WO2014015353A2

WO2014015353A2 - Device for transfer of information based on visible light as the transfer medium

Info

Publication number: WO2014015353A2
Application number: PCT/AT2013/050137
Authority: WO
Inventors: Richard Ebner; Robert Koeppe
Original assignee: Isiqiri Interface Technologies Gmbh
Priority date: 2012-07-23
Filing date: 2013-07-22
Publication date: 2014-01-30
Also published as: WO2014015353A3; AT513188A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for transfer of information based on visible light as the transfer medium, wherein in order to transfer information the intensity of a visible beam or the intensity of a partial spectrum of the light of said visible light beam is subjected to deliberate fluctuations in order to encode information. The device consists of a mobile telephone (1) and an accessory device (2), wherein the accessory device (2) can be detachably mechanically connected to the mobile telephone (1) and can communicate with the mobile telephone (1) via a data interface and is controllable by the mobile telephone (1) and wherein the accessory device (2) contains a switchable light source (2.2). The invention further relates to the use of the device according to the invention.

Description

For in ormationsübertragung serving device which is based on visible light as a transmission medium

The invention relates to a device for information transmission which is based on visible light as a transmission medium.

Morse code or comparable character encoding has been around since 1840. Letters are composed of characteristic sequences of three elementary characters short signal, long signal and pause. Especially in shipping, visible light was used for the transmission of Morse code, which was turned on or off appropriately. The recipient is a human who sees the light and translates the code into letters.

If the applied for data transmission, targeted variations in the intensity of visible light, or a sub-spectrum of visible light, generated by electronic means and decoded after their transfer again with electronic means, so called "Visible Light Communication", abbreviated " VLC ". Unless otherwise stated, the abbreviation "VLC" in this document stands for "Visible Light Communication".

An early publication on this subject is JP 1122220 A (1989), which deals with information distribution by means of lighting fixtures. In individual spectral regions of light, which also serves as illumination, the intensity of the emitted radiation varies in order to encode characters. The intensity fluctuations occur so rapidly that they are not visible to the human eye. The transmission capacity is sufficiently large to be able to transmit audio information, for example a spoken text, in real time. A receiver comprising an optoelectronic sensor, an electronic digital signal processing unit and audio electronics

l Includes, measures and decodes the information sent by the lighting and creates audible information therefrom.

Advantages of the VLC technology over radio transmission in the RF frequency ranges are the clear directional dependence of the radio ^¬ transmission and that it is very unproblematic with respect to EMC compatibility and Zulas ^¬ tion of carrier frequencies. There are several advantages over infrared transmission, which is very similar to the choice of the spectral range of electromagnetic radiation used, the VLC technology. Are used Dür ^¬ fen significantly higher radiation intensities, whereby transmission over longer distances is possible. (When infrared radiation is very low intensities are permissible, as this radiation in the event that a human eye is illuminated, there does not trigger a protective reflex.) In contrast to the United ^¬ application of infrared light, the user sees when using visible light, where he one with Light pointer is aiming. This makes it useful to send a directional beam. This provides protection against eavesdropping, because the transmitted information is only perceptible to receivers to which the light beam is directed.

By the writings US 2008253202 AI, US 7917034 B2, US 797 4536 B2, it is proposed to use intensity-modulated visible light as a bidirectional communication medium between mobile phones, being required as the light source of a mobile phone ^¬ the display area of mobile phones or a sepa ^¬ rate light source on the mobile phone can be used. By visible light is used, larger Lichtintensitä ^¬ th can be applied than in the better-known Infrarotübertra ^¬ supply, in which the intensity for safety reasons can only be very limited. By being selectively modulated in different spectral regions of the light, several transmission channels can be realized in parallel and, overall, a high data transmission rate can be achieved. The procedure has not prevailed; presumably because, based on the amount of data to be transferred, the energy required for expenditure is relatively high and because for a common transmission ^¬ speed significantly faster light elements must be used as they are currently used for display areas on mobile phones. (Currently, the speed of the at ^¬ show area of minor importance, high spatial resolution and low cost are more important.)

At least since 2003, it has been proposed to apply VLC to mobile phones. There is a wealth of patent publications. Just a short excerpt here:

By US2003087610 AI (filed in 2002, published in 2003) is proposed to use VLC to transfer information between the two moving parts of a folding mobile phone.

JP 2007135144 A proposes an attachable to a mobile phone accessory device that can receive a VLC signal and convert it into an RF signal or a cable-transferable elec ^¬ cal signal in order to transmit it to the mobile phone ^¬ gene. The mobile phone thus the receiving station for reproducing information which is additionally transmitted by means of VLC, for example BL LEVEL ^¬ tung bodies or of illuminated panels.

In US 7917034 B2 it is proposed to apply VLC as a bidirectional transmission method between mobile phones. In order to increase security against errors is proposed a transmission proto ^¬ col, in which also the recipient transmitted to the sender control information.

It is also proposed in US7974536 B2 to apply VLC as a bi-directional transmission method between mobile phones. Furthermore, details of connection setup and information transfer to and from third party devices will be discussed.

It is proposed in EP 2 282 491 A1 to design a mobile telephone as a transmitting and receiving station for VLC transmission, wherein the transmitted light source differs from the display Light source may be, for example, on the back of the cellphone lights.

In fact, VLC has not prevailed on mobile phones in terms of "visible light communication". Probably there is not one on the market as standard available mobile tele ^¬ fon in which this technology is actually applied. (Although an app is offered for smartphones, which is called "VLC media player", this has nothing to do with "visible light communication", but with a coding method for media files, namely the so-called "variable length coding" .)

The fact that Visible Light Communication is actually not used on mobile phones is probably due to the fact that for the necessary modifications and additions to the highly integrated electronic components for mobile phones, the sales market is considered too small and that the associated requirements in terms of space requirements and external Form as too problematic.

There are mobile phones available on the market, which have the additional ^¬ function of a laser pointer. Also plug-in attachments for mobile phones are available to the USB port which serve as a laser pointer. These devices save the user (more or less) next to the already always carried mobile phone still have to carry a separate laser pointer. However, the laser pointers have no VLC function.

The AT508439 Bl describes, inter alia, a laser pointer, which holds a VLC function. The laser pointer serves as a pointing device for an optically position-sensitive input surface for a data processing system. The intensity of the light emitted from the laser pointer light beam varies according to a Codie ^¬ tion, it is achieved that are identifiable by the data processing system ^¬ individual laser pointer from a group of a plurality of laser pointers used out and that not only a point on the input surface can be defined by the laser pointer, but also characters (letters, yes / no, etc.) can be entered. For example, the light beam emitted by the laser pointer may have a cross-shaped cross-sectional area, with the individual lines extending beyond the input area. Thus, it is sufficient to attach position sensitive optical Detek ^¬ gates at the edges of the display area which will be hit by parts of the cross-sectional area of the beam emitted from the laser pointer beam. From these results, the position of the center of the cross section ^¬ surface of the beam can be calculated on the input surface without requiring the input area must be sensitive themselves.

Based on this state of the art, the inventor has set itself the task of equipping a mobile phone such that it is better and above all safer than previously available mobile phones possible, compared to other communication-enabled electronic devices - such as a personal computer or an electronic Door lock - to reveal by notification of a key information.

For solving it is proposed to provide as a data transmission method between the mobile phone and the other electronic devices VLC means of a switchable light source, the required light source, typically this is a La ^¬ serpointer, housed in an accessory, which lös ^¬ bar mechanically connectable to the mobile phone is and which can communicate via a data interface with the mobile phone and is controlled by the mobile phone.

VLC is proposed because this transmission can be extremely directionally selective. Since there is no radiation in unwanted directions, the transmission is very well tap-proof and there are no problems with the electromagnetic compatibility. The VLC-compatible light source as an additional device to form a mobile phone and not to integrate it into the mobile phone is advantageous, among other things, because thus the accessory even without a mobile phone at least as a simple light pointer, typically laser pointer is usable and because thus with egg ^¬ nem relatively simple Device also all already in use mobile phones, which can subsequently load programs (apps) are equipped with the function.

For the data transmission between the mobile phone and the auxiliary device, which includes the VLC-capable light source, for example, Bluetooth or a USB line connection can be used.

The invention will be illustrated with reference to drawings.

Fig. 1: shows a side view of an exemplary erfindungsge ^¬ Permitted device.

FIG. 2 shows a first block diagram of a group of ten Gerä ^¬ within which the inventive device is typi cally ^¬ applicable.

FIG. 3 shows a second block diagram of a group of ten Gerä ^¬ within which the inventive device is typi cally ^¬ applicable.

1, a device according to the invention consists of two detachably connectable devices, namely a mobile phone 1 and attachment 2.

The example of FIG. 1, the two devices 1, 2 via a USB connector 2.4 and two additional hooks are releasably connected to each other.

On the additional device 2 according to FIG. 1, the housing 2.1, the laser pointer 2.2 and the photodetector 2.3 are indicated in addition to the USB connector 2.4.

In addition, the additional device 2 can of course still with a rechargeable battery, a controller and buttons for on and off and possibly be equipped for various functions that may be independent of the mobile phone 2. Those control, through which determines how data are to be translated from the present in the mobile phone ^¬ 2 format into light pulses of the laser pointer 2.2, theoretically, in the mobile phone 1 can be accommodated. For the applicability with mobile phones already on the market, but it is certainly better if this control is housed in the auxiliary device 2, since then for the mobile phone 1 is a simpler program and between mobile phone 1 and auxiliary device 2 data only in the for the data transmission Mobile phones usual formats must be transmitted.

Even if future mobile phones should already be prepared by the manufacturer for communication with additional devices according to the invention, it makes sense if possible to carry out the additional device so that it represents an applicable VLC communication device independently of the mobile phone. To do that be to ^¬ auxiliary device provided with a control which characters can encode in VLC signals. Furthermore, the attachment is to be provided with a data memory which stores information such as in particular to be used as key codes, - obtained with a Mo ^¬ biltelefon - that can store. It therefore does not need the phone while having to identify themselves using the ^¬ to set the device or to use the accessory as VLC enabled laser pointer.

For the additional device to run so that it is usable without Mobilte ^¬ phone as a VLC transmitter, also speaks that so that the mobile phone not carried - and placed in danger - will need, if it is only about the application of the VLC function and not to receive information over a data network. The attachment can be made much more robust than a mobile phone (it has no display and no microphone). It is generally much cheaper to buy than a mobile phone. And it has generally had much less data stores as a mobile phone; Data which would be in the case of the United ^¬ Lustes with also.

The inventive device can - if ATMs and cash registers are equipped with ATM function accordingly - make, for example, a debit card superfluous.

The ATM or Debit card must be equipped with a photo to ^¬ sensor that this is able to receive the light emitted from the laser pointer 2.2 of accessory light pulses and to dissolve the changes over time of it. Furthermore, the ATM and the cash card must contain an electronic translation unit which translates the resulting ^¬ nit of the photo sensor in the otherwise used in the ATM or the Debit card data format. Thirdly, the cash dispenser or cash dispenser must be equipped with a control program which allows interaction via the interface to the mobile telephone and also provides the necessary menus.

For example, the withdrawal of money by a user from an ATM can then take place in the following steps:

The ATM is on standby.

The user puts on his mobile phone 1, the additional device 2 and selects on the mobile phone app "withdraw money with ^{¬ means} Bankomat" from.

Depending on preferences, the app may or may not prompt the user for a username and password.

The app signals on the mobile phone that the interaction with the ATM can start.

The user directs the attachment on a target area at the ATM, on which the above-mentioned photo sensor is located and presses on the provided on the display surface of the mobile phone ^¬ button "sign on ATMs". The VLC-capable light source in the additional device ^{sends a} sequence of light pulses to the photosensor of the ATM, which encodes which user is currently logging on.

The ATM receives the light pulses, can read the information, checks over the data network to which it and a central bank server are connected, whether the logging user actually exists, and whether the user is entitled to receive services from the ATM. If so, a menu is displayed asking the user (and others) to either withdraw money or to check the account balance.

The user types at the ATM on the provided fields

"Withdraw money" and "amount" and the ATM dispenses the money.

End of interaction between ATM and user.

Of course, a large number of modifications is conceivable for this exemplary procedure, which is very much based on the currently customary course of interaction with an ATM.

For example: If the cash machine itself can also send data via VLC to the mobile phone 1 (via the additional device 2, which then needs a photodetector 2.3 as an intermediate station), the ATM itself does not need to take any further display space or input surfaces in operation or exhibit ; the relevant functions can then be provided by the touch screen of the mobile phone.

In the example of FIG. 2, a service unit 4 and a ^¬ Since tenübertragungsnetz 6, the device according to the invention, which consists of a mobile telephone 1 and an auxiliary device 2, and a data server 3 are symbolized.

Server 3 and mobile phone 1 and server 3 and service ^¬ phone 4 can communicate with each other via the data transmission network 6, which can typically be the Internet, with each other to take a tour, so exchange data. The device 1, 2 according to the invention and the service device can communicate via a VLC connection 5.

The data server 3 belongs to a company which offers goods or services and for this purpose has set up on the data server 3 a homepage on which it presents itself and also offers services or goods for selection and sale.

The user of the mobile phone 1 can be accessed via the communication network 6, the company's home page, select a product or service, order via its mobile tele ^¬ fons 1 and receives a confirmation of his order a code his mobile phone. At the data server 3 is deposited, which order belongs to this code.

Once the user of the mobile phone 1 is to a service Leis ^¬ processing device 4 of the company, he shares (must or not which to connected either by using the mobile phone) via the VLC connection 5 this by means of its auxiliary device 2 the code with.

The service device 4 then occurs via the Datenüber ^¬ tragungsnetz 6 with the data server 3 in contact and can be checked by this whether the code relates to a valid order and which order that may be.

If the code relates to a valid order, the service ^¬ power ^device 4 performs an action by which the performance according to the order for the user is available, so the goods are delivered according to order or the service is performed according to order or feasible.

For example, the data server 3 may belong to a hotel and the service device 4 may be a vending machine which is arranged at the entrance area of the hotel and after checking the authorization issues a front door and room key to the authorized user, so that he can order an ordered hotel room. You can also refer if the reception is no longer occupied.

In a modification of this example, the service ^¬ device 4 could also be a door lock itself, which releases a house or room door after checking the authorization for opening, so that the attachment 2 itself represents the physical part of Schlüs ^¬ sels.

Once the right to purchase a power has gone out of service device, the key information that benefit in question can be found in the service provision device back to "ungül ^¬ tig".

Using the example of the hotel room this can mean that after the off ^¬ check a guest by the data server 3 of the keycode this hotel stay relevant in the control of the be ^¬ concerned door locks - which service equipment 4 depicting ^¬ len - is deleted. If then the guest try to open as ^¬ of a door by entering this key codes to one of these locks, the door lock is the code not ken ^¬ nen and not release the door. So, needless the Abge ^¬ ben a physical key.

In the example according to FIG. 3 again, the invention Before ^¬ direction, consisting of a mobile telephone 1 and an auxiliary device 2, and a data server 3 and a data transmission network 6 symbolizes. Furthermore, in Fig. 3, a position resolution photo-sensitive input surface 7, and a data processing system 8 are symbolized, to which 7 inputs ge through the input surface can be ^¬ makes.

Server 3 and mobile phone 1 and server 3 and data processing system 8 can interact with each other via the data transmission network 6, which may typically be the Internet, so exchange data. The device 1, 2 according to the invention can send information to the input surface 7 by means of single-sided VLC transmission 15 and thereby act indirectly on the data processing system 8.

ll The input-output area is photosensitive and position-resolving. That is, they not only measures whether an out from the equipment 2 ^¬ sandter light beam is incident, but also where it impinges on it. Since the input surface 7 also detects when the light ^¬ beam is turned off and when it is turned on, it is also effective as a receiver of the VLC transmission 15.

Compared to the embodiment of FIG. 2, not only data can now be transmitted by means of VLC transmission by means of the device according to the invention, which consists of mobile phone 1 and additional device 2, it can also be generated additional information by the light beam used for the VLC transmission 15 how a cursor is directed to certain coordinates of the input surface 7.

The arrangement of Figure 3 may typically be used to play in public space. For example, a company can disseminate information on any media (Internet, TV, radio, print media) and provide publicly accessible places an input surface 7 together with the associated data processing system 8 and running on the program, the input surface 7, ideally, output surface (screen, projec ^¬ onsleinwand) for the data processing system is. Who enters a specific code at the appropriate place while the program is running at the appropriate FLAE ^¬ chenbereich the input surface 7, which he has previously loaded via the Internet 6 from the data server 3 on his mobile phone 1 will go far in the game. If necessary, the data server 3 can also be used to download a program for the suitable coding of the mobile telephone 1 for the coding of the VCL transmission.

The input surface 7 does not necessarily have to be self-photosensitive. It is also possible to perform only the edges 7.1 position-resolving photoselektiv and lead the pointing beam from the attachment not with "punctiform" cross-sectional area ^¬ lead, but as several lines. In Fig. 3 is indicated by the dotted lines a crosshair 15.1 as a possible cross-sectional shape of the beam. From the intersections of the Crosshair 15.1 with the sensory edges 7.1 the center of the crosshair 15.1 can be calculated. With einigerma ^¬ Shen large version of the crosshairs 15.1 so that not only points on the input surface 7 can be marked, but also points just next to the input surface. In addition, it is thus possible to recalculate from the intersections of the crosshairs 15.1 with the edges 7.1 to the position of the light source, that is, the additional device 2 relative to the input surface 7. This will expand the Spielmöglichkei ^¬ th. For example, gaming can be financed by advertising messages that are packaged in-game, or by entry fees, or by using the game in an inn as an extra incentive for guests to stay longer and consume more.

Between two devices according to the invention consisting of mobile telephone 1 and auxiliary device 2 (FIG. 1), it is possible to realize a powerful and interference-free radio link. For this purpose, the accessories 2 must be able to send not only a light pointer ^¬ , but also have a photodetector 2.3 for the reception of light of such a pointer. The Zusatzge ^¬ advises 2 or the associated cellular phone 1 must also have a decoding circuit for converting the output by the photodetector 2.3 pulses in the otherwise usable data format. Particularly effective, so applicable to long distances, this radio link can be when the light pointer is a high light output is used, and when the cross-sectional area of the light pointer at the outlet of the attachment as large as possible but well collimated (ie with the smallest possible widening angle) is set , One can Errei ^¬ chen by the egg ^¬ NEN beam with a high expansion angle before emits an approximately point-shaped light source, a collimation ^¬ gate lens (reverse converging lens) or a concave mirror anord ^¬ net. By setting a large beam cross-sectional area at the beam exit from the additional device, it is possible, despite very high radiation power, to produce a radiation intensity which is harmless to the eye (radiation power per area). be set. Due to the good collimation, the beam can remain focused in such a way that it has sufficient intensity to be detected and "read" even at several kilometers away from the point of emission. Of course, it is also sensible to arrange an optical collector, that is to say a converging lens or a concave mirror, in front of the photodetector 2.3 in order to increase the intensity at the photodetector. Applications for Suchi ^¬ ge radio links are typically the communication in very sparsely populated areas without GSM mobile phone network, for example, between mountain climbers and a base station or a refuge. Applications would also be there, where it depends on particularly high security against eavesdropping. Is provided in this application, in which ideally the VLC-enabled light source with an optical Ge ^¬ advises as a concave mirror or a lens, which has at least several centimeters in diameter, is particularly at ^¬ explanatory that it is very useful to the VLC able to accommodate light ^¬ source in a detachable from the mobile phone accessory.

The VLC-capable light source 2.2 in the auxiliary device 2 is currently probably best to realize by a laser diode, because this matching intensity, high switching speed, good controllability ^¬ speed and low price go along. But It should be executed ^¬ recognized that the invention can also be implemented using other light sources such as other laser principles or normal LEDs.

Claims

claims

1. Device which serves for information transmission and is based on visible light as a transmission medium, wherein the information transmission, the intensity of a visible beam or the intensity of a partial spectrum of the light is subjected to this visible light beam for encoding information targeted fluctuations, characterized in that the device consists of a Mobile telephone (1) and an additional device (2), wherein the auxiliary device (2) is mechanically detachably connected to the mobile phone (1), via a data interface to the mobile phone (2) can communicate, by the mobile phone (2) is controllable and contains a switchable light source (2.2).

2. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the light source (2.2) is a diode laser.

3. Device according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that in the additional device (2) a controller is included, which translates data from the present in the mobile phone (2) format in switching states of the light source 2.2.

4. Device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the auxiliary device (2) contains a photodetector (2.3).

5. Device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the additional device comprises a collimator for the light from the switchable light source (2.2) emitted.

6. Device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the additional device includes a controller for the Codie ^¬ tion of characters as light intensity fluctuations, as well as a data memory and is provided with keys through whose print commands can be input to the controller to send out characters and / or stored strings as Lichtintensitäts ^¬ fluctuations.

7. A method for the purchase of a service from a service device (4, 8) from a data server (3) to a mobile phone (1) an authorization code is sent from the mobile phone ^¬ (1) the authorization code sent to the service device (4) is, the service device on the data server (3) can check the validity of the authorization code and, when the test passed the service provided or releases their service, characterized in that

for the transmission of the code from the mobile telephone (1) to the service device (4) the code from the mobile telephone (1) to a to the mobile phone (1) releasably connected auxiliary device (2) is transmitted and that the additional device (2) the code to a Photodetector of the service device (4) transmits, visible light, which is emitted from a light source 2.2) of the additional device ^¬ (2), serves as a transmission medium and the information is encoded by intensity fluctuations of the light or a spectral range thereof.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that the service device is an automatic dispenser.

9. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that the service device is a bank ATM.

10. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that the service device is a switchable lock.

11. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that the service device is a data processing system (8) that the photodetector part of a position-sensitive fo tosensitive input surface (7) and that a program runs on the data processing system with which it can be interacted via the input surface (7).

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that the cross-sectional area of the auxiliary device (2) emitted light beam has a plurality of lines (15.1) that the intersection of these lines with photosensors attached to the edges (7.1) of the input surface (7) are measured and is from the center of the cross-sectional area of the light beam is ^¬.

Method according to one of claims 6 to 11, characterized in that the authorization code expires after the complete receipt of the service at the service device (4, 8).