System for automatically initiating a computer security and/or screen saver mode
First Claim
1. A system for controlling the operating mode of a computer, the system comprising:
- a proximity sensor for detecting whether a person is located proximate the computer, the proximity sensor generating a detection signal indicative of the person leaving the proximity of the computer; and
a control circuit coupled to the proximity sensor and the computer, the control circuit switching the computer to a password protected operating mode responsive to the detection signal.
5 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A system for automatically switching a computer to a password protected screen saver mode when a computer user leaves the proximity of the computer. The system includes a proximity sensor that determines whether or not an individual is located proximate the computer. The proximity sensor interfaces with either the computer a bus bridge, a keyboard controller, a keyboard, or some another component of the computer to cause the computer to start executing a screen saver program responsive to an output signal from the proximity sensor. A variety of proximity sensors may be used, including ultrasound, infrared, or electromagnetic proximity sensors. A proximity sensor may also detect the presence of the computer user by detecting the weight of the user at a location proximate the computer.
64 Citations
30 Claims
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1. A system for controlling the operating mode of a computer, the system comprising:
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a proximity sensor for detecting whether a person is located proximate the computer, the proximity sensor generating a detection signal indicative of the person leaving the proximity of the computer; and
a control circuit coupled to the proximity sensor and the computer, the control circuit switching the computer to a password protected operating mode responsive to the detection signal. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A system for controlling the operating mode of a computer, the system comprising:
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a proximity sensor for detecting whether a person is located proximate the computer, the proximity sensor generating a detection signal indicative of whether or not the person is proximate the computer; and
a control circuit coupled to the proximity sensor and the computer, the control device causing the computer to execute a screen saver program responsive to a detection signal indicating that the person is not in the proximity of the computer. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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20. A computer, comprising:
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a microprocessor;
a memory device coupled to the microprocessor, the memory device containing a screen saver program for execution by the microprocessor;
an input device coupled to the microprocessor;
a display device coupled to the microprocessor;
a proximity sensor for detecting whether a person is located proximate the computer, the proximity sensor generating a detection signal indicative of whether or not the person is proximate the computer; and
a control circuit coupled to the proximity sensor and to the microprocessor, the control circuit causing the computer to execute the screen saver program responsive to a detection signal indicating that the person is not in the proximity of the computer. - View Dependent Claims (21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30)
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Specification