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Method of allowing access to an electronic device

  • US 7,589,614 B2
  • Filed: 09/23/2004
  • Issued: 09/15/2009
  • Est. Priority Date: 11/29/2000
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. A method of allowing access to an electronic device (218) disposed in a working space (14) by a user (16) having a remote device (212) in proximity to the electronic device (218), said method comprising the steps of:

  • disposing the electronic device (218) selected from at least one of a computer, a printer, a personal digital assistant, a copy machine, and a cellular phone in communication with a network (13) at a known position in the working space (14);

    disposing an access point (20) in communication with the network (13) at a known position about the working space (14);

    detecting the remote device (212) with the access point (20);

    transmitting an initial signal from the access point (20) instructing the remote device (212) to respond after a delay period;

    detecting the initial signal with the remote device (212);

    transmitting a response signal from the remote device (212) upon the expiration of the delay period;

    detecting the response signal with the access point (20);

    measuring a period interval from the transmission of the initial signal to the detection of the response signal by the access point (20);

    determining a distance of the remote device (212) from the electronic device (218) based upon the period interval and the known positions of the access point (20) and the electronic device (218);

    comparing the distance to a predetermined distance range;

    enabling the electronic device (218) in response to the distance of the remote device (212) being within the predetermined distance range such that the user (16) can access the electronic device (218) and the network (13); and

    disabling the electronic device (218) in response to the distance of the remote device (212) being outside the predetermined distance range such that the user (16) can not access the electronic device (218) and the network (13).

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