Location-based anti-theft and security system and method

• US 20050253714A1
• Filed: 05/16/2005
• Published: 11/17/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 05/17/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Custos Technologies, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Custos Technologies, Inc.
• Inventors: Stephens, Randy
• Granted Patent: US 7,567,176 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 340/568.100
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 21/35 communicating wirelessly
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 13/1418 Removal detected by failure in electrical connection between the appliance and a control centre, home control panel or a power supply
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 21/025 System arrangements wherein the alarm criteria uses absence of reply signal after an elapsed time

Abstract

An anti-theft and file security system for a portable electronic device that uses a wireless transceiver coupled to the electronic device, which detects an identifying RF signal produced by a wireless access point. In the preferred embodiment, the access point is connected to a local or wide area network within a geographical area in which the portable electronic device is operated. During use, the RF signal from the access point is detected by a wireless transceiver. Loaded into the memory of the electronic device is a software program that determines if the RF signal is produced by a recognized wireless access point. If the RF signal is produced by the wireless access point is recognized, then the electronic device continues to operate and allows full access to secured files loaded thereon. If no RF signal is detected or if the detected RF signal is from a non-recognizable access point, then operation of the electronic device is terminated and/or access to the secured file is blocked.

Claims

1. An anti-theft and file security system for a portable electronic device, comprising:

a. an electronic device including working memory and at least one secured file designated as being limited to authorized users;

b. a radio-frequency signal detecting means coupled to said electronic device;

c. a radio-frequency generating means capable of producing an identifiable RF signal within a designated geographic region where said secure file may be used by other electronic devices capable of connecting to said electronic device that includes said secured file; and

,

d. a software program loaded into the working memory of said electronic device, said software program used to discontinue operation of said electronic device or access to said secured file on said electronic device when said RF signal from said radio-frequency signal generating means is no loner detected.

2. The anti-theft and file security system for a portable electronic device as recited in claim 1, further including a table containing the identifying codes assigned to said radio-frequency generating means operated within said designated geographical region.

3. The anti-theft and file security system for a portable electronic device as recited in claim 1 wherein said table is stored with said electronic device.

4. The anti-theft and file security system for a portable electronic device as recited in claim 2, wherein said table is stored within a peripheral device capable of connecting to said electronic device.

5. The anti-theft and file security system for a portable electronic device as recited in claim 2, wherein said files are stored in a peripheral device capable of connecting to said electronic device.

6. The anti-theft and file security system for a portable electronic device as recited in claim 5, wherein said table is stored within a peripheral device capable of connecting to said electronic device.

7. An anti-theft and file security method for an electronic device is also provided comprising the following steps:

a. selecting a geographic region where an electronic device with at least one secured data file is authorized to be operated;

b. installing at least one radio-frequency signal generating means within said geographic region;

c. selected an electronic device with at least one secured data file;

d. connecting a radio-frequency signal detecting means to said electronic device; and

,

e. loading a software program into said electronic device capable of identifying a signal from said radio-frequency generating means and detected by said radio-frequency signal detecting means, software capable of identifying said RF signal generating means as being located within said designated area and allowing access to said secured data file or said secured data file when no radio-frequency signal is detected.

8. The anti-theft and file security method as recited in claim 7, further including a table used by said software program to determine with said signal from said RF signal generating means is an authorized RF signal, said table containing at least on identication code of said RF signal generating means located with geographic region.