U.S. patent application number 11/149770 was filed with the patent office on 2006-02-09 for wireless activation system and method.
Invention is credited to Paul Atkinson.
Application Number | 20060028924 11/149770 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34115780 |
Filed Date | 2006-02-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060028924 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Atkinson; Paul |
February 9, 2006 |
Wireless activation system and method
Abstract
A system and method for wireless activation of a target. A
communication device transmits an ID associated with the target to
a network operations center. The network operations center provides
an activation signal to the communication device. The communication
device wirelessly transmits an acoustic activation signal to a
nearby activation device. The activation device is positioned
proximate the target and causes a change in at least one physical
property of the target. The target may be an optical media
containing an electrochromic material with optical properties that
change on application of an electric signal.
Inventors: |
Atkinson; Paul; (Poway,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SHELDON & MAK, INC
225 SOUTH LAKE AVENUE
9TH FLOOR
PASADENA
CA
91101
US
|
Family ID: |
34115780 |
Appl. No.: |
11/149770 |
Filed: |
June 10, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10632047 |
Jul 31, 2003 |
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11149770 |
Jun 10, 2005 |
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60400414 |
Jul 31, 2002 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
369/13.01 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G11B 20/00876 20130101;
G11B 23/281 20130101; G07C 9/27 20200101; G11B 20/00608 20130101;
G11B 23/284 20130101; G07C 9/38 20200101 |
Class at
Publication: |
369/013.01 |
International
Class: |
G11B 11/00 20060101
G11B011/00 |
Claims
1. An optical media that is alterable by application of an
electrical signal to affect a change in the perceptibility of the
optical media.
2. The optical media of claim 1, wherein the optical media
comprises an electro-optic material having at least one physical,
optical, or electrical property that changes in response to the
electrical signal.
3. The optical media of claim 2, wherein the change in the
physical, optical, or electrical property is reversible.
4. The optical media of claim 2, wherein the change in the
physical, optical, or electrical property is irreversible.
5. The optical media of claim 2, wherein the change in the
physical, optical, or electrical property is repeatable.
6. The optical media of claim 2, further comprising an input
interface for applying the electrical signal to the electro-optic
material.
7. The optical media of claim 6 wherein the input interface applies
the electrical signal to the electro-optic material upon receipt of
an authorization code from the authorizing entity.
8. The optical media of claim 2 wherein any change in the
perceptibility of the optical media is limited to a certain number
of times.
9. The optical media of claim 2 wherein any change in the change in
the perceptibility is limited to a period of time.
10. The optical media of claim 2 further comprising means for
receiving power from an external source.
11. The optical media of claim 2, further comprising an input
interface, the input interface comprising: a receiver for receiving
an activation signal; a converter for converting the received
activation signal to the electrical signal; and means for applying
the electrical signal to the electro-optic material to change the
perceptibility of the optical media.
12. The optical media of claim 11, wherein the input interface
further comprises a timer, and means for conditionally applying the
electrical signal in response to the timer.
13. The optical media of claim 2, wherein at least a portion of the
perceptibility is of content in the electro-optic material.
14. The optical media of claim 2, further comprising a content
storage medium underlying the electro-optic material, wherein the
perceptibility comprises accessibility of content stored in the
content storage medium through the electro-optic material.
15. The optical media of claim 2, further comprising a substrate
underlying the electro-optic material, wherein at least a portion
of the perceptibility is of information stored on the substrate
through the electro-optic material.
16. The optical media of claim 2, wherein the electro-optical
material includes separate inclusions.
17. The optical media of claim 16, wherein the inclusions are
separately addressable.
18. The optical media of claim 2, further comprising a removable
activation device proximate the material for applying the
electrical signal for applying the electrical signal to the
material.
19. The optical media of claim 2, wherein the electro-optic
material is limited to specific locations on the optical media.
20. The optical media of claim 2, wherein the electro-optic
material is arranged in tracks or rings on the optical media.
21. The optical media of claim 2, wherein the electro-optic
material is arranged as one or more layers of the optical
media.
22. The optical media of claim 2 wherein the electro-optic material
is arranged in patterns on the optical media.
23. The optical media of claim 2, wherein the electro-optic
material is located on a first surface of the optical media.
24. The optical media of claim 2, wherein the electro-optic
material is located on top of a reflective surface of the optical
media.
25. The optical media of claim 2, wherein the electro-optic
material is located below a protective coating of the optical
media.
26. The optical media of claim 2 further comprising: a second
electro-optic material having at least one physical, optical, or
electrical property that changes in response to the electrical
signal.
27. The optical media of claim 1, wherein the optical media further
comprises an embedded ID for provision to an authorizing
entity.
28. The optical media of claim 27, wherein the embedded ID changes
in response to application of the electrical signal.
29. The optical media of claim 27, further comprising receiving
means for receiving an authorization code.
30. The optical media of claim 27, wherein the authorizing entity
provides an authorization code associated with the embedded ID.
31. The optical media of claim 1, wherein the change in the
perceptibility of the optical media either enables or restricts
access to information contained in the optical media.
32. The optical media of claim 1, wherein the optical media changes
color when the electrical signal is applied.
33. The optical media of claim 1, wherein the optical media
conceals or reveals content when the electrical signal is
applied.
34. The optical media of claim 1, wherein the optical media
includes an electrochromic film or a liquid crystal material.
35. The optical media of claim 1, further comprising an electrical
energy source to deliver the electrical signal.
36. The optical media of claim 35 further comprising an
electro-optic material, wherein the input interface controls the
delivery of energy from the electrical energy source to the
electro-optic material.
37. The optical media of claim 36, wherein the electrical energy
source comprises an electromagnetic power receiver.
38. The optical media of claim 36, wherein the electrical energy
source comprises an electrical power storage device.
39. The optical media of claim 35 further comprising an input
interface coupled to the electrical energy source.
40. The optical media of claim 1 further comprising a device
selected from the group consisting of a compact disk, a digital
versatile disk, a laser disk, a hologram, a credit card, a driver's
license, an identification card, a security pass, a ticket, a
coupon, and a product having a content-readable or
content-writeable element.
41. The optical media of claim 1, further comprising an element
selected from the group consisting of an electrochromic film, an
electrochromic material, and a liquid crystal.
42. The optical media of claim 1 wherein the electrical signal
affects the readability or writeability of the optical media.
43. The optical media of claim 42 wherein a removable activation
device proximate the optical material applies the electrical signal
to the optical material.
44. The optical media of claim 1, comprising an embedded ID and
secured code.
45. The optical media of claim 44, wherein the secured code is
associated with the embedded ID.
46. The optical media of claim 1, comprising an input interface for
conditionally applying the electrical signal to effect the change
in perceptibility.
47. The optical media of claim 46, wherein the conditional
application of the electrical signal is dependent on data received
from an activation device.
48. The optical media of claim 47, further comprising an embedded
ID, wherein the input interface is configured to require the data
received from the activation device to correspond to the embedded
ID.
49. The optical media of claim 48, further comprising a secured
code, wherein the input interface is configured to require the data
received from the activation device to correspond to the secured
code.
50. An optical media comprising: a material having at least one
physical, optical, or electrical property that changes in response
to an electrical signal, the change in the physical, optical, or
electrical property of the material affecting the accessibility of
content stored within the optical media.
51. The optical media of claim 50, and further comprising an input
interface element in contact with the material to apply the
electrical signal to the material.
52. The optical media of claim 51, wherein the input interface
element applies a power component of the signal to the material and
uses a data component of the signal to regulate application of
power.
53. The optical media of claim 51, wherein the optical media is an
optical disk or a hologram embedded in a credit card.
54. The optical media of claim 50 further comprising: an input
interface that regulates accessibility to the content stored within
the optical media by controlling at least one physical, optical, or
electrical property of the material affecting accessibility.
55. The optical media of claim 54 wherein the input interface
permits access to the content stored in the optical media if an
external signal provides a correct activation code.
56. The optical media of claim 55 further comprising an embedded
ID, wherein the correct activation code is associated with the
embedded ID.
57. The optical media of claim 50, wherein the change in the
physical, optical, or electrical property is reversible.
58. The optical media of claim 50, wherein the change in the
physical, optical, or electrical property is irreversible.
59. The optical media of claim 50, wherein the change in the
physical, optical, or electrical property is repeatable.
60. The optical media of claim 50 further comprising means for
receiving power from an external source.
61. An optical media comprising: an electrical energy source
switcheable by an external signal.
62. The optical media of claim 61 wherein the energy source alters
at least one physical, optical, or electrical property of the
optical media when it is activated by the external signal.
63. The optical media of claim 61 further comprising: an input
interface communicatively coupled to the electrical energy source,
the input interface and electrical energy source configured to
change at least one physical, optical, or electrical property of
the optical media in response to receiving the external signal.
64. The optical media of claim 63 wherein the input interface
activates the energy source and provides access to content stored
in the optical media.
65. The optical media of claim 64 wherein the input interface
permits access to content stored in the optical media if the
external signal provides a correct activation code.
66. The optical media of claim 64 wherein the input interface uses
one or more codes stored in the optical media to enable conditional
access to content in the optical media.
67. The optical media of claim 66 wherein the input interface can
alter the one or more codes stored in the optical media.
68. The optical media of claim 61 wherein the energy source
includes thin films or gels organized to store energy.
69. The optical media of claim 61 wherein the energy source is
external to the optical media.
70. The optical media of claim 61 wherein the energy source is
integral to the optical media.
71. The optical media of claim 61 wherein the energy source
maintains the optical media in a first operating state.
72. The optical media of claim 71 wherein the external signal
causes the optical media to change from the first operating state
to a second operating state.
73. The optical media of claim 61, further comprising: an
electro-optical material having an optical property that changes in
response to an electrical signal.
74. The optical media of claim 73 wherein the electrical energy
source provides an electrical signal to the electro-optical
material for changing the optical property when the switched energy
source is activated or deactivated.
75. The optical media of claim 61, wherein the electrical energy
source device comprises a battery or a capacitor.
76. The optical media of claim 61, wherein the electrical energy
source device comprises thin films or gels.
77. An optical storage media comprising: a content storage layer; a
control layer adjacent the content storage layer; and an input
interface communicatively coupled to the control layer, the input
interface configured to receive an external activation signal and
regulate access to the content stored in the content storage layer
by activating or deactivating the control layer.
78. The optical storage media of claim 77 further comprising: an
electrical energy source coupled to the control layer, wherein the
input interface permits access to the content stored in the content
storage layer if it receives a correct activation code.
79. An optical media comprising: an input interface configured to
receive an external activation signal and conditionally activate
access to content in the optical media based on the external
activation signal by altering the perceptibility of the optical
media.
80. The optical media of claim 79 wherein the input interface first
determines if the external activation signal includes an acceptable
activation code prior to activating access to the content in the
optical media.
81. The optical media of claim 79 wherein the optical media has
codes stored therein.
82. The optical media of claim 79 wherein the input interface
alters the perceptibility of the optical media by controlling an
optical, electrical or physical property of the optical media.
83. The optical media of claim 82 wherein the input interface
conditionally affects the physical property of the optical media
upon receipt of one or more codes associated with an identification
value of the optical media.
84. The optical media of claim 83 wherein the input interface uses
the codes stored in the optical media to enable conditional access
to content in the optical media.
85. The optical media of claim 84 wherein the input interface can
alter the codes stored in the optical media.
86. The optical media of claim 79 wherein the input interface
includes an electrode through which the external activation signal
can be received by the input interface.
87. The optical media of claim 86 wherein the electrode is
accessible on the surface of the optical media.
88. The optical media of claim 86 wherein the electrode is
removable.
89. The optical media of claim 86 wherein the electrode is coupled
to an electrical energy source.
90. The optical media of claim 89 wherein the electrical energy
source is physically coupled to the optical media.
91. The optical media of claim 89 wherein the input interface
releases power from the electrical energy source that alters an
optical, electrical or physical property of the optical media.
92. The optical media of claim 79 wherein the input interface
regulates the number of times the content on the optical media can
be accessed.
93. An optical media comprising: an encryption-decryption device
for encrypting or decrypting data.
94. The optical media of claim 93 wherein the encryption-decryption
device decrypts data stored in the optical media.
95. The optical media of claim 94 wherein the data decrypted by the
encryption-decryption device is transmitted from the optical
media.
96. The optical media of claim 93 wherein data decrypted by the
encryption-decryption device is used in conjunction with other data
to produce dependent data.
97. The optical media of claim 93 wherein data decrypted by the
encryption-decryption device is used to initiate a conditional
access to content stored in the optical media.
98. The optical media of claim 97 where the conditional access
includes changing the perceptibility of the optical media.
99. The optical media of claim 93 wherein the encryption-decryption
device is embedded in the optical media.
100. An optical media comprising: a content area for storing
content; and an input interface including an optical media ID and
an encrypted security code, the input interface configured to
transmit the optical media ID and encrypted security code from the
optical media upon receipt of an interrogation signal, and receive
an activation signal that allows access to the content stored in
the content area.
101. The optical media of claim 100 wherein the activation signal
allows access to the content if the activation signal includes a
correct activation code.
102. An optical media comprising: a content area for storing
content; and an input interface including an encrypted code.
103. The optical media of claim 102 wherein the input interface
further includes an optical media ID.
104. The optical media of claim 102 wherein the encrypted code is
associated with the optical media ID.
105. The optical media of claim 102 wherein access to the content
in the content area is conditional upon the optical media receiving
an activation signal which associated with the encrypted code.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority in U.S. provisional
application Ser. No. 60/400,414, filed on Jul. 31, 2002.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to a system and method for
wireless activation of an item at a user's point-of-presence
(POP).
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Activation of, or regulation of access to, articles or media
at a consumer's immediate point-of-presence (POP) is an emerging
media distribution model. Examples include enabling pay-per-view
movies at home or on the road, and remote activation of driver's
licenses, credit cards, tickets, software, electronic games and
products. Flexibility in the distribution model, such as the
ability to provide pay-for-play, repeatable play and on-demand
play, is highly desirable. Applications such as these require a
method of activating an article or media at the consumer's POP in a
controlled manner that facilitates different business objectives.
The ability to provide repeatable (i.e. multi-use) and dynamic
activation and regulation of access to optical media such as CDs
and DVDs, in a manner that reduces shipping costs and environmental
impact, is of particular interest.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] The present invention provides a novel system and method for
wireless activation of an item or target. The invention also
provides a novel form of optical media for use in conjunction with
the system that facilitates activation via use of a material
attached to or embedded in the optical media and having an optical
property that may be altered by application of an electrical
signal.
[0005] Accordingly, one embodiment of the invention is a method for
wireless activation of a target. A third party determines whether a
user is authorized to activate a target and provides an activation
signal to the user's communication device. The communication device
wirelessly transmits the activation signal to an activation device
proximate the target. The activation device activates the target by
applying a signal to the target that changes at least one physical
property of the target.
[0006] Another embodiment of the invention is an optical media that
is altered by application of an electrical signal to affect the
perceptibility of the optical media.
[0007] Another embodiment of the invention is a method for
regulating access to content within an optical media comprising
emitting an acoustic signal from a communication device proximate
the optical media to alter at least one optical property of the
optical media.
[0008] Another embodiment of the invention is a wireless activation
system. The system includes a target to be activated, and an
activation device that applies an electrical signal to the target
to effect a change in at least one physical property of the target
and thereby activate the target. The system also includes a
communication device that provides an activation signal to the
activation device to permit activation of the target, and a third
party entity that participates in the activation of the target in
response to information provided by the communication device.
[0009] Another embodiment of the invention is an optical media
comprising a material having at least one optical property that
changes in response to application of an electrical signal and
affects the accessibility of the optical media. The change in the
optical property is reversible and repeatable.
[0010] Another embodiment of the invention is a method for
activating an optical media. An ID is obtained from a user to
determine whether the user is authorized to activate the optical
media. An activation signal is wirelessly transmitted to an
activation device proximate the optical media to authorize
activation of the optical media, and an electrical signal is sent
from the activation device to the optical media to alter at least
one optical property of and activate the optical media.
[0011] Another embodiment of the invention is an optical media that
incorporates thin films or gels organized as a battery, the battery
being rendered operable or inoperable by application of an external
electrical signal to the thin films or gels.
[0012] Another embodiment of the invention is an article configured
for activation. The article comprises an optical media and a
material in contact with the optical media. The material has at
least one optical property that is altered by application of an
electrical signal to affect the readability or writeability of the
optical media. A removable activation device is positioned
proximate the material for applying the electrical signal to the
material.
[0013] Other systems, methods, features and advantages of the
invention will be or will become apparent to one with skill in the
art upon examination of the following figures and detailed
description. It is intended that all such additional systems,
methods, features and advantages be included within this
description, be within the scope of the invention, and be protected
by the accompanying claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale,
emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of
the invention. In the figures, like reference numerals designate
corresponding parts throughout the different views.
[0015] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a wireless activation system
according to the present invention.
[0016] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an optical media device
according to the present invention.
[0017] FIGS. 3A-C are block diagrams of activation devices
according to the present invention.
[0018] FIG. 4 is a diagram of one implementation of a target and
activation device according to the present invention.
[0019] FIG. 5 is a diagram of another implementation of a target
and activation device according to the present invention.
[0020] FIG. 6 is a flow diagram of a method for wireless activation
according to the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0021] A wireless activation system 10 according to the present
invention is illustrated in FIG. 1. System 10 comprises a
communication device 12, a target (item to be activated) 14 and an
activation device 16 at a user's point-of-presence (POP) 18, and a
network operations center (NOC) 20. Communication device 12 is used
to wirelessly activate target 14 at the user's POP 18, with the
assistance or participation of a remote NOC 20.
[0022] Communication device 12 should be construed broadly and
includes any communication device capable of local acoustic output
(typically via speakers) and wide area communication including, but
not limited to, plain old telephones (POTs), portable or cellular
phones, smart phones (such as J2ME, BREW and/or WAP enabled
phones), personal digital assistants (PDAs), portable computers and
so on. Typically, a user will interface with communication device
12 via voice command or via a user interface such as a
keypad/keyboard or a touch screen.
[0023] Target 14 is some article, item or media at a user's point
of presence that is to be activated. One type of item or target for
which activation may commonly be desired is an optical media such
as, for example, a compact disk (CD), video disk, digital versatile
disk (DVD), laser disk or a hologram that stores content such as
audio, video, images, codes, the layout or inner workings of the
target, and other types of data and information. FIG. 2 generally
depicts an optical media 30 according to the present invention
comprising content 32, electro-optical material 34 and input
interface 36. It must be understood that FIG. 2 is presented for
ease of reference purposes only and does not limit the size,
configuration or orientation of the components of optical media
device 30 relative to each other.
[0024] The optical properties of optical media 30 are regulated by
application of an electrical signal to optical media 30. In
particular, optical media 30 contains an electro-optic material 34
whose properties can be changed in response to electrical signals
to impact the transmissibility of light or to change the visual
perception of optical media 30 (i.e., change its color, reveal or
conceal information, etc.) or content 32 stored therein. Changes in
material 34, in turn, affect the ability of a user or machine to
read from, write to, address, perceive or otherwise gain optical
access to optical media 30 and any content 32, data or other
information stored therein. It may allow or prevent a CD or DVD to
be read from or written to, for example, or conceal or make visible
a hologram or other indicia on a credit card or driver's license.
It may conceal, make visible or otherwise alter the appearance of
any visual article or element used for identification, validation,
security or other purposes on other types of items such as
identification cards, security passes, tickets, coupons, products
and so on. These are but a few examples of the many applications of
the present invention which, in its most basic form, comprises an
optical media that is altered by application of an electrical
signal to affect the perceptibility of the optical media and/or
content stored or embodied therein.
[0025] Material 34 is interspersed or layered in or on optical
media 30. Material 34 may be layered on optical media 30, dispersed
through optical media 30 or limited to specific locations, such as
radial sectors, tracks, rings, patterns, layers and/or cylinders.
It may be located on the surface of optical media 30, on top of the
media's reflective layer or below the surface of optical media 30
(e.g. below a protective coating or varnish). One or more types
and/or inclusions of electro-optic material may be provided.
[0026] Material 34 possesses one or more optical properties
(transparency, reflectivity, color, pattern, etc.) that change in
response to application of an electrical signal, and thereby affect
in some manner optical access to optical media 30 and the content
32 stored therein. Examples of such optical properties include,
without limitation, the ability of the material to block light,
allow light to pass through or refract light, the path or
reflection of the light, or the color and/or hue of the film.
Examples of electro-optic materials suitable for use with the
present invention include, without limitation, electrochromic films
and gels and liquid crystal materials. The choice of the specific
material should take into account the desired decay rate, if any.
Some electro-optic materials change state very rapidly when power
is applied or removed, while others change state more slowly and
asymmetrically. A material might open (clear) quickly when power is
applied, for example, but decay to a closed (opaque) state more
slowly. Some materials change state when power is applied, and
maintain that state when power is removed.
[0027] Input interface 36 receives an electrical signal 38 from an
external source (typically an activation device) and conducts it to
material 34. Input interface 36 may be coupled to both material 34
and content 32 and, as shown, is also capable of generating output
signals 39 that may include, for example, information about the
state or content of optical media 30. Electrical signal 38 may
include power and/or data (information) components, and interface
36 may have separate connections for receiving these components.
Material 34 is typically "activated" (meaning that some optical
property of material 34 is altered) by application of power. To
provide security and control, however, additional data or
information may be needed to regulate delivery of power to material
34. Hence, electrical signal 38 may contain both power and
data/information (or power and data signals may be separately
received).
[0028] The power used to activate material 34 may be supplied by a
source internal to optical media 30 (e.g. a thin film or layered
materials battery), by an external power source (e.g. an activation
device) or by a combination of the two. If power is supplied by an
internal source, logic internal to optical media 30 may be
activated in response to data contained in signal 38 and used to
regulate delivery of power to material 34. The logic may be as
simple as a gate or a filter. An activation device may send an
appropriate code to optical media 30, for example, and logic within
optical media 30 may use the code to switch an internal battery off
or on. If power is supplied by an external source (activation
device), signal 38 may contain both data (e.g. a code) and power.
Logic in optical media regulates delivery of the electrical signal
power to material 34 according to the electrical signal code.
[0029] Input interface 36 and material 34 may be thought of
together as an "optical shutter" whose properties are regulated by
power and data signals applied thereto. The period of time the
shutter is open and the speed with which the window opens or closes
can be regulated by regulating the electro-optical material decay
rate. The shutter may automatically close some period of time after
it has been opened (or vice versa). Where separately addressable
inclusions of electro-optical material are used, another property
may be changed in conjunction with the shutter (i.e., the shutter
may open and the color of the separate inclusion of material may
change).
[0030] Optical media 30 may include logic, gates and/or filters
(not shown) to regulate or control access to material 34 and/or
content 32. These additional elements may be a part of input
interface 36, or may be contained within a separate component. In
one example, as noted above, logic may be used to regulate
application of power to material 34. In another example, a
band-pass filter may be implemented to cause material 34 to pass
only signals (light) in a specific band to content 32, or to
regulate power to material 34. Gates and/or filters may be used to
protect optical media 30 and material 34 from unintended or
damaging signals (a cessation in function/gating, for example,
after repeated unauthorized attempts to activate optical media 32).
Optical media 30 may also include logic to identify itself to
external sources, and to monitor, regulate and control access to
and usage of content 32. Usage may be limited to a certain number
or period of times, for example, or access may be granted only to
particular types of access devices. Access can be monitored in
detail including what accessing device was used, when the access
occurred, the frequency of the access and whether the access was
authorized or unauthorized.
[0031] As will be described in more detail herein, optical media 30
may also include an embedded ID or identification sequence that is
provided to an activation device on receipt of an appropriate
initiation signal. The ID may be encoded and printed on, stored or
embedded in material 34 or another portion of optical media 30.
[0032] Material 34 may also be used to construct a battery within
optical media 30. In addition to being deployed to affect the
optical properties of optical media 30, for example, electrochromic
materials within optical media 30 may be organized in such a way
that they produce electricity. The battery may be incorporated into
optical media 30 in such a way that it provides or ceases to
provide power to optical media 30 upon the occurrence of some
particular event, such as activation of material 34, a change of
state in material 34, or removal/addition of an attached activation
device.
[0033] The change in the optical properties of material 34 may be
reversible and repeatable. Hence, where the optical medium is a CD,
for example, the film's optical properties may be repeatedly
changed to make the CD readable or non-readable. This is an
important distinction relative to processes that employ single use,
non-reversible chemical processes to activate or deactivate a
medium.
[0034] In addition to changing one or more optical properties of
optical media 30 (or properties of a target 14 in general), the
electrical signal applied by activation device 16 may also alter
data or information stored on optical media 30. For example, with
each use, activation device 16 may alter the unique code or ID
associated with optical media 30 in order to improve security.
[0035] Referring again to FIG. 1, activation device 16 is
configured to apply an electrical signal to target 14 and is also
in communication with communication device 12. As described above,
the electrical signal may include power and/or information
components. The information components may take alternative forms
and/or utilize alternative modes of communication between the
activation device and the target such as RF, optical, infrared and
reflective light. Activation device 16 may be embedded in target 14
and reusable, or separate and/or removable from target 14. If
separate or removable from target 14, activation device 16 may be
disposable. If target 14 is a DVD or credit card, for example,
activation device 16 may take the form of a removable sticker or
tag. Activation device 16 may involve a combination of both a
disposable element (a sticker)
[0036] Exemplary implementations of an activation device 40
according to the present invention are illustrated in FIGS. 3A-C.
In its most basic configuration, depicted in FIG. 3A, activation
device 40 comprises a transducer 42, amplifier 44, logic 46, an
output 48 to the target and a battery or power source 50.
[0037] Transducer 42 may comprise, but is not limited to, an
acoustic receiver, thin film, piezeolectric microphone,
piezoelectric biomorph actuator, electret microphone, silicon
micromachined microphone or a strain gauge. Transducer 42 receives
an acoustic activation signal or sequence 52 from communication
device 54 and outputs an electrical signal to amplifier 44. Hence,
where communication device 54 is a telephone, the user may simply
place telephone 54 close enough to activation device 40 to allow a
microphone in transducer 42 to receive an activation signal emitted
from a speaker in device 54.
[0038] Amplifier 44 amplifies the output from transducer 42 and
provides the amplified signal to logic 46. Logic 46 defines or
characterizes an electrical signal destined for the target based on
the activation signal or sequence received from transducer 42.
Output 48 is an electrical interface to the target and may
comprise, for example, a surface contact, bridge or micro wires. It
outputs an electrical signal 56 to the target as defined by logic
63. Alternatively, the output signal may be in the form of light
(LED), RF or other appropriate proximity communication
techniques.
[0039] As depicted in FIG. 3A, power source 50 may be a battery
contained within activation device 40. Alternatively, as depicted
in FIG. 3B, power source 50 may be external to activation device
40. Power source 50 may, for example, be contained within the
target or even be a part of the acoustic signal 52 received from
communication device 54. Activation device 40 may also include a
transmitter 58 for transmitting a signal 60 to communication device
54 (FIG. 3C). Signal 60 may be, for example, an acoustic signal
containing or consisting of an ID transmitted to telephone 54 in
response to an initiation sequence from telephone 54 or NOC 20 (see
description below). As also depicted in FIG. 3C, activation device
40 may receive an input 62 from the target. The input may be a
signal containing an ID (if stored at the target), information
about the state of the target and/or any other type of useful
information regarding the target.
[0040] In one implementation, where the activation device is
configured as a disposable item such as a peel-off sticker, an
electrical signal is continuously supplied via a battery in the
activation device to the target. When the activation device is
removed from the target, the electrical signal is interrupted,
triggering a mechanism within the target which activates or
deactivates the material. For example, the optical media could be
shipped with an "open" optical shutter, but unreadable due to the
presence of the sticker. The open state is maintained as long as
power is present. When the sticker is removed, power is no longer
present and the shutter will begin to close, leaving the content
accessible for a predetermined period of time.
[0041] In another implementation, the activation device sends an
appropriate signal or code to the target (i.e., via signal 56 in
FIG. 3C). In response, logic within the target generates a signal
that is transmitted to the activation device (signal 62). Logic in
the activation device uses the signal from the target to regulate
the supply of power to the target. The code/signals transmitted to
and from the activation device will typically be dependent on or
related to decision rules, algorithms or other information
generated by or stored in NOC 20.
[0042] Activation device 40 may also comprise a memory and clock
(not shown). The memory may store information such as the ID of the
activation device, and other variables or information related to
activation, such as any ID received from the target (as part of
signal 62), numbers of allowed and attempted activations and
activation attempts and logic variables received from the NOC and
user. The clock may be used to limit usage to a period of time or
to limit the opportunity to activate to a period of time.
[0043] FIG. 4 depicts one example implementation of a target 70 and
activation device 75 according to the present invention. Target 70
is an optical media in the form of a DVD. DVD 70 comprises an
electrochromic film 72 layered just below the protective layer and
above the reflective layer of DVD 70. DVD 70 also comprises an
input interface 74 near its center in the form of a micro-wire ring
that is just under the protective finish or varnish of DVD 70 and
connected to film 72. An activation device 75 in the form of a
removable sticker or tag is coupled to DVD 70 directly over ring 74
with conductive adhesive. Hence, the output of activation device 75
is directly over input interface 74.
[0044] Activation device 75 issues an electrical signal that causes
the some property to change in electrochromic film 72. In one
implementation, film 72 changes from opaque to clear so that a
laser light from the DVD player is allowed to pass through the
reflective layer beneath, and DVD 70 is thereby operable and
readable by the player. Alternatively (or additionally), film 72
may change color to provide a visual indicator of the state of DVD
70 (e.g. readable or non-readable) or to reveal additional
information. Where activation device 75 takes the form of a
removable sticker or tag, once DVD 70 has been activated, sticker
75 may be peeled off DVD 70 and discarded.
[0045] FIG. 5 depicts another example implementation of a target 80
and activation device 88 according to the present invention. Target
80 comprises an optical media, in the form of a hologram 82
embedded in a polymer media, in the form of a credit card 84. An
electrochromic film 86 is layered on top of hologram 82.
Alternatively, hologram 82 is incorporated into the bottom layer of
film 86. Removable activation device 88, in the form of a sticker
with instructions, is placed on the card proximate or in contact
with film 86. An electrical signal from activation device 88 causes
film 86 to change from opaque to clear thus revealing the
underlying hologram (or different portions of the hologram
depending on the activation code) and allowing use of credit card
84.
[0046] As an alternative to hologram 82, any visual article or
element that is used for security, identification, validation, etc.
may be used. Moreover, application is not limited to a credit card,
or even to a polymer media. Other applications include, without
limitation, driver's licenses, identification cards, security
passes, tickets, coupons, products and so on.
[0047] FIG. 6 depicts a method 100 for wireless activation of a
target according to the present invention. Method 100 is described
in conjunction with system 10 of FIG. 1. In step 102, a user
desiring to activate a target 14 calls network operation center
(NOC) 20 with communication device 12. Where activation device 16
is a sticker, for example, the telephone number of NOC 20 may be
printed on the sticker (see, e.g., FIGS. 4 and 5). It could also be
printed directly on target 14. NOC 20 is typically a third party
entity that participates in and/or regulates the activation
process. The level and nature of participation by NOC 20 may vary.
In one implementation, NOC 20 confirms that a user attempting to
activate a device or target 14 is authorized to activate that
device. NOC 20 may also perform other functions such as collecting
payment and accounting. The ability to regulate activation by a
remote party is key to many economic models, and is to be
distinguished from systems that activate by simple exposure to air
or light without remote regulation. Typically, NOC 20 will be
remote from the user's POP 18. In some embodiments, however, the
NOC or third party authorizing entity may be represented at POP 18
via proxy on or in conjunction with the communication device, or on
a stored-value system such as a prepaid card, digital wallet,
etc.
[0048] In an optional step 104, the user enters a PIN to
demonstrate that he is an authorized user. Next, communication
device 12 acquires an identification sequence or ID(s) to transmit
to NOC 20. Target 14 and activation device 16 may each have unique
IDs, and the NOC 20 may require one, both or none of them depending
on the level of security desired. The ID may be formatted in any
appropriate fashion, including alpha numeric, binary or a
characteristic signal (e.g. designed for processing by band-pass
filters or digital signal processors). This may be done via manual
entry by the user (flow path "A") or by transmission from the
activation device (flow path "B"). In flow path "A", an ID is
entered manually by the user in step 106. A target ID, for example,
may be, printed on the target, or an activation ID may be printed
on activation device 16.
[0049] In flow path "B", the ID is not entered manually by the user
but, rather, is stored at the activation device, target or a
separate source at the user's point-of-presence. The ID may be
stored in memory at activation device 16, printed on target 14,
acquired from target 14 or, alternatively, accessed from a separate
source at the user's point-of-presence 18. In flow path "B", where
the ID is not entered by the user but acquired from another source,
process 100 could be initiated directly by NOC 20 without a user
phone call.
[0050] In some cases, it may not be necessary to obtain an ID at
all. In certain promotional applications, for example, the
particular phone number called by the consumer will by default
determine the ID of the target. Where NOC 20 initiates the call, it
may already know the target ID.
[0051] After either user or NOC initiation, NOC 20 transmits an
initiation signal to communication device 12 (step 108), and
communication device 12 then transmits an initiation signal to
activation device 16 (step 110). The initiation signals may be
alpha numeric, binary, characteristic signals or any other
appropriate format. This may be done, by example, via an acoustic
signal generated by NOC 20, or by a J2ME application resident on
communication device 12 that transmits an acoustic initiation
signal to activation device 16 upon receipt of instructions from
NOC 20. Upon receiving the initiation signal, activation device 16
"wakes up" and transmits an ID to communication device 12 (step
112). Preferably, the transmission of an ID from activation device
16 to communication device 12 is acoustic. Alternatively, or
addtionally, upon receipt of the initiation signal, activation
device 16 may need to acquire an ID from the target itself. This
may be accomplished by supplying power or an electrical signal from
activation device 16 to target 14. Logic in target 14 "wakes up"
and outputs the ID to activation device 16, which retransmits the
ID to communication device 12.
[0052] After either manual or automatic acquisition of an ID from
target 14 and/or activation device 16, communication device 12
transmits the ID to NOC 20. Preferably, the ID is relayed to NOC 20
as an acoustic voice or audio signal. This transmission may occur
either automatically or with user intervention (i.e., the user
presses an "authorize" key/button or the like on the telephone
keypad). Upon receiving the ID, NOC 20 accesses information and
records related to the user to determine whether that user is
authorized to activate target 14. The information and records
accessed by NOC 20 may include some or all of (a) information
related to the user based on the user's ID and phone number
associated with communication device 12 he is calling from and/or
the phone number associated with his account; (b) the phone number
called by the user; (c) activation device 16; (d) target 14; and
(e) point-of-presence 18. NOC 20 may also access decision rules.
Based on the accessed information/records and decision rules, NOC
20 generates and transmits an activation signal to communication
device 12 (step 116). The activation signal may be alpha numeric,
binary, a characteristic signal or any other appropriate signal
format.
[0053] After receiving the activation signal, communication device
12 retransmits an activation signal to activation device 16 (step
118). As previously described, activation device 16 is positioned
to provide an electrical or other signal to target 14. The
activation signal may be transmitted automatically or with some
form of user intervention. The user, for example, may indicate his
final acceptance or confirmation/authorization of charge. After
receiving the activation signal, activation device 16 outputs an
electrical signal to target 14 (step 120). The electrical signal
transmitted by activation device 16 alters some property of the
optical media. It may, for example, change the state of a material
contained in the optical media (e.g. clear to opaque) to change the
readability or writeability of the optical media.
[0054] Finally, the various signals that are exchanged in method
100 may be encoded/encrypted and various steps in the
encoding/encrypting; decoding/decrypting process may occur at NOC
20, activation device 16 and target 14 (separately or in
combination). An authorization sequence, for example, may depend
upon a combination of codes and/or IDs located at activation device
16 and target 14.
[0055] While various embodiments of the invention have been
described, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the
art that many more embodiments and implementations are possible
that are within the scope of this invention.
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