WO2012032365A1

WO2012032365A1 - Device for creating individual signals, and method for sending commands based on individual identification stored in the device

Info

Publication number: WO2012032365A1
Application number: PCT/HU2011/000091
Authority: WO
Inventors: Kuthi Zoltan
Original assignee: Kuthi Zoltan
Priority date: 2010-09-09
Filing date: 2011-09-06
Publication date: 2012-03-15
Also published as: HUP1000491A2; HU1000491D0

Abstract

Apparatus intended for the transmission of signals selectable by means of individual identification and comprising a housing unit and an input device thereto assigned, as well as memory, central and processing units mounted inside the housing unit. The central unit installed in between the memory unit and the input device, and the processing unit linked to the central unit. The central unit (20) is equipped with a component for analysing signal length (21 ), meanwhile the input device (10) is fitted with an operator module (11) suitable for the entry of signals of various length, and the output (1 la) of said operator module (11) is connected to the input gate (21a) of the signal length analysing component (21).

Description

DEVICE FOR CREATING INDIVIDUAL SIGNALS, AND METHOD FOR SENDING COMMANDS BASED ON INDIVIDUAL IDENTIFICATION STORED IN THE DEVICE

The subject of the invention is an apparatus intended for the transmission of signals selectable by means of individual identification, comprising a housing unit and an input device thereto assigned, as well as memory, central and processing units mounted inside the housing unit, whereby the central unit is installed in between the memory unit and input device and the processing unit is linked to the central unit.

Also forming the subject of the invention is the underlying procedure for the transmission of instruction data saved in said apparatus, selectable and executable by means of individual identification, in the course of which signals serving the purpose of individual identification are entered via the input device into the memory unit, only to be assigned in a one-to-one relationship to instruction data already stored in the memory unit. Therefore, instruction data executable and selectable by means of individual identification are generated and saved in the apparatus. In order to transmit an executable message data, a pertaining signal required for individual identification is reentered and analysed, after which the executable instruction data belonging to the given identification signal is selected, then the executable instruction data thereby selected is transmitted from the apparatus by means of its processing unit.

Thanks to the rapid pace of advancement in the worlds of information technology and telecommunications, today's portable devices are capable of storing a number of different data and information, which can be retrieved from the memory units of these devices in various methods. Afterwards, data thereby retrieved can be used for the launch, control, termination or completion of a diverse range of processes. One of the most popular devices enjoying widespread use is the mobile phone, capable of storing a multitude of telephone numbers or other instructions by the retrieval of which calls may be originated or packets of data transmitted. Numbers intended to be dialled may be selected with the keyboard, for instance by typing in the name of the intended recipient of the call, but voice dialling is equally available. In essence, with voice dialling the sound image of a given person's name is assigned to the respective phone number once an audio recording of it has been made with the telephone's built-in microphone. This digitised sound image can then be attributed in a one-to-one relation to the data content representing the given phone number. When making a call, by setting the phone in the appropriate input mode and saying out loud the given person's name, the control unit analyses the sound image and then selects and dials the number pertaining to it. Such solutions are presented in published US patent application nos 2006/0094355 and 2008/0240377 and in US Patent 7.636.426 as well.

The shortcoming of these procedures is that the selection of numbers stored in a device - the mobile phone in our example - is dependent on voice recognition. What this means is that the iden- tifiability and recognisability of voiced-out character strings used for identification is subject to the amount of background noise just as much as to the speaker's tone of voice and even his or her emotional state, which may vary depending on the circumstances, thereby often resulting in a lower success rate for voice dialling.

As an additional drawback, the only input device suitable for such dialling is the built-in microphone that, in case it becomes defective, could prevent this function from being available.

Yet another weakness is that microphone-based data entry comes with a significant amount of distortion to the input signal, which translates into a high probability of misdialling. For mobile devices programmed to transmit instructions - depending on the types of devices at the receiving end - this may present life and property risks as well.

Furthermore, the desired effect can be attained even by playing an audio recording of the concerned voice sample, thus enabling unauthorized parties to launch and execute certain instructions or series thereof on devices requiring the voice-based input of individual identifiers.

In general, therefore, it can be established that voice-based selection of data from a memory device is an unreliable method that, while often yielding inaccurate results, fails to meet the security requirements of the control concerned. Our goal with the solution behind this invention was to eliminate the drawbacks of alternate data selection methods known to date, and while doing so we intended to develop a version that is simple yet secure, allowing for a cost-effective and easy implementation of identifier entry where forgery hardly yields access to data.

The concept behind the invention was formed by the following realisation: when, for the identification and subsequent retrieval of data saved in the memory unit of a given apparatus, individual markers are used that, similarly to Morse codes, can be expressed as the length of their constituent signal elements and the duration of intervening pauses in between such signals, and when such markers are generated by the apparatus owner, that is, the person having full control over the data concerned, specifying the original identification marker and therefore the data retrievable by the given marker depends exclusively on the sense of rhythm of the person having generated the marker, making marker duplication or forgery very difficult.

Correspondingly, another part of the realisation was that, by having a given apparatus equipped with a novel identification unit that is capable of accurately assessing the durations of alternating signals and pauses, a data memory and control apparatus may be constructed that even allows for single-button operation and makes data retrieval possible only to authorised persons, which is more secure than what typical usage scenarios and devices currently offer.

In light of our objective, the apparatus provided by the invention and intended for the transmission of signals selectable by means of individual identification - comprising a housing unit and an input device thereto assigned, as well as memory, central and processing units mounted inside the housing unit, whereby the central unit is installed in between the memory unit and input device and the processing unit is linked to the central unit - has been designed with a central unit equipped with a component for analysing signal length, meanwhile the input device is fitted with an operator module suitable for the entry of signals of various length, and the output of said operator module is connected to the input gate of the signal length analysing component.

As an additional feature of the apparatus provided by the invention, a signal generator is included in between the input device and the signal length analysing component of the central unit.

In another version of the apparatus, the central unit is paired with an operating mode selection unit, whereas the processing unit is fitted with a dialling component. Yet another version of the apparatus forming the subject of present invention features an interface unit - e.g. a push-button, touch-screen or microphone - as the operator module of the input device.

Additional implementations use, as the operator module of the input device, an external source that is connected to the apparatus housing either by cable or via wireless transmission.

A further version of the invention features a display unit fitted on the apparatus housing.

In line with our additional objectives, the underlying procedure behind the invention is for the transmission of instruction data, selectable and executable by means of individual identification, saved in said apparatus - in the course of which signals serving the purpose of individual identification are entered via the input device into the memory unit, only to be assigned in a one-to-one relationship to instruction data already recorded in the memory unit. Therefore, instruction data executable and selectable by means of individual identification are generated and saved in the apparatus. In order to transmit an executable message data, a pertaining signal required for individual identification is re-entered and analysed, after which the executable instruction data belonging to the given identification signal is selected, then the executable instruction data thereby selected is transmitted from the apparatus by means of its processing unit -, which is based on the principle of using the input device to generate a properly arranged rhythmic succession of signal elements and intervening pauses in between that is suitable for individual identification, and then having this rhythmic signal sent to the central unit's signal length analyser component to be processed and transformed into a form suitable for saving, thereby creating a rhythmic sequence of signals that can be used for individual identification. Finally, this rhythmic sequence of signals is recorded in the memory unit and assigned to instruction data intended to be executed.

As an additional feature of the underlying procedure behind the invention, the rhythmic signal entered via the input device can be fed through a signal generator before being sent to the central unit^'s signal length analyser component, thus enabling us to add supplementary, single- or multiple- frequency sequences of signals to the elements occurring between pauses. s

The apparatus provided by the invention and the procedure it helps to implement offer a number of benefits. Most importantly, thanks to the novel signal length analyser component fitted in the apparatus of the invention, entry of individual sequence of signals used for the identification of data saved in the apparatus is fast, simple, virtually undetected, irrespective of ambient noise levels.

As another advantage, since practically any peripheral - e.g. push-buttons, touch-screen or an external source such as a headset or microphone - can be used for entering rhythmic signals into the apparatus, it is virtually impossible that the selection and transmission of relevant data or executable instruction is inhibited by a defective input device.

Moreover, by having the analytical component focus on the length of constituent signal elements rather than on human voice patterns, neither one's command of language nor accent will play a role in the data selection process.

Also worth mentioning as an advantage is that the rhythmic signal is generally inputted in a mechanical way, thus eliminating the possibility of entering a forged signal - e.g. a voice recording. In other words, retrieval of data maintained in secure memory units is only available to authorised persons.

Yet another important benefit is that the rhythmic signal-operated apparatus can be based upon a simple design. It is possible to construct an apparatus - for instance, a remote-controlled door or garage gate opener - with a single operator module as the input device; however, in such cases the module must be operated at a predetermined pattern in order to retrieve and transmit the executable instruction data. This prevents use by unauthorised persons even when the apparatus is lost or stolen.

As yet another advantage, the simple construction - e.g. single-key design - allows for the selection of different instruction data depending on the input rhythm, therefore multiple-channel controllers may be operated over a single operator interface.

Moreover, in function of the content of the executable instruction data, the selection of such memory locations may result in multiple commands being transmitted in succession, similarly to the case of so-called macro instructions. Such multiple-segment instruction data to be executed can contain several phone numbers, launch the sending of text messages or e-mails, or even initialise the operation of multiple relays, switches or other control applications. b

In the following, the apparatus forming the subject of the inver

for various fields of application, using the attached figures and drawings, where:

Figure 1 represents an overall schematic view of the apparatus forming the subject of the invention, Figure 2 is the front view of a possible version of the apparatus forming the subject of the invention, Figure 3 is the schematic diagram of another version of the apparatus forming the subject of the invention,

Figure 4 is the schematic diagram of yet another version of the apparatus forming the subject of the invention,

Figure 5 is the schematic diagram of another version of the apparatus forming the subject of the invention,

Figure 6 is a schematic diagram indicating each stage of the procedure forming part of the invention.

Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of a possible version of the apparatus forming the subject of the invention. It is indicated that the apparatus comprises a central unit (20) connected to the input device (10) with a signal generator (50) in between, so that the signal generator (50) is located between the output (11a) of the input device's (10) interface module (11) and the input gate (21a) of the central unit's (20) signal length analyser component (21). It is important to note that, although not an indispensable part of the apparatus, the signal generator (50) provides an enhanced level of security and makes the sensible reading of possible forged signals more difficult.

In addition to being connected to the input device, the central unit (20) is also linked with the memory unit (30) and processing unit (40). The memory unit (30) comprises memory cells (31 and 32). To each of these cells - as well as to those located within the memory unit but not featured in Figure 1 - a rhythmic sequence of signals (4) is assigned, with which the instruction data to be executed (5) is linked in a one-to-one relationship. Naturally, the memory unit (30) is made up of more than two cells (31 and 32), as Figure 1 is only used for the sake of simplicity.

The processing unit (40) may also include the dialling unit (41), whereas the central unit (20) can also be home to the operating mode switch (60). Among others, the dialling unit (41) can be included in the processing unit (40) of the apparatus if the executable instruction data (5) saved in the cell (32) of the memory unit (30) is a telephone number. Such apparatus is a mobile phone, for instance. The operating mode switch (60) is required when the apparatus can be used in multiple modes of operation. This allows phone numbers stored in a mobile phone to be selected by methods other than using the keypad, e.g. by voice dialling. Figure 2 shows the apparatus forming the subject of the invention in a mobile phone setup. Clearly distinguishable is the apparatus housing (1) that contains a range of operator modules (1 1) of equal value as components of the input device (10). Serving the function of the operator module (11) are the user interface unit (l ib), which may vary from a single or multiple designated keyboard buttons, or a single button located elsewhere on the housing, and a touch-screen (1 1c), which can also work as the display unit (70), and the microphone (1 Id) as well.

As an input device (10), the touch-screen (11c) may generate pulse signals for further processing by having its designated screen area being tapped at a given rhythm. In a similar fashion, tapping on the microphone (1 Id) at a given pattern will also result in the required information being transmitted as sound signals.

Figure 3 shows the apparatus forming the subject of the invention in a remote gate opener setup. In this version, the apparatus housing (1) contains a single push-button as the interface unit (1 lb) of the input device's (10) operator module (1 1).

Figure 4 shows an apparatus with an external source (1 lg) - in our case, a headset - connected to it with a transmission wire (l ie), serving the function of an input device (10) independent from the housing (1).

Figure 5 also contains - akin to Figure 4 - an apparatus with an input device (10) that is physically separated from the apparatus housing. This time, however, the external source (1 lg) functioning as the input device (10) is connected over a wireless link (1 If) - via a short-range RF transceiver in our case -, meaning it is only virtually connected to the central unit (20) located in the apparatus housing (1).

As for Figure 6, it basically presents the underlying procedure that can be carried out using various parts of the apparatus forming the subject of the invention. One can distinguish between the input device (10) and its related operator module (11), whose output (1 la) is connected to the signal generator (50). In turn, the signal generator (50) is connected to the input gate (21a) of the signal length analyser component (21) of the central unit (20). The latter is connected to the memory unit (30) and the cell (31) thereof, in which the rhythmic sequence of signals (4) and the executable instruction data (5) are saved.

Figure 6 also illustrates how the input device (10) receives the signal (2) used for individual identification, which in our case is a series of pulse-signals entered in a unique rhythmic pattern. s

It is this series of pulses that is fed by the input device's (10) operator module (1 1) to the signal generator (50) via its output (1 1a) as a properly arranged rhythmic succession of signal elements (3a) and intervening pauses in between (3b). From the signal generator (50), a rhythmic sequence of signals (4) modified with supplementary sequences of signals (6) is then forwarded to the input gate (21a) of the signal length analyser component (21) of the central unit (20). This modified rhythmic signal (4) is then mapped by the length analyser component (21) and assigned by the central unit (20) to the executable instruction data (5) saved in the memory cell (31) of the memory unit (30).

In the following, several application examples are presented to demonstrate in more detail the procedure forming a part of the invention.

Example 1 :

This example presents a variation of the procedure, suitable for the transmission of executable instruction data that are saved in the apparatus of the invention and selectable by individual identification. As a first step, the executable instruction data (5) are fed to the memory unit (30) of the apparatus in a generic method. Signals (2) serving the purpose of individual identification were then assigned to each executable instruction data (5) as follows.

A signal used for individual identification (2) is generated as a rhythmic signal (3) from a properly arranged succession of signal elements (3 a) and intervening pauses in between (3b), by tapping on the touch-screen (11c) used as the input device (10) at a corresponding pattern. The rhythmic signal (3) comprised signal elements (3a) and intervening pauses in between (3b). The rhythmic signal (3) thereby generated was fed from the output (11a) of the input device's (10) operator module (11) to the input gate (21a) of the central unit's (20) signal length analyser component (21), where it was transformed into a rhythmic sequence of signals (4) that can later be assigned by the central unit (20), in a one-to-one relationship, to an executable instruction data (5) stored in one of the cells (31, 32) of the memory unit (30). Once assigned, the executable instruction data (5) is now unambiguously searchable.

These procedural steps were repeatedly performed as many times as the number of executable instruction data (5) were saved in the memory cells (31 , 32 etc.) of the memory unit (30) of the apparatus, thereby generating a set of executable instruction data (5) available for unambiguous selection in the memory unit (30) of the apparatus. In order to select a specific executable instruction data (5) - for instance, uic uuc auncu in ic memory cell (32) -, the previously saved signal used for individual identification was entered via the input device (10) to the signal length analyser component (21), with the help of which the currently entered rhythmic sequence of signals (4) could be compared to those (4) already stored in the memory unit (30) of the apparatus. If the currently entered rhythmic sequence of signals (4) matched none of those (4) saved earlier in the memory unit (30), the central unit (20) did not proceed to any further step.

If, however, the currently entered rhythmic sequence of signals (4) proved identical to any of those (4) saved earlier in the memory unit (30), the selection of the executable instruction data (5) assigned to this particular rhythmic sequence of signals (4) was performed. This data was then selected by the central unit (20) from the memory unit (30) and forwarded to the processing unit (40) for transmission as appropriate. In our case, it was presented on the touch-screen (1 1c) that served the purpose of a display unit (70).

Example 2:

With the help of Figure 6, this example is used to illustrate another version of the procedure, suitable for the transmission of executable instruction data that are saved in the apparatus of the invention and selectable by individual identification. As a first step, the executable instruction data (5), which in this case were regular telephone numbers, were fed to the memory unit (30) of the apparatus - a mobile phone - in a generic method. This was followed by signals used for individual identification (2) being assigned to each executable instruction data (5).

Via the operator module (1 1) of the input device (10) - which in our case was a push-button interface unit (1 lb) - a rhythmic signal (3) comprising signal elements (3a) and intervening pauses in between (3b) was entered as though typing in Morse codes. From the input device (10) this rhythmic signal was then forwarded to the signal generator (50). To the signal elements (3a) of the rhythmic signal (3), given segments of the signal stream created with the signal generator (50) were superimposed, thus resulting in a rhythmic sequence of signals (4) at the output of the signal generator (50). This rhythmic sequence of signals (4) was characteristic for having had supplementary sequences of signals (6) superimposed on its signal elements (3a), yielding an individual identification signal that is practically impossible to duplicate. The rhythmic sequence of signals (4) thereby generated was transj

(50) to the input gate (21a) of the signal length analyser component (21) of the central unit (20), from where it entered the analyser component (21). Here, the rhythmic sequence of signals (4) was transformed into a form suitable for being assigned by the central unit (20) to an executable instruction data (5) previously saved in the cell (31) of the memory unit (30). Once transformed as appropriate, the given rhythmic sequence (4) was assigned, in a one-to-one relation, to the executable instruction data (5) stored in the memory cell (31), thus making the executable instruction data (5) available for unambiguous searching.

These procedural steps were repeatedly performed as many times as the number of executable instruction data (5) were stored in the memory cells (31, 32 etc.) of the memory unit (30) of the apparatus, thereby generating a set of executable instruction data (5) available for unambiguous selection in the memory unit (30) of the apparatus.

In order to select a specific executable instruction data (5) - for instance, the one stored in the memory cell (32) -, the previously saved signal used for individual identification was entered via the input device (10) to the signal generator (50), where, with the addition of supplementary sequences of signals (6), a rhythmic sequence of signals (4) was generated.

It was this rhythmic sequence of signals (4) that was fed into the signal length analyser component (21), with the help of which the currently entered rhythmic sequence of signals (4) was compared to those (4) already stored on the memory unit (30) of the apparatus. If the currently entered rhythmic signal series (4) matched none of those (4) saved earlier in the memory unit (30), the central unit (20) did not proceed to any further step. If, however, the currently entered rhythmic signal series (4) proved identical to any of those (4) saved earlier in the memory unit (30), the selection of the executable instruction data (5) assigned to this particular rhythmic signal series (4) was performed. This data was then selected by the central unit (20) and forwarded to the processing unit

(40) for transmission as appropriate. In our example, this meant data being read by the dialling unit

(41) for originating a phone call.

Example 3 :

In this example, a version of the procedure similar to the one presented under Example 1 was carried out, the only difference being that the signal serving the purpose of individual identification (2) was entered to the signal length analyser component (21) of the central unit (20) via the sole interface unit (l ib) fitted on the apparatus housing (1). Once the desired executable instruction data (5) has been selecti

processing unit (40) in RF packets to its destination - the receiver unit of an automatic garage door opening logic, thus taking care of closing and opening the garage door.

The apparatus and the procedure forming the subject of the invention are highly suitable for the secure, fast and simple selection and subsequent transmission of data stored in memory units.

11 000091

List of reference signs

apparatus housing

signal, suitable for individual identification rhythmic signal 3 a signal element

3b pause rhythmic sequence

instruction data intended to be executed

single- or multiple-frequency sequences of signal input device 11 operator module

11a output

l ib single interface unit

11c touch-screen

l id microphone

l ie wired connection

1 If wireless medium

1 lg external source 0 central unit 21 signal length analysing component

21a input gate 0 memory unit 31 memory cells

32 memory cells 0 processing unit 41 dialling unit 0 signal generator 0 operating mode switch 0 display unit

Claims

A3 CLAIMS

1. Apparatus intended for the transmission of signals selectable by means of individual identification and comprising a housing unit and an input device thereto assigned, as well as memory, central and processing units mounted inside the housing unit, with the central unit installed in between the memory unit and the input device, and the processing unit linked to the central unit, wherein the central unit (20) is equipped with a component for analysing signal length (21), meanwhile the input device (10) is fitted with an operator module (1 1) suitable for the entry of signals of various length, and the output (1 la) of said operator module (11) is connected to the input gate (21a) of the signal length analysing component (21).

2. Apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein a signal generator (50) is installed in between the input device (10) and the signal length analyser component (21) of the central unit (20).

3. Apparatus as defined in any of claims 1 or 2, wherein the central unit (20) is fitted with an operating mode switch (60).

4. Apparatus as defined in any of claims 1 through 3, wherein the processing unit (40) is fitted with a dialling unit (41).

5. Apparatus as defined in any of claims 1 through 4, wherein a single interface unit (1 lb) - e.g. a push-button - serves as the operator module (1 1) of the input device (10).

6. Apparatus defined in any of claims 1 through 4, wherein a touch-screen (1 1c) serves as the operator module (1 1 ) of the input device (10).

7. Apparatus as defined in any of claims 1 through 4, wherein a microphone (l id) serves as the operator module (11) of the input device (10).

8. Apparatus as defined in any of claims 1 through 4, wherein an external source (1 lg), linked to the apparatus housing (1) via a wired connection (l ie), serves as the operator module (1 1) of the input device (10).

9. Apparatus as defined in any of daims 1 through 4, wherein an external source (1 lg), linked to the apparatus housing (1) via a wireless medium (l lf), serves as the operator module (11) of the input device (10).

10. Apparatus as defined in any of claims 1 through 9, wherein the housing (1) contains a display unit (70).

11. A procedure for the transmission of instruction data stored in apparatus, selectable and executable by means of individual identification, in the course of which signals serving the purpose of individual identification are entered via the input device into the memory unit, only to be assigned in a one-to-one relationship to instruction data already saved in the memory unit. Therefore, executable instruction data, selectable by means of individual identification, are generated and stored in the apparatus. In order to transmit an executable instruction data, a pertaining signal required for individual identification is re-entered and analysed, after which the executable instruction data pertaining to the given identification signal is selected, then the executable instruction data thereby selected is transmitted from the apparatus by means of its processing unit, wherein the input device (10) is used to generate a signal, suitable for individual identification (2), as a properly arranged rhythmic succession (3) of signal elements (3a) and intervening pauses in between (3b), only to have this rhythmic signal (3) sent to the central unit's (20) signal length analyser component (21) to be processed and transformed into a form suitable for saving, thereby creating a rhythmic sequence (4) that can be used as a signal for individual identification (2). Finally, this rhythmic sequence (4) is saved in the memory unit (30) and assigned to the instruction data intended to be executed (5).

12. A procedure as defined in claim 11, wherein the rhythmic signal (3) entered via the input device (10) is fed through a signal generator (50) in order to allow for supplementary, single- or multiple-frequency sequences of signals (6) to be superimposed to the signal elements (3 a) occurring between pauses (3b), only to have such augmented rhythmic signals (3) sent to the signal length analyser component (21) of the central unit (20).