Method and apparatus for determining input

A method and apparatus for determining an input are provided. The method includes authenticating an external device, when the external device approaches in a predetermined range; determining an area approached by the external device and determining whether the determined area is valid; and outputting a predetermined indication to a predetermined area related to the area approached by the external device.

PRIORITY

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(a) to of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2011-0101836, filed on Oct. 6, 2011 in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to a method of determining an input and an apparatus using the same, and more particularly, to a method of determining an input that detects a position of an input by an input device and determines whether the input is a valid input, and an apparatus using the method.

2. Description of the Related Art

Currently, Near Field Communication (NFC) technology is used in a great number of mobile phones. NFC, which allows bi-directional communication between apparatuses in close proximity, is used in various services such as transportation cards, tickets, money transactions, and the like, and the range of use of NFC is being continuously expanded.

In the case of traditional signature or seal recognition, a signature or seal is input by a person and then confirmed.

It is necessary to apply the NFC technology to a field such as recognition of a signature or seal that is input by a person.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a method of determining an input, which detects a position of an input by an input device by using local wireless communication technology and determines whether the input is a valid input.

The present invention also provides an apparatus for determining an input, which detects a position of an input by an input device by using local wireless communication technology and determines whether the input is a valid input.

According to an aspect of the present invention, a method of determining an input, by an apparatus is provided. The method includes authenticating an external device, when the external device approaches in a predetermined range; determining an area approached by the external device and determining whether the determined area is valid; and outputting a predetermined indication to a predetermined area related to the area approached by the external device. According to another aspect of the present invention, an apparatus for determining an input is provided. The apparatus includes a recognition unit for recognizing an external device when the external device approaches within a predetermined range; an authentication unit for authenticating the external device when the external device is recognized by the recognition unit; a control unit for determining an area approached by the external device and then determining whether the determined area is valid; and an output unit for outputting a predetermined indication to a predetermined area related to the area approached by the external device.

FIG. 1is a flowchart illustrating a method of determining an input, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring toFIG. 1, in step110, an apparatus for performing the method of determining an input (an input determination apparatus) authenticates an external device when the external device approaches within a predetermined range. The input determination apparatus recognizes the external device when the external device approaches within the predetermined range, and then authenticates the external device by using a predetermined method. The external device is an input device, and the external device includes a predetermined unit that is recognized by the input determination apparatus. The input determination apparatus also includes a unit that recognizes the external device. An example of this unit is an electronic tag and an electronic tag reader. For example, the external device includes the electronic tag, for example, a Radio-Frequency IDentification (RFID) tag, in which specific information, a personal IDentification (ID), or a business ID is included, and the input determination apparatus includes the electronic tag reader, for example, a RFID reader. The external device includes the electronic tag reader, and the input determination apparatus includes the electronic tag. Currently, Near Field Communication (NFC) technology as a type of electronic tag is commonly used in transmitting data between terminals at a short distance of about 10 centimeters with a non-contact local wireless communication module using the 13.56 Mhz frequency band. NFC is widely used in transmission of goods information or travel information for visitors in a supermarket or store as well as in gaining approval. NFC is also widely used in traffic control apparatuses, locking apparatuses for controlling entry, and the like. The external device includes an NFC chip, and the input determination apparatus includes an NFC reader.

If the external device is recognized, the input determination device receives an ID from the external device through a predetermined communication method, for example, NFC, and authenticates the external device based on the identifier received through a predefined authentication protocol.

In another embodiment of the present invention, a method of authenticating an external device is a method of authenticating the external device through an external server capable of communicating with the input determination apparatus. The input determination device receives an ID from the external device through a predetermined communication method, for example, NFC, and transmits the identifier ID of the external device to the external server. The external server receiving the identifier ID of the external device authenticates the external device based on an identifier received through a predefined authentication protocol, and transmits an authentication result, i.e., an authenticated identifier, to the input determination apparatus. The input determination apparatus receiving the authentication result then authenticates the external device if it determines that the authentication result indicates that the external device has been authenticated.

In another embodiment of the present invention, a method of authenticating an external device authenticates the external device. The input determination apparatus transmits its identifier to the external device through a predetermined communication method, for example, NFC. The external device receiving the identifier from the input determination apparatus authenticates the input determination apparatus based on an identifier of the input determination apparatus received through a predefined authentication protocol, and then transmits an authentication result, i.e., an authenticated identifier, to the input determination apparatus. The input determination apparatus receiving the authentication result then authenticates the external device based on the received authentication result.

In step120, the input determination apparatus detects input coordinates from the external device. The input determination apparatus detects coordinates of a position, which are input at first by the external device, and detects a movement of the input coordinates by tracing continuous input coordinates. For example, if a signature is input by the external device, which is an input device, to the input determination apparatus, the input determination apparatus detects coordinates input at first, and detects a movement of the coordinates by tracing the coordinates. The input determination apparatus includes a screen through which an input such as a touch is performed or a pad through which an input such as a touch is performed without a screen. The external device is an input device that performs an input at specific coordinates on the screen or the pad. For example, the external device includes a pen form, a stylus form, or a seal form. The feature discussed above has been described assuming a touch, that is, a contact, between the input determination apparatus and the external device that is the input device. However, in a case in which the input determination apparatus recognizes the external device and detect an input, the present invention is not limited to the contact. That is, when the external device inputs data in proximity to the input determination apparatus although not contacting the input determination apparatus, the input determination apparatus detects input coordinates regardless of the lack of contact.

In step130, the input determination apparatus determines whether the detected coordinates are valid. The detected coordinates are considered valid if the detected coordinates coincide with the pre-stored input coordinates, as compared by the input determination apparatus. For example, the input determination apparatus detects coordinates based on a signature step performed by the external device which is the input device, compares the detected coordinates with a pre-stored signature (i.e., pre-stored input coordinates), and then determines that the detected coordinates are valid if the detected coordinates are the same as the pre-stored signature. In another embodiment, the input coordinates which are compared with the detected coordinates is not previously be stored but are received from another external device.

FIG. 2is a diagram illustrating the input determination method ofFIG. 1.

Referring toFIG. 2, if an external device220, which is an input device, approaches an input determination apparatus210, the input determination apparatus210recognizes the external device220and authenticates the external device220. The input determination apparatus210then detects a trace of coordinates of an input201by the external device220. The input determination apparatus210determines validity of a final input202by comparing a trace of coordinates of the final input202with pre-stored coordinates.

FIG. 3is a flowchart illustrating a method of determining an input, according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Referring toFIG. 3, in step310, an apparatus for performing the method of determining an input (an input determination apparatus) authenticates an external device if the external device approaches within a predetermined range. That is, if the external device approaches within the predetermined range, the input determination apparatus recognizes the external device and then authenticates the external device by using a predetermined method. The external device is an input device, and the external device includes a predetermined unit that is recognized by the input determination apparatus. The input determination apparatus also includes a predetermined unit that recognizes the external device. An example of the predetermined unit is an electronic tag and an electronic tag reader. For example, the external device includes the electronic tag, for example, RFID, in which specific information, a personal ID, or a business ID is included, and the input determination apparatus includes the electronic tag reader, for example, a RFID reader. The external device includes the electronic tag reader, and the input determination apparatus includes the electronic tag. Currently, NFC technology is a kind of electronic tag that is commonly used in transmitting data between terminals at a short distance of about 10 centimeters with a non-contact local wireless communication module using a 13.56 Mhz frequency band. The NFC is widely used in transmission of goods information or travel information for visitors in a supermarket or store as well as in gaining approval. NFC is also used in traffic control apparatuses, locking apparatuses for controlling entry, and the like. The external device includes an NFC chip, and the input determination apparatus includes an NFC reader.

In the another embodiment of the present invention, if the external device is recognized, the input determination device receives an IDentifier (ID) from the external device through a predetermined communication method, for example, NFC, and authenticates the external device based on an identifier received through a predefined authentication protocol.

In another embodiment of the present invention, a method of authenticating an external device involves authenticating the external device through an external server capable of communicating with the input determination apparatus. The input determination device receives an ID from the external device through a predetermined communication method, for example, NFC, and transmits the ID of the external device to the external server. The external server receiving the ID of the external device authenticates the external device based on an identifier received through a predefined authentication protocol, and transmits an authentication result, i.e., an authenticated identifier to the input determination apparatus. The input determination apparatus receiving the authentication result authenticates the external device if it determines that the authentication result indicates that the external device has been authenticated.

In another embodiment of the present invention, a method of authenticating an external device is a method of authenticating the external device through itself. The input determination apparatus transmits its own identifier to the external device through a predetermined communication method, for example, NFC. The external device receiving the identifier from the input determination apparatus authenticates the input determination apparatus based on an identifier of the input determination apparatus received through a predefined authentication protocol, and transmits an authentication result, i.e., an authenticated identifier to the input determination apparatus. The input determination apparatus receiving the authentication result then authenticates the external device if it determines that the authentication result indicates that the input determination apparatus itself has been authenticated.

In step320, the input determination apparatus determines an area approached by the external device and determines whether the determined area is valid. In the embodiment of the present invention, the external device contacts the input determination apparatus. However, if the input determination apparatus recognizes the external device and detect coordinates for the approached area, the present invention is not limited to a case where contact occurs. That is, when the external device inputs data close to the input determination apparatus while not contacting the input determination apparatus, the input determination apparatus detects input coordinates regardless of whether there is contact. The input determination apparatus includes a screen through which an input such as a touch is performed or includes a pad through which an input such as a touch is performed but which does not have a screen. The external device is an input device that performs an input at specific coordinates on the screen or the pad. For example, the external device includes a pen, a stylus, or a stamp.

Below, a case in which the external device contacts the input determination apparatus and then inputs data is explained. As stated above, this is just an example and the present invention is not limited to a case where contact occurs.

FIG. 4is a diagram illustrating a method of determining validity in the input determination method ofFIG. 3.

Referring toFIG. 4, a predetermined valid area401and a contact area402are illustrated in an input determination apparatus400. InFIG. 4, the contact area402is not completely included in the predetermined valid area401but is partially included in the predetermined valid area401, and, the input determination apparatus400determines whether the contact area402is in the valid area401depending on a predetermined criterion and determine validity of an input. Moreover, the input determination apparatus400considers a size of the contact area402to determine the validity of the input.

In step330, the input determination apparatus outputs a predetermined indication to a predetermined area related to the contact area if the validity of the input is determined. The predetermined area related to the contact area is a predetermined valid area, which is a criterion for determining the validity of the contact area.

FIG. 5is a diagram illustrating the input determination method ofFIG. 3.

Referring toFIG. 5, an electronic seal520which is an input device, a terminal510which is an input determination apparatus, an interface512for a input determination method which is performed in the terminal510, and valid areas501through504included in the interface512are illustrated. When the electronic seal520contacts the terminal510, the terminal510authenticates the electronic seal520. If authentication is completed, the terminal510determines whether a contact area of the electronic seal520exists in a valid area501of the interface512. If it is determined that the contact area of the electronic seal520exists in the valid area501, the terminal510then provides a predetermined output (the shadow part of the valid area501).

FIG. 6illustrates an input determination apparatus600according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring toFIG. 6, the input determination apparatus600includes a recognition unit601, a communication unit602, an authentication unit603, a control unit604, an output unit605, and a storing unit606. The input determination apparatus600includes a screen through which an input such as a touch is performed or includes a pad through which an input such as a touch is performed but which does not have a screen. The external device610is an input device that performs an input at specific coordinates on the screen or the pad. For example, the external device610includes a pen, a stylus, or a seal. Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described assuming a touch, i.e., a contact between the input determination apparatus600and the external device610which is the input device, in a case in which the input determination apparatus600recognizes the external device610and detect an input, the present invention does not require contact. That is, when the external device610inputs data in proximity to the input determination apparatus600while not contacting the input determination apparatus600, the input determination apparatus600detects input coordinates irrespective of whether there is contact.

The recognition unit601recognizes the external device610if the external device610approaches within a predetermined range. For example, if the external device610includes an electronic tag, for example, RFID, in which specific information, a personal ID, or a business ID is included, the recognition unit601includes an electronic tag reader. The external device610includes the electronic tag reader, and the recognition unit601includes the electronic tag. Currently, NFC technology as a kind of electronic tag is commonly used in transmitting data between terminals at a short distance of about 10 centimeters with a non-contact local wireless communication module using a 13.56 Mhz frequency band. NFC is widely used in transmission of goods information or travel information for visitors in a supermarket or store as well as in gaining approval. NFC is also widely used in traffic control apparatuses, locking apparatuses for controlling entry, and the like. The external device610includes an NFC chip, and the recognition unit601includes an NFC reader.

After the external device610is recognized by the recognition unit601, the authentication unit603authenticates the external device610by using a predetermined method. In an embodiment of the present invention, if the external device610is recognized, the authentication unit603receives an ID from the external device610through the communication unit602, and authenticates the external device610based on an identifier received through a predefined authentication protocol.

In another embodiment of the present invention, a method of authenticating the external device610involves authenticating the external device610through an external server620capable of communicating with the input determination apparatus600. The authentication unit603receives an ID from the external device610through the communication unit602, and transmits the ID of the external device610to the external server620. The external server620receiving the ID of the external device610authenticates the external device610based on an identifier received through a predefined authentication protocol, and then transmits an authentication result, that is, an authenticated identifier to the input determination apparatus600. The authentication unit603of the input determination apparatus600, which receives the authentication result, then authenticates the external device610if it determines that the authentication result indicates that the external device has been authenticated.

In another embodiment of the present invention, a method of authenticating the external device610is a method of authenticating the external device610through itself. The authentication unit603transmits its own identifier to the external device610through the communication unit602. The external device610receiving the identifier from the authentication unit603authenticates the input determination apparatus600based on an identifier of the input determination apparatus600received through a predefined authentication protocol, and then transmits an authentication result, that is, an authenticated identifier to the input determination apparatus600. The authentication unit603of the input determination apparatus600, which receives the authentication result, then authenticates the external device610based on the received authentication result.

An embodiment of a method of determining the validity of an input of the external device610is explained below.

The control unit604detects input coordinates of the external device610when an input is received from the external device610. The control unit604detects coordinates of a position, which are input at first by the external device610, and detects a movement of the input coordinates by tracing continuous input coordinates. For example, when the external device610, which is an input device, accesses the input determination apparatus600, the control unit604detects the coordinates input at first, and detects a movement of the coordinates by tracing the coordinates. The control unit604then determines whether the detected coordinates are valid. The control unit604compares the detected coordinates with pre-stored input coordinates, and determines that the detected coordinates are valid coordinates if the detected coordinates are the same as the pre-stored input coordinates. For example, the control unit604detects coordinates depending on a signature step by the external device which is the input device, compares the detected coordinates with a pre-stored signature (i.e., pre-stored input coordinates), and determines that the detected coordinates are valid if the coordinates coincide with the pre-stored signature. In another embodiment, the input coordinates, which are compared with the detected coordinates, are not previously stored in the storing unit606but received from another external server620.

Another embodiment of a method of determining the validity of an input of the external device610is explained below.

The control unit604determines an area approached by the external device610and determines whether the determined area is valid. In the current embodiment of the present invention, the external device610contacts the input determination apparatus600. Below, an example in which the external device610contacts the input determination apparatus600and then inputs data is explained. However, as stated above, this is an example and the present invention is not limited to a case where contact occurs.

If the external device610contacts the input determination apparatus600, the control unit604detects coordinates of a contact area and then determines the contact area. If the contact area of the external device610exits in a predetermined valid area, the control unit604determines that there is a valid input. Moreover, even if the contact area of the external device610exists in the predetermined valid area, the control unit604determines that there is a valid input only when the contact area is larger than a predetermined size. That is, the criteria used by the control unit604to determine the validity of an input of the external device610is the predetermined valid area (a position) and the contact area.

The output unit605outputs a predetermined indication to a predetermined area related to the contact area if the validity of the input is determined. The predetermined area related to the contact area is a predetermined valid area that is a criterion for determining the validity of the contact area.

The input determination method described above may be embodied as a computer-readable code on a computer-readable recording medium. The computer-readable recording medium may be any kind of recording device capable of storing data that is readable by a computer. Examples of the computer-readable recording medium include Read-Only Memory (ROM), Random Access Memory (RAM), CD-ROMs, magnetic tapes, floppy disks, and optical data storage devices. The computer-readable recording medium may also be distributed over a network of coupled computer systems so that the computer-readable code is stored and executed in a decentralized fashion. Function programs, code, and code segments for implementing the input determination method may be easily derived by programmers of ordinary skill in the art.