METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING ACCESS TO A COMPUTER NETWORK USING TANGIBLE MEDIA
First Claim
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
b. wirelessly reading the identifier and, in response thereto, establishing an access criterion between the node and at least one other node on the network.
1 Assignment
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Accused Products
Abstract
Interaction with a computer network is facilitated or restricted based on a tangible token, 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, determines and implements a network-access criterion based on the token. Generally, the computer maintains a database relating token identifiers to associated network-access criteria, and consults the database when presented with an identifier. The access criterion specifies information governing interaction between the computer and the network, and can serve to initiate connections or restrict them.
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Citations
14 Claims
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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:
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a. providing a tangible token comprising an identifier; and
b. wirelessly reading the identifier and, in response thereto, establishing an access criterion between the node and at least one other node on the network. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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- 7. For use in conjunction with a system comprising a computer linked to a computer network comprising a plurality 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.
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11. An information reader for interfacing with a computer, the reader comprising:
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a. a pad for resting on a surface in a flat 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. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14)
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Specification