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

Abstract

A data transmission system using a human body as a signal transmission path includes a transmitter and a receiver. The transmitter uses a pair of electrodes which are held in close proximity to the skin of the human body. The transmitter transmits data to the receiver through the signal transmission path partly extending through the human body when a user carrying the transmitter touches a touch electrode of the receiver. The electrodes are integrated into a garment worn by the user in such a manner that the electrodes are kept in a closely facing relation to the skin of the user, thereby establishing the electrical path extending through the human body. With the integration of the two electrodes into the garment, the user wearing the garment as an everyday clothes or uniform can be easy and convenient to carry the transmitter for successful transmission of the data.

1 . A data transmission system using a human body as a signal transmission path, said system comprising a transmitter adapted to be worn on a human body, and a receiver adapted to be connected to an associated device which utilizes data transmitted from the transmitter, said transmitter comprising: 
 a ground electrode which is placed in close proximity to the human body;    a signal electrode which is placed in close proximity to the human body and in a spatially spaced relation from said ground electrode; and    a data memory for storing first data to be transmitted;    a first modulator for converting said first data into a first modulated voltage signal; and    a first signal transmitter which applies the first modulated voltage signal across said signal electrode and said ground electrode; and    said receiver comprising:    a circuit ground adapted to be connected to the ground;    a single touch electrode adapted for direct contact    with a portion of the human body carrying said transmitter;    a signal detector connected across said touch electrode and said circuit ground to detect said first modulated voltage signal; and    a demodulator for converting said first modulated voltage signal back into said first data;    wherein said system includes a garment which is adapted to be worn by a user and integrates said ground and signal electrodes in such a manner that at least one of said ground and signal electrodes is kept in a closely facing relation to the skin of the user, thereby establishing a signal transmission electrical path extending through a portion of the human body for signal transmission from said transmitter to said receiver when the user is in touch with said touch electrode, and    wherein both of said ground electrode and said signal electrode are arranged in a spaced relation with each other along said signal transmission electrical path from said transmitter to said receiver.    
     
     
         2 . The data transmission system as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein both of said ground and signal electrodes are carried on the garment so as to come into a closely facing relation with the skin of the user.  
     
     
         3 . The data transmission system as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein 
 each of said ground and signal electrodes is formed by a plurality of electrically conductive threads and is sewed to be integrated into the garment.    
     
     
         4 . The data transmission as set forth in  claim 3 , wherein 
 each of said ground and signal electrodes is provided in the form of a fabric made of the electrically conductive threads and is lined on said garment.    
     
     
         5 . The data transmission system as set forth in  claim 3 , wherein 
 each of said ground and signal electrodes is merged into said garment to constitute an indispensable part of the garment.    
     
     
         6 . The data transmission system as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein 
 each of said ground and signal electrodes is formed by a metal plating deposited on the surface of the garment.    
     
     
         7 . The data transmission system as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein 
 each of said ground and signal electrodes is formed by a metal plating deposited on a fabric which is sewed on the garment.    
     
     
         8 . The data transmission system as set forth in  claim 2 , wherein 
 said ground electrode is located on said garment closer to the foot of the user than said signal electrode along said electrical path extending through the portion of the human body.    
     
     
         9 . The data transmission system as set forth in  claim 8 , wherein 
 said signal electrode is located on a shoulder of the garment.    
     
     
         10 . The data transmission system as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein 
 said case is provided in the form of a plate which encapsulates an electrical circuitry realizing said first modulator and said first signal transmitter, and also a battery energizing the circuitry.    
     
     
         11 . The data transmission system as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein 
 said receiver additionally includes a second modulator for converting second data into a second modulated voltage signal which is applied between said touch electrode and said circuit ground;    said transmitter further including a first demodulator for converting said second modulated voltage signal, which is detected through said signal electrode, into said second data.    
     
     
         12 . The data transmission system as set forth in  claim 11 , wherein 
 said transmitter includes a controller which has a function of modifying said first data in accordance with said second data.    
     
     
         13 . The data transmission system as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein 
 said first data includes a single user's identification code (ID) to be transmitted to said receiver, and said receiver includes an ID memory storing a plurality of assigned user's identification codes respectively given to a plurality of users, and a verifier which verifies the user's ID in comparison with the plurality of the assigned user's identification codes so as to permit an intended action requested by the user wearing said garment.    
     
     
         14 . A data transmission system using a human body as a signal transmission path, said system comprising a transmitter adapted to be worn on a human body, and a receiver adapted to be connected to an associated device which utilizes data transmitted from the transmitter, 
 said transmitter comprising: 
 a ground electrode which is placed in close proximity to the human body;  
 a signal electrode which is placed in close proximity to the human body and in a spatially spaced relation from said ground electrode; and  
 a data memory for storing first data to be transmitted;  
 a first modulator for converting said first data into a first modulated voltage signal; and  
 a first signal transmitter which applies the first modulated voltage signal across said signal electrode and said ground electrode; and  
   said receiver comprising: 
 a circuit ground adapted to be connected to the ground;  
 a single touch electrode adapted for direct contact with a portion of the human body carrying said transmitter;  
 a signal detector connected across said touch electrode and said circuit ground to detect said first modulated voltage signal; and  
 a demodulator for converting said first modulated voltage signal back into said first data;  
   wherein said system includes a garment which is adapted to be worn by a user and integrates said ground and signal electrodes in such a manner that at least one of said ground and signal electrodes is kept in a closely facing relation to the skin of the user, thereby establishing a signal transmission electrical path extending through a portion of the human body for signal transmission from said transmitter to said receiver when the user is in touch with said touch electrode, and    wherein said signal electrode, said ground electrode, and said touch electrode are placed in series in said signal transmission electrical path.