Gesture Based Electronic Latch for Laptop Computers

• US 20110050388A1
• Filed: 09/03/2009
• Published: 03/03/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 09/03/2009
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Dell Products LP (Dell Technologies Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Dell Products LP (Dell Technologies Inc.)
• Inventors: Lawrence, Bradley M., Kozak, Keith A., Denhez, Nicolas A.
• Granted Patent: US 8,988,190 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 340/5.8
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 21/31 User authentication
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 21/316 by observing the pattern of computer usage, e.g. typical user behaviour
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 21/36 by graphic or iconic representation
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 21/88 Detecting or preventing theft or loss
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 70/5009 For portable articles

Abstract

A portable information handling system includes a top cover, a base, and an electronic latch. The top cover is connected to the base. The top cover has a gesture sensitive surface configured to receive a trace. The electronic latch is in communication with the gesture sensitive surface, and is configured to latch the top cover and the base together. The electronic latch is further configured to unlatch the top cover from the base in response to receiving a signal representing that the trace received on the gesture sensitive surface is proper.

Claims

1. A portable information handling system comprising:

a top cover connected to a base, the top cover having a gesture sensitive surface configured to receive a trace; and

an electronic latch in communication with the gesture sensitive surface, the electronic latch configured to latch the top cover and the base together, and further configured to unlatch the top cover from the base in response to receiving a signal representing that the trace received on the gesture sensitive surface is proper.

2. The portable information handling system of claim 1 further comprising:

a display in communication with the gesture sensitive surface, the display configured to provide a visual indication that the trace was properly received.

3. The portable information handling system of claim 2 wherein the display comprises a plurality of light emitting diodes.

4. The portable information handling system of claim 1 further comprising:

a processor in communication with the gesture sensitive surface, the processor configured to receive a custom trace, and further configured to store the custom trace in a memory.

5. The portable information handling system of claim 4 wherein the trace is proper when the trace matches the custom trace stored in the memory.

6. The portable information handling system of claim 4 wherein the custom trace is selected from a group consisting of a shape, a set of initials, a letter, a number, and a design.

7. The portable information handling system of claim 1 wherein the trace is selected from a group consisting of a custom shape drawn on the gesture sensitive surface and a finger swipe along the entire length of the gesture sensitive surface.

8. A portable information handling system comprising:

a top cover connected to a base, the top cover having a gesture sensitive surface configured to receive a trace;

a processor in communication with the gesture sensitive surface, the processor configured to receive a signal associated with the trace from the gesture sensitive surface, and to determine whether the trace is proper;

a display in communication with the processor, the display configured to provide a visual indication that the trace was proper; and

an electronic latch in communication with the processor, the electronic latch configured to latch the top cover and the base together, and further configured to unlatch the top cover from the base in response to receiving a signal from the processor representing that the trace received on the gesture sensitive surface is proper.

9. The portable information handling system of claim 8 wherein the display comprises a plurality of light emitting diodes.

10. The portable information handling system of claim 8 wherein the processor is further configured to receive a custom trace from the gesture sensitive surface, and to store the custom trace in a memory.

11. The portable information handling system of claim 10 wherein the trace is proper when the trace matches the custom trace stored in the memory.

12. The portable information handling system of claim 10 wherein the custom trace is selected from a group consisting of a shape, a set of initials, a letter, a number, and a design.

13. The portable information handling system of claim 8 wherein the trace is selected from a group consisting of a custom shape drawn on the gesture sensitive surface and a finger swipe along the entire length of the gesture sensitive surface.

14. A method comprising:

receiving a custom trace;

storing the custom trace in a memory;

receiving an input trace on a portable information handling system;

verifying that the input trace matches the custom trace stored in the memory;

providing a visual indication that the input trace matches the custom trace; and

unlatching a top cover of the portable information handling system from a base via an electronic latch.

15. The method of claim 14 wherein the visual indication is provided on a display.

16. The method of claim 15 wherein the display is a plurality of light emitting diodes.

17. The method of claim 14 wherein the custom trace is selected from a group consisting of a shape, a set of initials, a letter, a number, and a design.

18. The method of claim 14 wherein the input trace is selected from a group consisting of a custom shape drawn on the gesture sensitive surface and a finger swipe along the entire length of the gesture sensitive surface.