Data transmission system using a human body as a signal transmission path

• US 6,771,161 B1
• Filed: 06/29/2000
• Issued: 08/03/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 06/27/2000
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Panasonic Electric Works Company Limited (Panasonic Holdings Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Matsushita Electric Works Ltd (Panasonic Holdings Corporation)
• Inventors: Nishimura, Osamu, Yoshida, Keiichi, Sakakibara, Hitoshi, Hashimoto, Masaru, Maeda, Mitsuhide, Koyama, Masaki, Doi, Kenji, Suzuki, Yoshiko
• Primary Examiner(s): Zimmerman, Brian
• Assistant Examiner(s): YANG, CLARA I
• Application Number:
  US09/605,357
• Time in Patent Office: 1,496 Days
• Field of Search: 340/825, 340/5.1, 340/5.2, 340/5.6, 340/5.64, 340/573.1, 340/10.34, 713/182
• US Class Current: 340/5.64
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 25/2027 with data signals passing through the human body
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 9/28 the pass enabling tracking or indicating presence
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 13/005 Transmission systems in which the medium consists of the human body

Abstract

Touch-responsive data transmission system for elongating transceiver battery life and assuring one-touch data transmission includes a first transceiver worn on user and a second transceiver connected to equipment utilizing first transceiver data. User contacts first transceiver signal and ground electrodes and touches a second transceiver touch electrode to establish a signal path through user. First transceiver includes a detector for detecting a start signal from the second transceiver signal electrode. Second transceiver includes a generator for generating the start signal upon touching the touch electrode. Receiving the start signal, circuit elements responsible for data transmission are battery-energized to start data transmission from first to second transceivers. Circuit elements responsible for transmitting data remain deenergized until user touches the second transceiver touch electrode to save energy during non-operation and prolong first transceiver battery life. By touching the touch electrode, automatic data transmission remains possible without requiring additional starting procedures.

Claims

1. A data transmission system using a human body as a signal transmission path, said system comprising a first transceiver adapted to be worn on a human body, and a second transceiver adapted to be connected to an associated device which utilizes data transmitted from said first transceiver,

said first transceiver comprising:

a battery;

a ground electrode for direct contact with the human body to establish an electrical connection through the human body to a ground;

a signal electrode spaced from said ground electrode for direct contact with the human body;

a data memory for storing first data to be transmitted;

a first modulator which is energized selectively by said battery for converting said first data into a first modulated voltage signal;

a first signal transmitter which is energized selectively by said battery to apply the first modulated voltage signal across said signal electrode and said ground electrode;

a start signal detector which is constantly energized by said battery for detecting a start signal received through said signal electrode; and

a first controller which is constantly energized by said battery and is connected to said start signal detector so as to energize said first modulator and said first signal transmitter for applying said first modulated voltage signal in response to said start signal, and said second transceiver comprising;

a second circuit ground adapted to be connected to the ground;

a single touch electrode for direct contact with a portion of the human body wearing said first transceiver;

a second signal detector connected across said touch electrode and said second circuit around to detect said first modulated voltage signal;

a second demodulator for converting said first modulated voltage signal back into said first data;

a start signal generator for generating said start signal and providing it through said touch electrode;

a touch sensor which is connected to said touch electrode to give a touch signal when said touch electrode is touched by the human body;

a second controller which energizes said start signal generator to provide said start signal only in response to said touch signal, thereby enabling data transmission from said first transceiver to said second transceiver.

wherein

said second transceiver has a power source which energizes said touch sensor and said second controller constantly by said power source, while energizing said second signal detector and said second demodulator selectively by said power source, said second controller responsive to said touch signal to energize said second signal detector and said second demodulator.

2. The data transmission system as set forth in claim 1, wherein said second controller has a function of deenergizing said second signal detector and said second demodulator after deriving said first data.

3. The data transmission system as set forth in claim 1, wherein said second controller has a function of providing a predetermined time period for receiving said first demodulated voltage signal and deenergizing said second signal detector and said second demodulator after the elapse of said predetermined time period.