WO2002092402A1

WO2002092402A1 - Transfer of information and electric power for an electric device of an accessory

Info

Publication number: WO2002092402A1
Application number: PCT/FI2002/000412
Authority: WO
Inventors: Erkki Ahola; Antti Kortesuo
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2001-05-16
Filing date: 2002-05-15
Publication date: 2002-11-21
Anticipated expiration: 2003-11-16
Also published as: FI20011037A0; FI110347B

Abstract

The invention relates to providing power supply and information transfer between a vehicle and an electric device in an accessory or garment. Authentication of a user can be performed by means of a separate smart card, whereafter only authorized users are able to exploit resources of the vehicle for the demands of electric devices in the accessory. According to a first feature of the invention, electric power supply is connected from a vehicle to an electric device in an accessory, provided that a reference code received from the user and an identification code stored in the smart card match essentially each other. According to a second feature of the invention, a data transfer link is established between a vehilce and at least one electric device, provided that a reference code received from the user and an identification code stored in the smart card match essentially each other.

Description

Transfer of information and electric power for an electric device of an accessory

Background of the invention

The invention relates to the transfer of data for electric devices incorporated in clothing and to the supply of electric power required as a power source for an electrical device, particularly between a vehicle and an article of smart clothing. Smart clothing is a term that refers to any garment or accessory to be worn by a user, for example a jacket, pants, gloves, a helmet, boots, which carries one or more typically microprocessor-controlled electric devices for various functions. These functions are typically intended for satisfying the communication demands of a user, for improved safety or comfort. In the context of this application, a microphone/headphone is also regarded as this type of electric device.

Garments provided with an electric device have been developed, particularly for motorcyclists and snowmobile operators. It is especially beneficial for operators of these vehicles that the driving suit can be provided with heating or cooling, possibly controlled by a microprocessor, such that the operator is always presented with a pleasant temperature. Also, communication devices integrated into a helmet, such as a microphone, headphones, and possibly ^' also displays projectible on a visor, can be provided for the operator. The vehicle operator is often alone on the road, whereby safety can be enhanced by means of electric devices attached to clothing. Even currently available technology enables monitoring the alertness and physical condition of a driver and setting off alarms, either for the driver him- or herself or, for example, for rescue personnel. The dwindling external size of equipment in information technology, and falling prices and increasing efficiency thereof, all facilitate integration of new equipment in accessories or articles of clothing. The application of new technologies to clothing is, however, limited by problems involving the supply of electric energy or power. Especially cooling/heating equipment requires plenty of electric power and, thus, batteries needed in a garment or accessory will be large and heavy. It is possible that electric power supply be conducted from a vehicle to electric devices in an accessory, but this would typically require a multitude of wires, which is impractical. Data transfer equipment in clothing may also require its own wiring systems for providing data transfer and/or power supply. Thus, the accessory will be heavy because of batteries and inconvenient to wear because of multitude of wires and connections therefor.

Brief description of the invention

It is an object of the invention to develop an improved method and an apparatus implementing the method for operating electric devices in a garment or accessory worn by the user. The objects of the invention are accomplished by methods and systems, which are characterized by what is set forth in the independent claims. Preferred embodiments of the invention constitute the objects of the non-independent claims .

The invention is based on performing authentication of a user by means of a separate smart card, whereafter only authorized users will be able to exploit the resources of a vehicle for the demands of electric devices. According to a first feature of the invention, a supply of electric power is connected from a vehicle to an electric device in an accessory, provi- ded that a reference code received from a user and an identification code stored on a smart card essentially match each other. According to a second feature of the invention, a data transfer link or communication is provided between a vehicle and at least one electric device, provided that a reference code received from a user and an identification code stored on a smart card essentially match each other.

A benefit gained by the inventive solution is the ability to make sure that only an authorized operator is capable of using the resources of a vehicle for the demands of devices in a garment . As the supply of electric power is provided from a vehicle typically equipped with clearly superior resources, it is possi- ble to avoid the use of heavy and inconvenient batteries and to guarantee the function of electric devices at least while the vehicle is in operation. If the garment or accessory is nevertheless provided with a battery, it can be conveniently recharged during ope- ration of the vehicle. When communication is provided between a vehicle and a device carried in a garment, the user can be supplied for example with information regarding operation of the vehicle and, on the other hand, a vehicle control unit can be supplied with information about the operator's actions. Preferably, a single wire is employed between a vehicle and an accessory for providing at least a supply of power for all electric devices in order to avoid the difficulty of using a multitude of individual wires. According to one preferred embodiment of the invention, a vehicle can only be operated if the operator is aware of an identification code stored on a smart card, i.e. if a reference value matches the identification code. This also enables the replacement of an ignition key with a smart card to make unauthorized use of a vehicle more difficult.

Brief description of the figures

The invention will now be described in more detail in the context of preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 is a general illustration of a system according to one preferred embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 2 shows a system according to one preferred embodiment of the invention in a block diagram,- and

Fig. 3 shows a method according to one preferred embodiment of the invention in a flow chart.

Detailed description of the invention

Fig. 1 illustrates a system of the invention, comprising a vehicle VEH provided with a power source PS, a smart card reader unit SCR to be fitted on the vehicle VEH, a smart card SC to be connected with the reader unit SCR, and an article of smart clothing CL. The vehicle VEH can be any means of transportation provided with a power source PS, for example a motor- cycle, a snowmobile, an electrically powered wheelchair, a jetski, a truck, or a boat. The article of clothing or garment CL can be for example a jacket, a piece of underwear, coveralls, a helmet, headphones, footwear, or a combination of these, it being essen- tial that the garment CL be provided with at least one electric device ED. The smart accessory CL carries typically a number of networked electric devices ED, whereby a jacket, for example, is provided with a central unit which is capable of controlling other devices and providing those at least with a supply of electric power from a wire W. Thus, the inconvenience of dealing with a plurality of wires is avoided. The following mention a few examples of clothing articles or garments and electric devices ED carried thereby:

- Gloves: Heating elements and connection to central unit, possibly control sensors

- Helmet: Heating and cooling elements and connection to central unit, microphone, headphones, dark vision equipment

Jacket: Microprocessor-equipped central unit with connections to other elements, electric power supply from wire W, tempera- ture sensor, heart rate monitor, heating and cooling elements, equipment for providing data transfer for vehicle

- Pants: Heating and cooling elements and connection to central unit and boots

- Boots: Heating and cooling elements and connection to pants

The following is based on a premise that the electric device ED comprises at least communications equipment. The ED can be a device monitoring vital functions provided with sensors for vital functions, which supply information about the physical condition of a user and, if necessary, can transmit an alarm to medical staff. The ED may be provided also with acceleration sensors, whereby an alarm can be transmitted as a result of excessively sudden deceleration. The ED can also be an entertainment electronic device for the repetition of multimedia contents.

The smart card SC is typically a plastic card the size of a credit card, which is fitted with a chip comprising a memory and a microprocessor controlling the memory. In addition, the smart card SC has its surface provided with electrical contacts for conveying thereby an operating voltage to the smart card SC, as well as for delivering control and data signals from the reader unit SCR and to the reader unit SCR. Connec- tions of the smart card SC and the reader unit SCR can be based on ISO 7810-7816 standards. According to one preferred embodiment, the supply of electric power or energy from the vehicle VEH to the electric device ED is adapted to occur through the smart card SC. Between the smart card SC and the electric device ED can be fitted a flexible wire W by means of a connector CN, by way of which it is possible to supply the electric power required in the ED. Thus, the SC is further provided with electrical conductors EC, by way of which the supply of electric power can be provided from the SCR to the connector CN, and through the connector CN to the wire W. Operation of the apparatus can be facilitated as much as possible, for example in such a way that the user only has to pick up from the pocket of a garment or accessory the wire W preconnec- ted to the electric device ED and the smart card SC connected to the wire W, and to connect the SC to the reader unit SCR. The connectors CN are preferably bayonet couplings, the connection of the smart card SC and the wire W occurring conveniently.

Alternatively, the wire W can be connected to a coupling in the vehicle VEH and supply the electric power directly from the vehicle VEH to the wire W. According to yet another embodiment, data transfer between the electric device ED and the vehicle VEH is adapted to occur through the smart card SC and the wire W. In this case, the smart card SC is also provided with information transfer channels IC which, according to one embodiment, transmit information between the chip and the wire W. Hence, in this embodiment, the wire W and the connector CN contribute to both power supply and data transfer. It is also conceivable for data transfer to occur through the conductors EC used for electric power supply. The smart card SC and the con- nector CN may exploit for example solutions applied in PCMCIA connections, in which case the SC is thicker than a typical smart card.

The smart card reader unit SCR comprises a reader and a driver for the reader (driver software to be run in a computer) for controlling the smart card and, in the context of this application, also a capability for controlling electric power supply and/or data transfer applied to one or more electric devices ED on the basis of user identification.

Fig. 2 shows a block diagram for visualizing a system configuration according to one preferred embodiment. The smart card reader unit SCR comprises a processor RCPU, data transfer elements RI/O in charge of the data transfer of the SCR, as well as some memory RMEM. The smart card reader unit SCR can be provided with its own user interface UI comprising for example a keyboard or a display, or it may utilize a user interface present in the vehicle VEH. The smart card SC comprises a microprocessor SCPU, data transfer elements SI/O (typically at least I/O contacts for the smart card chip) , as well as some memory SMEM. The electric device ED also comprises a processor CCPU, data transfer elements Cl/O, and some memory CMEM. In the example of fig. 2, the ED comprises a cooling/heating device AC and one or more sensors S for measuring temperature, for example. Typically, the electric device ED is also fitted with a user interface, whereby the user can control operation of the electric device ED, for example to adjust temperature or to select numbers to be dialed. It should be appreciated that, according to the first feature of the invention, the electric device ED can be a device which only requires a supply of electric power and, thus, the elements Cl/O, CCPU, and CMEM depicted in fig. 2 are not necessary, since all that is needed is a connection from the wire W.

The processing units RCPU, SCPU, CCPU (Central Proces- sing Unit) control operation of the devices (SCR, SC,

ED) on the basis of program codes stored in non-vola- tile parts of the memories (RMEM, SMEM, CMEM) so as to achieve a capability according to one preferred embodiment depicted in fig. 3. It is also feasible to apply hardware solutions. An identification code is stored in a non-volatile part of the smart card's SC memory SMEM, for example in an EEPROM memory (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory) . Information contained in the smart card SC is preferably distributed in a variety of files, having different access rights for the card and external devices. The non-volatile part of the memory (RMEM, SMEM, CMEM) can be used as a temporary storage for information.

The smart card reader unit SCR may have its functions as part of an information system controlling operation of the vehicle VEH. The smart card reader unit SCR has its data transfer elements RI/O comprising elements of the processing unit RCPU for operating the smart card SC, i.e. an adapter circuit and mating contacts for electrical contacts in the elements Sl/O of the smart card SC, which enables reading information of the smart card SC and conveying information to the smart card SC, typically in serial mode. The RI/O comprises also elements for communicating with other devices of the vehicle VEH, for example with the central computer of the vehicle VEH, or for delivering data to the user interface UI , for example to an instrument cluster. The RI/O is still further provided with elements for establishing a data transfer communication with the elements Cl/O of the ED. Information in analog or more preferably in digital mode can be transferred in a wired fashion by means of conventional transfer solutions. It is possible to use specific bus solutions, such as a CAN solution (Controller Area Network) con- sistent with ISO 11898 standard. Data transfer can also be implemented by way of transceivers providing a wireless transfer of information. Wireless communication can be established preferably by making use of a short-range radio frequency technique, one example of which is Bluetooth. According to one embodi- ment, a transceiver providing a wireless communication, as well as a driver therefor, do not constitute a part of the smart card reader unit SCR but are located elsewhere in the vehicle VEH.

The electric device ED has its data transfer elements Cl/O comprising at least junctions for providing a data transfer with the elements RI/O of the ED, and typically with a range of other equipment connected to the ED, i.e. with other equipment provided with a processor or with equipment controlled by the ED, which in fig. 3 include AC and S. According to one embodiment, it is also possible to establish a data transfer between the SC and the ED over the elements SI/O and Cl/O, whereby a data transfer between the elements RI/O and Cl/O can be provided by way of the smart card SC .

A method according to one preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to fig. 3. A smart card SC is inserted 301 in a smart card reader unit SCR, which supplies it with an operating voltage. The smart card SC supplies the smart card reader unit SCR with information about its features, for example protocols supported thereby and manufacturer's information. If the smart card reader unit SCR is capable of using the smart card SC, this is followed by retrieving 302 an identification code stored in a memory SMEM. The identification code comprises typically a PIN code (Personal Identificati- on Number) , but it may also comprise information needed, for example, for checking a fingerprint. A user is requested 303 over a user interface UI to supply an identification code relating to the smart card SC (or any profile contained therein) , for exam- pie a request is presented on a user interface screen or a reference code is simply expected from the user. The user enters a reference code 304 by way of the user interface UI, typically a keyboard, and the received reference code 304 is compared 305, 306 with the identification code. It is obvious that the steps 302 and 303, 304 can also be performed in reverse order, i.e. a reference code may be first obtained from a user and only then an identification code is retrieved from the memory SMEM.

If the codes do not match, use of a vehicle and supply of electric power to a garment or accessory will be denied 307. The SCR can deny the supply of electric power to the smart card SC and to the electrical sys- tern of a vehicle VEH or transmit a command regarding the denial to another control device which blocks the supply of electric power. This is preferably also disclosed to the user, for example by way of a display, and a re-entry of the reference code is possibly requested. Thus, it can be secured that only a user aware of the identification code (or having correct physical characteristics) is able to utilize the smart card SC. Unauthorized use of the vehicle VEH can be effectively denied, and a separate ignition key is no longer necessary.

If the codes do match, electric power supply is connected 308 from a power source PS of the vehicle VEH to an electric device ED in clothing CL and data transfer is established 308 between data transfer elements of the vehicle VEH (typically elements RI/O in the smart card reader unit SCR, but possibly any data transfer element in the vehicle VEH) and the data transfer elements CI/O of an electrical device, provided that the reference code and the identification code are essentially consistent with each other.

Hence, electric power supply is controlled by the SCR in such a way that the supply of electric power is connected from the power source PS typically over the SCR to the smart card SC, from which the electric power is delivered further via a wire W to at least one electric device ED, thus allowing operation of the electric devices ED.

After electric power supply to the electric device ED is established, the SCR is capable of activating the data transfer elements Cl/O which, together with the elements RI/O, can initiate transfer of data or information in accordance with a presently applied com- munication protocol. The SCR (RCPU) is able to set the elements R/lO in a data transfer communication over information transfer channels present in the smart card SC, a connector CN, a wire W, and a terminal connecting the same to the electric device ED, with the elements Cl/O of the electric device ED. Data transfer may also be wireless, in which case the RCPU can control a transceiver (located in the SCR or elsewhere in vehicle) , providing preferably a two-way communication, so as to establish a wireless com- munication with a transceiver included in the elements

CI/O.

According to one preferred embodiment, use of the vehicle VEH is also permitted, in which case an anti- drive device in the vehicle VEH is switched 308 by the

SCR to release the electric power, such as for star- ting the engine. The supply of electric power can also be controlled by the SCR to some other electric device, for example to a radio present in the vehicle VEH.

According to one embodiment, the steps 302-308 are carried out by the RCPU. A reference code can be obtained 304 from an operator of the vehicle VEH by means of a keyboard or a touch screen constituting the user interface UI . The control can also be performed by means of biometric methods, such as on the basis of fingerprint identification, voice identification, or ophthalmic characteristics. In this case, the reference code or data is compiled e.g. in a fingerprint identification apparatus (can also be integrated in the smart card SC) and it is compared 305 with an identification code or data stored on the smart card SC.

It is possible that the SCPU of the smart card SC conducts the comparison 305, on the basis of which it can supply the RCPU with an authorization to proceed to the step 307 or 308. Thus, the identification code need not be transmitted out of the smart card SC.

Data communication between the ED and a vehicle is disconnected and power supply to the electric device ED is discontinued as the smart card SC is removed from the reader unit SCR. According to one embodiment, operation of the vehicle VEH is also disabled as the smart card SC is removed from the reader unit SCR.

This solution is particularly beneficial in a snowmobile, which can be adapted to switch off the engine as a result of the wire W disengaging from the smart card SCR, or the smart card SC disengaging from the reader unit SCR. Typically, the SCR (or some other data transfer device authorized by the SCR after the control 305) functions as an information provider for other equipment in the vehicle VEH. One example is a navigation application, wherein a satellite positioning device included in a vehicle determines the vehicle's location and provides instructions on the basis of map information for reaching a destination chosen by the user. These instructions can be conveyed for example to a microphone mounted on the helmet. Information communicated between the smart card reader unit SCR and the electric device ED can be, for example, in the form of spoken information converted into an electronic signal, which is transmitted from the headphone/microphone over the vehicle's mobile communication capability to the network. The information may also be in the form of information used for controlling various devices in the vehicle VEH, such as remote control commands for the vehicle's VEH controls possibly transmitted to the electric device ED in the piece of clothing CL, which can also be obtained from a microphone with voice identification. The information may also be in the form of information gathered by the electric devices ED about a user. The data transfer communication can be continuously monitored by the SCR. According to one application, the SCR may set off an alarm for an emergency center, if a serious downturn is detected by the ED (or SCR) regarding the vital functions of a user. The user can also be alerted by sending a warning about a malfunction of the vehicle VEH to headphones/a display on the helmet.

The use of a smart card according to one preferred embodiment of the invention enables a wide range of control functions. In addition to one or more identification codes, the smart card SC may have stored therein other miscellaneous information for controlling the function of various pieces of equipment in the vehicle VEH. The smart card SC may have stored therein settings associated with the vehicle VEH, for example various settings regarding properties of an instrument cluster, alarms, or warnings, or settings regarding controls. In one example, a motorcycle operating card carries specific profiles for each member of a family (everyone has a specific identification code) , the profile for children, for example, having the power of a motorcycle adjusted lower or having a set speed limit.

According to one embodiment, data communication is also possible between the SC and the ED. The memory SMEM can be stored for example with settings regarding a garment or accessory, such as a personal temperature or miscellaneous rights regarding the use of communications equipment. On the other hand, information collected by the electrical device ED can also be stored in the smart card memory SMEM, for example the heart rate history of a person operating the vehicle VEH or commands given by the operator required for the use of accessories or vehicular equipment . The smart card SC may also incorporate other applications, for example a subscriber identity module function for use in a mobile communicator integrated in the piece of clothing CL, for example a capability regarding a SIM unit (Subscriber Identity Module) in a GSM system or a USIM unit (UMTS Subscriber Identity Module) in a

UMTS system (Universal Mobile Telecommunications System) . In this case, an individual smart card is no longer needed in a mobile communicator. The smart card SC can also be used as an electronic driver's license by storing it with information required by authorities . It is obvious for a person skilled in the art that, as technology progresses, the basic inventive concept can be implemented in a variety ways. Hence, the invention and its various embodiments are not limited to the foregoing examples, but may vary within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

Claims :

1. A method for providing electric power supply in a system, comprising a vehicle provided with a power source and at least one accessory provided with at least one electric device, characterized in that the method comprises the steps of:

- inserting a smart card in a smart card reader unit incorporated in a vehicle,

- retrieving an identification code presto- red in the smart card,

- receiving a reference code from a user,

- comparing the reference code with the identification code, and

- connecting electric power supply from the vehicle to at least one electric device in response to an essential match between the reference code and the identification code.

2. A method for providing transfer of information in system, comprising a vehicle provided with a first communication element, and at least one accessory to be worn by a person operating the vehicle and being provided with an electric device comprising at least one second communication element, characterized in that the method comprises the steps of:

- inserting a smart card in a smart card reader unit incorporated in a vehicle,

- retrieving an identification code presto- red in the smart card,

- receiving a reference code from a user,

- comparing the reference code with the identification code, and - establishing a data transfer link between the first communication element and the second communication element of the vehicle in response to an essential match between the reference code and the identification code.

3 A method as set forth in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that electric power supply is connected from a vehicle, by way of a smart card or a wire con- nected to the smart card, to an electric device in an accessory.

4. A method as set forth in any of the preceding claims, characterized in that a data transfer link is established at least between a vehicle and an electric device by way of a smart card and a wire connected to the smart card.

5. A method as set forth in any of the preceding claims, characterized in that data transfer is established between a vehicle and an accessory in a wireless fashion.

6. A method as set forth in any of the preceding claims, characterized in that operation of a vehicle is permitted in response to an essential match between a reference code and an identification code.

7. A method as set forth in any of the preceding claims, characterized in that operation of a vehicle is denied in response to removing a smart card from a smart card reader unit .

8. An electric power supply system for a vehicle and for one or more accessories to be worn by an operator of the vehicle, said accessory comprising at least one electric device, characterized in that the system comprises

- a smart card reader unit to be installed in the vehicle, which is provided with junc- tions for connecting at least one smart card,

- elements for retrieving an identification code stored in a smart card memory,

- elements for receiving a reference code from the operator by way of a user interface included in the vehicle,

- elements for comparing the reference code with the identification code, and elements for connecting electric power supply from the vehicle to at least one electric device in response to an essential match between the reference code and the identification code.

9. An information transfer system, comprising a first communication element to be installed in a vehicle, and a second communication element for at least one electric device in an accessory to be worn by an operator of the vehicle, characterized in that the system further comprises

- a smart card reader unit to be installed in the vehicle, which is provided with junctions for connecting at least one smart card, - elements for retrieving an identification code stored in a smart card memory,

- elements for receiving a reference code from the operator by way of a user interface included in the vehicle, - elements for comparing the reference code with the identification code, and - elements for establishing a data transfer link between the first communication element of the vehicle and the second communication element in response to an essential match between the reference code and the identification code.

10. A system as set forth in claim 8 or 9, characterized in that - the smart card reader unit and the smart card are provided with junctions for supplying electric power from a power source to the smart card,

- the smart card and at least done electric device are provided with junctions for connecting a wire used for the supply of electric power, whereby

- the smart card reader unit is adapted to connect electric power supply, by way of the smart card and a wire connected to the smart card, to an electric device in an accessory in response to an essential match between the reference code and the identification code .

11. A system as set forth in any of claims 8-10, characterized in that the data transfer link at least between a vehicle and an electric device is established by way of a smart card and a wire connected to the smart card.

12. A system as set forth in any of claims 8-11, characterized in that the system further comprisesele- ments for denying operation of the vehicle if the smart card is removed from the smart card reader unit, or if the reference code and the identification code do not essentially match each other.