WO2008151844A2

WO2008151844A2 - Method and apparatus for transferring signals

Info

Publication number: WO2008151844A2
Application number: PCT/EP2008/004842
Authority: WO
Inventors: Wolfgang Richter
Original assignee: Ident Technology Ag
Priority date: 2007-06-15
Filing date: 2008-06-16
Publication date: 2008-12-18
Also published as: DE102007028273A1; WO2008151844A3

Abstract

The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for transferring signals, especially within a relatively narrowly limited range of a user of said technology. The aim of the invention is to allow users of mobile communication devices, particularly WLAN/BLUETOOTH-compatible mobile phones, to receive data, the reception of which with great probability corresponds to user requirements. According to a first embodiment of the invention, said aim is achieved by a communication system comprising at least one telecommunication device that is to be carried by the user and is fitted with a transmitter, a receiver, and a display unit for representing an image generated from signals received via the receiver. The transmitter is operated in such a way as to transmit, at least during some phases, a signal sequence that is specific to the telecommunication device. Said communication system further comprises a detection device for detecting, within a detection range, the intensity of a transmission signal emitted by the transmitter. Based on the signal intensity determined by the detection unit, it is determined whether a distance criterion is met between the user's current location and the place where the detection device is located, and data transmission to the telecommunication device to be carried by the user is initiated if said distance criterion is met.

Description

Method and device for adjusting a signal transfer

Copyright 06/2007, Wolfgang Richter

The invention is directed to a method and a device for effecting a signal transfer, in particular in a relatively narrow area of a user of this technique.

The invention has for its object to provide solutions by which it is possible to send users of mobile communication devices, especially users of W LAN-capable mobile phones data whose reception with high probability user-side requirements.

This object is achieved according to a first aspect of the invention by a communication system comprising:

- At least one user-to-lead telecommunication device comprising a transmitting device and a receiving device, and a display device for reproducing a signals received via the receiving device generated image, wherein the transmitting device is operated such that this at least in phases transmits a signal sequence for the telecommunications device is specific, and a detection device for detecting the intensity of a transmission signal emitted by the transmitting device within a detection range,

wherein it is judged on the basis of the signal intensity determined by the detection device whether a distance criterion is met between the location of the user and the location of the detection device, and

- Wherein, depending on the fulfillment of this distance criterion, a data transmission to the user-to-leading telecommunication device is caused. This makes it possible to effectively identify persons acting in public and private spaces, or at least to classify them as communication partners. In this case, the invention makes use of a side effect of the field strength reduction which occurs when widespread mobile telephones are used in order to generate a dialog criterion. The solution according to the invention makes it possible in particular to offer so-called "local based services" in a particularly effective manner by sharply detecting persons within a relatively small detection area and thus incorporating them into a data exchange that makes sense for this location The concept according to the invention advantageously makes it possible to suppress the flood of unwanted messages without special content-specific filters, and to only provide the user with information that is at least available to the user due to the fulfillment of an approximation criterion The concept according to the invention makes it possible in particular to use Bluetooth and WLAN connection concepts which are provided in addition to the mobile telephone in the same device to use these connection concepts to make a system setting on the device that causes a user at least in a certain area only gets such information whose transmission is useful due to the fulfillment of a location criterion by the user, eg if a person with their Mobile phone comes into the reach of an information services offering zone.

In particular, the concept according to the invention offers a cost-effective alternative to GPS-based location systems which in themselves do not permit adequate selection coordinated by the user on the motor side. In addition, it is possible by the inventive system, even in a zone within which there are several people to ensure meaningful data streams. This is an advantage, especially for heavily frequented points, since the concept according to the invention avoids the unwanted speech and thus discrepancies. The invention achieves the object stated at the outset by providing a technique which enables a person to trigger in a specific room by means of a selective action. This triggering can be used to identify the person, in particular by means of a query directed to the mobile telephone.

If a person carries a mobile phone with him, it is possible with the Bluetooth device (client) to address the latter using at least one host. The Bluetooth device will then turn on its transmitter and transmit the possible radio services. The transmission energy of a client required for this can be measured and proven as field strength in numerous variants. Since radio waves attenuate in the square of the distance, it is possible to determine how close a person, e.g. at a trigger point activated by it, which e.g. with at least one Bluetooth host is acted upon. This is necessary because the service request of a bluetooth host responds to all devices within a radius of about 10 meters and these then report. The invention uses in a surprisingly advantageous manner the actually disadvantageous side effect that the clients surrounding the trigger point impose different signal intensity on the trigger point and the client closest to the trigger point (eg mobile telephone user) has the highest measurable transmission field strength since this is closest to the trigger point Trigger point is located, if there is also the antenna of the Bluetooth query or an external field strength meter. Using a database connection, the data contained in the Bluetooth telegram can be assigned to a person safely.

The triggering

Triggering in the present context is the action of a person approaching or touching a particular point. The approach can be done by walking, setting, lying, jumping, waving, etc. For this purpose, the invention is designed with a proximity circuit which activates the Bluetooth host according to the invention and causes a search query at a certain distance. As a result, all detectable within the radius (and unlocked) Bluetooth devices, such as those found in mobile phones, PDAs, etc. Since the messages arrive one after the other, it is possible to determine the reception field strength for each message and thus the next user at the trigger point. For the determination, both the Bluetooth internal field strength measurement method (strength) and an external field strength meter can be used. This is for example composed of a selective circuit (parallel resonant circuit) and a modulator (eg diode) and a filter. For other radio systems, eg WLAN / BLUETOOTH, a similar implementation may be provided. There are also circuits for power measurement (PWR metering) available, so that a circuit implementation of the invention is easily possible in various variants. The triggering of a search query may be performed unconsciously or deliberately by the user, such as by traversing a zone or approaching a billboard or product (shelf), etc. or touching objects. For this purpose, the invention provides sensors that only start a corresponding radio search query when touched. It is also possible to distinguish between intentional actions between touch (touch) and activity (exercise of strength). In particular, holding forces are a measure of greediness, which gives an advertiser the assurance that the consumer is particularly interested in a particular product by touching or holding it.

A first exemplary embodiment

A Java-based midlet can be downloaded to at least one mobile phone. The task of this small program is to send via Bluetooth a specific number, which is also stored in a register (eg external server), on request. At the same time, this program can display on at least one external server outgoing messages, texts, images, voice and sound information, etc. on the mobile phone. The Bluetooth device is preferably set to serial data transmission in a mobile telephone in which the relevant software is stored. If the person now approaches or touches a trigger point, a query is made via the Bluetooth host in such a way that it is determined which devices allow a serial connection. These are then addressed and reported accordingly. With help A particular interrogation signal from the host sends the registration code of a client. Only devices that have downloaded and installed this software can submit this code. If the reception field strength reaches a determinable level, the computer connected to the Bluetooth host connects to the server. This uses the registration number, a data or other connection, for example via GPRS, to the appropriate mobile phone ago and can now play over the installed software information to interested consumers. The server can also provide or request other services (eg call center) to provide (useful) information to the mobile user

Another simplified method

A user is registered with his registration number (MAC = Media Access Control) of his Bluetooth device and is approaching a trigger point. This is activated by approach, touch or actuation and sends out a Bluetooth search request (= host). All activated devices in radio range send their identification / possible services. The identifier is checked and it is determined whether the person was the one closest to the trigger point (selective field strength measurement). Then, a server is informed, which makes contact with this person and possibly can communicate with the benefit itself or by a third party via the mobile phone. As a special feature according to the invention, it is possible, during the reception of the expected client message, to switch off the magnetic portion of the receiver at the host and to communicate via the mobile telephone. This is useful to receive only the electrical part (alternating E-FeId) of the message. Since electric fields of the third power attenuate for range (as opposed to radio waves that attenuate square to distance), only one person can still be detected that is immediately in the near field of the host receiver. Thus, it is possible to "quasi hide" other persons in the coverage area of a Bluetooth host (or W LAN / BLUETOOTH host) the range of their electrical fields is insufficient to sufficiently serve the host receiver.

There are many possibilities for realizing such a circuit design according to the invention. The range of possibilities of downloadable software (for example Java midlet for mobile phones) extends to the intended or non-intended use of the existing radio systems GPS, GSM, WLAN / BLUETOOTH, etc., provided they can be addressed by a polling circuit (host).

On the basis of the concept according to the invention, it becomes possible to create a circuit designed as an adhesive label or otherwise flat-edged circuit, which makes it possible, when the Bluetooth or WLAN-capable mobile telephone approaches sufficiently, to read an identifier from the label which links to a host or generates other network element so that product-specific information is transmitted directly to the mobile phone of the user useful in the context of the fact that the user has gone with his mobile phone in the vicinity of the label or the microcircuit stand. These microcircuits can be embodied as quasi-passive circuits which synchronize with the carrier frequency of the Bluetooth or WLAN signal and initiate a modulation of the label input impedance in accordance with a data pattern defined in the label, so that the data pattern can be read out directly via the transmitting device of the mobile telephone. This impedance modulation can be carried out by the signals detected via the receiving electrodes of the label travel through a shift register, which results in fulfillment of certain register states in each case a short circuit of the receiving electrodes.

It is possible to design the label as a circuit which also offers RFID or other transponder interfaces in addition to an interface that is open to the Bluetotth or WLAN standard. This makes it possible, in particular, to specify the content of the data pattern specified for the Bluetooth or WLAN dialog by the RFID port on the part of the label. The approximation state can be determined by the label circuit and incorporated as special information in a generated by the label circuit data message. The intensity or the approximate state can also be determined in the area of the user device and processed there by the program. Thus, it is possible to make the image display on the display of the user, or the functionality of a menu window switch depending on whether a certain approximation criterion is met. In particular, it is possible to control the display in such a way that a color or brightness effect is made dependent on how close the user approaches the detection label or the aforementioned trigger point. It is also possible, upon fulfillment of an approximation criterion, to initiate a configuration of the mobile telephone which, for example, provides a specific menu window, so that sensible inputs can be made in connection with the currently fulfilled approximation criterion. These inputs can be handled by link-providing or otherwise host-based in particular. In particular, it is possible, upon fulfillment of the approximation criterion - which is preferably checked by transmission intensity measurement - to give the mobile phone temporarily special functional properties, so that it can be used temporarily in the manner of a remote control and thus, for example, processes behind a shop window, or coordinated on a projection screen can be.

In particular, it becomes possible, when approaching the trigger point, to generate a link which makes it possible, using the authorization mechanism of the mobile telephone, to make a personal avatar or servant appear on a projection surface and to process a sequence thereon, in particular disclosure of the information to be transmitted.

Further details and features of the invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram for illustrating a communication system according to the invention in which the signal intensity of a WLAN / BLUETOOTH interface of a mobile Communications device recorded and used to determine a dialogue criterion;

FIG. 2 a likewise shows a schematic illustration for illustrating the selection of a user from a group of potential dialogue parts made according to the invention;

FIG. 2b shows a table for illustrating the field strengths determined with regard to the individual users and the user selection based thereon;

FIG. 3 shows a schematic representation for illustrating the basic construction of a detection circuit for generating a field strength signal;

FIG. 4 shows a further schematic representation for illustrating the basic structure of a circuit in which access to the actual HF system is only permitted if a specific field strength is applied to the receiving electrode;

Figure 5 is a sketch illustrating the technique of the invention in the form of an application example in which the detection device is integrated into a billboard.

applications

1. An interactive billboard: in this case, people are exposed to signals that cause alternating electrical field effects on the limbs. The billboard, operable from both sides, can recognize different persons with the aid of the invention, for example, to interpret objects that are represented, for example, on attached advertising posters. E-field level meters connected to the trigger device can be the Measure the person's pointing position and deliver it to an evaluation device which simultaneously generates the determinable trigger signal and uses the connected Bluetooth (or Wlan) host to identify the persons involved.

2. Sales shelves

The approach to store shelves according to the invention or the removal of certain products can trigger operations that can be communicated to the user in a variety of ways. The following feedback options are available:

a) Personal Feedback

Advertising messages, offers, special prices appear on the mobile phone of the identified user.

b) Local feedback

The store shelf contains a e.g. Screen presenting the activated and touched products in connection with the customer, e.g. address by name, discount proposal, suggestion of cohesion of products, etc.

c) Public Feedback

A large, nearby screen (or other display area) displays information on the product being touched or viewed that can promote sales.

3. Rental Systems

For example, bicycles could be lent to people at bus stops when they touch the first and are identifiable via their mobile phone (possibly with pin code). Also, own bicycles could be placed in such a rental system, for example, to travel by bus to another location, etc. Any type of loanable items (videos, books, utensils, etc.) could be accomplished in an automated rental system, if this is the inventive Facility has. It may be necessary for the user to be additionally identified (biometric, pin code, credit card, etc.). However, the first contact is always triggered by approach and touch according to the invention. Switchable locking devices can prevent unauthorized removal.

4. Further examples

Conceivable are interactive shop windows, zones and sectors in museums theme or amusement parks, as well as all those places where people must be identified during their actions. In addition, the invention can be applied to systems and methods of micropayment, ticketing, access control, as well as SKINPLEX® etc.

The invention allows the selection of a person from a group when the person approaches and / or operates a trigger point. In this case, at least one search command is sent out by radio, which causes in the, from the person concerned, carried hardware (such as mobile phone) a radio answer whose field strength can be detected at the trigger point. If there are several people in the area, the one closest to the trigger point is selectable. The distances of the others to the trigger point can also be determined, if necessary.

Claims

claims

1. Communication system comprising:

- Wherein, depending on the fulfillment of this distance criterion, a data transmission to the user-to-leading telecommunication device is caused.

2. Communication system according to claim 1, characterized in that via the detection means for the addressing of the telecommunication device suitable information is extracted from the part emitted by the transmitting device of the telecommunication device signals.

3. Communication system according to claim 2, characterized in that the detection device is integrated in a host system, and that are detected via this WLAN / BLUETOOTH dial-in signal sequences.

4. Communication system according to at least one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the signal intensity of the signal sequences emitted by a plurality of telecommunication devices is detected by the detection device, and specifically detecting the signal intensity for each signal sequence assignable to a telecommunication device.

5. Communication system according to at least one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that it is determined via the detection device, which users of telecommunication systems are within a dialogue zone, and that the telecommunication devices of these users are included in a dependent of the fulfillment of the presence criterion data transfer.

6. Communication system according to at least one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the data transfer to the communication system via a WLAN system, in particular Bluetooth system is handled.

7. Communication system according to at least one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the detection device is arranged at a location whose search by a user represents an event that justifies a correspondingly selected data transfer to the user.

8. impedance modulated WLAN and / or BLUETOOTH responder with:

a receiving device for picking up a transmission event generated by a WLAN and / or BLUETOOTH transmission component and emitted with a carrier frequency,

a coding circuit for specifying the data content of a response signal, and

- An attached to the receiving device impedance modulation circuit which is driven in accordance with the encoding circuit, for modulating the impedance of the receiving device in accordance with the specified data content in synchronization with the carrier frequency.

9. Responder according to claim 8, characterized in that the energy supply of the responder is effected by absorption of the picked up by the Empfangseinrichtunng electric field.

10. Responder according to claim 8, characterized in that the responder is designed as a flat label.

11. Responder according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the responder is designed as a printed circuit.

12. Responder according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the responder generates an identification signal sequence, in particular identification number.

13. Responder according to at least one of claims 8 to 12, characterized in that the responder becomes active upon reaching a predetermined signal strength threshold.

14. A mobile communication device for effecting a signal tap from a responder of the aforementioned type, having a detection device for generating signals which are caused by changes in the input impedance of a sufficiently close Responder of the aforementioned type.

15. Mobile communication device according to claim 14, characterized in that the detection device uses a correlation with the power reference of the WLAN / BLU ETOOTH transmission component effect signal generation.

16. Communication system comprising:

- At least one user-side leading telecommunication device comprising a transmitting device and a receiving device, and a display device for reproducing a signal received via the receiving device, generated image, wherein the transmitting device is operated such that this at least in phases transmits a signal sequence for the telecommunications device is specific, and a detection device for detecting the intensity of a transmission signal emitted by the transmitting device within a detection range, wherein it is judged on the basis of the signal intensity determined by the detection device whether a distance criterion is met between the location of the user and the location of the detection device, and

- Wherein, depending on the fulfillment of this distance criterion, a configuration of a user interface of the telecommunication device takes place.

17. Communication system according to claim 16, characterized in that the configuration takes place by providing a link address.

18. Communication system according to claim 16, characterized in that the link address is transmitted as a data telegram from the detection device to the telecommunication device.

19. Communication system according to claim 16, characterized in that the link address is transmitted as a data telegram from a host system which is caused for this purpose on the basis of the signal intensity detected by the detection device.