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. Here are a few reasons why you might want to wear the iButton
in the accessory that best fits your life style :
> It is a safe place to keep the private keys to
conduct transactions.
> It overcomes the deficiencies of the secret password.
> You eliminate keystroke with a quick, intentional
press of the Blue Dot.
> You keep your computer at hand versus lugging your
everywhere you roam
> You become part of the network economy
> This steel-bound credential stands up to the hard
knocks of everyday wear, including sessions in the swimming pool or clothes
washer
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.
Workstations
at the conference had "ring readers" installed on them that
downloaded information about the user from the conference registration system.
This information was then used to enable a number of personalized services. For
example, a robotic machine made coffee according to user preferences, which it
downloaded when they snapped the ring into another "ring reader."
Although
Java Rings aren't widely used yet, such rings or similar devices could have a
number of real-world applications, such as starting your car and having all
your vehicle's components (such as the seat, mirrors, and radio selections)
automatically adjust to your preferences.
The
Java Ring is an extremely secure Java-powered electronic token with a
continuously running, unalterable real-time clock and rugged packaging,
suitable for many applications. The jewel of the Java Ring is the Java
iButton -- a one-million transistor, single chip trusted microcomputer with
a powerful Java Virtual Machine (JVM) housed in a rugged and secure
stainless-steel case.
The
Java Ring is a stainless-steel ring, 16-millimeters (0.6 inches) in diameter,
that houses a 1-million-transistor processor, called an iButton. The ring has
134 KB of RAM, 32 KB of ROM, a real-time clock and a Java virtual machine,
which is a piece of software that recognizes the Java language and translates
it for the user's computer system.
The
Ring, first introduced at JavaOne Conference, has been tested at Celebration
School, an innovative K-12 school just outside Orlando, FL. The rings given to
students are programmed with Java applets
that communicate with host applications on networked systems. Applets are small
applications that are designed to be run within another application. The Java
Ring is snapped into a reader, called a Blue Dot receptor, to allow
communication between a host system and the Java Ring.
Designed
to be fully compatible with the Java Card 2.0 standard the processor features a
high-speed 1024-bit modular exponentiator fro RSA encryption, large RAM and ROM
memory capacity, and an unalterable real time clock. The packaged module has
only a single electric contact and a ground return, conforming to the
specifications of the Dallas Semiconductor 1-Wire bus. Lithium-backed
non-volatile SRAM offers high read/write speed and unparallel tamper resistance
through near-instantaneous clearing of all memory when tampering is detected, a
feature known as rapid zeroization. Data integrity and clock function
are maintained for more than 10 years. The 16-millimeter diameter stainless
steel enclosure accomodates the larger chip sizes needed for up to 128
kilobytes of high-speed nonvolatile static RAM. The small and extremely rugged
packaging of the module allows it to attach to the accessory of your choice to
match individual lifestyles, such as key fob, wallet, watch, necklace, bracelet,
or finger ring!!!!!
