Patents by Inventor Alfred Tom

Alfred Tom has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20210314172
    Abstract: Block chain registries track the handling of private keys for validating the integrity of private keys for SSL certificates and other forms of private keys presented during transaction requests.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2021
    Publication date: October 7, 2021
    Inventors: Alfred Tom, Jörg Brakensiek, Kari Kostiainen
  • Patent number: 7937751
    Abstract: Modular devices consist of a user-interface shell and a detachable communication cartridge. The shell and cartridge both contain unique serial numbers, user-defined passwords, and secret authentication keys, which can be communicated to cartridges and shells, and to a network. A universal wireless device registry system stores serial numbers of integrated devices, device shells, and device cartridges, and other characteristics associated with devices such as secret keys, passwords, screen size, operating system, service usage, and supply chain information. This registry system is able to track communication devices all around the world and is connected to and shares information with computer servers controlled by service providers, manufacturers, and supply chain companies. When shells and cartridges communicate their numbers to the registry system, the registry system can authenticate shells and cartridges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Kantan Inc.
    Inventor: Alfred Tom
  • Publication number: 20090316036
    Abstract: A combination camcorder handset device in a clam-shell form factor that has at least two operational modes—one of which is a phone mode wherein the device is used by holding the device to the ear and talking, and another of which is a camera mode wherein the device is rotated on its side so the screen is pointed horizontally and the device is held in one hand just like a traditional camcorder. The angle of the device's clam-shell hinge determines the operational mode. The camera points in a direction perpendicular to the axis along which the keys on the keyboard keys move when pressed. The camera may be contained in a removable camera module. Straps on the keyboard half hold the device in place when the device is held with one hand during camera mode. Buttons along the side of the keyboard half perform functions such as shutter release, zoom-in, and zoom-out, and are within immediate access of the fingers of the hand that is holding the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2009
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Applicant: Kantan Inc.
    Inventor: Alfred Tom
  • Patent number: 7619686
    Abstract: A combination camcorder handset device in a clam-shell form factor that has at least two operational modes-one of which is a phone mode wherein the device is used by holding the device to the ear and talking, and another of which is a camera mode wherein the device is rotated on its side so the screen is pointed horizontally and the device is held in one hand just like a traditional camcorder. The angle of the device's clam-shell hinge determines the operational mode. The camera points in a direction perpendicular to the axis along which the keys on the keyboard keys move when pressed. The camera may be contained in a removable camera module. Straps on the keyboard half hold the device in place when the device is held with one hand during camera mode. Buttons along the side of the keyboard half perform functions such as shutter release, zoom-in, and zoom-out, and are within immediate access of the fingers of the hand that is holding the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Assignee: Kantan Inc.
    Inventor: Alfred Tom
  • Publication number: 20090132746
    Abstract: Modular devices consist of a user-interface shell and a detachable communication cartridge. The shell and cartridge both contain unique serial numbers, user-defined passwords, and secret authentication keys, which can be communicated to cartridges and shells, and to a network. A universal wireless device registry system stores serial numbers of integrated devices, device shells, and device cartridges, and other characteristics associated with devices such as secret keys, passwords, screen size, operating system, service usage, and supply chain information. This registry system is able to track communication devices all around the world and is connected to and shares information with computer servers controlled by service providers, manufacturers, and supply chain companies. When shells and cartridges communicate their numbers to the registry system, the registry system can authenticate shells and cartridges.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2006
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Inventor: Alfred Tom
  • Publication number: 20080207268
    Abstract: A smart modular wireless device is divided into two main parts the cartridge which contains wireless components and the shell which contains non-wireless components. The cartridge further includes storage memory that is accessible to the shell via a removable interface. The shell may use the storage memory on the cartridge to store user data. The user data may be the primary data for software on the shell. The shell may also backup data to a file stored on the cartridge. The shell may also synchronize data with a file on the cartridge. The cartridge may be inserted into a second shell with software that may support a different format of user data as the first shell. The second shell may synchronize its own user data with the synchronization file on the cartridge, thereby keeping its own user data file substantially similar to the first shell's user data file.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2006
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Inventor: Alfred Tom
  • Patent number: 7194285
    Abstract: A wireless communication system including flexible wireless handsets with modular electronic components selected for operation within multiple systems. The units may be configured for removable connection to a variety of cartridges to provide a versatile communication device. A cartridge may be selected for the replacement of one or more existing cartridges within the handset to provide varying degrees of flexibility including the selection of a different featureset for the handset and compatible operation within different wireless systems. Methods are further provided for upgrading and reconfiguring cellular telephones and wireless communication devices for operation within different systems. A flexible wireless telephone with an original removable cartridge may include later-substituted cartridges to improve or change the featureset of the telephone, and may also enable a user to replace the internal electronics of a handset with different internal electronics for use within a different wireless system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Kantan Inc.
    Inventor: Alfred Tom
  • Publication number: 20040189861
    Abstract: A combination camcorder handset device in a clam-shell form factor that has at least two operational modes-one of which is a phone mode wherein the device is used by holding the device to the ear and talking, and another of which is a camera mode wherein the device is rotated on its side so the screen is pointed horizontally and the device is held in one hand just like a traditional camcorder. The angle of the device's clam-shell hinge determines the operational mode. The camera points in a direction perpendicular to the axis along which the keys on the keyboard keys move when pressed. The camera may be contained in a removable camera module. Straps on the keyboard half hold the device in place when the device is held with one hand during camera mode. Buttons along the side of the keyboard half perform functions such as shutter release, zoom-in, and zoom-out, and are within immediate access of the fingers of the hand that is holding the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2004
    Publication date: September 30, 2004
    Inventor: Alfred Tom
  • Publication number: 20040121801
    Abstract: A wireless communication system including flexible wireless handsets with modular electronic components selected for operation within multiple systems. The units may be configured for removable connection to a variety of cartridges to provide a versatile communication device. A cartridge may be selected for the replacement of one or more existing cartridges within the handset to provide varying degrees of flexibility including the selection of a different featureset for the handset and compatible operation within different wireless systems. Methods are further provided for upgrading and reconfiguring cellular telephones and wireless communication devices for operation within different systems. A flexible wireless telephone with an original removable cartridge may include later-substituted cartridges to improve or change the featureset of the telephone, and may also enable a user to replace the internal electronics of a handset with different internal electronics for use within a different wireless system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2003
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Inventor: Alfred Tom
  • Publication number: 20040005910
    Abstract: A smart modular wireless device is divided into two main parts—the cartridge contains wireless components and the shell contains non-wireless components. Software applications on the shell may register for various wireless services, and then configure themselves based on the services supported by the cartridge. Once connected to the shell, the cartridge may download software to the shell that may replace or upgrade the software already in the shell. The cartridge and shell may exchange information to synchronize user data or exchange subscriber information. The shell may be locked so that only approved cartridges can be used with the shell. The cartridge may be locked from unauthorized use. The cartridge and shell may support a protocol that enables the user to enter information a specific cartridge needs to operate. The protocol may also enable the cartridge to communicate notices and messages to the user that are specific to the characteristics the cartridge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2003
    Publication date: January 8, 2004
    Inventor: Alfred Tom