WO2001086853A2

WO2001086853A2 - System for communication on a computer unit

Info

Publication number: WO2001086853A2
Application number: PCT/SE2001/000808
Authority: WO
Inventors: Frank Lindqvist; Henrik Lindqvist
Original assignee: Microlind Aktiebolag
Priority date: 2000-05-11
Filing date: 2001-04-11
Publication date: 2001-11-15
Also published as: WO2001086853A3; AU5280301A; SE0001752D0

Abstract

System for communication on a computer unit, comprising a computer unit with a motherboard containing at least one memory unit, which memory unit contains information concerning the computer unit, and a communications unit arranged on the computer unit to facilitate transmission of information stored in said memory unit to a receiving unit that is arranged externally in relation to the computer unit, said communications unit consisting of a Bluetooth interface.

Description

SYSTEM FOR COMMUNICATION ON A COMPUTER UNIT

TECHNICAL FIELD

System for communication on a computer unit, comprising a computer unit with a motherboard containing at least a memory unit, which memory unit contains information concerning the computer unit, and a communications unit arranged on the computer unit to facilitate the transmission of information stored in said memory unit to a receiving unit that is arranged externally in relation to the computer unit.

PRIOR ART

As a starting point for the prior art, a system is used below that is used by IBM and that aims at¹ being able to have control over various computer units forming part of a network. IBM's system is based on the fact that a large portion of information (T-NFORMATION), e.g. MAC addresses, software profiles, pnp accessories, concerning the computer (PC, workstations, servers) is located in a separate memory (MEMORY) on the motherboard. All this information can be read out and managed centrally for computers connected to a network. The difficulties arise when new computers arrive (located in a cardboard box), when individual computers are physically sought (there may be several in one room, for example) and when computers are switched off.

IBM's solution for getting INFORMATION is that the MEMORY, in addition to a standard physical port, has an internal communications unit; in the form of an RFID interface, to which an antenna is connected. Data transmission takes place inductively at 125 kHz. The field for data transmission also supplies the MEMORY with energy, so that the INFORMATION can be read out, even when the computer is switched off- including when it is in its packaging. Data transmission takes place in both directions, the MEMORY can also be supplied with INFORMATION via the RFID interface.

¹ The term "lagg" inserted here appears to be an error. The term has two meanings, according to the dictionary: "shin/knuckle" on a calf, or "file", neither of which seem to fit Hie context or grammar here. To be able to communicate with the MEMORY via the RFID interface, an inductive read and write unit (RFID READER) specially developed for the protocol used is required. There are portable RFID READERS, which are intended primarily to be used for the arrival of new computers (DEPLOYMENT) and for the physical handling of the computers (ASSET MANAGEMENT). Stationary RFID READERS are intended primarily for security applications, to prevent the illegal removal of computers from buildings and the like. The stationary RFID READERS are also used in the production and shipping of the computers.

To obtain the greatest possible spread of the system, IBM wants Asset-ID to be an open standard, which other computer manufacturers will use, and for peripheral equipment and older computers without Asset-ID to be able to be provided with an Asset-ID transponder.

The difficulties today consist in the fact that portable RFID READERS have problems first and foremost with the read distance (e.g. in the case of packaged computers, clumsily in the case of computers in tower form under desks), it is irritating that they are custom-built, i.e. a further unit is required, and their internal software does not meet all users' requirements (especially in the case of ASSET-MANAGEMENT).

Stationary readers do not manage to build up sufficiently large reading ranges for security applications. It is relatively easy to conceal the object for the RFID READER. The RFID technology selected is not suitable for object protection.

There are no Asset-ID transponders today. The greatest difficulty here is communication with the object that the transponder shall reflect.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SOLUTION ACCORDING TO THE INVENTION

The object of the present invention is to eliminate the aforementioned problems, which is achieved by a system for communication on a computer unit, comprising a computer unit with a motherboard containing at least one memory unit, which memory unit contains information concerning the computer unit, and a communications unit arranged on the computer unit to facilitate the transmission of information stored in said memory unit to a corresponding unit that is arranged externally in relation to the computer unit, said communications unit consisting of a Bluetooth interface. Thanks to the solution according to the invention, a standard communication method can be used. Bluetooth offers the advantage that it provides a standardized interface, which can be used with existing portable and stationary readers, the users being entirely free to search out suitable readers. The system can also be used very well in security applications thanks to its good range.

According to further aspects, it holds good that:

— an existing communications unit (4) in the computer unit (1) is exchanged for a communications unit that comprises a function for simulating an antenna to be able to communicate with said memory unit (3),

— said communications unit (4) comprises the computer unit's (1) internal communications unit (4) and a further communications unit (4a) is provided on the computer unit for communication with the original communications unit (4),

— said communications unit/units (4) are supplied with power via the computer unit (1).

— said communications unit/units (4) are supplied with power from a battery (6),

— said communications unit/units (4) are supplied with power from a separate inductive field,

— communication between the computer's communications unit (4; 4a) and the receiving unit (5) takes place by means of an inductive alternating field,

— the frequency for said alternating field is at a frequency that does not interrupt communication between the memory unit (3) and the internal communications unit (4)

— said receiving unit (5) is a mobile hand-held unit. (Can also be a stationary unit, e.g. in the case of security applications. Here the bluetooth protocol's long range and its ability to read several objects at the same time are the marked advantage. DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The enclosed diagram shows schematically how a system according to the invention is built up.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The enclosed diagram shows schematically how a system according to the invention is built up. A computer unit in the form of a PC is shown, with a motherboard (2) containing a memory unit (3). The memory unit (3) contains information about the computer (performance, software etc.) and is linked to an internal communications unit (4) in the form of an RFID interface with an antenna. Information that is located in the memory unit (3) can be transmitted via the RFID interface. Furthermore, there is a further communications part (4a) that consists of a Bluetooth interface. By means of this, information that is transmitted via the RFID interface can be forwarded by the Bluetooth interface (4a), so that the information can be read by an external unit (5) based on the standardized Bluetooth interface. Furthermore, it is shown that there is a separate battery unit (6), which can supply power to the communications units, so that communication can take place even when the computer is turned off. The frequency for Bluetooth communication between 4a and 5 is 2.4 Ghz. The frequency for communication between 4 and 4a is 125 kFfz. If the inductive power supply is used for the further communications part (4a), this should take place at a frequency that does not interrupt between 4a and 4, i.e. 125 kHz, but not at a frequency that interrupts communication between 5 and 4a.

As an alternative to the solution described above (which can be termed BT2 in short), the RFID antenna can be replaced by a single unit (BT1) that in addition to containing a Bluetooth interface simulates an antenna and talks to the memory in this way. BT1 requires the computer to be opened up and the existing antenna to be replaced by the new unit. The unit containing the Bluetooth interface can be attached on the outside of the computer, but naturally also on the inside. In contrast to a pure RF solution, a Bluetooth solution is not passive. The Bluetooth units can either receive their necessary energy from the computer, with an internal battery (which can be charged up by the computer when it is switched on), the units also functioning in the case of switched-off units or units in their original packaging.

The energy supply can be solved in a number of ways. Internal batteries in the units can be used here, but do not have to be used. One possibility would also be a photovoltaic (light) energy supply, but the most promising is inductive energy provision.

When it is desired to communicate with the units, it must be ensured that an inductive alternating field is generated. Since no data transmission takes place with this field, it is easy and cheap to generate and there are no range problems to speak of. On the contrary, it is possible with the alternating field strength to control which units are brought to life and communicated with. In the case of the first solution described, a frequency should suitably be selected for the alternating field that does not affect data transmission between the two antennas (that of the computer (4) and of BT2 (4a)).

If suitably designed, the units can be used for computers and peripheral equipment that lack their own MEMORY. The relevant INFORMATION is stored in the units.

The invention is not restricted by what is described above, but can be varied within the scope of the following claims. For example, it is the case that there are conceivable solutions other than Bluetooth that can also operate at different frequencies (e.g. DECT that operates at 433 MHz). The invention can also be used as a free-standing transponder, as the MEMORY'S structure can be included in the invention and used for objects that lack a MEMORY, e.g. older computers, but also printers, monitors etc. (This use of free-standing transponders is a fixed part of the system that is used by IBM.) It is perceived that the communications unit (4), as an alternative to receiving its power supply from a battery (6) can obtain this instead from a capacitor (so-called supercap) or directly from the inductive field. With regard to the inductive power supply, there are three options: (a) purely inductive power supply, (b) back-up battery, where non-"used " energy can be stored for later use, (c) back-up capacitor (supercap). The advantage of an inductive power supply is that there is no need to change batteries.

Claims

1. System for communication on a computer unit, comprising a computer unit (1) with a motherboard (2) including at least one memory unit (3), which memory unit (3) contains information concerning the computer unit, and a communications unit (4) arranged on the computer unit (1) to facilitate the transmission of information stored in said memory unit (3) to a receiving unit (5) that is arranged externally in relation to the computer unit (1), characterized in that said communications unit (4) comprises an interface that operates with a "standard" radio communications protocol, preferably Bluetooth.

2. System according to claim 1, characterized in that an existing communications unit (4) in the computer unit (1) is exchanged for a communications unit that comprises a function for simulating an antenna to be able to communicate with said memory unit (3).

3. System according to claim 1 , characterized in that said communications unit (4) includes the computer unit's (1) internal communications unit (4) and that a further communications unit (4a) is provided on the computer unit for communication with the original communications unit (4).

4. System according to any of the above claims, characterized in that said communications unit/units (4) are supplied with power via the computer unit (1).

5. System according to any of the above claims, characterized in that said communications unit/units (4) are supplied with power from a battery (6).

6. System according to claim 1, characterized in that communication between the computer's communications unit (4) and the receiving unit (5) takes place by means of an inductive alternating field.

7. System according to claim 3, characterized in that the frequency for said alternating field lies at a frequency that does not interrupt communication between said communications units (4a, 5) or communication between the memory unit (3) and the internal communications unit (4).

8. System according to any of the above claims, characterized in that said receiving unit (5) is a mobile hand-held unit.

9. System according to any of the above claims, characterized in that said receiving unit (5) is a stationary unit.

10. System according to any of the above claims, characterized in that said communications unit/units (4) are supplied with power from a separate inductive field.