System of devices employing data transmission through human body. RU patent 2520563.

FIELD: physics, computer engineering.

SUBSTANCE: invention relates to electronics and information technology, and is intended for transmitting data between two electronic devices. The invention relates to a system of a first device (3) and a second device (4), immovably connected to clothes (1) and each having an electrical signal processing unit connected to a first contact and a second contact, wherein the second contact enters the inner surface (8) of the clothes, wherein the processing units and contacts are configured to transmit data between two devices by establishing at least one wireless link between first contacts of said two devices.

EFFECT: invention enables to transmit signals while maximally limiting use of wire communication means.

14 cl, 7 dwg

The invention relates to a method of transferring data between two electronic devices, portable, at least one user.

The invention also refers to a system consisting of at least two devices for the implementation of this method.

Advances in electronics and computer science, miniaturization of components and the increasing autonomy of the battery will equip some professional users, such as soldiers, electronic devices or devices that help them in fulfilling combat tasks. Among these electronic devices are not restrictive, you can specify the visualization device installed on the helmet, and provides for the monitoring approach and/or in low light conditions, communications system, containing the transceiver and associated with microphone and headset, computer, allowing you to record and/or view the information telescopic sight mounted on the weapon, etc. These different devices connected to each other so that, for example, image coming from the optical sight or imaging devices can be sent by the computer to save in the memory and in the transceiver to transmit in the command center. Similarly, it is necessary that the electrical signals coming from the keyboard or from any other interface on the device could be made and implemented other device located at some distance from the first. The device is fixed or insert into pockets in different places in the service of a soldier, and his helmet on his arms, etc.

Devices connected to each other wires, which can have a total length of up to several meters, and weight in a few kilograms. These wires maximally integrated into clothing, but come out of it (such as the wire leading to the helmet, and the wire going to arms) and can be hooked with the movements of the soldier. In addition, the movement of the soldier or his fall can cause effort, strain, torsion, shear force on the wire and connectors, connecting them with the devices. In addition, the connectors can be contaminated because of the presence of dirt or sand and should be sealed in a connected and not connected condition that the humidity has not led to electrical leakage and couldn through the electrolysis to destroy the pins of connectors. Measures of protection reasons and connectors, such as their integration into the clothing and the use of hermetically sealed pouches, increase the weight of the service and its cost. In addition, connections represent a vulnerable area, relatively low reliability of which may jeopardize the accomplishment of the mission.

It was suggested to replace at least part of wire-speed wireless communications and, in particular, radio communication, such as IEEE 802. However, this radio has a number of disadvantages:

- it can be detected, intercepted and/or be exposed to interference,

- it requires antenna factor orientation, growing closer to the body, and with sensitivity to the polarization that can prevent the transmission of data in some positions soldier.

There were a wireless infrared connection, however, they do not allow to fully address these shortcomings.

The objective of the invention consists in the creation of tools for the transmission of signals, limiting the maximum use of funds wired connection, and allow at least partially eliminate the above drawbacks.

The problem is solved in the system, at least from the first device and a second device, each of which is still connected with clothes and contains a processing unit of an electrical signal that is associated with the first contact with the second contact, with at least the first contact opens onto the inner surface of the clothing. Processing units and contacts made with the possibility of transferring data between two devices through the establishment between the first contacts between the two devices at least one line of wireless communication.

According to the first variant of implementation, given that the necessary distance for transmission is negligible (from a few cm to 1 m), the proposed solution uses as a means of transmission of the electric field (also known as near-field or raw field). Unlike electromagnetic waves used in decision radio, the surface of any Explorer energized only creates an electric field. If this voltage is modulated, the field is modulated, and modulation is transferred to another Explorer nonzero square, which in this case performs the function of the second capacitor plate.

Thus, in the first variant the first contact second contact each device are first conductive plate and second conductive plate, which is made with the possibility of the establishment of first-line and second-line communication with another device, forming a loop transfer data between devices, with the first line uses at least one external capacitance, and blocks of data processing is made with the opportunity to:

- submission from the first device in the path of transmission of the first electrical signals corresponding data transmitted, so that the signal is passed in the first lines of communication as a field,

- reception in the second device and signal processing to retrieve the data.

Because the distance between the devices is negligible, as it is limited by the size of the body, conducting surfaces can be of any shape, considering that their sizes are small in relation to the largest used for the transmission distance. Transmission of electric fields possible, even if the surface are arranged in perpendicular planes. It is of particular interest, as the transfer of the electric field is not sensitive to corrosion and also conducting surfaces can be covered with insulating coating. Under external capacitive coupling should be understood that the capacitance is installed outside the unit in the "open space"and not inside the electronic components.

Electric signal may be a signal of direct current or alternating current signal and can be a control signal or data signal. Signal, for example, modulate data, and, therefore, a field accordingly, too, is modulated. Thus, after the reception, strengthen and, if necessary, reverse simple signal demodulation allows you to extract data.

According to the second variant of execution contacts overlook the inner side of clothing and processing units of devices made with the possibility:

- transfer from the first device in the user's body service electrical signals corresponding to the data in such a way as to create in the body of the user of potential field

- reception of the signals on pins of the second device and signal processing to retrieve the data.

Thus, the carrier signal is the body conducting the potential field in the direction of the second device. Contacts devices press or glued to the skin of the user, which allows you to enter an electrical signal to the user's body through the conductivity or due to capacitive coupling. In practice, when conductive electrodes press or glued to the skin of the user options introduction through the skin by means of conductivity and by capacitive coupling are simultaneous and complementary to each other. Electric signal may be a signal of direct current or alternating current signal and can be a signal power supply, signal or data signal. Signal, for example, modulate data, and the potential field modulate accordingly. Thus, after the reception, strengthen and, if necessary, reverse simple signal demodulation allows you to extract data.

Other distinctive features and advantages of the invention will be more evident from the following description of a non-limiting private embodiments of the invention.

Figure 1 shows the system devices according to the first variant of the invention, the view in front projection;

figure 2 schematically shows the operating principle according to a simplified version of this variant of implementation;

figure 3 schematically with cut shows one of the devices view in the future;

figure 4 partially shown the system according to the first variant of implementation in the position on the body of the user type in a section;

figure 5 partly shown with a cutout system according to the first variant of the invention, top view;

figure 6 shows the means of the connection between the devices in this version, type in the cross-section;

7 shows the system devices according to the second variant of the invention, similar to the figure 1.

Shown in figure 1-3 system devices according to the first variant of the invention integrated into a piece of clothing, identified with total position 1 and representing the vest is designed for a soldier and contain many pockets, and in some of them there is a device. In this case, these devices are computer 3 transmitting radio 4, optical sight 5, connected or not connected with weapons of 6.

Each device 3, 4 contains case 7 of electrical insulating material, which is the block 12 processing done with the ability to send and receive electrical signals of the data carriers and with the ability to retrieve data contained in the adopted electrical signal. Case 7 contains the outer bottom side, covered with a plate 13, made of electrically conductive material, and outside the upper side, covered with a metallic layer, forming a conductive plate 14. Plate 13, 14 may be in the body and/or have identical structure. The plates must be removed from conductive parts, such as the Board of integrated circuits processing unit to avoid capacitive overload transfer mode and adverse capacitive ratio in receive mode. If this is not possible, taking into account the need to preserve the small thickness of the body, the plates can be made (see the description of the optical sight 5) or take the form of a frame and covers the body.

Optical sight 5 contains a body in which the processing unit associated with the submitted conductive plates 9, 10, permanently United with arm 11 weapons.

Each device 3 and 4 have in pockets 1 so that the conductive plate 13 appeared on the inner surface of 8 service 1 (shown only plate 13 3 computer).

The system device presented in this case in connection with the transfer of data, for example, between the transceiver radio 4 and the computer 3.

Device 3, 4 are connected in series using the first line I and the second lines of communication II education between the two devices contour data. Communication line I uses capacitive touch. Communication II uses the electrical conductivity of the body N user.

Processing units made with the possibility of the method of transmission of data that contains the following stages:

- from the first device, for example, from transceiver station 4 in the user's body transmits electrical signals corresponding to the data, such as audio signal (analog called audio, or digital signal so that the signal is passed to the communication lines II and, consequently, in the body of the user and the communication I due to capacitive coupling between the plates 14,

- signal from another device, such as computer 3, and process signals to retrieve data from it.

In this case, the transmitted signal is AC signal, modulated at a predetermined frequency, or digital signal directly or after modulation. You can provide the same carrier frequency or types of modulation or codes consecutive or not consecutive modulation (for example, TDMA, CDMA, DSL), as there are devices to avoid interference between the signals or to select the device to the destination of a signal using to transmit frequency or means of coding or recognition technology seal)designated for this device.

Plate 13 krepjat on the inside of the service, if the devices are located in the clothes. If plates are 13 come into contact with the skin of the user between each plate 13 and your body is installed electrical contact, so the data signal is transmitted by passing current through the device through the user's body. When between the plates 13 and skin have a layer garments such as underwear or lining service 1, this layer service does not interfere with the signal through the body between devices, while between each device and the body is installed capacitance, ensuring the passage of signals in the form of an electric field between each device and body, and signals are in the body in the form of current through the conductivity. Thus, it is clear that between the plates and your body you can have several layers of clothing. If the smart clothes are dirty or wet from sweat, rain, after the passage of Ford), it does not reduce, but, on the contrary, improves the transfer.

You can provide that clothing and the plate was in immediate contact with the skin of the user, as plate 9 optical sight 5, which is in direct contact with the skin of the user, if he does not wear gloves, while the plate is 10 remains open to provide transmission due to capacitive coupling or comes in contact with conductive surface, covering the skin or clothing, to signal simultaneously through the conductivity and capacitive coupling. Passing through the conductivity is of particular interest for transmitting signals DC or low frequency signals. Transmission by capacitive coupling is effective for higher frequencies and sufficient when there is no need to transfer constant component.

Figure 6 shows the band 16.1 divided into two sections 16.1.a and 16.1.b, which can be linked with each other by using conductive push button, part 17.a which still connected to the plot 16.1.a and part 17.b still connected to the plot 16.1.b. Push button can be used as a switch.

You can provide for other connection options, such as Velcro trademark VELCRO, zipper.

Shown in Fig.7 system devices according to the second variant of the invention, as in the first variant, integrated into clothing, identified with total position 1 and contain many pockets, and in some of them there is a device. In this case, these devices are computer 3 transmitting radio 4, optical sight 5, connected or not connected with weapons of 6.

Each device 3 and 4, placed in pockets 1, contains two contacts that open onto the inner surface of 8 service 1 (shows only contacts 7* computer 3). Optical sight 5 is equipped with pins 9, permanently United with handles 10 weapons 6. Each device 3, 4, 5 includes processing unit (shown only handling block 11 of the computer 3), made with the possibility to send and receive electrical signals of the data carriers and with the possibility of removal from the accepted electrical signal data it contains.

Processing units made with the possibility of the method of transmission of data that contains the following stages:

- from one of the devices, for example from the device 5, in the user's body transmits electrical signals corresponding to the data, such as image (analog signal, called "video", or digital signal), thus, to create in the body of the user of potential field

- take the potential field on the contacts to another device, such as computer 3, get a signal and extract data.

In this case, the transmitted signal is AC signal, modulated at a predetermined frequency, or digital signal as is or after modulation. You can provide the same carrier frequency or types of modulation or codes consecutive or not consecutive modulation (for example, TDMA, CDMA, DSL), as there are devices to avoid interference between the signals or to select the device to the destination of a signal using to transmit frequency or means of coding or recognition technology seal)designated for this device.

Because contacts mounted on the inside of the service, if we are talking about devices that are located in the clothes, and between contacts and skin usually is a layer garments such as underwear, signal transmission between the body and the contacts of the device easy to carry due to capacitive coupling. It is clear that between the plates and your body you can have several layers of clothing. If the smart clothes are dirty or wet from sweat, rain, after the passage of Ford), it does not reduce, but, on the contrary, improves the transfer, as capacitance, which is not weakened, is complemented by communication through the conductivity.

You can provide, that clothes and contacts were in direct contact with the skin of the user. For example, contacts optical sight 5 enter into direct contact with the skin of the user, if he does not wear gloves. In this case, the transmission of electrical signals are provided at the same time due to the conductivity and capacitive coupling. If the user is wearing gloves, then it is only about capacitive coupling. To improve the conductivity of the skin it can cause conductive gel or conductive paint. In the case of gloves can provide electrical conductivity of the tissue with the help of different methods, if you want to communicate through the conductivity. As a rule, passing through the conductivity is of particular interest for transmitting signals DC or low frequency signals. Transmission by capacitive coupling is effective for higher frequencies and sufficient when there is no need to transfer constant component. The conductivity can also be improved by placing electrodes in the areas of natural humidity of the human body, such as the armpits or mucous membranes. It is clear that the potential field is skin and under the skin and muscle tissues.

In the variant when the above clothing equipped with two users, you can send the signals from the device by one of the users in the other device from users when they touch or two parts of their bodies and, for example, hold hands, or when they come into contact only with one hand, using the capacitance of the connection between the feet and the ground, which, as a rule, at least to a small extent is the conductor.

Of course, the invention is not limited to the described variants of implementation and covers any version that is not beyond the scope of the invention defined by the claims.

In particular, although the invention was described in the framework of applications in the military, it can be used for civilian purposes for communication between portable electronic devices, such as phones, cameras or portable receivers with headphones.

The electrical signals can be modulated or not modulated signals alternating current, or AC signals with a constant component, or DC signals (for the second variant of implementation).

If the quality of the received signal is too low, considering, on the one hand that it should be limited during transmission, so as not to create physiological disturbances (and the more danger), and, on the other hand, that he is undergoing in the body attenuation and distortion, it is possible to apply various types of analog modulation, in particular frequency modulation, single-sideband amplitude modulation, phase modulation, quadrature modulation and so on, as well as various types of digital modulation. You can use all known technologies of extraction of the signal.

In the first variant of implementation, if necessary, to limit the attenuation is possible to raise the rate to use plate more space or to reduce capacity between two plates (designed accordingly to communication lines I and II).

Signal processing to extract from it the data can be either digital or analog processing, if necessary, related to the correction in the case of nonlinearity and/or technology to recover the lost data in case of too high error rate BER (Bit Error Rate).

Signals can also be sealed.

Plates can be performed on the side of the buildings.

The device may contain multiple plates, each of which is designed to establish lines of communication II with another device.

Both lines are established between devices can apply capacitance without the participation of the conductivity of the human body, in particular when devices are removed from the human body and, in General, from conductive element. Needless to say, however, the devices can be located close enough to each other to ensure the establishment of capacitive coupling.

Each line can use one or more capacitive links and/or one or more of conductivity.

1. System data devices containing the first device (3), and the second device (4), each of which is still connected with clothing (1) and contains the processing unit electrical signals associated with the first conductive plate (14) and from the second conductive plate (13), made with the possibility of the establishment of the first line of (I) communication and second line (II) communication with another device, forming a path data, while the second plate each the device is made with the possibility of installation essentially front and near the skin of the user when the device is still connected to the clothes and the first plate devices overlook the inner side of (8) service, with the first line uses at least one external capacitance, and the second line uses the communication provided by the electrical conductivity of the skin of the user and/or service, and the processing units devices (3, 4) are executed with the possibility to: - transfer from the first device in the path of transmission of electrical signals corresponding data transmitted, so, so the signal is passed in the first lines of communication in the fields of signal reception in the second device and signal processing to retrieve the data.

2. The system of claim 1 in which the first contact and the second are the first contact conductive plate (14) and the second conductive plate (13), made with the possibility of the establishment of the first lines of communication (I) and second-line relationships (II) with another device, forming a loop transfer data between devices, with the first line uses at least one external capacitance, and processing blocks devices (3, 4) are executed with the possibility of: - transfer from the first device in the path of transmission of electrical signals corresponding data transmitted, so that the signal is passed in the first lines of communication in the fields of signal reception in the second device and signal processing to retrieve the data.

3. The system of claim 2, in which devices (3, 4) are located so that the first line of communication (I) uses multiple serial capacitive relations.

4. The system of claim 2, in which devices (3, 4) are located so that the second line of communication (II) uses the electrical conductivity, but the electrical signal corresponding to the data that is held on the second line of communication in the form of current.

5. The system of claim 1 in which devices (3, 4) are located with the possibility of the establishment of electric contact between each device and the user's body.

6. The system of claim 1 in which devices (3, 4) are located with the possibility to install capacitive the relationship between each device and the user's body.

7. The system of claim 1 in which the conductivity is provided directly in the body of the user.

8. The system of claim 2, in which the first plate (14) devices out across the inner layer (16) service (1), while the inner layer is electrically conductive.

9. The system of claim 8, in which conductive inner layer (16) contains at least one of the following items: - conductive substance which is impregnated part of the service, - conductive substance is applied by spraying on the part of the service, - conductive fibers that are woven clothes, electro - conductive film, mounted in front of the clothes.

10. The system of claim 2, in which clothing (1) contains a layer, located opposite the second plate (13) devices (3, 4).

11. The system of claim 2, containing electronic device (5), permanently connected to the captured by the hand of the user object (6)containing the capture area and the second plate (9) devices mounted in the capture zone.

12. The system of claim 1 in which contacts (7*) devices (3, 4) made with the possibility of transmission or reception of a signal due to capacitive coupling with the skin of the user.

13. The system of claim 1 in which contacts (7*) devices (3, 4) made with the possibility of transmission or reception of a signal at the same time due to the conductivity and due to capacitive coupling.

14. The system of claim 1 in which at least one of the electronic devices (5) rigidly connected with captured by the hand of the user object (6)containing the capture zone (10) for each hand, and contacts (9) device enshrined respectively in gripping areas.