Shielding device for protecting information and system

Abstract

The present invention refers to a shielding device (10) for protecting information of an identification component (20), wherein the shielding device comprises at least one secured section (12) along at least a part of the spatial extension of the shielding device (10) in order to protect at least one information section (22; 24; 26) comprising information being provided on the identification component (20) in visible form, wherein the at least one secured section (12) is configured to comprise a first state and a second state, wherein the at least one information section (22; 24; 26) on the identification component (20) is protected, in particular non-visible and / or non- identifiable, in the first state and is revealed, in particular visible through, within or on the shielding device (10), in the second state of the at least one secured section (12). Further, the present invention refers to a system (100).

Description

[0001] 40185.AAB.P100PC S / Eu / kt

[0002] 1

[0003] DESCRIPTION

[0004] Shielding device for protecting information and system

[0005] The present invention refers to a shielding device for protecting information being present on an identification component and a system comprising the same.

[0006] Existing devices for carrying documents which comprise individual and / or private information are usually provided in one of two states, namely transparent or opaque. Hence, the information being present on the documents, like a visitor pass, an identification card or a confidential document in general, are either always visible or non-visible with the document being kept within such protective device, e.g. a sleeve.

[0007] In consequence, if the information being present on such document shall be kept non- visible or confidential until it is necessary to provide the individual / private information, the user has to remove the document repeatedly or to constantly reach out into the pockets to store and hide documents, e.g. travel documents, identity (ID) cards and the like.

[0008] Thereby, removing and re-pocketing of documents from / into such protective devices according to the state of the art can lead to misplacements or even damaging of said documents, at least over time and when being done repeatedly.

[0009] It is an object of the invention to provide a shielding device which allows for an efficient, easy and more seamless access to information on a regular basis, preferably with only relevant information being accessible in a comfortable way by a minimized interaction of the user.

[0010] These objectives are resolved by a shielding device according to independent claim 1 and a system according to independent claim 11 . Preferred embodiments are addressed by the dependent claims respectively. 40185.AAB.P100PC S / Eu / kt

[0011] 2

[0012] According to the present invention a shielding device for protecting information of an identification component is provided, wherein the shielding device comprises at least one secured section / area along at least a part of the spatial extension of the shielding device in order to protect / cover / hide at least one information section comprising information being provided on the identification component in visible form, wherein the at least one secured section is configured to comprise a first state and a second state, wherein the at least one information section on the identification component is protected, in particular non-visible and / or non-identifiable, in the first state and revealed, in particular visible through / via, within or on the shielding device, in the second state of the at least one secured section.

[0013] The present invention is based on the idea to provide a temporarily changeable privacy configuration of the device, at least of a part of the shielding device, in order to hide physical documents, that need to be accessed often and in a swift manner, quickly and dynamically from sight.

[0014] The present invention adds an extra layer of physical privacy protection to the documents stored inside the shielding device, e.g. in the form of a sleeve, being implementable in almost any form factor that is desired as a shielding / protecting device.

[0015] Thereby, the shielding device can provide a cost-efficient solution with a beneficial compromise between privacy and ease of use. Furthermore, the user has complete control over the privacy feature, i.e. the secured section of the shielding device to protect individual information and details.

[0016] In the context of the present invention the shielding device can be considered as a protective means for keeping information being visible on an identification component secure and private, in particular non-visible or at least non-identifiable.

[0017] The secured section can be understood as a privacy area for covering information, whereby such section / area can be spatially restricted and extend only over a part of the shielding device. Alternatively, the whole shielding device can form such secured section / privacy area being capable of switching between a first and second state for 40185.AAB.P100PC S / Eu / kt

[0018] 3 revealing and hiding / covering information of a contained document, i.e. an identification component.

[0019] The at least one secured section of the shielding device can be set in a first or second state. In a first state, the secured section can be provided in a configuration which allows to keep information of the identification component private, secured and confidential, in particular non-visible or at least non-identifiable. In a second state, the secured section can be provided in a transparent state or the like which allows to provide and reveal the respective information on the identification component in visible manner, in particular while still keeping the identification component within the shielding device.

[0020] Hence, by the shielding device allowing to switch the secured section(s) between a first and second state the present invention allows for an easy access to the hidden and protected information by the user when providing and revealing such protected information is necessary. Thereby, the identification component can be maintained within the shielding device without any need for removing or re-pocketing.

[0021] According to one preferred embodiment the shielding device is a sleeve, e.g. a dossier sleeve or a visitor pass sleeve or the like, with at least one opening for receiving an identification component, the identification component preferably comprising a check card format, in particular a visitor pass, an identification card, a code card, a smartcard or the like.

[0022] The shielding device can be provided in various different forms for receiving and storing identification components of different form factors.

[0023] In particular, to store visitor passes or ID cards and the like, the shielding device can be configured to receive check card formats accordingly.

[0024] Preferably, the shielding device is provided as a portable shielding device. 40185.AAB.P100PC S / Eu / kt

[0025] 4

[0026] Moreover, the shielding device can be configured to receive various different formats of identification components, like e.g. ID cards and different formats of travel passports.

[0027] In the context of the present invention an identification component can, alternatively, also be a usual document which comprises arbitrary confidential information. Thus, the identification component can also be a stack of paper comprising confidential information which need to be covered and revealed, in particular on a repetitive basis, and which can be kept within a shielding device in form of e.g. a dossier sleeve.

[0028] Pursuant to another preferred embodiment the secured section in the second state is provided in transparent configuration such that the at least one information section being available on the identification component is / are visible through / within the shielding device or the information section is presented / provided on the shielding device when the secured section is switched to the second state.

[0029] By switching the secured section / area from the first to the second state, the secured section of the shielding device can turn from e.g. an opaque state into a transparent state, in particular the material of the shielding device can turn from a first opaque state into a second transparent state.

[0030] Alternatively, an information on the identification component can be covered by a sliding element being provided within the shielding device and being movable in order to provide a first and second state of the secured section.

[0031] As a further alternative, the secured section can also be provided in form of a display or the like, which allows for presenting information on the shielding device itself, in particular on the surface of the shielding device, when the user switches from the first state to the second state.

[0032] According to another embodiment the secured section extends along the whole shielding device, in particular the whole spatial extension of the shielding device. 40185.AAB.P100PC S / Eu / kt

[0033] 5

[0034] Thus, the whole shielding device can be provided as the at least one secured section, whereby the shielding device itself can be switched from the first to the second state and reversely in order to reveal or hide / protect all the information being present on the stored identification component.

[0035] In one preferred embodiment the secured section comprises at least two sections wherein both sections can be set in the first or second state individually or commonly.

[0036] The shielding device can comprise multiple secured sections in order to protect and hide information being arranged and distributed in different areas on the surface of the identification component.

[0037] An individual shifting of single secured sections can be provided in a stepwise manner, thus revealing information by shifting a plurality of secured sections into a second state one after another, e.g. initiated by a user via a user input means like e.g. a button. This can also be combined with a final step of all secured sections being switched in the second step simultaneously.

[0038] Moreover, by providing for an individual or common shifting of the multiple secured sections between the first and second state it is possible to reveal only necessary information for a respective purpose, like e.g. a personal identity number without revealing the corresponding name at the same time, or to provide all information at once.

[0039] Pursuant to another preferred embodiment the shielding device comprises at least one control means, in particular at least one button, a slider and / or the like.

[0040] Thus, the present invention can provide an easy access for the user to switch between the first and second state in order to provide information when it is necessary.

[0041] In one embodiment, the shielding device can be an active device or a passive device. 40185.AAB.P100PC S / Eu / kt

[0042] 6

[0043] In particular, the present invention can implement the at least one section on basis of active solutions which require energy supply, at least when switching between the first and second state.

[0044] Alternatively, the shielding device according to the present invention can be provided with a solution which does not necessitate any energy supply for switching between the first and second state of the at least one secured section.

[0045] Such passive solutions can be provided in form of e.g. sliding or hinged windows or covers along the shielding device which can be actuated manually by the user.

[0046] Moreover, in the context of a passive configuration of the shielding device, it is also possible that the at least one section is configured to change its state when being exerted to pressure or increased temperature, e.g. due to contact interaction with the user.

[0047] Hence, the user may, for example, provide pressure to the secured section or increase the material’s temperature by interaction with the hand in order to initiate the switching from the first to the second state. Preferably, the shielding device, in particular the at least one secured section, is configured to return to the first state automatically, at least after a certain period of time, when the pressure is released by the user again or when the material’s temperature decreases again.

[0048] In one preferred embodiment at least the secured section of the shielding device comprises an e-paper layer, a polarized layer or a display in order to provide a first and second state of the secured section.

[0049] Hence, the shielding device according to the present invention can be provided in form of an active device, at least with respect to the at least one secured section.

[0050] Depending on the required energy consumption various different solutions may be implemented for providing information via the secured sections of the shielding device, 40185.AAB.P100PC S / Eu / kt

[0051] 7 in particular by interaction of the user with an input means like a button, a slider, a rotary knob and / or the like.

[0052] Hence, the present invention allows for different techniques to provide information being covered within and by the at least one secured section of the shielding device.

[0053] Moreover, different solutions, like an e-paper layer, are available in order to provide a suitable and efficient energy management solution for the shielding device.

[0054] According to one preferred embodiment the shielding device comprises an energy source, preferably a battery, a solar cell, motion energy preserving means and / or the like.

[0055] Thus, the shielding device can comprise and may be powered by e.g. a rechargeable or non-rechargeable battery. In particular, rechargeable battery means may be provided in combination with further means like a solar cell or the like.

[0056] Moreover, implementation of a motion energy preserving means, either as sole energy supply or as an additional energy supply, may ensure continuous accessibility to energy as far as necessary.

[0057] The present invention can provide for a suitable and enduring power supply according to the respective embodiment of the secured sections.

[0058] In one preferred embodiment of the present invention the shielding device comprises a hinge means or a slider means preferably carrying the secured section of the shielding device, wherein the secured section can be transferred, preferably is moveable, between a first and second state in order to provide protection of the at least one information section on the identification component in the first state and to reveal the at least one information section on the identification component in the second state.

[0059] Thus, the shielding device according to the present invention may also be provided as a completely passive device, without the need for any energy supply. Thus, an easy and 40185.AAB.P100PC S / Eu / kt

[0060] 8 efficient access to confidential, private information as provided on the identification component stored within the shielding device can be achieved.

[0061] In particular, in case the secured section is configured to be moved along or via the hinge means or a slider means, the information as provided on the identification means can be revealed to be visible within the shielding device on basis of manual interaction by the user.

[0062] According to another aspect of the invention, a system comprising a shielding device according to the present invention and at least one identification component, preferably comprising a form factor such that the identification component can be received and stored within the shielding device.

[0063] According to one preferred embodiment, the at least one identification component comprises at least one information section, wherein the at least one information section of the identification component and the at least one secured section of the shielding device are arranged respectively such that the information section is protected, in particular non-visible and / or non-identifiable, in the first state of the secured section and is revealed, in particular visible through, within or on the shielding device, in the second state of the at least one secured section.

[0064] Hence, the system can provide at least one or various different identification components, in particular identification components of different form factors being compatible with a single shielding device, whereby information sections of the identification component(s) and secured sections of the shielding device are arranged such to protect information in the first state and to reveal information in a second state of the shielding device, in particular of the secured section(s).

[0065] All of the advantages and technical effects being described in the context of shielding device can also be applied, individually or commonly, for the system according to the present invention. 40185.AAB.P100PC S / Eu / kt

[0066] 9

[0067] Further details and advantages of the present invention are explained and described in more detail in the context of the embodiments as illustrated by the enclosed figures.

[0068] It is schematically shown:

[0069] Fig. 1 illustration of a first embodiment of a shielding device for storing an identification component; and

[0070] Fig. 2 further illustration of the shielding device according to Fig. 1 ;

[0071] Fig. 3 further illustration of the shielding device according to Fig. 1 ;

[0072] Fig. 4 illustration of a second embodiment of a shielding device for storing an identification component; and

[0073] Fig. 5 further illustration of the shielding device according to Fig. 4.

[0074] Fig. 1 illustrates a first embodiment of a shielding device 10 for storing an identification component 20, forming a system 100.

[0075] The system 100 can comprise a single shielding device 10 in combination with one or multiple identification components 20 of the same or different form factors being suitable for usage with the shielding device 10.

[0076] The identification component 20 comprises multiple information sections 22; 24; 26 with respective information being visible on the identification component 20.

[0077] The identification component 20 can be received and stored within the shielding device 10, which is schematically indicated in Fig. 1 by dotted lines only.

[0078] In particular, the shielding device 10 can be provided in form of a sleeve or the like, comprising at least one opening for receiving of the identification component 20. 40185.AAB.P100PC S / Eu / kt

[0079] 10

[0080] The shielding device 10 and the identification component 20 preferably comprise suitable form factors, e.g. with the identification component 20 being a check card format or the like and the shielding device 10 being slightly larger in order to provide sufficient space for receiving the corresponding identification component 20.

[0081] Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 show further illustrations of the shielding device according to Fig. 1 .

[0082] According to Fig. 2, the first information section 22 is visible with the identification component 20 being received within the shielding device 10, while the second and third information sections 24; 26 are protected and covered by corresponding secured sections 12 of the shielding device 10.

[0083] The shielding device 10 according to the embodiment in Fig. 1 to 3 particularly comprises multiple secured sections 12, each of these extending along only a part of the (spatial) extension of the shielding device 10.

[0084] In more detail, not each of the information sections 22; 24; 26 necessarily need to be protected and covered by secured sections 12 of the shielding device. Rather, the first information section 22 can also comprise personal information like a user’s picture.

[0085] In the context of the present invention there can be different amounts of information sections 22; 24; 26 and secured sections 12. Rather, the total number of secured sections 12 refers to the kind of information which shall be protected and only be made available temporarily.

[0086] The second and third information section 24; 26 are protected according to Fig. 2 by secured sections 12 in a first state, e.g. by being opaque or blackened.

[0087] Turning to Fig. 3, the secured section 12 being associated with the third information section 26 has been switched into the second state, e.g. a transparent state, which allows the associated information section 26 and its contained information to become visible and / or identifiable, even with the identification component 20 being still located within the shielding device 10. 40185.AAB.P100PC S / Eu / kt

[0088] 11

[0089] Such switching between first and second state can be executed by a user, e.g. a visitor of an access restricted area, by an easy and efficient interaction with the shielding device 10.

[0090] For example, in case of a passive shielding device 10, such interaction can be to make use of a hinge or slider mechanism and to move the corresponding secured section 12 or by exerting pressure or initiating a temperature increase in order to provide an effect within the material of the secured section 12, e.g. turning into a transparent state for at least a certain amount of time.

[0091] In case of the shielding device 10 being an active device, the user may engage with an input means like a button, a slider, a rotary knob, etc. in order to switch the secured section(s) 12 between a first and second state. Such mechanism may be based on the at least one secured section 12 being provided with / by / as a display, a polarized layer, an e-paper or the like.

[0092] Thus, according to the present invention light, magnetic fields, electricity and the like may be utilized to provide a change of material properties along the shielding device 10, namely within the at least one secured section 12, allowing for information becoming visible through, within or on the shielding device 10 by switching between a first and second state. Such different material properties may cause the secured sections 12 to become opaque, blackened or the like in order to hide, cover and protect information in the first state while the same material may become transparent in a second state.

[0093] According to Fig. 3, the second information section 24 can still be maintained as non- visible or non-identifiable due to the associated secured section 12 being maintained in the first state.

[0094] Alternatively to such individual switching of secured sections 12, multiple secured sections 12 can be commonly switched between first and second state in order to make the corresponding information sections 24; 26 available in a second state or to hide and protect the corresponding information in the first state of the secured sections 12. 40185.AAB.P100PC S / Eu / kt

[0095] 12

[0096] Fig. 4 illustrates a second embodiment of a shielding device 10 for receiving and storing an identification component 20.

[0097] According to this second embodiment, the shielding device 10 comprises a single secured section 12 extending over / along the whole extension of the shielding device 10.

[0098] As shown in Fig. 4, the shielding device 10, in particular the secured section 12, is in a first state covering and protecting corresponding information being provided on an identification component 20 (not illustrated in Fig. 4) inside the shielding device 10

[0099] Fig. 5 depicts a further illustration of the shielding device according to Fig. 4, thus of the second embodiment.

[0100] In contrast to Fig. 4, the shielding device 10, in particular the secured section 12, is set in a second state. Accordingly, the first and second information sections 22; 24 comprising information of e.g. a user, are visible and identifiable.

[0101] Exemplary use cases of the shielding device 10 and / or the system 100 according to the present invention may be as outlined in the following:

[0102] The visitor using a visitor pass, as identification component 20, would for example insert the pass in the sleeve, as the shielding device 10, and attach it to his shirt.

[0103] Upon temporarily exiting the visiting place (for lunch or recreation) the visitor may press a small non-obtrusive button causing the sleeve, namely the secured section 12 extending along the whole spatial extension of the shielding device 10, to switch to a first dark state and thus hiding the identity information. When returning to the visiting place, the visitor may press the same button, and the sleeve, in particular the secured section(s) 12, may be switched to a second transparent state once again, thus revealing the identification component 20 and in particular the corresponding personal information of the visitor being available thereon. 40185.AAB.P100PC S / Eu / kt

[0104] 13

[0105] A second use example could be a wallet which outer side is covered by an E-paper display and the user inserts an identity card on that section of the wallet. The identity card is then visible or hidden from sight with the touch of an input means, like e.g. button, enabling the user to show his identity card without removing it from the wallet.

[0106] In summary, by the present invention a shielding device 10 is made available which is capable of providing easy and efficient access to information being presented on an identification component 20 which is received and stored within the shielding device 10. In particular, there is no need to reach for the identification component 20 or any repetitive re-pocketing as the information can be made visible through, within or on the shielding device 10 by switching between a first and second state, in particular by switching the secured section(s) 12.

[0107] 40185.AAB.P100PC S / Eu / kt

[0108] 14

[0109] REFERENCE SIGNS

[0110] 10 Shielding device

[0111] 12 Secured section / area 20 Identification component

[0112] 22 First information

[0113] 24 Second information

[0114] 26 Third information

[0115] 100 System

Claims

40185.AAB.P100PC S / Eu / kt15CLAIMS1 . Shielding device (10) for protecting information of an identification component (20), wherein the shielding device comprises at least one secured section (12) along at least a part of the spatial extension of the shielding device (10) in order to protect at least one information section (22; 24; 26) comprising information being provided on the identification component (20) in visible form, wherein the at least one secured section (12) is configured to comprise a first state and a second state, wherein the at least one information section (22; 24; 26) on the identification component (20) is protected, in particular non-visible and / or non-identifiable, in the first state and is revealed, in particular visible through, within or on the shielding device (10), in the second state of the at least one secured section (12).

2. Shielding device (10) according to claim 1 , characterized in that the shielding device (10) is a sleeve with at least one opening for receiving an identification component (20), the identification component (20) preferably comprising a check card format, in particular a visitor pass, an identification card, a code card, a smartcard or the like.

3. Shielding device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the secured section (12) in the second state is provided in transparent configuration such that the at least one information section (22; 24; 26) being available on the identification component (20) is visible through the shielding device (10) or the information section (22; 24; 26) is presented on the shielding device (10) when the secured section (12) is switched to the second state.

4. Shielding device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the secured section (12) extends along the whole shielding device (10), in particular the whole spatial extension of the shielding device (10).40185.AAB.P100PC S / Eu / kt165. Shielding device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the shielding device (10) comprises at least two secured sections (12) wherein both secured sections (12) can be set in the first or second state individually or commonly.

6. Shielding device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the shielding device (10) comprises at least one control means, in particular at least one button, a slider and / or the like.

7. Shielding device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the shielding device (10) is an active device or a passive device.

8. Shielding device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least the secured section (12) of the shielding device (10) comprises an e-paper layer, a polarized layer or a display in order to provide a first and second state of the secured section (12).

9. Shielding device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the shielding device (10) comprises an energy source, preferably a battery, a solar cell, motion energy preserving means and / or the like.

10. Shielding device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the shielding device (10) comprises a hinge means or a slider means, preferably carrying the secured section (12) of the shielding device (10), wherein the secured section (12) can be transferred, preferably is moveable, between a first and second state in order to provide protection of the at least one information section (22; 24; 26) on40185.AAB.P100PC S / Eu / kt17 the identification component (20) in the first state and to reveal the at least one information section (22; 24; 26) on the identification component (20) in the second state.

11. System (100) comprising a shielding device (10) according to one of the preceding claims and at least one identification component (20), preferably comprising a form factor such that the identification component (20) can be received and stored within the shielding device (10).

12. System (100) according to claim 11 , characterized in that the at least one identification component (20) comprises at least one information section (22; 24; 26), wherein the at least one information section (22; 24; 26) of the identification component (20) and the at least one secured section (12) of the shielding device (10) are arranged respectively such that the information section (22; 24; 26) is protected, in particular non-visible and / or non-identifiable, in the first state of the secured section (12) and is revealed, in particular visible through, within or on the shielding device (10), in the second state of the at least one secured section (12).

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