Dynamic security system

• US 7,222,239 B2
• Filed: 03/16/2002
• Issued: 05/22/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 03/16/2002
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. (HP Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. (HP Inc.)
• Inventors: Smith, Mark T.
• Primary Examiner(s): Barron, Jr.; Gilberto
• Assistant Examiner(s): Sandoval; Kristin D.
• Application Number:
  US10/099,342
• Publication Number:
  US 20030177370A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,893 Days
• Field of Search: 713/185
• US Class Current: 713/185
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 2009/0096 Electronic keys comprising a non-biometric sensor
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 9/21 having a variable access code
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 9/27 with central registration
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 9/28 the pass enabling tracking or indicating presence
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 9/29 the pass containing active electronic elements, e.g. smartcards

Abstract

A security system involving a user includes a token attachable to the user. The token is associated with the user while attached to the user. The association is automatically discontinued when the token is detached from the user.

Claims

1. A security system comprising:

a token;

the token associated with a first user while attached to the first user;

the association with the first user automatically discontinued when the token is detached from the first user;

the token associated with a second user while attached to the second user;

the association with the second user automatically discontinued when the token is detached from the second user;

whereby the token is dynamically associated with the first and second users.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the token includes an attachment sensor for determining when the token is detached.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the token includes a biometric sensor for obtaining identification information about the user to whom the token is attached.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the token includes means for authenticating the user to whom the token is attached.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the token includes:

an attachment sensor;

a processor; and

data storage;

the processor storing security information in the data storage after the sensor indicates that the token has been attached to the first or second user;

the processor expunging the security information from the data storage when the sensor detects that the body has been detached from the first or second user.

6. The system of claim 1, further comprising access control means for an asset, the means not allowing access to the asset if a security path between the token, the user to whom the token is attached, and the means is not established.

7. The system of claim 6, wherein a leg of the security path is established while the token communicates at least some of the security information with the access control means.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein a leg of the security path is established while the token is attached.

9. The system of claim 1, further comprising means for accessing security information about the user to whom the token is attached, and sending the security information to the token.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein the token generates a one-time use encryption key and sends the key to the means;

and wherein the means uses the key to encrypt the security information and send the encrypted security information to the token.

11. The system of claim 1, further comprising control access means for receiving at least some security information from the token;

and means for receiving at least some security information from the control access means, making a control access decision, and supplying the control access decision to the control access means.

12. A security system comprising a token attachable to a user;

the token associated with the user while attached to the user;

the association automatically discontinued when the token is detached from the user, wherein the token includes data storage for storing security information, the security information indicating a security violation condition, and wherein the token expunges the security information when the condition is detected;

whereby the association between the token and the user is discontinued when the security information is expunged.

13. Apparatus controlling a user'"'"'s access to an asset, the apparatus comprising:

first means for detecting attachment and detachment of the apparatus to the user; and

second means for storing information about the user'"'"'s access, the information stored after the first means indicates that the apparatus has been attached;

the second means expunging the information when the first means detects that the token has been detached.

14. A device for securing a user, the device comprising:

a body securable to the user;

a sensor for detecting when the body is unsecured from the user;

a processor; and

data storage;

the processor storing security information related to the user in the data storage when the sensor detects that the body is secured to the user;

the processor expunging the security information from the data storage when the sensor detects that the body has been removed from the user.

15. The device of claim 14, further comprising a biometric sensor for obtaining identification information about the user.

16. The device of claim 14, further comprising a transmitter for transmitting at least some of the security information.

17. The device of claim 16, wherein the security information is transmitted over a secure channel.

18. The device of claim 14, wherein the processor also generates a one-time use key for encryption of security information.

19. The device of claim 14, further comprising sensors for obtaining context information, the context information being evaluated against the security information.

20. The device of claim 14, further comprising a transmitter for transmitting a tracking signal.