VWGoA - Ex. 1033
`Case No. IPR2016-00156
`Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. - Petitioner
`West View Research, LLC - Patent Owner
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`Patent Application Publication
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`Sep. 13, 2001 Sheet 1 of 3
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`US 2001/0021950 A1
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`READER
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`FIG.1
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`Patent Application Publication
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`Sep. 13, 2001 Sheet 2 of 3
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`US 2001/0021950 A1
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`_non?56.6rw
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`Patent Application Publication
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`Sep. 13, 2001 Sheet 3 of 3
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`US 2001/0021950 A1
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`FIG.3
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`US 2001/0021950 A1
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`Sep. 13, 2001
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`METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING
`ACCESS TO A COMPUTER NETWORK USING
`TANGIBLE MEDIA
`
`FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`
`invention relates to computer net-
`[0001] The present
`works, and in particular to the establishment and governing
`of connections between networked computers.
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`[0002] Acomputer network is a geographically distributed
`collection of interconnected subnetworks for transporting
`data between stations, such as computers. A local area
`network
`is an example of such a subnetwork con-
`sisting of a transmission medium, such as coaxial cable or
`twisted pair, that facilitates relatively short-distance com-
`munication among interconnected computer stations. The
`stations typically communicate by exchanging discrete
`packets or frames of data according to predefined protocols.
`In this context, a protocol denotes a set of rules defining how
`the stations interact with each other.
`
`[0003] Such interaction is simple within a LAN, since
`these are typically “multicast” networks: when a source
`station transmits a frame over the LAN,
`it reaches all
`stations on that LAN. If the intended recipient of the frame
`is connected to another LAN, the frame is passed over a
`routing device to that other LAN. Collectively, these hard-
`ware and software components comprise a communications
`network and their interconnections are defined by an under-
`lying architecture.
`
`[0004] The Internet is a worldwide “network of networks”
`that links millions of computers through tens of thousands of
`separate (but intercommunicating) networks. Via the Inter-
`net, users can access tremendous amounts of stored infor-
`mation and establish communication linkages to other Inter-
`net-based computers. Much of the Internet is based on the
`“client-server” model of information exchange. This com-
`puter architecture, developed specifically to accommodate
`the distributed computing environment that characterizes the
`Internet and its component networks, contemplates a server
`(sometimes called the host)—typically a powerful computer
`or cluster of computers that behaves as a single computer—
`which services the requests of a large number of smaller
`computers, or clients, which connect to it. The clients may
`be simple personal computers and usually communicate
`with a single server at any one time (although they can
`communicate with one another via the server or can use a
`
`server to reach other servers). A server is typically a large
`mainframe or minicomputer cluster capable of simultaneous
`data exchange with multiple clients.
`
`In order to ensure proper routing of messages
`[0005]
`between the server and the intended client, the messages are
`first broken up into data packets, each of which receives a
`destination address according to a protocol, and which are
`reassembled upon receipt by the target computer. A com-
`monly accepted set of protocols for this purpose are the
`Internet Protocol, or IP, which dictates routing information;
`and the transmission control protocol, or TCP, according to
`which messages are actually broken up into IP packets for
`transmission for subsequent collection and reassembly.
`TCP/IP connections are quite commonly employed to move
`data across telephone lines.
`
`[0006] The Internet supports a large variety of informa-
`tion-transfer protocols. One of these, the World Wide Web
`(hereafter, simply, the “web”), has recently skyrocketed in
`importance and popularity; indeed, to many, the Internet is
`synonymous with the web. Web-accessible information is
`identified by a uniform resource locator or “URL,” which
`specifies the location of the file in terms of a specific
`computer and a location on that computer. Any Internet
`“node”—that is, a computer with an IP address (e.g., a server
`permanently and continuously connected to the Internet, or
`a client
`that has connected to a server and received a
`
`temporary IP address)—can access the file by invoking the
`proper communication protocol and specifying the URL.
`Typically, a URL has the format http://<host>/<path>, where
`“http” refers to the HyperText Transfer Protocol, “host” is
`the server’s Internet identifier, and the “path” specifies the
`location of the file within the server. Each “web site” can
`
`make available one or more web “pages” or documents,
`which are formatted, tree-structured repositories of infor-
`mation, such as text, images, sounds and animations.
`
`[0007] An important feature of the web is the ability to
`connect one file to many other files using “hypertext” links.
`Alink appears unobtrusively as an underlined portion of text
`in a document; when the viewer of this document moves the
`cursor over the underlined text and clicks, the link-which is
`otherwise invisible to the user—is executed and the linked
`file retrieved. That file need not be located on the same
`
`server as the original file.
`
`[0008] Hypertext and searching functionality on the web is
`typically implemented on the client machine, using a com-
`puter program called a “web browser.” With the client
`connected as an Internet node, the browser utilizes URLs—
`provided either by the user or a link—to locate, fetch and
`display the specified files. “Display” in this sense can range
`from simple pictorial and textual rendering to real-time
`playing of audio and/or video segments. The browser passes
`the URL to a protocol handler on the associated server,
`which then retrieves the information and sends it to the
`
`browser for display; the browser causes the information to
`be cached (usually on a hard disk) on the client machine and
`displayed. The web page itself contains information speci-
`fying the specific Internet transfer routine necessary for its
`retrieval. Thus, clients at various locations can view web
`pages by downloading replicas of the web pages, via brows-
`ers, from servers on which these web pages are stored.
`Browsers also allow users to download and store the dis-
`
`played data locally on the client machine.
`
`[0009] The number of servers accessible just on the web is
`enormous and constantly growing. Locating pages of inter-
`est is frequently a haphazard process, requiring the user to
`recall complex URL designations, to have previously “book-
`marked” the site, or to find the site using a publicly acces-
`sible “search engine” such as ALTA VISTA, EXCITE or
`YAHOO. At the same time, the proliferation of potentially
`objecitonable content on the web has engendered efforts
`toward allowing parents and network administrators to
`restrict access to inappropriate sites.
`
`DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
`
`[0010] Brief Summary of the Invention
`
`[0011] The present invention facilitates or limits interac-
`tion with a computer network based on a tangible token,
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`Sep. 13, 2001
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`such as a small card or disk, a small everyday article, a toy,
`or a product container. The token comprises a machine-
`readable indication, or “tag,” that identifies the token and
`which may be wirelessly read by a tag reader. The tag reader
`communicates the identifier to a computer connected to the
`network as a node. The computer, in response, implements
`a network-access criterion based on the token (or more
`specifically, the token’s identifier). Generally, the computer
`maintains a database relating token identifiers to associated
`network-access criteria, and consults the database when
`presented with an identifier.
`
`[0012] The access criterion directly affects interaction
`between the computer and the network, and can serve to
`initiate connections or restrict them. The access criterion can
`
`specify, for example, a particular node on the network or a
`file on that node (e.g., in an Internet context, by means of a
`URL). The computer may be programmed to respond to the
`access criterion by connecting to the specified node and, if
`a file is specified, to retrieve that file across the network.
`Again, in an Internet context, the specified node may be a
`web server and the file a web page stored on that server; in
`this case, the computer is equipped with suitable browser
`software to display the web page.
`
`[0013] The access criterion can also impart information to
`the specified node following connection thereto. For
`example, in addition to specifying a file for retrieval, the
`access criterion can include an authentication code that is
`
`transmitted by the computer, and which confirms to the node
`authorization to retrieve the specified file. Alternatively, the
`access criterion can include information specific to the token
`itself, the computer communicating this information to the
`node as a means, for example, of identifying or categorizing
`the user.
`
`[0014] The reader may be configured to automatically read
`tokens brought within its read range and to communicate
`identifiers to the computer upon their detection. The com-
`puter,
`for
`its part, may be configured for
`immediate
`response, looking up the access criterion and taking the
`action specified (or implied) therein. In this way, access to
`a specific, restricted file may be obtained merely by bringing
`the token into proximity to the reader. Desirably, the reader
`is implemented in a form that facilitates direct coupling to
`the computer without the need for separate, external pack-
`aging.
`In a preferred approach,
`the reader is integrated
`within a mouse pad that serves the ordinary function of such
`an accessory, but also communicates with tokens and with
`the computer. The reader may take different forms for
`implementations not involving stand-alone computers; for
`example, in the case of a television featuring web access, the
`reader may be incorporated into the television’s remote
`control unit.
`
`[0015] The access criterion can govern network interac-
`tion in a negative sense rather than an aflirmative one. That
`is, the criterion can specify a “filter” or blocking program
`that automatically restricts the nodes to which the computer
`can connect or, more typically,
`the kinds of files it
`is
`permitted to download from the network. Internet filter
`programs are readily available and include, for example,
`SURFWATCH (marketed by Spyglass Inc.) and CYBER
`PATROL (sold by Microsystems Software). Such programs
`may include customizable restrictions that the access crite-
`rion can specify. For example, CYBER PATROL allows
`
`restrictions to be set up on the basis of site lists (e.g., node
`identifiers), word lists, categories of objectionable content,
`or type of site (e.g., the web generally, file transfer, news-
`groups, IRC Chat, games). The access criterion may imple-
`ment restrictions specific to the token by enabling network
`access but also causing the computer to launch a filter
`program, supplying to that program a specified set of restric-
`tions governing its operation. Without the token, the user is
`precluded from accessing the network at all.
`
`[0016] While the access criteria are typically specified by
`a single token, this need not be the case. The user may place
`a plurality of tokens within the range of the reader, the
`access criterion being determined by all
`the identifiers
`detected by the reader.
`
`[0017] The invention is amenable to a wide variety of
`applications. Generally,
`the tokens in some way govern
`access to the computer network, and may contain some
`visual cue associating them with the access criterion. For
`example, the tokens may bear a pictorial rendering associ-
`ated with particular web sites, allowing users to access the
`depicted web site merely by presenting the token to the
`reader. The tokens can also serve as identification, a useful
`application in a multi-user computing environment where no
`user is consistently assigned to a particular machine. For
`example, a classroom may have only a single computer; but
`by giving each student a unique token, network access can
`be personalized to each student. The degree of personaliza-
`tion is limited only by the amount of information stored in
`the computer’s database. Thus, the database record for each
`identifier can include the student’s name, his or her usage
`history, the last site visited, and instructions for causing the
`computer to take action different from the default model of
`web-site access.
`In this way, students can immediately
`resume previously interrupted sessions with the computer
`merely by presenting the token; the computer consults the
`database record and effectively re-establishes the student’s
`previous network environment. By lodging relevant infor-
`mation in the computer’s database, the tag is effectively able
`to orchestrate complex data-driven activities with minimal
`onboard storage.
`
`[0018] The token may also be a product. For example,
`prescription drug containers can contain an embedded tag
`specifying not only the manufacturer’s web site, but the
`particular web page having consumer information relevant
`to the drug, or even information personalized to the indi-
`vidual purchaser; in this way, the tag replaces the traditional
`paper “package insert” with online information containing
`the most up-to-date information. Two such containers placed
`in proximity to the reader can cause display of interaction
`information. For example, each container may specify the
`URL of the manufacturer’s home page and also a data item
`identifying the particular drug; the computer connects to the
`web server and provides, over the network connection, both
`drug identifiers.
`
`[0019] The information contents of the token are not
`limited to simple identifiers, however, and it is not necessary
`that the access criterion be lodged in the computer. The
`token can, for example, contain circuitry capable of storing
`network addresses themselves, as well as receiving and
`storing additional information. In an exemplary application,
`the token is embedded into the hub of an automobile key,
`and is configured to upload and store engine and mileage
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`US 2001/0021950 A1
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`Sep. 13, 2001
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`internal computer
`automobile’s
`information from the
`through the metal key shank. The token also contains the
`URL of the manufacturer’s home page. When the key is
`brought
`into proximity to the reader,
`the URL and the
`uploaded data are transferred to the computer, which
`accesses the designated site and communicates the data
`thereto. The server responds by providing the user with
`appropriate diagnostic information.
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`[0020] The foregoing discussion will be understood more
`readily from the following detailed description of the inven-
`tion, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying
`drawings, in which:
`
`[0021] FIG. 1 schematically illustrates the basic compo-
`nents of the present invention;
`
`[0022] FIG. 2 schematically illustrates a computer con-
`figured for operation in accordance with the present inven-
`tion; and
`
`[0023] FIG. 3 schematically illustrates a preferred reader
`implementation.
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE
`PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
`
`[0024] Refer first to FIG. 1, which illustrates, in block-
`diagram form, a representative system embodying the inven-
`tion. A conventional computer 10 (usually a personal com-
`puter) is connected to and accepts incoming data from an
`RFID reader 15. Reader 15 emits a signal 18. If any of a
`series of tokens 201, 202, 203, each containing an embedded
`RFID tag (not shown) is within range of the signal 18, it will
`respond by providing its identifier to reader 15. Although the
`term “RFID” is an abbreviation of radio-frequency identi-
`fication, it has attained a more generic connotation in the art.
`Accordingly, as used herein,
`the term “RFID” broadly
`connotes any system utilizing a wirelessly readable signa-
`ture or code embedded into a minuscule package, typically
`a chip that can be incorporated within an article. The term
`“token” includes not only small items (such as easily carried
`cards or “poker chip” disks) intended solely as housings for
`the RFID tag, but also more commonplace articles—key-
`chains, product containers, even household appliances-that
`incorporate the RFID tag.
`
`[0025] The typical RFID tag is a small, low-power micro-
`chip combined with an antenna. Reader 15 transmits the
`excitation signal 18 that is received by the microchip (via the
`antenna), which uses the signal both as a source of power
`and as means of imparting information back to reader 15.
`For example, upon receiving power, the microchip may alter
`its input
`impedance in a temporal pattern specified by
`permanently stored instructions,
`the pattern conveying a
`unique digital code or identifier associated with the particu-
`lar microchip. This pattern is registered by reader 15 as
`changes in reflected power, which are interpreted by reader
`15 to reproduce the code and provide this to computer 10.
`Coupling between the microchips of tokens 20 and reader 15
`may be magnetic (inductive coupling) or electric (capacitive
`coupling) in nature. In other embodiments, the RFID micro-
`chip can transmit a tiny voltage signal that is detected by the
`reader.
`
`[0026] Computer 10 is also connected to a computer
`network 25; in the illustrated configuration, that network
`
`utilizes the Internet routing and transmission protocols (i.e.,
`TCP/IP). By virtue of its connection to network 25, com-
`puter 10 is capable of establishing connections to and
`exchanging data with any other computer or “node” on
`network 25. Typically, IP network 25 is the Internet, but may
`instead be a smaller network (such as a corporate “intranet”)
`operating in accordance with the TCP/IP protocols. To
`establish a connection, a message and the address or name
`of the destination node is supplied to TCP/IP software
`running as an active process on computer 10. This software
`communicates the address to network 25, which routes the
`message appropriately.
`In a typical Internet
`interaction,
`computer 10 is a “client” and the contacted computer is a
`“server,” three of which are representatively (and alterna-
`tively) shown at 301, 302, 303.
`
`In accordance with the invention, each token 20
`[0027]
`may be associated with a different server 30; that is, token
`201 may be intended to cause computer 10 to establish
`communication with server 301, while token 202 specifies
`server 302 and token 203 specifies server 303. Because only
`token 201 is within the range of signal 18, computer 10
`establishes a connection to server 301. Tokens 20 may
`include no more than a preprogrammed RFID chip, or may
`have more elaborate circuitry enabling acquisition of data
`from sources to which it is coupled by contact or wirelessly.
`
`[0028] FIG. 2 depicts a representative implementation of
`a client computer 10 incorporating the invention. Once
`again, although the illustrated embodiment
`involves an
`Internet environment, it should be stressed that the invention
`is not limited to such an environment.
`
`[0029] The illustrated system includes a bidirectional bus
`50, over which all system components communicate, at least
`one mass storage device (such as a hard disk or optical
`storage unit) 52, and a main system memory 54. Operation
`of the system is directed by a central-processing unit
`(“CPU”) 56. A conventional communication platform 60,
`which includes suitable network interface capability and
`transmission hardware, facilitates connection to and data
`transfer through a computer network 62 (which may be, as
`illustrated, the Internet) over a telecommunication link 64.
`For example, computer 10 may be part of a LAN connected
`directly to the Internet, in which case platform 60 represents
`the network adapter; or may instead be connected via an
`Internet service provider, in which case platform 60 repre-
`sents a modem and a TCP/IP stack.
`
`[0030] The user interacts with the system using a keyboard
`70 and a position-sensing device (e.g., a mouse) 72. The
`output of either device can be used to designate information
`or select particular areas of a screen display 75 to direct
`functions to be performed by the system.
`
`[0031] The main memory 54 contains a group of modules
`that control the operation of CPU 56 and its interaction with
`the other hardware components. An operating system (not
`shown) such as WINDOWS directs the execution of low-
`level, basic system functions such as memory allocation, file
`management and operation of mass storage device 52,
`multitasking operations,
`input/output and basic graphics
`functions for output on screen display 75. The user’s pri-
`mary interactions with the network 62 occur over a web
`browser 80, which operates as a running process and con-
`tains functionality for establishing connections to other
`nodes on network 62, and for fetching therefrom web items
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`(e.g., pages containing textual information) each identified
`by a URL. Web browser 80 temporarily stores these and
`causes their display on screen 75, also executing hyperlinks
`contained in web pages and selected by the user, and
`generally interpreting web-page information. Browser 80
`may be any of the numerous available web browsers, e.g.,
`NETSCAPE COMMUNICATOR (supplied by Netscape
`Communications Corp.), EXPLORER (provided
`by
`Microsoft Corp.) or MOSAIC (different versions of which
`are available free of charge at a variety of web sites).
`
`[0032] The primary activities of the present invention are
`performed by a dispatch module 82, which receives reader
`signals from reader 15 (see FIG. 1) via a reader interface 84,
`which itself receives the reader’s digital signals directly
`from bus 50. Dispatch module 82 and reader interface 84 are
`implemented as computer instructions executable by CPU
`56, and run as active processes on computer 10. Generally,
`reader 15 automatically responds to tokens as they enter its
`read range by signaling computer 10. Reader interface 84
`determines whether signals received from reader 15 in fact
`indicate the presence of a token, filtering noise and spurious
`signals in a conventional, known manner. Dispatch module
`82 is preferably configured to respond immediately to the
`presence of signals received from reader interface 84. When
`dispatch module 82 receives an identifier from reader inter-
`face 84, it consults a database 85 to determine the action to
`be taken next.
`
`[0033] Database 85 contains a series of access criteria,
`each of which is matched to an identifier or a group of
`identifiers (such that different combinations of tokens can
`uniquely specify particular actions). Database 85 can also
`contain additional information pertinent to particular iden-
`tifiers, as described in greater detail below. Accordingly,
`upon receipt of an identifier, dispatch module 82 queries
`database 85 to locate the corresponding access criterion and
`any other stored information relating to the identifier, and
`takes appropriate action based thereon. If desired, the iden-
`tifier can be based not only on the identity of the token, but
`on reader 15 as well. That is, reader 15 can identify itself
`when transmitting the RFID contents of a token, so that the
`action taken by dispatch module 82 depends on both the
`token and the reader; the same token, therefore, can produce
`different actions on different readers.
`
`[0034] Most simply, with web browser 80 running as an
`active process, dispatch module 82 obtains from database 85
`a URL associated with the received identifier, and causes
`web browser 80 to connect to the referenced server and
`
`download the specified web page. (Dispatch module 82 can
`also be configured to launch web browser 80 upon receipt of
`an identifier if the web browser is not currently active If the
`access criterion obtained from database 85 contains data
`
`(e.g., identification or authorization information), dispatch
`module 82 causes browser 80 to forward this to the accessed
`server. The user is then free to interact with the server over
`
`web browser 80, using keyboard 70 and/or mouse 72, in the
`normal fashion. Unless and until another token reaches the
`
`vicinity of reader 15, dispatch module 82 takes no further
`action.
`
`[0035] The access criteria can also specify an Internet
`blocking filter 90, as well as restriction parameters that
`determine the scope of its operation. If filter 90 is not already
`running as an active process, dispatch module 82,
`in
`
`response to located access criteria specifying the filter 90,
`launches it with any specified restriction parameters. Filter
`90 then operates in the normal fashion, governing access by
`web browser 80 to Internet files and sites.
`
`[0036] The additional data linked to an identifier in data-
`base 85 is used to personalize the user’s interaction with
`network 62, and typically includes historical information
`that permits the user to resume a previous session. For
`example, suppose that token 20 contains no more than an
`identifier. The access criteria corresponding to this identifier
`might include an authorization level, a filter program with
`attendant restrictions, and the URL of a preferred startup
`web page. The additional information associated with the
`identifier might include the token-holder’s name, a set of
`“bookmarks” that specify URLs of the token-holder’s fre-
`quently visited sites, and a list of the most recently visited
`sites. When the token-holder presents the token 20 to reader
`15, computer 10 immediately learns the tokenholder’s iden-
`tity, and web browser 80 is effectively customized for this
`individual. Web browser 80 accesses the token-holder’s
`
`specified startup web page, and allows him or her to operate
`the web browser to revert to previously visited or book-
`marked sites as if continuing the previous session.
`
`[0037] Refer now to FIG. 3, which illustrates a preferred
`form of reader, indicated generally at 100. The reader 100 is
`designed to operate as a mouse pad,
`thereby physically
`dissociating it from the computer 10 while not adding a
`separate, dedicated piece of equipment to the system. The
`illustrated reader 100 is a multilayer structure comprising a
`topmost mouse-pad layer 102, a circuitry layer 104, and a
`backing layer 106.
`
`[0038] Layer 102 comprises a conventional mouse-pad
`surface designed to operatively receive a mouse such that
`the mouse rolls freely and reliably across the surface. Layer
`102 may also have a PVC stiffener behind the surface
`material. Layer 104 is preferably a closed-cell foam pad that
`provides resilience and houses the reader circuitry. For
`example, layer 104 may have cutouts of appropriate shape to
`receive the circuitry, thereby forming a protective, insulating
`boundary around the electronic components. Generally,
`layer 104 will be about 0.5 inch thick. Backing layer 106 is
`preferably a rubberized, non-skid material. Layers 102, 104,
`106 have similar planar dimensions and are adhesively
`joined to one another to form a single, substantially con-
`tinuous structure that rests on a surface in a flat configura-
`tion. The overall dimensions of the structure 100 are similar
`
`to those of conventional mouse pads, with perhaps some
`difference in thickness.
`
`[0039] Layer 104 also contains a port for receiving one or
`more cables 110 that carry power and data. For example,
`cable 110 may be configured to carry serial data between the
`reader 100 and computer 10, and power to operate the reader
`circuitry. In use, tokens are brought into proximity with
`reader 100, or merely placed on surface layer 102, thereby
`causing computer 10 to execute the operations discussed
`above.
`
`[0040] Many other reader configurations are of course
`possible. Ideally, the reader is implemented in a contextually
`integrated fashion with respect to the network-access device
`in order to obviate the need for an additional piece of
`equipment. For example,
`in the context of a television
`configured for network access (e.g., so-called NetTV with
`
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`access to the Internet), the reader can be implemented as part
`of the television’s remote control unit. Presentation of a
`token to the remote control unit causes the unit to transmit
`
`a signal identifying the token the television, which contains
`the operative components (other than reader 15) shown in
`FIG. 2. The television, in response, accesses the computer
`or file specified by the token. In this context, the token can
`alternatively specify a television channel. As a result, the
`invention can be used to control the television both in the
`traditional sense and as a network-access device.
`
`It will therefore be seen that we have invented a
`[0041]
`highly versatile and conveniently implemented approach to
`controlling access to computer networks. The terms and
`expressions employed herein are used as terms of descrip-
`tion and not of limitation, and there is no intention, in the use
`of such terms and expressions, of excluding any equivalents
`of the features shown and described or portions thereof, but
`it
`is recognized that various modifications are possible
`within the scope of the invention claimed.
`What is claimed is:
`
`1. In a computer network comprising a plurality of linked
`nodes, a method of controlling access between a first node
`and other nodes on the network, the method comprising the
`steps of:
`
`a. providing a tangible token comprising an identifier; and
`
`in response
`b. wirelessly reading the identifier and,
`thereto, establishing an access criterion between the
`node and at least one other node on the network.
`2. The method of claim 1 wherein the identifier is
`
`uniquely associated with a second node on the network, the
`access criterion including the address of the second node, the
`establishment step comprising identifying the second node,
`and further comprising the step of causing the first node to
`connect to the second node based on the access criterion.
`3. The method of claim 2 wherein the access criterion
`
`further specifies a file on the second node, and further
`comprising the step of causing the first node to retrieve the
`file from the second node following connection thereto.
`4. The method of claim 3 wherein the network is the
`Internet, the second node is a web server, and the file is a
`web page, the first node including a browser for displaying
`the web page.
`5. The method of claim 1 wherein the token comprises an
`RFID chip containing the identifier, the reading step being
`performed by an RFID reader in wireless communication
`with the RFID chip and also coupled to the first node, the
`reader supplying power to the RFID chip and reading the
`identifier therefrom.
`
`6. The method of claim 1 wherein the wireless reading
`step is performed by a reader having a read range,
`the
`reading step occurring upon entry of the token within the
`read range.
`7. For use in conjunction with a system comprising a
`computer linked to a computer network comprising a plu-
`rality of nodes, and a reader for wirelessly acquiring data
`from a tangible token and communicating the data to the
`computer,
`a computer-readable medium encoded with
`executable instructions for causing the computer to establish
`an access criterion between the computer and a node on the
`network.
`
`8. The medium of claim 7 further comprising instructions
`for causing the computer to
`establish a database relating
`a plurality of token identifiers with access criteria associated
`therewith, and (ii) consult the database, in response to a
`token identifier communicated by the reader, to locate and
`implement the access criterion associated with the identifier.
`9. The medium of claim 7 wherein at least some of the
`
`access criteria designate a node on the network, implemen-
`tation of such access criteria causing the computer to estab-
`lish a connection to the designated node.
`10. The medium of claim 9 wherein at least some of the
`
`node-designating access criteria further designate a file on
`the node, implementation of such access criteria causing the
`computer to obtain the designated file.
`11. An information reader for interfacing with a computer,
`the reader comprising:
`
`a. a pad for resting on a surface in a fiat configuration and
`having a pad surface for operatively receiving a rolling
`position-sensing device;
`
`b. circuitry, physically associated with the pad but not
`interfering with its interaction with the position-sensing
`device, for wirelessly reading an RFID identifier; and
`
`c. means for communicating with the computer.
`12. The reader of claim 11 wherein the circuitry electri-
`cally couples to the RFID identifier.
`13. The reader of claim 11 wherein the circuitry magneti-
`cally couples to the RFID identifier.
`14. The reader of claim 11 whe