Computer keyboard with ultrasonic user proximity sensor
First Claim
1. In a computer terminal that includes a keyboard connected to a computer through a communications channel, subject to a user log-on authentication process, the improvement comprising:
- at least one user identification module secured within and connected to the keyboard, each identification module capable of carrying out a respective log-on user authentication process;
a user presence detector supported on an upper surface of the keyboard and directed toward an expected location of a user at the keyboard, said user presence detector generating a user-absent signal when no user is detected at said expected location; and
,said computer terminating the connection of the terminal to the computer following a predetermined time delay after said user-absent signal is received;
wherein said user presence detector means includes an ultrasonic presence detector that projects an acoustic beam primarily along a detector axis.
1 Assignment
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Accused Products
Abstract
A terminal for a computer system includes a keyboard incorporating modules for performing two factor authentication (TFA) for log-on of a user. TFA preferably combines a fingerprint scan with the proximity of a previously enrolled Bluetooth device that typically accompanies the user, such as a wireless phone or headset. The keyboard also includes an ultrasonic proximity detector aimed to detect the presence of the user at the keyboard and to terminate log-on when the user leaves the keyboard. The keyboard processor may be used as an encryption engine to encode all keystroke data and authentication/log-on transactions with the computer system.
10 Citations
13 Claims
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1. In a computer terminal that includes a keyboard connected to a computer through a communications channel, subject to a user log-on authentication process, the improvement comprising:
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at least one user identification module secured within and connected to the keyboard, each identification module capable of carrying out a respective log-on user authentication process; a user presence detector supported on an upper surface of the keyboard and directed toward an expected location of a user at the keyboard, said user presence detector generating a user-absent signal when no user is detected at said expected location; and
,said computer terminating the connection of the terminal to the computer following a predetermined time delay after said user-absent signal is received; wherein said user presence detector means includes an ultrasonic presence detector that projects an acoustic beam primarily along a detector axis. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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Specification