Secure recharge station

• US 20050104555A1
• Filed: 11/17/2003
• Published: 05/19/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 11/17/2003
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: HPL Europe Limited
• Original Assignee: HPL Europe Limited
• Inventors: Simmonds-Short, Phillip
• Application Number:
  US10/713,423
• Publication Number:
  US 20050104555A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 320/107
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 2310/22 The load being a portable electronic device
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 7/0013 acting upon several batteries simultaneously or sequentially H02J7/1423 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 7/0044 specially adapted for holding portable devices containing batteries H02J7/0045 takes precedence

Abstract

A recharge station is provided where users can deposit devices for recharging, and the mobile devices are held by a security system such that unauthorised removal is prevented.

Claims

1. A mobile device recharge station comprising:

at least one docking station for supplying at least one of power and data to a mobile device; and

a security system arranged to inhibit unauthorised removal of a mobile device from the at least one docking station.

2. A mobile device recharge station as claimed in claim 1, wherein the or each docking station comprises a container having an openable closure and a lock, and wherein the lock inhibits opening of the openable closure by unauthorised individuals.

3. A mobile device recharge station as claimed in claim 2, in which the security system includes a security controller for instructing a selected lock to release the openable closure associated with the lock.

4. A mobile device recharge station as claimed in claim 1, where in the security system includes an access controller for selectively allowing access to a selected one of the or each recharge stations.

5. A mobile device recharge station as claimed in claim 4, in which the security system requires an individual to identify their right to remove a mobile device from one of the docking stations before the security system permits access to the appropriate docking station.

6. A mobile device recharge station as claimed in claim 5, wherein the individual identifies themselves by way of one item selected from a list comprising:

entering a pass code;

providing a token;

providing a key; and

providing biometric data.

7. A mobile device recharge station as claimed in claim 5, wherein the security system requires an individual to agree identity information with the security system at the time of depositing the mobile device.

8. A mobile device recharge station as claimed in claim 7, in which the individual and the security system agree to identify information which comprises an item selected from a list comprising:

a shared secret;

a token;

a key; and

biometric data

12. A mobile device recharge station as claimed in claim 1, further including a interface such that a user can identify the type of user device to the recharge station such that an appropriate power supply or suitably configured power supply is arranged to supply power to the mobile device.

13. A mobile device recharge station as claimed in claim 1, wherein the security system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the security system asserts an alarm if an unauthorised removal of a mobile device is attempted.

14. A mobile device recharge station as claimed in claim 1, further including a retention device for retaining the mobile device more securely in the event that an attempt is made to remove the mobile device.

15. A mobile device recharge station as claimed in claim 1, further including a user interface to enable a user to select data for transfer to or from the mobile device.

16. A mobile device recharge station as claimed in claim 15, wherein the user interface includes a browser or menu driven interface such that the user can select their data transfer options.

17. A mobile device recharge station as claimed in claim 15, further including payment accepting means for accepting payment for a data transfer.

18. A mobile device recharge station as claimed in claim 1, in which the docking stations are provided with connectors for connecting to mobile telephones.

19. A mobile device recharge station as claimed in claim 1, in which the docking stations are provided with connector for connecting to personal computing devices.

20. A mobile device recharge station as claimed in claim 1, in which the docking stations are provided with connectors for connecting to personal entertainment devices.

9. A mobile device recharge station further including payment collection device such that a payment can be collected for recharging the mobile device.

10. A mobile device recharge station where the payment collection device includes at least one item selected from a list comprising:

a credit/debit card reader

a coin collection mechanism

a token collection mechanism

a data processor for raising a charge against an account.

11. A mobile device recharge station as claimed in claim 10, wherein the data processor is arranged to make a charge against a user'"'"'s telephone account.