U.S. patent application number 13/502482 was filed with the patent office on 2012-08-09 for assembly of apparatuses for implementing data transmission via the human body.
Invention is credited to Michel Nollet.
Application Number | 20120198596 13/502482 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43903121 |
Filed Date | 2012-08-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120198596 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Nollet; Michel |
August 9, 2012 |
ASSEMBLY OF APPARATUSES FOR IMPLEMENTING DATA TRANSMISSION VIA THE
HUMAN BODY
Abstract
A set of a first apparatus and a second apparatus that are
secured to a garment, each of which includes an electrical signal
processor unit connected to a first terminal and to a second
terminal. At least the second terminal faces an inside surface of
the garment, the processor units and the terminals being arranged
to perform data transmission between the two apparatuses by
establishing at least one wireless connection between the first
terminals of the two apparatuses.
Inventors: |
Nollet; Michel; (Paris,
FR) |
Family ID: |
43903121 |
Appl. No.: |
13/502482 |
Filed: |
October 27, 2010 |
PCT Filed: |
October 27, 2010 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/EP2010/006553 |
371 Date: |
April 17, 2012 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
2/69 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04B 13/005
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
2/69 |
International
Class: |
A41D 13/00 20060101
A41D013/00; A41D 1/00 20060101 A41D001/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Oct 27, 2009 |
FR |
0905173 |
Oct 27, 2009 |
FR |
0905174 |
Claims
1. A set of a first apparatus and a second apparatus that are
secured to a garment, each of which includes an electrical signal
processor unit connected to a first terminal and to a second
terminal, at least the second terminal facing an inside surface of
the garment, the processor units and the terminals being arranged
to perform data transmission between the two apparatuses by
establishing at least one wireless connection between the first
terminals of the two apparatuses.
2. The set according to claim 1, wherein the first terminal and the
second terminal comprise a first electrically conductive plate and
a second electrically conductive plate that are arranged to
establish a first connection and a second connection with the other
apparatus so as to form a circuit for transmitting data between the
apparatuses, the first connection making use of at least one
external capacitive coupling and the processor units of the
apparatuses being arranged: from the first apparatus, to introduce
a signal into the circuit for transmitting an electrical signal,
which signal corresponds to data for transmission, such that the
signal passes in the form of a field in the first connection; and
in the second apparatus, to receive the signal and process it in
order to recover the data.
3. The set according to claim 2, wherein the apparatuses are
arranged so that the second connection implements at least one
capacitive coupling.
4. The set according to claim 2, wherein the apparatuses so that
the first connection (I) implements a plurality of capacitive
couplings in series.
5. The set according to claim 2, wherein the apparatuses are
arranged so that the second connection implements conduction, the
electrical signal corresponding to the data passing in the form of
current in the second connection.
6. The set according to claim 5, wherein the apparatuses are
arranged so that the second connection passes via the body of the
user.
7. The set according to claim 6, wherein the apparatuses are
arranged to establish electrical contact between each apparatus and
the body of the user.
8. The set according to claim 6, wherein the apparatuses are
arranged to establish capacitive coupling between each apparatus
and the body of the user.
9. The set according to claim 6, wherein conduction takes place
directly through the body of the user.
10. The set according to claim 6, wherein conduction takes place
via a conductor extending over the skin of the user.
11. The set according to claim 2, wherein the first plates of the
apparatuses face an inner layer of the garment, the inner layer
being electrically conductive.
12. The set according to claim 11, wherein the conductive inner
layer comprises at least one of the following elements: an
electrically conductive substance impregnating a portion of the
garment; an electrically conductive substance sprayed onto a
portion of the garment; electrically conductive fibers extending in
a fabric of the garment; and an electrically conductive film
fastened facing a portion of the garment.
13. The set according to claim 2, wherein the garment includes a
layer extending facing the second plates of the apparatuses.
14. The set according to claim 2, including an apparatus secured to
an article including a grip zone for being held in a hand of the
user, and the second plate of the apparatus is fastened to the grip
zone.
15. The set according to claim 1, wherein the terminals face an
inner surface of the garment and the processor units of the
apparatuses are arranged: from the first apparatus, to introduce an
electrical signal into the body of a wearer of the garment, which
electrical signal corresponds to the data in such a manner as to
create a potential field in the body of the wearer; and at the
terminals of the second apparatus, to receive the signal and
process it in order to recover the data.
16. The set according to claim 15, wherein the signal is introduced
or received via the terminals of the apparatuses by conduction with
the skin of the wearer.
17. The set according to claim 15, wherein the signal is introduced
or received via the terminals of the apparatuses by capacitive
coupling with the skin of the wearer.
18. The set according to claim 15, wherein the signal is introduced
or received via the terminals of the apparatuses both by conduction
and by capacitive coupling.
19. The set according to claim 15, wherein at least one of the
apparatuses is secured to an article including a grip zone for each
hand, and the terminals of the apparatus are fastened to respective
ones of the grip zones.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a method of conveying data
between two electronic apparatuses carried or worn by at least one
user.
[0002] The invention also relates to a set of at least two
apparatuses for implementing the method.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Progress in electronics and computing, miniaturization of
components, and increased battery lifetime are making it possible
for certain professionals, such as soldiers, to be fitted with
electronic apparatuses or devices that provide them with assistance
in accomplishing their missions. Such electronic apparatuses
include, in non-limiting manner, a display device housed in a
helmet and enabling close-up viewing and/or viewing in poor light,
a communications unit having a transceiver associated with a
microphone and an earphone, a computer for recording and/or
consulting information, a telescopic sight mounted on a weapon, . .
. . These various apparatuses are connected to one another, e.g. so
that images coming from the sight or the display device can be sent
to the computer for storage therein and/or to the transceiver for
transmitting to a command center. Similarly, it is appropriate for
the electrical signals issued by a keypad or by any control
situated on an apparatus to be received and executed by another
apparatus situated at a certain distance from the first. The
apparatuses are fixed or inserted in pockets at various locations
of a soldier's garments, and also on a helmet, a weapon, etc.
[0004] The apparatuses are connected to one another via cables that
may present a total length of several meters and a weight of
several kilograms. These cables are integrated as thoroughly as
possible in the garment, however they project beyond it (e.g. the
cable going to the helmet or to the weapon) and they run the risk
of catching on obstacles during movements performed by the soldier.
In addition, movements or falls of the soldier may lead to
traction, twisting, or shear forces being exerted both on the
cables and on the connectors that connect them to the apparatuses.
The connectors run the risk of being dirtied by mud or sand and
they must be leaktight whether or not they are connected in order
to ensure that moisture cannot establish electrical leaks and lead
to the contact of the connectors being destroyed by electrolysis.
Measures for protecting cables and connectors, such as
incorporating them in a garment and providing leaktight caps,
increase the weight of the garment as well as its cost. The
connections also constitute unreliable zones of weakness that might
endanger a mission.
[0005] Proposals have been made to replace at least some of the
wire connections by wireless connections, and more particularly by
radio connections such as those complying with the IEEE 802
standard. Nevertheless, such radio connections present drawbacks:
[0006] they can be detected, intercepted, and/or jammed; and [0007]
they rely on antennas that present directivity, particularly since
they are close to the body, and also polarization sensitivity that
may prevent data being transmitted when the soldier is in certain
positions.
[0008] Infrared wireless connections have also been proposed,
however they do not provide significant improvements in the
above-mentioned drawbacks.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] An object of the invention is to propose means enabling
signals to be transmitted while minimizing any recourse to wired
connections and while providing improvements concerning the
above-mentioned drawbacks, at least in part.
[0010] According to the invention, there is provided a set of at
least a first apparatus and a second apparatus that are secured to
a garment, each of which includes an electrical signal processor
unit connected to a first terminal and to a second terminal, at
least the second terminal facing an inside surface of the garment.
The processor units and the terminals are arranged to perform data
transmission between the two apparatuses by establishing at least
one wireless connection between the first terminals of the two
apparatuses.
[0011] In a first embodiment, and assuming that the desired
transmission distance is short (a few centimeters to one meter),
the solution proposed makes use of an electric field (also referred
to as a near field or a non-formed field) for transmitting data.
Unlike the electromagnetic waves used in the radio solution, only
an electric field is created by the surface of any conductor that
is raised to a voltage. If this voltage is modulated, the field is
also modulated and the modulation is transmitted to another
conductor of non-zero area, which other conductor then constitutes
the second plate of a capacitor.
[0012] Thus, in the first embodiment, the first terminal and the
second terminal comprise a first electrically conductive plate and
a second electrically conductive plate that are arranged to
establish a first connection and a second connection with the other
apparatus so as to form a circuit for transmitting data between the
apparatuses, the first connection making use of at least one
external capacitive coupling and the processor units of the
apparatuses being arranged: [0013] from the first apparatus, to
introduce a signal into the circuit for transmitting an electrical
signal, which signal corresponds to data for transmission, such
that the signal passes in the form of a field in the first
connection; and [0014] in the second apparatus, to receive the
signal and process it in order to recover the data.
[0015] Since the distance between the apparatuses is small, being
limited to the dimensions of the body of the user, the conductive
areas may be of arbitrary shape, providing their dimensions are
small compared with the greatest expected transmission distance.
Electric fields can be transmitted even if the surface areas extend
in planes that are perpendicular. This is particularly advantageous
given that electric field transmission is insensitive to corrosion,
since the conductive surfaces may be covered in an insulating
coating. The term "external" capacitive coupling is used to mean
that the capacitive coupling is established outside the apparatus,
in the "open air", and not inside an electronic component.
[0016] The electrical signal may be a direct current (DC) signal or
an alternating current (AC) signal, and it may be a control signal
or a data signal. By way of example, the signal may be modulated in
order to transmit data and the field is thus itself modulated in
corresponding manner. Simple demodulation in the second apparatus
thus makes it possible, after picking up the electrical signal,
amplifying it, and possibly shaping it, to recover the data
contained therein.
[0017] In the second embodiment, the terminals face an inner
surface of the garment and the processor units of the apparatuses
are arranged: [0018] from the first apparatus, to introduce an
electrical signal into the body of a wearer of the garment, which
electrical signal corresponds to the data in such a manner as to
create a potential field in the body of the wearer; and [0019] at
the terminals of the second apparatus, to receive the signal and
process it in order to recover the data.
[0020] Thus, it is the body that constitutes the vector via which
the signal is transmitted by conveying the potential field to the
second apparatus. The terminals of the apparatuses are pressed
against or stuck directly to the skin of the user and they enable
the electrical signal to be introduced into the user's body by
conduction or by capacitive coupling. In practice, when the
conductive electrodes are pressed against or stuck to the user's
skin, the conduction and capacitive coupling modes of introducing
the signal through the skin take place simultaneously and they
complement each other. The electrical signal may be a DC signal or
an AC signal and it may be a signal for powering the apparatus, a
control signal, or a data signal. By way of example, the signal may
be modulated to transmit data, and the potential field is thus
itself modulated in corresponding manner. Simple demodulation in
the second apparatus thus makes it possible, after the electrical
signal has been picked up, amplified, and optionally shaped, to
recover the data contained therein.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0021] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention appear
on reading the following description of particular, non-limiting
embodiments of the invention.
[0022] Reference is made to the accompanying drawings, in
which:
[0023] FIG. 1 is an elevation view of a set of apparatuses in
accordance with a first embodiment of the invention;
[0024] FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic view showing the operating
principle of a simplified version of this embodiment;
[0025] FIG. 3 is a cutaway diagrammatic perspective view of one of
the apparatuses;
[0026] FIG. 4 is a fragmentary section view of a set in accordance
with a first embodiment in position on a user's body;
[0027] FIG. 5 is a cutaway fragmentary plan view of a set in
accordance with a variant of the first embodiment of the
invention;
[0028] FIG. 6 is a cross-section view showing connection means for
connecting apparatuses together in this variant; and
[0029] FIG. 7 is a view analogous to FIG. 1 showing a set of
apparatuses in a second embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0030] With reference to FIGS. 1 to 3, the set of apparatuses in
accordance with the first embodiment of the invention is integrated
in a garment, given overall reference 1, in the form of a jacket to
be worn by a soldier and including a plurality of pockets, some of
which receive respective apparatuses. The apparatuses in this
embodiment comprise a computer 3, a radio transceiver 4, and a
telescopic sight 5 optionally secured to a weapon 6.
[0031] Each apparatus 3, 4 comprises a box 7 of electrically
insulating material containing a processor unit 12 arranged to send
and receive electrical signals carrying data and capable of
extracting data from a received electrical signal. The box 7 has an
outer bottom face covered by a plate 13 made of an electrically
conductive material, and an outer top face covered in a layer of
metal plating forming an electrically conductive plate 14. The
plates 13 and 14 may be inside the box and/or they may be identical
in structure. The plates need to be spaced apart from conductive
portions such as integrated circuit boards of the processor unit in
order to avoid capacitive overloading in transmission mode and a
poor capacitive ratio in reception mode. If this is not possible
while also maintaining small thickness for the box, then the plates
need to be separate from the box (see the description of the sight
5) or need to be in the form of a frame surrounding the box.
[0032] The sight 5 comprises a box containing a processor unit
connected to conductive plates 9 and 10 that are separate from the
box and secured to grips 11 of the weapon.
[0033] Each of these apparatuses 3 and 4 is received in a
respective pocket of the garment 1 such that the electrically
conductive plate 13 faces an inside surface 8 of the garment 1
(with only the plate 13 of the computer 3 being shown).
[0034] The operation of the set of apparatuses is described below
with respect to transmitting data, e.g. between the radio
transceiver 4 and the computer 3.
[0035] The apparatuses 3 and 4 are connected in series by a first
connection I and a second connection II so as to form a data
transmission circuit between these two apparatuses. The connection
I makes use of capacitive coupling. The connection II makes use of
current conducted through the body H of the user.
[0036] The processor units are arranged to implement a data
transmission method that comprises the steps of: [0037] from one of
the apparatuses, e.g. the radio transceiver 4, introducing an
electrical signal into the body of the user, which signal
corresponds to the data, e.g. sound (a so-called "audio" analog
signal, or a digital signal), in such a manner that the signal
passes via the connection II and thus through the body of the user
and via the connection I by capacitive coupling between the plates
14; and [0038] in another apparatus, e.g. the computer 3, receiving
the signal and processing it in order to extract data
therefrom.
[0039] In this embodiment, the transmitted signal is an alternating
signal modulated at a predetermined frequency, or else a digital
signal, itself conveyed unaltered or after modulation. It is
possible to provide for as many carrier frequencies or modulation
types or optionally sequential modulation codes (time division
multiple access (TDMA), code division multiple access (CDMA),
digital subscriber line (DSL), for example) as there are
apparatuses, in order to avoid interference between the signals and
in order to select the destination apparatus for the signal by
using on transmission the frequency or the coding means or the
recognition means (multiplexing techniques) allocated to that
apparatus.
[0040] The plates 13 are fastened to the inside face of the garment
for those apparatuses that are carried by the garment.
[0041] When the plates 13 are directly in contact with the user's
skin, an electrical contact is established between each plate 13
and the body of the user, such that the data signal is transmitted
by conducting a current between the apparatuses via the user's
body. When a garment layer, such as an undergarment or a lining of
the garment 1, is interposed between the plates 13 and the skin,
the garment layer does not impede transmission of the signal via
the body between the apparatuses, since capacitive coupling is
established between each apparatus and the body that enables
signals to be transferred in the form of electric fields between
each apparatus and the body, with the signals passing through the
body by conduction in the form of current. It can thus be
understood that several garment layers may be interposed between
the plates and the user's body. When the intervening garment is
dirty or wet (sweat, rain, crossing a ford), transmission is not
degraded, on the contrary it is improved.
[0042] Provision may be made for the garment and the plates to be
directly in contact with the user's skin, such as the plate 9 of
the sight 5 that is in direct contact with the user's skin when the
user is not wearing gloves, while the plate 10 is left uncovered
for connection by capacitive coupling or by contact with an
electrically conductive surface covering the skin or the garment
for the purpose for transmitting the electrical signal both by
conduction and by capacitive coupling. Signal transmission by
conduction is particularly useful for DC signals or low frequency
signals. Signal transmission by capacitive coupling is effective at
higher frequencies and suffices when there is no need to convey a
DC component.
[0043] In the variant of FIG. 4, the garment 1 includes an
electrically conductive layer 16 that is in contact with the plates
14 of the apparatuses 3 and 4. By way of example, the conductive
layer 16 comprises conductive particles embedded in the fabric of
the garment, conductive fibers mixed with the fabric of the
garment, or a conductive coating applied to the garment. The fabric
is made conductive on being woven (by inserting conductive fibers),
by being impregnated, or indeed by deposition (of particles or a
coating). The connection I then serves to transmit the signal by
conduction in the conductive layer, thus making it possible to
limit signal attenuation, and by capacitive coupling via the
interfaces between the conductive layers and the plates 14.
[0044] In the variant of FIG. 5, the garment 1 has a conductive
layer made up of two strips 16.1 and 16.2 that are independent and
that make up the connection I. The strips 16.1 and 16.2 make the
following connections respectively: [0045] the plate 14.1 of an
apparatus 15 to the plate 14 of the computer 3; and [0046] the
plate 14.2 of the apparatus 15 to the plate 14 of the radio
transceiver 4.
[0047] The connection II between the apparatuses 3 and 15 and the
apparatuses 4 and 15 is of the same type as that described above.
It is thus possible for communication to take place simultaneously
between the apparatuses 3 and 4 and the apparatus 15.
[0048] FIG. 6 shows the strip 16.1 subdivided into two segments
16.1.a and 16.1.b that are suitable for being connected together
via an electrically conductive press button having a portion 17.a
secured to the segment 16.1.a and a portion 17.b secured to the
segment 16.1.b. The press button may be used as a switch.
[0049] It is possible to envisage using other connection
techniques, for example self-gripping elements under the trademark
Velcro, zip fasteners, . . . .
[0050] With reference to FIG. 7, the set of apparatuses in the
second embodiment of the invention, as in the first embodiment, is
integrated in a garment given overall reference 1, the garment
having a plurality of pockets, some of which receive respective
apparatuses. In this embodiment, the apparatuses are a computer 3,
a radio transceiver 4, and a telescopic sight 5 optionally secured
to a weapon 6.
[0051] Each of the apparatuses 3 and 4 received in a pocket of the
garment 1 has two terminals facing an inside surface 8 of the
garment 1 (only the terminals 7 of the computer 3 are shown). The
sight 5 is fitted with terminals 9 secured to grips 10 of the
weapon 6. Each apparatus 3, 4, 5 has a processor unit (only the
processor unit 11 of the computer 3 is shown) arranged to transmit
and receive electrical signals carrying data and capable of
extracting data from a received electrical signal.
[0052] The processor units are arranged to implement a method of
conveying data that comprises the steps of: [0053] from one of the
apparatuses, e.g. the apparatus 5, introducing an electrical signal
into the user's body, the signal corresponding to the data, e.g. an
image (a so-called "video" analog signal or a digital signal), so
as to create a potential field in the user's body; and [0054] at
the terminals of another one of the apparatuses, e.g. the computer
3, receiving the potential field, recovering the signal, and then
extracting the data therefrom.
[0055] In this embodiment the transmitted signal is an alternating
signal modulated at a predetermined frequency or a digital signal,
itself conveyed as such or after being modulated. It is possible to
provide as many carrier frequencies or types of modulation or
optionally sequential modulation codes (e.g. TDMA, CDMA, DSL) as
there are apparatuses so as to avoid interference between the
signals or so as to select the destination apparatus for the signal
by transmitting it at the frequency or using the coding or
recognition means (multiplexing techniques) allocated to that
apparatus.
[0056] Since the terminals are fastened to the inside face of the
garment, for those apparatuses that are carried by the garment, and
since a garment layer--such as an undergarment--is generally
interposed between the terminals and the skin, the signal is easily
transmitted between the body and the terminals of the apparatus by
capacitive coupling. It can be understood that a plurality of
garment layers may be interposed between the terminals and the
user's body. When the interposed garment(s) is/are dirty or wet
(sweat, rain, crossing a ford), transmission is not degraded, on
the contrary it is improved since coupling by conduction is
associated with the capacitive coupling that is itself not
attenuated.
[0057] Provision may be made for the garment and the terminals to
be in direct contact with the user's skin. Furthermore, the
terminals of the sight 5 are in direct contact with the user's skin
when the user is not wearing gloves. Under such circumstances, the
electrical signal is thus conveyed both by conduction and by
capacitive coupling. If the user is wearing insulating gloves, then
coupling is capacitive only. In order to improve the conduction of
the skin, it is possible to cover it in a conductive gel or a
conductive paint. When gloves are worn, it is possible to make the
fabric of the gloves conductive by various methods, if it is
desired to have coupling by conduction. In general, coupling by
conduction is useful for transmitting DC or low frequency signals.
Capacitive coupling is effective for higher frequencies and
suffices when there is no need to convey a DC component. The
conduction component may also be improved by arranging the
electrodes in zones of the human body that are naturally moist,
such as the armpits or the mucous membranes. It can be understood
that the potential field is conducted by the skin or by the flesh
underlying the skin.
[0058] In a variant, when two users are wearing garments as
described above, it is possible for signals to be transmitted from
an apparatus of one of the users to an apparatus of the other user
when the users are touching each either via two portions of their
bodies, e.g. when they are holding each other by the hands, or else
when they are holding by one hand only, while also making use of
capacitive coupling between the feet and the ground, which is
generally conductive, at least to some extent.
[0059] Naturally, the invention is not limited to the embodiments
described but covers any variant coming within the ambit of the
invention as defined by the claims.
[0060] In particular, although the invention is described in a
military application, civilian applications can also be envisaged
for establishing communication between electronic apparatuses
carried by civilians, such as telephones, cameras, or media
players.
[0061] The electrical signals may be of optionally modulated
alternating type, or they may be alternating signals with a DC
component, or they may be DC signals (in the second
embodiment).
[0062] If the quality of the received signal is too poor, given
firstly that its level needs to be limited on transmission to avoid
any physiological discomfort (or indeed danger), and also given
that it is subjected to attenuation and deformation in the body, it
is possible to have recourse to various types of analog modulation,
and in particular frequency modulation, single side band
modulation, phase modulation, quadrature modulation, etc., and also
to various kinds of digital modulation, the list thereof not being
limiting either. Any known signal extraction technique may
advantageously be used.
[0063] In the first embodiment, and if necessary, in order to
reduce attenuation of the signal it is possible to increase the
frequency at which it is conveyed, to use plates of greater area,
or to reduce the capacitance that exists between the two plates
(dedicated to the connections I and II respectively).
[0064] Signal processing in order to extract data therefrom may be
digital or analog processing, possibly associated with corrections
in the event of non-linearities and/or techniques for recovering
lost data in the event of a high bit error rate (BER).
[0065] The signals may also be multiplexed.
[0066] The plates may be arranged on the flanks of the boxes.
[0067] The apparatuses may include a plurality of plates each
dedicated to forming a connection II with another apparatus.
[0068] The two connections established between the apparatuses may
make use of capacitive coupling, without conduction via the human
body, in particular when the apparatuses are remote from the human
body and more generally from an electrically conductive element.
Naturally, the apparatuses must nevertheless be close enough to one
another to enable capacitive coupling to be established.
[0069] Each connection may implement one or more capacitive
couplings and/or one or more conductive couplings.
* * * * *