Use Or Access Blocking (e.g., Locking Switch) Patents (Class 455/26.1)
  • Patent number: 8225410
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices secure content in memory. When the content is received, the content includes a lock that prohibits reading the content from memory. Prior to expiration of the lock the content cannot be read from memory. At expiration, however, the content is then readable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L. P.
    Inventors: Lloyd T. Whitfield, Jr., Randy Zimler
  • Patent number: 8217800
    Abstract: When a wireless communications device is traveling a speed exceeding a first predetermined threshold but less than a second predetermined threshold, the device is presumed traveling in a motor vehicle. In order to inhibit operation of the wireless communication device when traveling, access to certain device functions or applications such as e-mail, text messaging, etc. are limited by requiring the user of the device to respond correctly to a randomly generated visual challenge, such as, for example, a CAPTCHA (in which a user is prompted to recognize the characters in a visually distorted string of text). This visual challenge presents a sufficient obstacle that the user will be less likely to use the wireless communications device for e-mailing or texting while operating a motor vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Research In Motion Limited
    Inventors: Raymond Vander Veen, Gerhard Dietrich Klassen
  • Patent number: 8213962
    Abstract: A method is implemented by a mobile device associated with a short-range wireless network in a vehicle. The method includes identifying a paired device within the short-range wireless network, the paired device having access to a vehicle information system, and receiving, from the paired device, vehicle status information from the vehicle information system. The mobile device determines if the vehicle status information triggers a safety mode for the mobile device and disables particular features or components of the mobile device based on the determination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Verizon Patent and Licensing Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey Thomas Carr
  • Publication number: 20120115413
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of wireless communication and specifically the use of a cell-phone to monitor safe driving by suspending all communication to/from mobile terminal when the user of such terminal is an active driver, unless the vehicle is not a train and it is equipped with the hands-free functionality, or it is not in motion, or the active driver status has changed, or unless the user makes an emergency call.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2011
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Applicant: IPCOMM LLC
    Inventors: Stanislaw Czaja, Ilona Stawski, Muhammad Afsar
  • Publication number: 20120108166
    Abstract: A mobile communications device can have a locked mode in which the mobile communications device is protected against unauthorized use. A mobile communications device includes device applications implemented by a software program or firmware program that enables an application to be temporarily operable or operable under certain conditions when the mobile communications device is locked. Device applications can include a camera enabled for image data acquisition and a microphone or an audio recorder or a microphone and an audio recorder enabled for audio data acquisition. Acquired image data and audio data can be stored locally to the mobile communications device or stored externally to the mobile communications device. The mobile communications device can be configured to operate applications under different conditions. The mobile communications device can be configured to display a message that applications have been operated while the mobile communications device was locked or in a locked mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2010
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Applicant: RESEARCH IN MOTION LIMITED
    Inventor: James Allen Hymel
  • Patent number: 8155585
    Abstract: There is disclosed a system and method for blocking a device from a carrier network. In an embodiment, the method comprises defining an unauthorized combination filter including one or more device parameters; attaching the unauthorized combination filter to a carrier; comparing the device parameter values in the unauthorized combination filter to device parameter values stored in the device; and if the device parameter values stored in the device match the device parameter values in the unauthorized combination filter, then blocking the device from accessing the carrier network. The device parameter values stored in the device may include one or more of a device type value, a device operating system version value, and a device application version value, and the method further comprises comparing these one or more values to corresponding device parameter values defined in the unauthorized combination filter. The unauthorized combination filter may be attached to a carrier by providing a carrier identifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Research In Motion Limited
    Inventor: Tran Hoang Huynh
  • Publication number: 20120083204
    Abstract: In accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus such as a terminal receives a message comprising cell reservation information, stores information indicating whether the terminal is a machine-type terminal, sends an attachment request toward a network in dependence of the cell reservation information and the information indicating whether the apparatus is comprised in a machine-type terminal, wherein the cell reservation information comprises cell reservation information relating exclusively to machine-type terminals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2010
    Publication date: April 5, 2012
    Applicant: NOKIA CORPORATION
    Inventor: Brian Alexander Martin
  • Patent number: 8136053
    Abstract: Embodiments enable a mobile device to execute an action analogous to a user-defined action in response to receipt of a gesture analogous to a user-defined gesture. In a first embodiment, a computer-implemented method executes an action on a mobile device. A lock screen view is displayed on the mobile device to prevent unauthorized and inadvertent access to the mobile device's data. While the mobile device is locked, a touch gesture having a pre-defined shape is detected on a touch screen of the mobile device independently of the initial position of the touch gesture on the touch screen. In response to detection of the touch gesture, a particular action is executed on the mobile device while the mobile device stays locked. The particular action determined according to the pre-defined shape. In this way, detection of the touch gesture causes the particular action to execute while keeping the mobile device locked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventors: James B. Miller, Jean-Michel Trivi
  • Patent number: 8126432
    Abstract: A system and method for detecting and storing information regarding a mobile communications device within a mobile communications network. Initially, a first data record is received at a subscriber/device database comprising subscriber/device data. Next, a second data record is received at the subscriber/device database comprising additional subscriber/device data. A first data record of a subscriber may then be compared to a second data record of the same subscriber, and if the first data record is different from the second data record a service provider may be notified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: AT&T Mobility II LLC
    Inventors: Donald M. Cardina, Anastasios L. Kefalas
  • Patent number: 8078143
    Abstract: A wireless handset configured to be remotely accessed is described. The wireless handset comprises a user interface, a handset memory, a processor, and a software module. The user interface resident on the wireless handset is configured to enable the wireless handset to be remotely controlled with a remote lock password. The handset memory stores the remote lock password. The processor is adapted to receive a remote lock message from another electronic device. The remote lock message comprises a received password and a target phone number. The software module matches the received password with the remote lock password and then proceeds to send at least one call to the target phone number. Additionally, a method for controlling usage of the wireless handset is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Kyocera Corporation
    Inventor: Diego Kaplan
  • Publication number: 20110293095
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for intelligent authentication based on proximity and using a short wireless device. The method checks if the user captured a PIN code recently and if no signal drop was detected since the last PIN capture. It obtains user data from a unitary short wireless device and authenticates it. If the user PIN was not captured recently, or if a signal drop was recently detected, the user is asked to enter a PIN code.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2011
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Inventor: Mourad Ben Ayed
  • Patent number: 8068811
    Abstract: According to an embodiment of the invention, a mobile communication terminal device comprises: an information memory unit configured to store a first information and a security information indicating whether the first information is secret; a backup request memory unit configured to store a first request for backing up identification information of the first information and the first information, or a second request for deleting a second information identified by the identification information with which the first information is stored in the backup device; a transmitting unit configured to transmit the first request or the second request based on the information stored in the backup request memory unit; and a management unit configured to store the identification information of the first information and the first request, if the first information of which the security information indicates that the first information is not secret is stored in the information memory unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: Fujitsu Toshiba Mobile Communications Limited
    Inventor: Akira Takamune
  • Patent number: 8068825
    Abstract: A mechanism is provided whereby a parent, or other second party, can monitor and/or control a child's or other first party's wireless device usage. An interface can allow the parent to set rules for the child's usage, and can specify that the parent should receive messages when a call is made to or from the child's wireless device. In addition to call information, the message may prompt the parent for approval of the call connection. Thus, a parent can decide whether a call that is incoming from or outgoing to a third party should be permitted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: Cingular Wireless II, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey Clinton Mikan, John Ervin Lewis, Justin McNamara, Fulvio Cenciarelli, Anastasios L. Kefalas
  • Patent number: 8041800
    Abstract: A communication orchestration service automatically orchestrates dynamic multiple party, multiple media communications. A customer expresses his or her communications needs in the form of a high-level goal or goals. A goal-based search finds a combination of building block predicates that can be used to satisfy the customer's needs. In conjunction with the search process, the mechanism uses the SIP OPTIONS request or presence information to actively query device status and capabilities during the search. This enables the search to actively explore the communications environment at runtime. Once a solution is found, the necessary parties can be contacted, resources can be provisioned, and the multiple media, multiple user collaboration/conference can be initiated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Michael A. Gilfix, Rhys D. Ulerich
  • Patent number: 8041949
    Abstract: An information processing system in which information transfers between communication devices through a network is limited within a prescribed range by registering unique information obtainable within the prescribed range into each device and permitting information transfer between devices which share common unique information, where the unique information is formed by a pair of public and secret unique information, a bridge device is controlled such that, upon receiving a proxy check request from a reception device, whether a transmission device is another bridge device or not is judged when the public unique information registered by the reception device is registered in the bridge device and one public unique information registered in the bridge device is registered by the transmission device. Then, the secret unique information registered by the reception device is transmitted to the transmission device when the transmission device is not another bridge device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Hiroshi Isozaki, Takeshi Saito, Tatsuyuki Matsushita, Tooru Kamibayashi
  • Publication number: 20110237183
    Abstract: A method and an arrangement (400) for determining an admission control threshold for use in an admission control procedure are provided. The admission control procedure manages a first spectrum resource (R1). The first spectrum resource (R1) has a first spectrum resource capacity and a first available spectrum resource capacity, wherein the first available spectrum resource capacity has a time dependence. In a step (220), the admission control threshold is determined based on the first spectrum resource capacity and a measure of the time dependence of the first available spectrum resource capacity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2008
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Applicant: TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET L M ERICSSON (publ)
    Inventors: Joachim Sachs, Jonas Kronander, Olav Queseth, Tim Irnich, Hugo Tullberg
  • Publication number: 20110223857
    Abstract: A programmable electronic access control system with “on line” updating without cables has at least one communication centre or node, which is connected to the central control unit via a standard industrial communication network, and includes transceiver means which are used to wirelessly connect, via radio-frequency channels, each communication centre to at least one access element in which the user presents the access certificate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2009
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Applicant: TALLERES DE ESCORIAZA, S.A.
    Inventors: Julia Vila Errandonea, Eduardo Jauregui Torrecilla
  • Patent number: 8001615
    Abstract: A method for managing the security of applications with a security module associated to an equipment connected to a network managed by a control server of an operator. The applications use resources as data or functions stored in the security module locally connected to the equipment. The method may include steps of receiving, analyzing and verifying, by the control server, identification data from the equipment and the security module, generating a cryptogram from the result of the verification of the identification data, transmitting the cryptogram to the security module of the equipment, and selectively activating or selectively deactivating by the security module at least one resource as data or functions of the security module by executing instructions included in the cryptogram and conditioning the functioning of an application according to criteria established by a supplier of the application or the operator or a user of the equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignees: Nagravision S.A., Swisscom Mobile AG
    Inventors: Rached Ksontini, Renato Cantini
  • Patent number: 7992006
    Abstract: A data protection method and system thereof used for a smart card, wherein, the user may select a data frame in a smart card through a data access interface, and input data into the data frame. The data protection system includes a data protection module, an encryption-decryption module, and a data storage module. The data protection module is coupled respectively to a data access interface and a smart card. The encryption-decryption module is coupled to the data protection module, and is used to generate an encrypted data frame and a fake data frame. The data protection module is used to store the fake data frame into a smart card. When it is desired to access the data frame, the data access interface is used to read out the corresponding fake data frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Mitac International Corp.
    Inventor: Ying-Hui She
  • Publication number: 20110171982
    Abstract: A method and device are provided in the present invention, for providing the exclusive service control right of to the wireless access user. Wherein, the network device provides a plurality of format template information of the user terminals for requesting the service control right, and particularly for requesting the service control right of the video collecting device in wireless video surveillance system. Preferably, the template information is edited with the OMA interactive media file, and the user terminal generates an interactive command according to command format information that is corresponding to the user terminal, and sends to the network device, so as to request for service control right. The network device processes the interactive command received from different user terminals, so as to provide the user terminal with service control right.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2008
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Inventors: Nan Wang, Zhikun Wan
  • Publication number: 20110143659
    Abstract: There is disclosed a system and method for blocking a device from a carrier network. In an embodiment, the method comprises defining an unauthorized combination filter including one or more device parameters; attaching the unauthorized combination filter to a carrier; comparing the device parameter values in the unauthorized combination filter to device parameter values stored in the device; and if the device parameter values stored in the device match the device parameter values in the unauthorized combination filter, then blocking the device from accessing the carrier network. The device parameter values stored in the device may include one or more of a device type value, a device operating system version value, and a device application version value, and the method further comprises comparing these one or more values to corresponding device parameter values defined in the unauthorized combination filter. The unauthorized combination filter may be attached to a carrier by providing a carrier identifier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2011
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Applicant: RESEARCH IN MOTION LIMITED
    Inventor: Tran Hoang HUYNH
  • Publication number: 20110143786
    Abstract: A system for restricting a functionality of a wireless device includes the wireless device and a movement sensor. The movement sensor determines a speed at which the wireless device is moving. The movement sensor transmits a signal when the speed is greater than a predetermined threshold. The signal is at least partially a basis to restrict the functionality, wherein the restriction does not completely disable the functionality.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2009
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Inventors: James FAN, Thomas BARRETT, Jennifer LAM
  • Publication number: 20110109433
    Abstract: A method for accessing a locked object. A first SMS message addressed to a short code and requesting access to the locked object is received by an Approval Authority computer and/or short code from one of a locked object and a requestor's wireless communication device. The Approval Authority computer determines whether to grant the requested access, and sends, back to one of the locked object and the requestor's wireless communication device, one of an access code for the locked object and a SMS reply containing the access code. If the requested access is granted, the Approval Authority also initiates billing the requestor a predetermined fee for the access.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2009
    Publication date: May 12, 2011
    Inventors: Adam KUENZI, Ali HODROJ, Brian QUISLING
  • Patent number: 7917085
    Abstract: There is disclosed a system and method for blocking a device from a carrier network. In an embodiment, the method comprises defining an unauthorized combination filter including one or more device parameters; attaching the unauthorized combination filter to a carrier; comparing the device parameter values in the unauthorized combination filter to device parameter values stored in the device; and if the device parameter values stored in the device match the device parameter values in the unauthorized combination filter, then blocking the device from accessing the carrier network. The device parameter values stored in the device may include one or more of a device type value, a device operating system version value, and a device application version value, and the method further comprises comparing these one or more values to corresponding device parameter values defined in the unauthorized combination filter. The unauthorized combination filter may be attached to a carrier by providing a carrier identifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Research In Motion Limited
    Inventor: Tran Hoang Huynh
  • Publication number: 20110063098
    Abstract: Methods and systems for providing standardized mobile device distraction prevention and safety protocols are disclosed. In particular, an embodiment of a method for activating a distraction prevention or safety protocol behavior in a mobile device when the mobile device satisfies a specific condition is disclosed. The method includes discovering one or more protocol activators configured to transmit discovery information associated with a specific condition. The method further includes activating distraction prevention safety protocol behavior in the mobile device based at least in part on the discovery information. In an implementation, the specific condition may be a specified environment itself and or include an event when the mobile device enters a specified environment or a specified sequence of numbers is dialed from the mobile device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2010
    Publication date: March 17, 2011
    Inventors: John J. FISCHER, Hap NGUYEN
  • Publication number: 20110065375
    Abstract: Apparatuses, systems and methods for limiting mobile device functionality in defined environments. One system includes a detection structure or arrangement for detecting illicit mobile device RF transmissions and/or an operating state in relation to a defined environment, and an interference or disabling structure or arrangement for at least partially disabling the functionality of the mobile device upon detection of an illicit mobile device RF transmission or a particular operating state. For instance, the system may be implemented in an automobile or aircraft cabin to prevent drivers and/or passengers from utilizing at least one functionality of a mobile device (e.g., talking, texting, Internet surfing).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2010
    Publication date: March 17, 2011
    Applicant: Boulder Cellular Labs, Inc.
    Inventor: Frank Bradley
  • Patent number: 7890743
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for configuring a device based on proximity to another device. A user device is configured by obtaining one or more configuration rules that establish one or more configuration parameters of the user device based on a proximity to one or more additional general purpose devices; determining whether one or more of the configuration rules are satisfied; and configuring the user device based on the satisfied one or more configuration rules. The configuration rules can be configured by an authorized user of the user device. The proximity comprises a predefined physical relationship between devices that is based on distance, such as a radius around a given device, or a physical relationship, such as in the same room or building, or within a communication range of a device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: Avaya Inc.
    Inventors: Annette L. Buchanan, Sally Ann C. Mcilhinney, Adonny W. Raphael, Terry E. Schmalzried
  • Publication number: 20110021174
    Abstract: A mobile device is configured with electrical circuitry that causes the transmit channel electrical circuitry of the transmitter (Tx) of the mobile device to be electrically coupled to the receive channel electrical circuitry of the receiver (Rx) of the mobile device when one or more predetermined conditions occur. The electrical coupling of the transmit channel circuitry to the receive channel circuitry causes the Rx to be sufficiently damaged to render the mobile device nonoperational, thereby preventing further use of the mobile device. The one or more predetermined conditions correspond to conditions that indicate the mobile device has been lost or stolen and/or that an unauthorized user is attempting to use the mobile device in some manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2009
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Inventors: Kouros Azimi, Anthony J. Grewe
  • Publication number: 20110021213
    Abstract: A method is implemented by a mobile device associated with a short-range wireless network in a vehicle. The method includes identifying a paired device within the short-range wireless network, the paired device having access to a vehicle information system, and receiving, from the paired device, vehicle status information from the vehicle information system. The mobile device determines if the vehicle status information triggers a safety mode for the mobile device and disables particular features or components of the mobile device based on the determination.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2009
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Applicant: Verizon Patent and Licensing, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey Thomas CARR
  • Patent number: 7872576
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a method and device for operating a circuit. In particular, embodiments of the present invention are directed to a method and device that may allow an observant Jew to operate a circuit on the Sabbath or on the Jewish holidays. Embodiments of the present invention may include a combination of mitigating factors which may allow an observant Jew to operate a circuit on the Sabbath or on a Jewish holiday.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Inventor: Andreh Kalatizadeh
  • Publication number: 20110003546
    Abstract: A system and method for communications device and network component operation in an ID/Locator Split Based heterogeneous network is provided. A method for control node operation includes receiving an attach request, and attempting to authenticate/authorize the communications node. The attach request is a request from a communications node to attach to a heterogeneous network. The method also includes if the communications node authenticated/authorized successfully, causing an identification and a location to be assigned for the communications node, completing an attachment for the communications node, and transmitting information to the communications node. The method further includes if the communications node did not authenticate/authorize successfully, sending an attach reject message to the communications node. The identification and the location are separate values.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2009
    Publication date: January 6, 2011
    Applicant: FutureWei Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Zengjun Xiang, Hinghung Anthony Chan
  • Patent number: 7865172
    Abstract: A method and apparatus protect data stored in a device by storing data from the device on a backup system upon the device being connected to the backup system; detecting that the device has been lost or stolen; encrypting a set of data stored on the device that has not been stored on the backup system using an encryption key based on another set of data stored on the device and also stored on the backup system; and deleting the other set of data and encryption key from the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: Avaya Inc.
    Inventors: Colin Blair, Kevin Chan, Christopher Reon Gentle, Neil Hepworth, Andrew W. Lang
  • Publication number: 20100323615
    Abstract: A mobile device has a datalog module that captures multimedia data at the mobile device and transmits the multimedia data through cell networks to a control center. The mobile device may also include a GPS sensor wherein location information is included within the multimedia data. A mobile device has a motion module that, when activated at the mobile device or through a cell network, disables communications through the mobile device when in motion. A system disables operation of a mobile device by a vehicle operator and includes a transmitter within the vehicle that generates a disabling signal that, when received by a safety receiver within the mobile device, disables operation of the mobile device. A mobile device has a microphone, and a voice augmentation module which is selectively activated to augment voice data spoken into the mobile device, by removing background noise and/or replacing or changing voice data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2010
    Publication date: December 23, 2010
    Inventors: Curtis A. Vock, Perry Youngs
  • Publication number: 20100261427
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method for providing an interoperable communications system including a plurality of otherwise disjunct communication systems each including at least one communications device. The system includes a plurality of system interface controllers each coupled to one of the communication systems and a common network for connecting the communication system and associated communications devices to the common network. A controller is coupled to each of the system interface controllers. The system interface controller being operable in response to commands from an authorized controller wherein the connection between each of the communication systems and the common network is controlled by a controller associated with, and authorized to control each communication system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2010
    Publication date: October 14, 2010
    Inventors: Donald C. MILLS, Joseph Boucher
  • Publication number: 20100227549
    Abstract: A simplified apparatus and method for securely pairing Bluetooth™ and similar radio audio devices by transmitting a PIN value encoded as a tone from ear bud or speaker of one device and the microphone of the other. This apparatus and method do not require an implementation of the “Simple Secure Pairing” feature on both devices nor do they require the display and operator acceptance of verification values, tones, or computed numeric values.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2010
    Publication date: September 9, 2010
    Inventor: Alan Kozlay
  • Publication number: 20100190434
    Abstract: In order to provide a technique that facilitates the setting and management of communication parameters, a communication apparatus comprises: an acquisition unit configured to acquire geographic position information indicating a position where the communication apparatus exists; and a determination unit configured to determine availability of a communication parameter to be used when communicating with another apparatus, based on the position information acquired by the acquisition unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2010
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Takahiro Shichino
  • Patent number: 7760696
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling a wireless terminal, including parameter information to control a camera function of the wireless terminal is set, a camera control message to automatically control the camera function is set to be transmitted through a message transmission unit, the wireless terminal obtains the camera control message periodically transmitted from the message transmission unit, and a camera mode is automatically converted through parameter information of the obtained camera control message, so that it is possible to protect the camera function of the wireless terminal from malicious use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Moo-Yeon Woo, Gui-Jung Lee
  • Publication number: 20100173580
    Abstract: A system and method for providing a secure user interface in a shared resource environment. Various aspects of the present invention may comprise establishing a first wireless communication link between a first system and a user interface system. A first wireless communication port may, for example, establish such a wireless communication link. A first secure communication pathway may be established between the first system and the user interface system. A first secure communication module may, for example, establish such a secure communication pathway. A second wireless communication link may be established between a second system and the user interface system. A second wireless communication port may, for example, establish such a wireless communication link. A second communication pathway between the second system and the user interface system may be established. A second communication module may, for example, establish such a communication pathway.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2010
    Publication date: July 8, 2010
    Applicant: BROADCOM CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jeyhan Karaoguz, James D. Bennett
  • Publication number: 20100159879
    Abstract: An intelligent network access controller for use with a wireless network that provides communications services to subscribers having wireless communications devices includes a multi-protocol interface for receiving and sending digital messaging by the wireless communications devices; an identification module that determines an identity of a wireless communications device; an access module that receives the identity and determines an access level for the wireless communications device; and a locking module that locks selected wireless communications devices to the controller based on the determined access level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2009
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Inventors: Jay Salkini, Thomas V. Joseph, III, Youssef J. Dergham
  • Publication number: 20100124881
    Abstract: A device includes a wireless transceiver and a memory storing a database. The database includes identification information of one or more secured wireless networks. When the device attempts to establish a wireless connection, the wireless transceiver attempts to connect to the one or more secured wireless networks prior to attempting to connect to further networks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2008
    Publication date: May 20, 2010
    Inventors: Vivekananda Uppunda, Sandeep Ramakrishnan, Mahalingeshwara Chambarakatta
  • Publication number: 20100112939
    Abstract: A bidirectional wireless microphone system with an automatic login function comprises at least one wireless microphone, a base station and a data processing unit. The wireless microphone and the base station are able to wirelessly communicate with and transmit data, such as a sound signal, coordinate position or image, to each other. The data processing unit is connected to the base station to store and process the data transmitted between the wireless microphone and the base station. While the wireless microphone completes a process of registration to the base station by engaging a first registration contact on the wireless microphone with a corresponding second registration contact on the base station, a process of logging in to the data processing unit, which can be, for example, a computer or an application program, is completed at the same time to thereby simplify the registration and login process and save operating time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2009
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Applicant: Taiwan Gomet Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sheng-Hsiung Chang, Sheng-Yuan Chang
  • Patent number: 7707329
    Abstract: A remotely programmable device includes a message store for receiving messages over a radiolink from a controller and forwarding the messages to a local application resident in the device, writable registers for controlling operation of the device, a command interpreter for interpreting commands embedded in thessages to write data to the register, and a lock for inhibiting writing of data to the registers. The local application is responsive to an authorization code embedded in the messages to release the lock and thereby allow writing of data to the registers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: Zarlink Semiconductor AB
    Inventor: Per-Olof Bergstedt
  • Patent number: 7701897
    Abstract: When a mobile communications terminal receives message data, operations by a message data processing section that processes message data are prohibited. Operations by the message data processing section may be prohibited simply when message data is received by the mobile communications terminal, or operations by the message data processing section may be prohibited when specific information, such as information including certain characters, time, sender address and the like, included in the message data matches preset information. Thus, there can be provided a message data processing method for a mobile communications terminal in which even if a user is away from the mobile communications terminal, the viewing of the contents of message data by others can be prevented, and in which security functions are enhanced so that others cannot view the contents of message data that is sent to the mobile communications terminal at times not expected by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications Japan, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenichi Nakao
  • Patent number: 7697917
    Abstract: A method of operating electronic equipment, wherein said electronic equipment utilizes a wireless signal to communicate, includes determining if the electronic equipment is operated within a moving vehicle based on a characteristic of the wireless signal and inhibiting operation of the electronic equipment if the electronic equipment is in a moving vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Assignee: Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications AB
    Inventors: William O. Camp, Jr., L. Scott Bloebaum
  • Publication number: 20100009626
    Abstract: A system and method for a mobile communication device, such as a cell phone, to prevent the usage of specified functionality, such as text messaging, while driving a vehicle based on the calculation of the velocity of the cell phone with respect to the earth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2008
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Inventor: Patrick Talman Farley
  • Patent number: 7627901
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for controlling medium access. In one embodiment, the method includes receiving a first message including a first integer; sending a second message including a second integer, the second message sent in response to the first message; receiving a third message including data and a third integer, the third integer serving to authenticate the third message; and sending, in response to the third message, a fourth message including a fourth integer, the fourth message serving to acknowledge receipt of the third message.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Assignee: Verizon Corporate Services Group Inc. & BBN Technologies Corp.
    Inventor: Brig Barnum Elliott
  • Patent number: 7623847
    Abstract: An information processing unit, such as a mobile phone, equipped with a fingerprint sensor and reconciles size reduction with operability at a high level. Adjacent to an operation panel is a V-shaped groove which contains a first slope stretching away from the operation panel and slanting downward and a second slope stretching further away from the operation panel and slanting upward, where the V-shaped groove contains a fingerprint sweep sensor which detects a fingerprint on a finger moved along the first slope and the second slope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Naoto Yamashita, Kazutoyo Inamitsu
  • Publication number: 20090270029
    Abstract: A vehicular audio/visual system that receives a transmitted electric wave of video or sound, and that outputs the electric wave from an output unit includes: a positional information detecting unit that detects positional information of a vehicle; a receiving area storage unit that stores at least one of an allowable area in which receiving the electric wave is allowed and a prohibited area in which receiving the electric wave is not allowed; an allowable area determination unit that refers to the receiving area storage unit on the basis of the detected positional information and that determines whether receiving the electric wave is allowed; and a prohibiting unit that prohibits power supply to an antenna amplifier of an antenna that receives the electric wave or power supply to a tuner connected to the antenna, when it is determined that receiving the electric wave is not allowed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 24, 2008
    Publication date: October 29, 2009
    Inventor: Takashi FUKUKAWA
  • Publication number: 20090253371
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device making it possible to turn on a sub-assembly of an electrical item of equipment hosted in a bigger system, which, if turned on unchecked, may impair the operation of the other items of equipment of the system. An embodiment includes three make/break switches in series in the power supply line and a control of the opening or closing of these make/break switches. Two of the make/break switches are controlled by two independent discrete state indicators, to determine whether the power supply of the sub-assembly of the item of equipment may be energized without undue risk to other equipment of the system. The third make/break switch is controlled by a validation command based on the two discretes, actuating the third make/break switch only if the discretes are in the desired state and if a switching of these discretes has been noted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2009
    Publication date: October 8, 2009
    Applicant: THALES
    Inventors: Olivier Guerineau, Christian Lereverend, Didier Bergougnoux, Patrice Eudeline
  • Patent number: 7590409
    Abstract: A communication system, a communication apparatus, and a communication method are provided. A communications apparatus includes a generation unit for generating a transmission message sent to a different communications apparatus and effective for only one transmission, a first communications units for communicating with the different communications apparatus using Near Field Communication, a second communications unit for communicating with the different communications apparatus via a predetermined communication channel, and a control unit for controlling the communication functions. The second communications unit transmits the transmission message generated by the generation unit and receives a different transmission message transmitted from the different communications apparatus via the predetermined communication channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2009
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Tadashi Morita