PDA security system

• US 20050151623A1
• Filed: 08/26/2004
• Published: 07/14/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 08/10/2001
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Gerard von Hoffmann
• Original Assignee: Gerard von Hoffmann
• Inventors: von Hoffmann, Gerard
• Application Number:
  US10/927,622
• Publication Number:
  US 20050151623A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 340/5.610
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/24161 Use of key, in key is stored access level
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 21/35 communicating wirelessly
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 2221/2149 Restricted operating environment
• CPC Class Codes: H01L 2224/16225 the item being non-metallic, e.g. insulating substrate with or without metallisation
• CPC Class Codes: H01L 2224/17 of a plurality of bump connectors

Abstract

Disclosed is a personalized security system for use with a PDA or other portable electronic device. An interrogator signal is transmitted from the portable electronic device, triggering a responsive transmission of a password from an electronic key carried by the wearer. Certain selected functions or all functions of the electronic device are therefore only enabled if the electronic device is within a predetermined operating proximity of the electronic key. Also disclosed is a personal preference monitoring system, for allowing personal preferences to be automatically implemented in response to a user passing within a predetermined distance of an interrogation signal transmitter.

Claims

1. A method of enabling a portable electronic device, comprising the steps of:

transmitting an interrogation signal from the electronic device;

receiving the interrogation signal at an electronic key which is remote from the device;

transmitting a password from the key in response to receipt of the interrogation signal; and

enabling the device in response to receipt of the password.

2. A method of enabling a portable electronic device as in claim 1, wherein the device comprises a cellular telephone.

3. A method of enabling a portable electronic device as in claim 1, wherein the device comprises a PDA.

4. A method of enabling a portable electronic device as in claim 1, wherein the device comprises a portable computer.

5. A method of enabling a portable electronic device as in claim 1, wherein the interrogation signal comprises an RF signal.

6. A method of enabling a portable electronic device as in claim 5, wherein the password comprises a modified form of the interrogation signal.

7. A method of enabling a portable electronic device as in claim 1, wherein the key comprises an RF-ID circuit.

8. A method of enabling a portable electronic device as in claim 7, wherein the RF-ID circuit is passive.

9. A method of enabling a portable electronic device as in claim 7, wherein the RF-ID circuit is active.

10. A method of enabling a portable electronic device as in claim 7, wherein the transmitting an interrogation signal step is in response to turning power on to the device.

11. A method of enabling a portable electronic device as in claim 7, wherein the transmitting an interrogation signal step comprises transmitting a single pulse of predetermined duration.

12. A method of enabling a portable electronic device as in claim 7, wherein the enabling step comprises enabling at least one function on the device.

13. A method of enabling a portable electronic device as in claim 1, wherein the receiving step comprises receiving the interrogation signal within about six feet from the device.

14. A method of enabling a portable electronic device as in claim 13, wherein the receiving step comprises receiving the interrogation signal within about three feet from the device.

15. A method of enabling a portable electronic device as in claim 14, wherein the receiving step comprises receiving the interrogation signal within about eighteen inches from the device.

16. A portable electronic device security system, comprising:

a portable electronic device;

an interrogation signal transmitter associated with the device;

an electronic key remote from the device; and

a password encoded in the key;

wherein the key transmits the password in response to an interrogation signal from the device, and the device is enabled in response to receipt of the password.

17. A portable electronic device security system as in claim 16, wherein the portable electronic device comprises a cellular telephone.

18. A portable electronic device security system as in claim 16, wherein the portable electronic device comprises a PDA.

19. A portable electronic device security system as in claim 16, wherein the portable electronic device comprises a computer.

20. A portable electronic device security system as in claim 16, wherein the key comprises a passive RF-Key circuit.

21. A portable electronic device security system as in claim 16, wherein the key comprises an active RF-Key circuit

22. A portable electronic device security system as in claim 16, wherein the key is carried by an article of clothing.

23. A portable electronic device security system as in claim 16, wherein the key is carried by a wrist band.

24. A portable electronic device security system as in claim 23, wherein the wrist band comprises a wrist watch strap.

25. A portable electronic device security system as in claim 16, wherein the key is carried by a wrist watch.

26. A portable electronic device security system as in claim 16, wherein the key is carried by a pair of eyeglasses.

27. A portable electronic device security system as in claim 16, wherein the key is carried by a finger ring.

28. A portable electronic device security system as in claim 16, wherein the key is carried by a glove.

29. A portable electronic device security system as in claim 16, wherein the interrogation signal comprises an RF signal.

30. A portable electronic device security system as in claim 16, wherein the key carries a password for each of two or more electronic devices.

31. A wireless personal preference control system, comprising an RF-Key circuit including an antenna, a memory and at least one preference password therein;

a receiver, remote from the RF-Key; and

electronics in communication with the receiver for identifying the password and executing a preference in response to receipt of the password by the receiver.