WO2009022253A2 - Input device - Google Patents

Input device Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2009022253A2
WO2009022253A2 PCT/IB2008/053097 IB2008053097W WO2009022253A2 WO 2009022253 A2 WO2009022253 A2 WO 2009022253A2 IB 2008053097 W IB2008053097 W IB 2008053097W WO 2009022253 A2 WO2009022253 A2 WO 2009022253A2
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
rfid reader
rfid
input device
reader devices
information signal
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/IB2008/053097
Other languages
French (fr)
Other versions
WO2009022253A3 (en
Inventor
Francesco Gallo
Original Assignee
Nxp B.V.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Nxp B.V. filed Critical Nxp B.V.
Publication of WO2009022253A2 publication Critical patent/WO2009022253A2/en
Publication of WO2009022253A3 publication Critical patent/WO2009022253A3/en

Links

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
    • G06F3/01—Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
    • G06F3/01—Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
    • G06F3/011—Arrangements for interaction with the human body, e.g. for user immersion in virtual reality
    • G06F3/014—Hand-worn input/output arrangements, e.g. data gloves
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
    • G06F3/01—Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
    • G06F3/02—Input arrangements using manually operated switches, e.g. using keyboards or dials
    • G06F3/0202—Constructional details or processes of manufacture of the input device

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to the field of input devices, especially to the field of RFID input devices.
  • Input devices e.g. keyboards
  • Input devices are often used by many people which can cause e.g. a contamination of the keyboards with bacteria and soil.
  • specific hygienic precautions are necessary in clinical environments, e.g. in hospitals or labs, such that hygienic criteria are fulfilled.
  • an input device an activation device for activating an input device, a method for assigning a specific value by means of an input device, a corresponding computer program product and a computer readable product, which solve the above-mentioned problems of the state of the art.
  • an input device which comprises a processing device and a plurality of RFID reader devices connected to the processing device, wherein each of the plurality of RFID reader devices has a specific address, wherein each of the RFID reader devices is adapted to provide to the processing device one of a plurality of different information signals by reading one of a plurality of different RFID tags, each information signal being associated to a specific RFID tag, wherein the processing device is adapted to assign a specific value based on the information signal provided by one of the RFID reader devices and based on the address of the RFID reader devices providing the information signal.
  • Input device may relate to a device by means of which a user can input symbols or commands by contacting or touching the input device. However, symbols or commands can also be input without contacting, respectively contactless, into the input device.
  • the advantage can be achieved that the input device can have a certain robustness due to the lack of mechanical parts.
  • the size of the input device of the present invention can be reduced in comparison to conventional input devices.
  • Processing device may relate to a unit or computing system which can process or execute one of a plurality of information signals received from one of a plurality of reader devices.
  • the processing device can be e.g. a PC, a PDA, a laptop, a CPU, a microcontroller inside the input device or any other system which allows an assignment by the processing device of one specific value from one of the plurality of different information signals. If the processing device is a microcontroller inside the input device or keyboard the microcontroller can be connected to a computer, PC, laptop or CPU. "Plurality of RFID reader devices" may relate to that each of the several reader devices can read RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) data from the plurality of RFID tags which a user brings into a certain distance to the RFID reader device.
  • RFID Radio Frequency Identification
  • Connected to the processing device may relate to that data or signals can be transferred between each one of the plurality of RFID reader devices and the processing device.
  • Specific address may relate to that by means of the hardware of the plurality of RFID reader devices, e.g. from the I/O-port, the address of the plurality of RFID reader devices can be assigned by the processing device. Thus, from the "specific address” the processing device can explicitly recognize which information the processing device has received from which RFID reader device. Thus, the assignment is well-defined.
  • the address of the plurality of RFID reader devices can also be assigned by an administrator of the processing device.
  • Adapted to provide to the processing device one of a plurality of different information signals may relate to that each one of the RFID reader devices can transmit one or more single information signals to the processing device, wherein each of these single information signals may correspond to data, as will be later described, stored or saved on the RFID tag.
  • Reading one of a plurality of different RFID tags may relate to that each of the RFID reader devices can read an information signal from the RFID tags when a user brings one or several RFID tags into a certain distance to the RFID reader device of the input device.
  • a RFID tag can be a RFID tag with only an unique identifier, a RFID tag with an unique identifier and memory to store data, a RFID tag with an unique identifier, memory to store data and symmetric cryptographic functionalities.
  • transponders can be used. With the transponders a transfer of information signals, respectively data between the RFID tags and the RFID devices is possible.
  • the RFID tag to be used depends on the application requirements like costs, security and memory size.
  • Each information signal being associated to a specific RFID tag may relate to that on each of the RFID tags data can be saved or stored such that the RFID reader devices and processing device may recognize, respectively identify, which value will be later assigned by the processing device based on the information signal and based on the address of the RFID reader devices.
  • the processing device is adapted to assign a specific value based on the information signal provided by one of the RFID reader devices and based on the address of the RFID reader devices providing the information signal
  • the processing device may relate to that after the RFID reader device has read the information signals from one of the RFID tags, the processing device can assign a specific value from the information signal and the address of the RFID device.
  • the input device further can be arranged in a waterproof environment or casing in order to be used in muddy, wet or under-water environments.
  • a waterproof environment or casing in order to be used in muddy, wet or under-water environments.
  • the specific value is at least one out of the group comprising: user- specific symbol and a command.
  • a “user specific symbol” may be for example a certain alphabetic character, like “a”, “b”, “c” or a number, like “1", “2”, “3”.
  • a “command” may be for example a “stop”-command, a “start”- command or a “copy-paste”-command or any other command known in the field of computer technology.
  • RFID reader devices is arranged in at least one device out of the group comprising: a key and a keyboard.
  • the plurality of RFID reader devices can either be positioned in one key or several keys of a keyboard. Thus, if several RFID reader devices are arranged in one key, the size of a conventional keyboard can be reduced by the inventive input device. Further, if the plurality of RFID reader devices is arranged in a conventional or user- specific keyboard, several symbols or commands can be assigned to one key of the keyboard and thus more symbols and commands can be assigned to the keys of the keyboard. - -
  • the RFID reader device is connected with the processing device in a wireless way.
  • an activation device for activating an input device, wherein the activation device comprises a plurality of RFID tags each being readable from a predetermined distance by at least one RFID reader device of the input device, wherein the activation device is adapted such that each of the plurality of RFID tags can be moved to the RFID reader device by a respective one of a plurality of extremities of a user.
  • activation device may relate to a unit by means of which the input device can be activated, operated or started such that information signals from the RFID tags can be read by the RFID reader devices.
  • Readable from a predetermined distance may be that RFID tags can be read by the RFID reader devices when the distance between the RFID tags and the RFID reader devices has a certain value such that a transmission of information signals, respectively data, is possible.
  • the predetermined distance may be between 0 cm, i.e. direct contact between RFID tag and RFID reader device, and e.g. several centimeters.
  • Is adapted such that each of the plurality of RFID tags can be moved to the RFID reader device by a respective one of a plurality of extremities of a user may be that the activation device with the RFID tags can be moved by a user into a certain distance to the RFID reader devices of the input device, wherein the activation device may be in contact with a plurality of extremities of the user.
  • the activation device can be arranged in a waterproof environment or casing, such that the activation device can also be used in a muddy, wet or under- water environment.
  • the plurality of RFID tags is arranged on a glove.
  • “Glove” may relate to a piece of clothing which can be put on or over a hand and thus being in close contact with a user.
  • At least one of the plurality of RFID tags can be arranged on a specific part of the glove. This part can be the fingertip, thumb, index, middle finger, ring finger, little finger, palm and knuckle of the glove. Therein the RFID tag can be arranged inside or outside of the glove.
  • the plurality of RFID tags can also be located at other pieces of clothing, or other objects that can be worn by a user, e.g. glasses, a pen, a watch, a cellular phone, iPod, surgical instruments, etc.
  • At least one of the plurality of RFID tags has an identifier.
  • An identifier is for example a 4, 8 or 16 bytes long value stored, inside the first bytes of a memory area of the RFID tags, but it is not restricted to these values.
  • the finger e.g. index finger, middle finger, ring finger, little finger or thumb of a user can be identified from the information signals of the RFID tags read by the RFID reader devices.
  • the left or right hand or a single glove or couple of gloves can be identified.
  • the identifier may be any size, e.g a 4, 8 or 16 -o-
  • the identifier is not restricted to this size.
  • the identification by the identifier can be also done reading the unique identifier (UID) of the RFID tag (e.g. a 7 bytes UID of Mifare ultralight or a 4 bytes UID of Mifare standard Ik of NXP Semiconductors).
  • UID unique identifier
  • a memory area may be an area in the RFID tag on which data for identification, like identifiers or secret keys (which are later described), can be stored.
  • the size of the memory area can be between 0 and 128 bytes but is not restricted to this size.
  • a plurality of secret keys is stored.
  • a secret key can be a set of data stored on the RFID tag.
  • Secret keys can also be stored in a memory area of the processing device.
  • the RFID reader device recognizes by means of the processing device that the RFID tag has stored the same secret key as the RFID reader device, the authentication can be successfully done and the user gains access to the input device.
  • a RFID tag may store different secret keys for authentication purpose. Using this tag it is possible to have a different authentication secret key for each different input device.
  • a method for assigning a specific value by means of the inventive input device and the inventive activation device comprising the steps of reading one of a plurality of different information signals of one of a plurality of different RFID tags by one of the plurality of RFID reader devices, assigning a specific value based on the information signal provided by the one of the RFID reader devices and based on an address of the RFID reader devices providing the information signal by a processing device.
  • Reading one of a plurality of different information signals of one of a plurality of different RFID tags by one of the RFID reader device may be that the each single RFID reader device can read one specific data set in form of one specific information signal from one RFID tag.
  • “Assigning a specific value based on the information signal provided by the one of the RFID reader devices and based on an address of the RFID reader devices providing the information signal by a processing device” may be that after the RFID reader device has read information signals of the RFID tags, the processing device can assign certain values in the form of symbols and/or commands based on the read information signals and address of the RFID reader devices, wherein the assignment can be administrated by an administrator of the processing device.
  • a computer program product storable on a medium readable by a computing system, comprising a software code section which induces the computing system to execute the inventive method when the product is executed on the computing system.
  • a computer readable product on which a computer program product is stored.
  • the advantage can be achieved that the input device can have a certain robustness due to the lack of mechanical parts.
  • the input device can be operated in muddy, wet and under-water conditions when it is e.g. situated in a waterproof casing or other waterproof environment.
  • the size of the input device of the present invention can reduced in comparison to conventional input devices.
  • the present invention further allows an access restriction with secret keys such that only authorized users have access to the input device.
  • the RFID reader devices can read information signals from a certain distance, there is no need to directly touch the input device, wherein also hygienic criteria in clinical, scientific or medical environments can be fulfilled.
  • Fig. 1 shows a schematic diagram of the input device according to the invention.
  • Fig. 2 shows a more detailed embodiment of the input device according to the invention.
  • Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of the input device 100 according to the invention.
  • the input device 100 has keys 10, 10', wherein a RFID reader device 20 is arranged inside the key 10 and a RFID reader device 20' is arranged inside the key 10'. Further the RFID reader device 20 and 20 ' are wirelessly connected by a Bluetooth connection 40 to a processing device 300.
  • the processing device 300 is a computer.
  • the computer is administrated by an administrator.
  • Fig. 1 further can be seen an activation device 200 for activating the input device 100.
  • the activation device 200 is part of a fingertip of a glove (not shown).
  • a RFID tag is arranged in the activation device 200 .
  • Fig. 1 only one RFID tag 30 of the index finger of the glove (not shown) is illustrated.
  • the RFID reader device 20 reads the information signal I of the RFID tag 30 and transmits the signal in form of data to the processing device 300.
  • the processing device 300 recognizes from the address Al of the RFID reader device 20 and the information signal I of the RFID tag 30 which value has to be assigned to the respective information signal I.
  • Such a user-specific symbol is in this example e.g. the character "A” (not shown). Concrete examples of characters will be explained in the embodiment in Fig. 2.
  • the distance "d" is configured by an administrator of the computer 300, which is connected with the RFID reader device 20 in a wireless way.
  • the user has to bring the RFID tag 30 with the glove
  • the processing device 300 assigns from the read information signal I and the address Al the value V (not shown), wherein the value V corresponds to the character "A" (not shown).
  • the RFID reader device 20' can not read the information signal of the RFID tag 30. Only the RFID reader device 20 can read this information signal I of the RFID tag 30.
  • an information signal of the RFID 30 can be read by the RFID reader device 20'.
  • the processing device assigns from the read information signal and the address A2 the value V (not shown), wherein the processing device knows from these data (information signal, address A2) that the value V corresponds to the character "B" (not shown).
  • a secret key is stored on the identifier (not shown) of the RFID tag 30 .
  • This secret key consists of 16 bytes.
  • the RFID reader device reads the information signal I from the RFID tag it compares the secret key of the RFID tag 30 with the stored secret key on the RFID reader device 20 or with the secret key stored in the processing device 300, i.e. the computer.
  • the user gains access to the input device 100 and can input further user- specific symbols or commands with the same RFID tag 30 which is shown in Fig. 1 or with another RFID tag of the other fingers of the glove (not shown).
  • Figure 2 shows an embodiment of an input device 100 according to the invention.
  • a conventional keyboard 400 with mechanical keys is shown in the lower part of Fig. 2 .
  • This keyboard is only demonstrating which symbols or commands 50 can be associated to the inventive input device.
  • the activation device 200 is a glove worn by the user.
  • the inventive input device 100 is shown, wherein the input device 100 has keys 10 and wherein RFID readers devices 20 are arranged in the input device 100.
  • Fig. 2 is illustrated how a user can use an input device 100, wherein the input device has 14 keys.
  • the input device 100 corresponds to the keyboard 400 as it is schematically shown by the arrows which are directed from the keyboard 400 to the input device 100.
  • a user approaches with the activation device 200 to the 5 th key from the left of the input device 100 he/she can activate with the thumb, which has the RFID tag 34, the spacer of the keyboard. Further the user can activate with the index finger, which has the RFID tag 33, the character "c”, with the middle- finger, which has the RFID tag 32, the character “d”, with the ring finger, which has the RFID tag 31, the character "e” and with the little finger, which has the RFID tag 30, the number "4".
  • a user approaches with the activation device 200 to the 1 st key from the left of the input device 100 he/she can activate with the thumb the key “Ctrl”, with the index finger the key “Shift”, with the middle-finger the key “Caps Lock”, with the ring finger the key “Caps Lock” and with the little finger the key “ ⁇ ".
  • RFID tags 30, 31, 32, 33, 34 are only shown for the right hand.
  • a similar activation of the input device 100 by the activation device 200 is also possible if a respective glove with RFID tags is worn at the left hand of a user.
  • the embodiment of the input device 100 of Fig. 2 has also security mechanisms with identifiers or secret keys. However, their functioning was already explained in Fig. 1.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
  • Human Computer Interaction (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • User Interface Of Digital Computer (AREA)
  • Input From Keyboards Or The Like (AREA)

Abstract

It is described an input device, which comprises a processing device and a plurality of RFID reader devices connected to the processing device, wherein each of the plurality of RFID reader devices has a specific address, wherein each of the RFID reader devices is adapted to provide to the processing device one of a plurality of different information signals by reading one of a plurality of different RFID tags, each information signal being associated to a specific RFID tag, wherein the processing device is adapted to assign a specific value based on the information signal provided by one of the RFID reader devices and based on the address of the RFID reader devices providing the information signal. It is further described an activation device for activating an input device, wherein the activation device comprises a plurality of RFID tags each being readable from a predetermined distance by at least one RFID reader device of the input device, wherein the activation device is adapted such that each of the plurality of RFID tags can be moved to the RFID reader device by a respective one of a plurality of extremities of a user. Finally, it is described a method for assigning a specific value by means of the input device and the activation device.

Description

DESCRIPTION
Input Device
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to the field of input devices, especially to the field of RFID input devices.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Input devices, e.g. keyboards, are often used by many people which can cause e.g. a contamination of the keyboards with bacteria and soil. Thus, specific hygienic precautions are necessary in clinical environments, e.g. in hospitals or labs, such that hygienic criteria are fulfilled.
Further, conventional input devices are difficult to use in muddy, wet and under-water conditions as specific arrangements firstly have to be created.
Also unauthorized persons can have an easy access to conventional input devices what can result in security problems.
Thus, there may be a need for an input device, an activation device for activating an input device, a method for assigning a specific value by means of an input device, a corresponding computer program product and a computer readable product, which solve the above-mentioned problems of the state of the art.
OBJECT AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
This need may be met by the subject matter according to the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments of the present invention are described by the dependent claims. According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided an input device, which comprises a processing device and a plurality of RFID reader devices connected to the processing device, wherein each of the plurality of RFID reader devices has a specific address, wherein each of the RFID reader devices is adapted to provide to the processing device one of a plurality of different information signals by reading one of a plurality of different RFID tags, each information signal being associated to a specific RFID tag, wherein the processing device is adapted to assign a specific value based on the information signal provided by one of the RFID reader devices and based on the address of the RFID reader devices providing the information signal.
"Input device" may relate to a device by means of which a user can input symbols or commands by contacting or touching the input device. However, symbols or commands can also be input without contacting, respectively contactless, into the input device.
Thus, with the input device according to the present invention the advantage can be achieved that the input device can have a certain robustness due to the lack of mechanical parts.
Further, since with each key of the input device different symbols and commands can be input, the size of the input device of the present invention can be reduced in comparison to conventional input devices.
"Processing device" may relate to a unit or computing system which can process or execute one of a plurality of information signals received from one of a plurality of reader devices.
The processing device can be e.g. a PC, a PDA, a laptop, a CPU, a microcontroller inside the input device or any other system which allows an assignment by the processing device of one specific value from one of the plurality of different information signals. If the processing device is a microcontroller inside the input device or keyboard the microcontroller can be connected to a computer, PC, laptop or CPU. "Plurality of RFID reader devices" may relate to that each of the several reader devices can read RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) data from the plurality of RFID tags which a user brings into a certain distance to the RFID reader device.
"Connected to the processing device" may relate to that data or signals can be transferred between each one of the plurality of RFID reader devices and the processing device.
"Specific address" may relate to that by means of the hardware of the plurality of RFID reader devices, e.g. from the I/O-port, the address of the plurality of RFID reader devices can be assigned by the processing device. Thus, from the "specific address" the processing device can explicitly recognize which information the processing device has received from which RFID reader device. Thus, the assignment is well-defined.
The address of the plurality of RFID reader devices can also be assigned by an administrator of the processing device.
"Adapted to provide to the processing device one of a plurality of different information signals" may relate to that each one of the RFID reader devices can transmit one or more single information signals to the processing device, wherein each of these single information signals may correspond to data, as will be later described, stored or saved on the RFID tag.
Thus, with the present invention an access restriction with secret keys is possible, which will be later explained, such that only authorized users have access to the input device.
"Reading one of a plurality of different RFID tags" may relate to that each of the RFID reader devices can read an information signal from the RFID tags when a user brings one or several RFID tags into a certain distance to the RFID reader device of the input device.
A RFID tag can be a RFID tag with only an unique identifier, a RFID tag with an unique identifier and memory to store data, a RFID tag with an unique identifier, memory to store data and symmetric cryptographic functionalities.
Of course also other transponders can be used. With the transponders a transfer of information signals, respectively data between the RFID tags and the RFID devices is possible.
The RFID tag to be used depends on the application requirements like costs, security and memory size.
"Each information signal being associated to a specific RFID tag" may relate to that on each of the RFID tags data can be saved or stored such that the RFID reader devices and processing device may recognize, respectively identify, which value will be later assigned by the processing device based on the information signal and based on the address of the RFID reader devices.
"Wherein the processing device is adapted to assign a specific value based on the information signal provided by one of the RFID reader devices and based on the address of the RFID reader devices providing the information signal" may relate to that after the RFID reader device has read the information signals from one of the RFID tags, the processing device can assign a specific value from the information signal and the address of the RFID device.
The input device further can be arranged in a waterproof environment or casing in order to be used in muddy, wet or under-water environments. With an input device according to the present invention the advantage may be obtained that no mechanical keys on the input device, e.g. a keyboard, are required. Thus, no mechanical failures may happen and the input device can be operated in muddy, wet and under- water conditions.
Also security requirements can be fulfilled with the present invention as unauthorized persons may not get access to environments which are only permitted for authorized persons, which will be later explained.
According to a further embodiment of the invention the specific value is at least one out of the group comprising: user- specific symbol and a command.
A "user specific symbol" may be for example a certain alphabetic character, like "a", "b", "c" or a number, like "1", "2", "3".
A "command" may be for example a "stop"-command, a "start"- command or a "copy-paste"-command or any other command known in the field of computer technology.
According to a further embodiment of the invention the plurality of
RFID reader devices is arranged in at least one device out of the group comprising: a key and a keyboard.
The plurality of RFID reader devices can either be positioned in one key or several keys of a keyboard. Thus, if several RFID reader devices are arranged in one key, the size of a conventional keyboard can be reduced by the inventive input device. Further, if the plurality of RFID reader devices is arranged in a conventional or user- specific keyboard, several symbols or commands can be assigned to one key of the keyboard and thus more symbols and commands can be assigned to the keys of the keyboard. - -
According to a further embodiment of the invention the RFID reader device is connected with the processing device in a wireless way.
According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided an activation device for activating an input device, wherein the activation device comprises a plurality of RFID tags each being readable from a predetermined distance by at least one RFID reader device of the input device, wherein the activation device is adapted such that each of the plurality of RFID tags can be moved to the RFID reader device by a respective one of a plurality of extremities of a user.
"Activation device" may relate to a unit by means of which the input device can be activated, operated or started such that information signals from the RFID tags can be read by the RFID reader devices.
"Readable from a predetermined distance" may be that RFID tags can be read by the RFID reader devices when the distance between the RFID tags and the RFID reader devices has a certain value such that a transmission of information signals, respectively data, is possible. Herein the predetermined distance may be between 0 cm, i.e. direct contact between RFID tag and RFID reader device, and e.g. several centimeters.
"Is adapted such that each of the plurality of RFID tags can be moved to the RFID reader device by a respective one of a plurality of extremities of a user" may be that the activation device with the RFID tags can be moved by a user into a certain distance to the RFID reader devices of the input device, wherein the activation device may be in contact with a plurality of extremities of the user.
Further, the activation device can be arranged in a waterproof environment or casing, such that the activation device can also be used in a muddy, wet or under- water environment. According to a further embodiment of the invention the plurality of RFID tags is arranged on a glove.
"Glove" may relate to a piece of clothing which can be put on or over a hand and thus being in close contact with a user.
At least one of the plurality of RFID tags can be arranged on a specific part of the glove. This part can be the fingertip, thumb, index, middle finger, ring finger, little finger, palm and knuckle of the glove. Therein the RFID tag can be arranged inside or outside of the glove.
However, the plurality of RFID tags can also be located at other pieces of clothing, or other objects that can be worn by a user, e.g. glasses, a pen, a watch, a cellular phone, iPod, surgical instruments, etc.
According to a further embodiment of the invention at least one of the plurality of RFID tags has an identifier.
An identifier is for example a 4, 8 or 16 bytes long value stored, inside the first bytes of a memory area of the RFID tags, but it is not restricted to these values. With the identifier the finger, e.g. index finger, middle finger, ring finger, little finger or thumb of a user can be identified from the information signals of the RFID tags read by the RFID reader devices. Also the left or right hand or a single glove or couple of gloves can be identified.
In the following will be explained which two different identifiers can be used in the inventive activation device.
With a RFID tag without authentication mechanism (e.g. Mifare ultralight from NXP Semiconductors) the identifier may be any size, e.g a 4, 8 or 16 -o-
bytes long value stored inside the first 16 bytes of the memory area available to store application data. However, the identifier is not restricted to this size.
The identification by the identifier can be also done reading the unique identifier (UID) of the RFID tag (e.g. a 7 bytes UID of Mifare ultralight or a 4 bytes UID of Mifare standard Ik of NXP Semiconductors).
When using a RFID tag with an authentication capability (e.g. Mifare Standard Ik of NXP Semiconductors) it is possible to provide security access mechanisms for applications like an automatic login or user recognition just typing the keyboard or the input device.
A memory area may be an area in the RFID tag on which data for identification, like identifiers or secret keys (which are later described), can be stored. The size of the memory area can be between 0 and 128 bytes but is not restricted to this size.
According to a further embodiment of the invention on the plurality of RFID tags a plurality of secret keys is stored.
A secret key can be a set of data stored on the RFID tag.
Secret keys can also be stored in a memory area of the processing device.
If the RFID reader device recognizes by means of the processing device that the RFID tag has stored the same secret key as the RFID reader device, the authentication can be successfully done and the user gains access to the input device.
Thus, a secure access to the input device can be assured by the secret keys. A RFID tag may store different secret keys for authentication purpose. Using this tag it is possible to have a different authentication secret key for each different input device.
According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a method for assigning a specific value by means of the inventive input device and the inventive activation device, wherein the method comprises the steps of reading one of a plurality of different information signals of one of a plurality of different RFID tags by one of the plurality of RFID reader devices, assigning a specific value based on the information signal provided by the one of the RFID reader devices and based on an address of the RFID reader devices providing the information signal by a processing device.
"Reading one of a plurality of different information signals of one of a plurality of different RFID tags by one of the RFID reader device" may be that the each single RFID reader device can read one specific data set in form of one specific information signal from one RFID tag.
"Assigning a specific value based on the information signal provided by the one of the RFID reader devices and based on an address of the RFID reader devices providing the information signal by a processing device" may be that after the RFID reader device has read information signals of the RFID tags, the processing device can assign certain values in the form of symbols and/or commands based on the read information signals and address of the RFID reader devices, wherein the assignment can be administrated by an administrator of the processing device.
According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a computer program product storable on a medium readable by a computing system, comprising a software code section which induces the computing system to execute the inventive method when the product is executed on the computing system. According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a computer readable product, on which a computer program product is stored.
Thus, with the input device according to the present invention the advantage can be achieved that the input device can have a certain robustness due to the lack of mechanical parts.
Further the input device can be operated in muddy, wet and under-water conditions when it is e.g. situated in a waterproof casing or other waterproof environment.
Since with each key different symbols and commands can be input the size of the input device of the present invention can reduced in comparison to conventional input devices.
The present invention further allows an access restriction with secret keys such that only authorized users have access to the input device.
Finally, since the RFID reader devices can read information signals from a certain distance, there is no need to directly touch the input device, wherein also hygienic criteria in clinical, scientific or medical environments can be fulfilled.
It has to be noted that embodiments of the invention have been described with reference to different subject matters. In particular, some embodiments have been described with reference to apparatus type claims whereas other embodiments have been described with reference to method type claims.
However, a person skilled in the art will gather from the above and the following description that, unless other notified, in addition to any combination of features belonging to one type of subject matter also any combination between features relating to different subject matters, in particular between features of the apparatus type claims and features of the method type claims is considered to be disclosed with this application.
The aspects defined above and further aspects of the present invention are apparent from the examples of embodiment to be described hereinafter and are explained with reference to the examples of embodiment. The invention will be described in more detail hereinafter with reference to examples of embodiment but to which the invention is not limited.
On the basis of the above given and the following explanation of the method for assigning a specific value by means of an input device and an activation device a skilled person will we able to translate the steps of the method into a computer program for carrying out the method.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Fig. 1 shows a schematic diagram of the input device according to the invention.
Fig. 2 shows a more detailed embodiment of the input device according to the invention.
The illustration in the drawings is schematically.
DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of the input device 100 according to the invention.
The input device 100 has keys 10, 10', wherein a RFID reader device 20 is arranged inside the key 10 and a RFID reader device 20' is arranged inside the key 10'. Further the RFID reader device 20 and 20 ' are wirelessly connected by a Bluetooth connection 40 to a processing device 300.
The processing device 300 is a computer. The computer is administrated by an administrator.
In Fig. 1 further can be seen an activation device 200 for activating the input device 100. The activation device 200 is part of a fingertip of a glove (not shown). In the activation device 200 further a RFID tag is arranged. In Fig. 1 only one RFID tag 30 of the index finger of the glove (not shown) is illustrated.
When the activation device 200 is brought into a distance "d" to the input device 100 an information signal I is received and read from the RFID tag 30 by the RFID reader device 20. The reading of the information signal by the RFID reader device 20 from the RFID tag 30 is shown by arrows in Fig. 1.
In a first step the RFID reader device 20 reads the information signal I of the RFID tag 30 and transmits the signal in form of data to the processing device 300.
The processing device 300 recognizes from the address Al of the RFID reader device 20 and the information signal I of the RFID tag 30 which value has to be assigned to the respective information signal I.
Such a user-specific symbol is in this example e.g. the character "A" (not shown). Concrete examples of characters will be explained in the embodiment in Fig. 2.
Also the distance "d" is configured by an administrator of the computer 300, which is connected with the RFID reader device 20 in a wireless way.
In this embodiment the user has to bring the RFID tag 30 with the glove
(not shown) into a distance of 3 cm to the input device 100, respectively RFID reader device 20, such that the RFID reader device 20 can read the information signal I from the RFID tag 30.
In this example the processing device 300 assigns from the read information signal I and the address Al the value V (not shown), wherein the value V corresponds to the character "A" (not shown).
Further, if the user brings the RFID tag 30 into a distance, which is greater than "d", in this case the distance between the RFID tag 30 and the RFID reader device 20', the RFID reader device 20' can not read the information signal of the RFID tag 30. Only the RFID reader device 20 can read this information signal I of the RFID tag 30.
However, if the user brings the RFID tag 30 also into a distance "d" to the RFID reader device 20', an information signal of the RFID 30 can be read by the RFID reader device 20'.
In this case the processing device assigns from the read information signal and the address A2 the value V (not shown), wherein the processing device knows from these data (information signal, address A2) that the value V corresponds to the character "B" (not shown).
On the identifier (not shown) of the RFID tag 30 also a secret key is stored. This secret key consists of 16 bytes. When the RFID reader device reads the information signal I from the RFID tag it compares the secret key of the RFID tag 30 with the stored secret key on the RFID reader device 20 or with the secret key stored in the processing device 300, i.e. the computer.
When the secret key of the RFID tag 30 and the stored secret key in the computer 300 are equal, the user gains access to the input device 100 and can input further user- specific symbols or commands with the same RFID tag 30 which is shown in Fig. 1 or with another RFID tag of the other fingers of the glove (not shown).
Figure 2 shows an embodiment of an input device 100 according to the invention.
In the lower part of Fig. 2 a conventional keyboard 400 with mechanical keys is shown.
This keyboard is only demonstrating which symbols or commands 50 can be associated to the inventive input device.
On the right hand side the hand of a user with an activation device 200 is shown. The activation device 200 is a glove worn by the user.
At the fingertips of the glove RFID tags 30, 31, 32, 33, 34 are arranged.
On the top of Fig. 2 the inventive input device 100 is shown, wherein the input device 100 has keys 10 and wherein RFID readers devices 20 are arranged in the input device 100.
In Fig. 2 is illustrated how a user can use an input device 100, wherein the input device has 14 keys. Therein the input device 100 corresponds to the keyboard 400 as it is schematically shown by the arrows which are directed from the keyboard 400 to the input device 100.
If a user approaches with the activation device 200 to the 5th key from the left of the input device 100 he/she can activate with the thumb, which has the RFID tag 34, the spacer of the keyboard. Further the user can activate with the index finger, which has the RFID tag 33, the character "c", with the middle- finger, which has the RFID tag 32, the character "d", with the ring finger, which has the RFID tag 31, the character "e" and with the little finger, which has the RFID tag 30, the number "4".
Further, if a user approaches with the activation device 200 to the 1st key from the left of the input device 100 he/she can activate with the thumb the key "Ctrl", with the index finger the key "Shift", with the middle-finger the key "Caps Lock", with the ring finger the key "Caps Lock" and with the little finger the key " Λ ".
In this example RFID tags 30, 31, 32, 33, 34 are only shown for the right hand. A similar activation of the input device 100 by the activation device 200 is also possible if a respective glove with RFID tags is worn at the left hand of a user.
The embodiment of the input device 100 of Fig. 2 has also security mechanisms with identifiers or secret keys. However, their functioning was already explained in Fig. 1.
It should be noted that the term "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps and the "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. Also elements described in association with different embodiments may be combined. It should also be noted that reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.

Claims

- -CLAIMS
1. An input device (100), comprising: a processing device (300), and a plurality of RFID reader devices (20) connected to the processing device (300); wherein each of the plurality of RFID reader devices (20) has a specific address (A); wherein each of the RFID reader devices (20) is adapted to provide to the processing device (300) one of a plurality of different information signals (I) by reading one of a plurality of different RFID tags (30), each information signal (I) being associated to a specific RFID tag (30), wherein the processing device (300) is adapted to assign a specific value (V) based on the information signal (I) provided by one of the RFID reader devices (20) and based on the address (A) of the RFID reader devices (20) providing the information signal (I).
2. The input device (100) according to claim 1, wherein the specific value (V) is at least one out of the group comprising: a user- specific symbol and a command (50).
3. The input device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the RFID reader device (20) is arranged in at least one device out of the group comprising: a key (10) and a keyboard (400).
4. The input device (100) according to any of the previous claims, wherein the RFID reader device (20) has at least one NFC IC out of the group comprising: ISO 18092, ISO 14443 A, PN51X, PN53X.
5. The input device (100) according to any of the previous claims, wherein the RFID reader device (20) is connected with the processing device (300) in a wireless way.
6. An activation device (200) for activating an input device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 5, comprising: a plurality of RFID tags (30) each being readable from a predetermined distance (d) by at least one RFID reader device (20) of the input device (100); wherein the activation device (200) is adapted such that each of the plurality of RFID tags (30) can be moved to the RFID reader device (20) by a respective one of a plurality of extremities of a user.
7. The activation device (200) according to claim 6, wherein the plurality of RFID tags is arranged on a glove.
8. The activation device (200) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the plurality of RFID tags (30) has a plurality of identifiers.
9. The activation device (200) according to any of claims 6 to 8, wherein on the plurality of RFID tags (30) a plurality of secret keys is stored.
10. A method for assigning a specific value by means of an input device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 5 and an activation device (200) according to one of claims 6 to 9, the method comprising the steps of: reading one of a plurality of different information signals (I) of one of a plurality of different RFID tags (30) by one of the plurality of RFID reader devices (20); assigning a specific value (V) based on the information signal (I) provided by the one of the RFID reader devices (20) and based on an address (A) of the RFID reader devices (20) providing the information signal (I) by a processing device (300). - o¬
11. A computer program product storable on a medium readable by a computing system, comprising a software code section which induces the computing system to execute the method as claimed in claim 10, when the product is executed on the computing system.
12. A computer readable product, on which a computer program product according to claim 11 is stored.
PCT/IB2008/053097 2007-08-14 2008-08-01 Input device WO2009022253A2 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP07114308 2007-08-14
EP07114308.5 2007-08-14

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2009022253A2 true WO2009022253A2 (en) 2009-02-19
WO2009022253A3 WO2009022253A3 (en) 2009-04-09

Family

ID=40220027

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/IB2008/053097 WO2009022253A2 (en) 2007-08-14 2008-08-01 Input device

Country Status (1)

Country Link
WO (1) WO2009022253A2 (en)

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20150192993A1 (en) * 2014-01-03 2015-07-09 Eric Pellaton Systems and method for controlling electronic devices using radio frequency identification (rfid) devices
WO2016124995A1 (en) * 2015-02-04 2016-08-11 Riccardo Mietto Wearable control member for electronic devices

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20020140582A1 (en) * 2001-03-29 2002-10-03 International Business Machines Corporation Finger identifying keyboard
US20060038794A1 (en) * 1999-02-26 2006-02-23 Jonathan Shneidman Telescreen operating method
US20060190836A1 (en) * 2005-02-23 2006-08-24 Wei Ling Su Method and apparatus for data entry input

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20060038794A1 (en) * 1999-02-26 2006-02-23 Jonathan Shneidman Telescreen operating method
US20020140582A1 (en) * 2001-03-29 2002-10-03 International Business Machines Corporation Finger identifying keyboard
US20060190836A1 (en) * 2005-02-23 2006-08-24 Wei Ling Su Method and apparatus for data entry input

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
ANONYMOUS: "Near Field Communication White Paper" INTERNET CITATION, [Online] XP002370657 Retrieved from the Internet: URL:http://www.ecma-international.org/activities/Communications/2004tg19-001.pdf> [retrieved on 2006-03-06] *

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20150192993A1 (en) * 2014-01-03 2015-07-09 Eric Pellaton Systems and method for controlling electronic devices using radio frequency identification (rfid) devices
WO2015103485A1 (en) * 2014-01-03 2015-07-09 Pellaton Eric Systems and methods for controlling electronic devices using radio frequency identification (rfid) devices
US9501143B2 (en) 2014-01-03 2016-11-22 Eric Pellaton Systems and method for controlling electronic devices using radio frequency identification (RFID) devices
US9746922B2 (en) 2014-01-03 2017-08-29 Eric Pellaton Systems and method for controlling electronic devices using radio frequency identification (RFID) devices
WO2016124995A1 (en) * 2015-02-04 2016-08-11 Riccardo Mietto Wearable control member for electronic devices

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO2009022253A3 (en) 2009-04-09

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US7725511B2 (en) Bio-metric input mechanism
CN104063649B (en) The method of security token, data handling system and processing data
JP6397036B2 (en) Dynamic keyboard and touchscreen biometrics
EP2928803B1 (en) Inputting lock commands using gestures
CN100421058C (en) Electronic device with finger sensor for character entry and associated methods
US20020109677A1 (en) Touchpad code entry system
EP2782074B1 (en) Control system with security token and control method
US20120120013A1 (en) Method for encoded input and control by fingerprint
KR20080033438A (en) Memory lock system
JP5210966B2 (en) Biometric authentication device and biometric authentication method
CN111488561B (en) Method, electronic device and system for simultaneously performing touch sensing and fingerprint identification
WO2018053711A1 (en) Smart door lock, and control method
US20100108771A1 (en) Financial transaction card
CN101405681A (en) Information processing apparatus, information processing method and program
US20020005837A1 (en) Portable device with text entry
WO2009022253A2 (en) Input device
CN107437015B (en) System and method for orientation sensing of objects on electronic devices
Nixon et al. User classification and authentication for mobile device based on gesture recognition
TWM554494U (en) Intelligent lock system
Liu et al. PrinType: Text Entry via Fingerprint Recognition
RU74499U1 (en) PROTECTION DEVICE FROM UNAUTHORIZED ACCESS TO INFORMATION STORED IN AN ELECTRONIC COMPUTER
JP2012524322A (en) Keyboard input data security system and method
WO2024044834A1 (en) Method and device for password generation
Bhattasali et al. U-stroke pattern modeling for end user identity verification through ubiquitous input device
Liu et al. Good vibrations: accessing ‘smart’systems by touching any solid surface

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application

Ref document number: 08789524

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A2

NENP Non-entry into the national phase in:

Ref country code: DE

122 Ep: pct application non-entry in european phase

Ref document number: 08789524

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A2