Secure portable memory mouse device

• US 20070016957A1
• Filed: 07/18/2005
• Published: 01/18/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 07/18/2005
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Avago Technologies ECBU IP Singapore Pte Limited (Broadcom, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Avago Technologies ECBU IP Singapore Pte Limited (Broadcom, Inc.)
• Inventors: Xie, Tong, Depue, Marshall, Seaward, Karen
• Application Number:
  US11/183,501
• Publication Number:
  US 20070016957A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 726/26
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 21/32 using biometric data, e.g. fingerprints, iris scans or voiceprints
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 21/82 Protecting input, output or interconnection devices
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 2203/0336 Mouse integrated fingerprint sensor
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 2203/0384 Wireless input, i.e. hardware and software details of wireless interface arrangements for pointing devices
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/03543 Mice or pucks G06F3/03541 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0383 Signal control means within the pointing device
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/039 Accessories therefor, e.g. mouse pads
• CPC Class Codes: H02G 11/02 using take-up reel or drum

Abstract

A secure portable mouse memory device for use with a processor unit. The device includes a mouse having an encryption processor in communication with the processor unit, a memory and an encryption key. The memory has an unlock mode in which the memory is operable to communicate with the processor unit and has a lock mode in which the memory is not operable to communicate with the processor unit. The encryption processor locks the memory in the unlock mode when the encryption processor matches a received unlock code with the encryption key.

Claims

1. A secure portable mouse memory device for use with a processor unit comprising:

a mouse having an encryption processor in communication with the processor unit;

a memory having an unlock mode in which the memory is operable to communicate with the processor unit and having a lock mode in which the memory is not operable to communicate with the processor unit; and

an encryption key wherein the encryption processor locks the memory in unlock mode when the encryption processor matches a received locking code with the encryption key.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the mouse is operable to transmit data between the memory in the unlock mode and the processor unit over a wireless connection.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein the mouse has a mouse cord, the mouse cord having a processor connector end, the mouse also having a receptor port to receive the processor connector end.

4. The device of claim 3, wherein the processor connector end is adapted to connect to the processor unit selected from the group consisting of a computer, a portable communication device, a laptop computer, a personal digital assistant, a cell phone, a music player, a digital camera device, a video recording device, and combinations thereof.

5. The device of claim 3, wherein the processor connector end includes a memory device, the memory device being insertable in the receptor port.

6. The device of claim 1, wherein the encryption key is a biometric identifier and the mouse further includes a biometric sensor.

7. The device of claim 1, wherein the mouse has a memory port, and the memory is a removable memory device insertable into the memory port.

8. The device of claim 1, wherein the mouse has a memory port, and the memory is updatable from a removable memory device inserted into the memory port when the memory is in the unlock mode.

9. The device of claim 1, further comprising:

a spooling device operable to retract and extend a mouse cord, the spooling device being operably attached to the mouse.

10. The device of claim 9, wherein:

the mouse has a housing portion and the spooling device is located within the housing portion, and

the processor connector end is partially external to the housing portion.

11. The device of claim 9, wherein the memory is located within the spooling device.

12. A secure portable mouse memory system for use with a processor unit comprising:

a mouse having a housing portion;

an encryption processor located in the housing portion, the encryption processor in communication with the processor unit and operable to receive a locking code from a user of the processor unit;

a memory operable to interface with the encryption processor located in the housing portion, the memory having a locking mode; and

an encryption key stored in the housing portion, wherein the encryption processor sets the locking mode of the memory in an unlock mode when the encryption processor matches a received locking code with the encryption key.

13. The system of claim 12, wherein the locking mode of the memory includes a lock mode and an unlock mode, wherein the memory is operable to communicate with the processor unit in the unlock mode, and wherein the memory is not operable to communicate with the processor unit in the lock mode.

14. The system of claim 12, wherein the mouse comprises a mouse cord having a processor connector end, the mouse also having a receptor port to receive the processor connector end.

15. The system of claim 14, wherein the mouse has a housing portion and the receptor port is formed in the housing portion.

16. The system of claim 15, wherein the cord has a length to allow the device to form a necklace when the processor connector end is attached to the receptor port.

17. The system of claim 12, wherein the mouse is operable to transmit data between the memory and the processor unit over a wireless connection.

18. A secure portable mouse memory system comprising:

means for determining a match between an encryption key and a received locking code;

means for setting a locking mode for a memory in a mouse;

means for establishing a connection between the mouse and a processor unit; and

means for transmitting data between the memory and a processor unit based on the setting of the locking mode.

19. The system of claim 18, further comprising:

means for attaching the mouse to a user when the connection is not established.

20. The system of claim 19, further comprising:

means for retracting the establishing means.