What is Java Ring?
A Java Ring is a finger ring that contains a small
microprocessor with built-in capabilities for the user, a sort of smart card
that is wearable on a finger. Sun Microsystem's Java Ring was introduced at
their JavaOne Conference in 1998 and, instead of a gemstone, contained an
inexpensive microprocessor in a stainless-steel iButton running a Java virtual
machine and preloaded with applets (little application programs). The rings
were built by Dallas Semiconductor.
Wire Interface
By simply touching each of the two contacts
we can communicate to any of the iButtons by using 1-Wire protocol. The 1-Wire
interface has two communication speeds. Standard mode are at 16kbps and overdrive
mode at 12kbps. 1-wire protocol is used for communication between PC and the
blue dot receptor over the 1-wire Network. 1-Wire Network includes a system
with a controlling software, wiring and connectors and iButtons.
Tmex Runtime Environment
A layer of software is required to interface iButtons to
computers and produce the desired information in the desired format. For all
iButtons, iButton-TMEX is a software platform on which to build applications.
TMEX removes the tedious low-level programming of drivers and utilities.
The RTE installs the drivers and demo software for all
iButtons and 1-Wire devices. TMEX's architecture follows the International
Standards Organization (ISO) reference model of Open System Interconnection
(OSI), a protocol with seven layers denoted as Physical, Link, Network,
Transport, Session, Presentation, and Application.
i-Buttons
An iButton is a microchip similar to those used in a smart
card but housed in a round stainless steel button of 17.35mm x 3.1mm - 5.89mm
in size (depending on the function). The iButton was invented and is still
manufactured exclusively by Dallas Semiconductor mainly for applications in
harsh and demanding environments.
Introduction
It seems that everything we access today is under lock and
key. Even the devices we use are protected by passwords. It can be frustrating
trying to keep with all of the passwords and keys needed to access any door or
computer program. Dallas Semiconductor is developing a new Java-based,
computerized ring that will automatically unlock doors and log on to computers. This mobile computer can become even more
secure. You can keep the iButton with you wherever you go by wearing it as a
closely guarded accessory - a watch, a key chain, a wallet, a ring - something
you have spend your entire life practising how not to lose
The Java Virtual Machine
The JVM used in Java Ring conforms to the Java Card 2.0
specification with additional capability for a superior Java operating
environment Enhancements to the Java Card 2.0
Sturdy Data Trackers
Since their introduction, iButtons have been deployed as
rugged portable data carriers, often in harsh environmental conditions. They
are worn as earrings by cows in Canada to hold vaccination records, and they
are used by agricultural workers in many areas as sturdy substitutes for
timecards.
Fractal Game
After
you'd personalized your Java Ring, your attention likely turned to the fractal
game. Here, the ring was dynamically assigned the x,y coordinates of a randomly
placed fractal "tile" (a 3x3 pixel area). The many tile coordinates
were stored and allocated using a JavaSpaces data area. Once assigned a tile
location, your preloaded, ring-based fractal applet computed the colors of each
pixel, uploading the data to the server.
Conclusion
Dallas Semiconductor has produced more than 20 million
physically-secure memories and computers with hard-shell packaging optimized
for personal possession. The Java iButton, therefore, is simply the latest and
most complex descendant of a long line of products that have proven themselves
to be highly successful in the marketplace.
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