System for automatically initiating a computer security and/or screen saver mode
First Claim
1. A computer, comprising:
- a microprocessor;
a memory device coupled to the microprocessor, the memory device containing a screen saver program for execution by the microprocessor;
an input device coupled to the microprocessor;
a display device coupled to the microprocessor;
a proximity sensor for detecting whether a person is located proximate the computer based on a presence of the person, the proximity sensor generating a detection signal indicative of whether or not the person is proximate the computer; and
a keyboard controller coupled to the microprocessor and a keyboard, the keyboard controller further coupled to the proximity sensor to receive the detection signal therefrom, the keyboard controller configured to simulate activation of at least one key of the keyboard to prevent screen saver program from executing when the proximity sensor indicates the person is proximate to the computer.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A system for automatically switching a computer to a password protected screen saver mode when a computer user leaves the proximity of the computer. The system includes a proximity sensor that determines whether or not an individual is located proximate the computer. The proximity sensor interfaces with either the computer a bus bridge, a keyboard controller, a keyboard, or some another component of the computer to cause the computer to start executing a screen saver program responsive to an output signal from the proximity sensor. A variety of proximity sensors may be used, including ultrasound, infrared, or electromagnetic proximity sensors. A proximity sensor may also detect the presence of the computer user by detecting the weight of the user at a location proximate the computer.
60 Citations
27 Claims
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1. A computer, comprising:
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a microprocessor; a memory device coupled to the microprocessor, the memory device containing a screen saver program for execution by the microprocessor; an input device coupled to the microprocessor; a display device coupled to the microprocessor; a proximity sensor for detecting whether a person is located proximate the computer based on a presence of the person, the proximity sensor generating a detection signal indicative of whether or not the person is proximate the computer; and a keyboard controller coupled to the microprocessor and a keyboard, the keyboard controller further coupled to the proximity sensor to receive the detection signal therefrom, the keyboard controller configured to simulate activation of at least one key of the keyboard to prevent screen saver program from executing when the proximity sensor indicates the person is proximate to the computer. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A system for controlling the operating mode of a computer, the system comprising:
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a proximity sensor for detecting whether a person is located proximate the computer based on a presence of the person, the proximity sensor generating a detection signal indicative of the person leaving the proximity of the computer; and a keyboard controller coupled to the computer and a keyboard, the keyboard controller further coupled to the proximity sensor to receive the detection signal, the keyboard controller configured to simulate activation of at least one key of the keyboard to prevent the computer from switching to a password protected mode when the proximity sensor indicates the person is proximate to the computer. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
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19. A system for controlling the operating mode of a computer, the system comprising:
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a proximity sensor for detecting whether a person is located proximate the computer based on a presence of the person, the proximity sensor generating a detection signal indicative of whether or not the person is proximate the computer; and a keyboard controller coupled to the computer and a keyboard, the keyboard controller further coupled to the proximity sensor to receive the detection signal, the keyboard controller configured to simulate activation of at least one key of the keyboard to prevent screen saver program from being executed by the computer when the proximity sensor indicates the person is proximate to the computer. - View Dependent Claims (20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27)
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Specification