Electronic apparatus including a device for preventing loss or theft
First Claim
1. A communication unit including a device for preventing loss or theft of the unit, the device receiving and assessing an enabling signal comprising identity information from an external source, and controlling operation of the communication unit in dependence upon the assessment, the device measuring signal strength of the enabling signal and examining the identity information included in the enabling signal, triggering a first alarm if the enabling signal strength is below a first predetermined level and triggering a second alarm if the enabling signal strength is below a second predetermined level that is lower than the first predetermined level, with the alarms perceptably indicating different alarm conditions, wherein the device determines whether the identity information correctly enables operation of the unit only if signal strength of the enabling signal is above the second predetermined level, and wherein the unit is inoperable until the unit is enabled.
13 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A mobile telephone includes a control device, which comprises a receiver to receive an enabling signal and a controller to enable operation of the mobile telephone in dependence upon the enabling signal. An active badge transmits the enabling signal. If the telephone and the badge are separated and the mobile telephone is no longer able to receive the enabling signal, then the controller disables the mobile telephone.
69 Citations
19 Claims
- 1. A communication unit including a device for preventing loss or theft of the unit, the device receiving and assessing an enabling signal comprising identity information from an external source, and controlling operation of the communication unit in dependence upon the assessment, the device measuring signal strength of the enabling signal and examining the identity information included in the enabling signal, triggering a first alarm if the enabling signal strength is below a first predetermined level and triggering a second alarm if the enabling signal strength is below a second predetermined level that is lower than the first predetermined level, with the alarms perceptably indicating different alarm conditions, wherein the device determines whether the identity information correctly enables operation of the unit only if signal strength of the enabling signal is above the second predetermined level, and wherein the unit is inoperable until the unit is enabled.
Specification