Patent ID: 6864780

Claim:
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 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 an electrical path extending through a portion of the human body for signal transmission from said transmitter to said receiver, 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, and 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, said transmitter including a case which accommodates an electrical circuitry realizing said first modulator and said first signal transmitter and which is formed separately from said ground and signal electrodes, said case being provided with terminals for electrically connecting said electric circuitry with said ground and signal electrodes, and said garment carrying a ground lead and a signal lead which extend respectively from said ground and signal electrodes for connection with said terminals of said case, each said ground and signal leads being formed by a strand of electrically conductive threads and sewed on said garment.