer system according to claim 1, wherein one antenna is connected to a plurality of keys.   The computer system according to claim 4, wherein each of the plurality of antennas is connected to a plurality of keys.   The computer system of claim 1, wherein the one or more antennas comprise a multi-element antenna array. The keyboard has a multilayer structure;
The computer system of claim 1, wherein the one or more antennas comprise a plurality of antennas, the plurality of antennas being formed on a layer independent of the transponder. The keyboard has a multilayer structure;
The one or more antennas comprise one or more patch antennas;
The computer system according to claim 1, wherein the patch antenna is formed on a layer independent of the transponder. A computer system comprising a monitor, a processor, an integrated wireless network circuit and an RFID reader,
The integrated wireless network circuit and RFID reader comprises at least one shared antenna;
The integrated circuit provides an interrogation field, receives a reflection field, provides wireless network transmission and reception,
The computer system includes a wireless keyboard,
The wireless keyboard selectively selects one or more of the transponders in response to a plurality of keys, a plurality of transponders encoded to provide a reflective response using backscatter transmission, and a keystroke. A computer system comprising: one or more antennas that connect and reflect the interrogation field using a signal encoded in response to a key operation.   The computer system according to claim 9, wherein the integrated wireless network circuit and RFID reader comprise a WiFi wireless transmitter or a Bluetooth wireless transmitter and a receiving circuit. A monitor,
A processor;
A reader comprising a source of inquiry fields and a decoder;
A wireless mouse comprising an antenna and a backscatter transmission circuit that selectively reflects the interrogation field using an encoded signal;
A plurality of keys, a plurality of transponders encoded to provide a reflected response, and selectively connecting to one or more of the transponders in response to a key operation and encoding in response to a key operation A computer system comprising a wireless keyboard having one or more antennas that reflect the interrogation field using a transmitted signal. The wireless keyboard transponder comprises a passive transponder;
The wireless mouse includes a battery;
The computer system according to claim 11, wherein the backscatter transmission circuit is supplied with power by the battery.   12. The computer system according to claim 11, wherein the reader reads and decodes the reflected signals of the mouse and the wireless keyboard. A wireless network circuit;
12. The computer system according to claim 11, wherein the reader shares one antenna with the wireless network circuit. Short-range wireless data transmission between one and more manually operated keys, one or more antennas connected to the query field in a reflective manner and freely movable keyboard and receiver A method of performing
Providing an electromagnetic inquiry field;
Reflecting the interrogation field from one or more antennas mounted in the keyboard;
Modulating the reflected field using a response encoded in response to operation of one or more keys without using power from the interrogation field or battery;
The method comprising the step of detecting the modulated reflected field at the receiver.   The method of performing short-range wireless data transmission according to claim 15, wherein the modulating step comprises providing a series of reflected pulses encoded in the time domain.   16. The method of performing short-range wireless data transmission according to claim 15, wherein a surface acoustic wave modulator is used in the modulating step. A method of wirelessly transmitting an input signal and a control signal over a short distance between a device having a receiver and an input device having one or more manually operated input units,
Transmitting an inquiry field to the input device;
Without using power from the inquiry field or battery, it is arranged in the input device and is connected to the inquiry field in a reflective manner in response to operation of a manually operated input unit on the input device Transmitting a backscattered modulated return field to the receiver using an antenna formed by:
Detecting at said receiver a modulated return field of said backscatter.   19. A method for wireless transmission over a short distance, wherein the modulated return field comprises a series of reflected pulses encoded in the time domain.   The method according to claim 18, wherein a surface acoustic wave modulator is used in the transmitting step. A monitor,
A processor;
A source of query fields and a reader with a decoder;
A plurality of keys, one or more transponders, one or more transducers that respond to keystrokes and that convert mechanical energy to power the one or more transponders into electrical energy, and the one or more A computer system comprising: a wireless keyboard including one or more antennas that are connected to the transponder and modulate the inquiry field using a signal encoded in response to a key operation.   The computer system of claim 21, wherein the one or more transducers that convert the mechanical energy into electrical energy comprise one or more piezoelectric transducers.   The computer system of claim 21, wherein the one or more transducers that convert the mechanical energy into electrical energy comprise one or more magnetic transducers.   The computer system of claim 21, wherein the transponder operates without using power from the interrogation field or battery. With multiple antennas,
The computer system of claim 21, wherein each of the plurality of antennas is connected to a plurality of keys.   The computer system of claim 21, wherein the one or more antennas comprise a multi-element antenna array. The keyboard has a multilayer structure;
22. The one or more antennas comprise a plurality of antennas, wherein the plurality of antennas are formed on a layer independent of a transducer that converts the mechanical energy into electrical energy. Computer system. The keyboard has a multilayer structure;
The computer system of claim 21, wherein the one or more antennas comprise a plurality of antennas, the plurality of antennas being formed on a layer independent of the transponder.   The computer system of claim 21, wherein the modulation of the query field is backscatter modulation using reflection of the query field. A reader comprising a source of inquiry fields and a decoder;
One or more manually operated inputs, one or more transponders, one or more transducers for converting mechanical energy into electrical energy, and connected to the one or more transponders and the machine One or more antennas that modulate the interrogation field with an encoded signal in response to operation of the input using energy from one or more converters that convert energy into electrical energy. A wireless controller system comprising a wireless controller.   31. The wireless controller system of claim 30, wherein the one or more transducers that convert mechanical energy into electrical energy comprise one or more piezoelectric transducers.   31. The wireless controller system of claim 30, wherein the one or more transducers that convert mechanical energy into electrical energy comprise one or more magnetic transducers.   The radio controller system according to claim 30, wherein the modulation of the query field is backscatter modulation using reflection of the query field. A method of performing short-range wireless data transmission between a receiver having one or more manually operated input units and one or more antennas connected to an inquiry field and a receiver,
Providing an electromagnetic inquiry field;
Modulating the query field with a response encoded using energy resulting from operation of the one or more inputs;
Detecting the field modulated and reflected by the receiver.   35. The method of performing short-range wireless data transmission according to claim 34, wherein the interrogation field modulation is backscatter modulation using reflection of the interrogation field. The controller comprises a keyboard;
The method of performing short-range wireless data transmission according to claim 34, wherein the input unit includes a key.   35. Short-range wireless data transmission according to claim 34, wherein the energy resulting from operation of the one or more inputs comes from one or more piezoelectric transducers connected to the inputs. How to do.   The short range wireless data transmission of claim 34, wherein energy resulting from operation of the one or more inputs comes from one or more magnetic transducers connected to the inputs. Method.   35. The method of performing short-range wireless data transmission according to claim 34, wherein modulation of the inquiry field is performed without using power from the inquiry field or battery. The receiver is arranged in a computer;
35. The method of performing short-range wireless data transmission according to claim 34, wherein the data is keyboard key data.

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