Manual Code Input Patents (Class 340/5.51)
  • Patent number: 8576049
    Abstract: Computer-implemented methods, systems, and computer program products for document authentication and identification using encoding and decoding are provided. A method includes receiving a digitized document and comparing the digitized document to a set of markers to determine whether the digitized document is an encoded document with one or more characters replaced. In response to determining that the digitized document is encoded, information is extracted from the set of markers using a decoder according to an encoding strategy. The extracted information and the set of markers are compared with data stored in encoding history to authenticate and identify the received digitized document. Markers in the encoded document may be hidden in plain sight, such that the encoding is not readily apparent to a casual observer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: George E. Corbin, Anthony Grech, Thomas E. Murphy, Jr., Mark Nelson, Kevin H. Peters
  • Publication number: 20130285791
    Abstract: Systems and methods of user code synchronization with Z-wave door locks are provided. Methods can include determining an occurrence of a predetermined event, upon the occurrence of the predetermined event, identifying a set of a plurality of user codes stored in a control panel to be synchronized, and wirelessly transmitting the set of the plurality of user codes to be synchronized from the control panel to at least one door lock using a Z-wave communications protocol.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2012
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Applicant: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Albert Lee, Hong-Jyh Chen, Lincoln Widgoff Kliman, Jaime E. Barahona
  • Publication number: 20130265135
    Abstract: An unlocking method for an electronic device which has a plurality of light-sensors thereon and stores an application program therein first executes the application program when the electronic device works in a locking mode. When the application program is executed, the method continually computes a covering order of user's covering action performed on the light-sensors via the application program. Therefore, the method controls the electronic device to switch from the locking mode to an unlocking mode when the covering order of the covering action is matched with an unlocking condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2012
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Inventor: Nai-Chien CHANG
  • Patent number: 8547214
    Abstract: Techniques for preventing a driver of a moving vehicle from using a handheld device while driving. An example system of the invention includes a plurality of biometric sensors configured to receive biometric data from the driver and a user of the handheld device. Contemporaneously with operation of the vehicle and the handheld device, the biometric data is analyzed in order to determine a match between the identity of the vehicle driver and the user of the handheld device. A controller is configured to selectively interrupt operation of the vehicle or handheld device upon detecting the match.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Sara H. Basson, Dimitri Kanevsky, David Nahamoo, Tara N. Sainath
  • Patent number: 8542093
    Abstract: A network operator radio module (NORM) configured to be removably attached to a barrier operator comprises a transmitting antenna, a receiving antenna, a transceiver antenna, and a microcontroller. The module communicates with a communication network that comprises various nodes configured by a network controller module and a network communication module. Each node may be associated with a network appliance, and may be remotely controlled by sending a suitable function code to the module via local command signals. Furthermore, various local remote transmitters and keyless entry transmitters are configured to transmit function codes to control the module and the associated various network appliances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: QMotion Incorporated
    Inventors: Yan Rodriguez, Ben L. Garcia
  • Publication number: 20130231938
    Abstract: This invention relates to methods and apparatus for improving communications between humans and devices. The invention provides a method of modulating operation of a device, comprising: providing an attentive user interface for obtaining information about an attentive state of a user; and modulating operation of a device on the basis of the obtained information, wherein the operation that is modulated is initiated by the device. Preferably, the information about the user's attentive state is eye contact of the user with the device that is sensed by the attentive user interface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2013
    Publication date: September 5, 2013
    Applicant: Queen's University at Kingston
    Inventors: Roel Vertegaal, Jeffrey S. Shell
  • Patent number: 8514054
    Abstract: A safety system comprising a work area having a perimeter and hazardous automated machinery within the perimeter, wherein access by workers to the work area within the perimeter is controlled by one or more controlled access points; at least one safety work cell within the perimeter, each safety work cell having no hazardous automated machinery within or accessible from the safety work cell; a primary key-secondary key system which includes a tertiary key receptacle within the safety work cell; an optional light barrier surrounding each safety work cell; optional fingerprint scanners to authenticate authorized persons, and a controller programmed to permit operation of the hazardous automated machinery only when all controlled access points are closed, all secondary keys are placed within either a secondary key receptacle or a tertiary key receptacle, any light barrier has not been tripped by interruption of the light barrier, and any fingerprint scanners have authenticated a person.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Aramark Uniform & Career Apparell Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Raj M Shah
  • Patent number: 8511120
    Abstract: An electronic locking system to secure consumable items in an image forming device and a method therefore. In one embodiment of the invention, an electronic locking system to secure media sheets includes a media tray to hold media sheets, a tray receiving member for receiving the media tray, and a controller. The tray receiving member includes a drive device and a plunger. The plunger is moved by the drive device between a locked and an unlocked position. The controller is configured to control the drive device to move the plunger to engage a portion of the media tray in the locked position and to move the plunger to disengage from the portion of the media tray in the unlocked position. The electronic locking system, incorporating the controller, provides an effective and efficient way to lock/unlock the media tray and eliminates the use of mechanical keys.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Paul Cahill, Chad Michael Plening, Louann Behymer Samuels, Thomas Campbell Wade, Curtis Duane Woodson
  • Publication number: 20130207776
    Abstract: A method and system utilize a logic based controller and a user actuatable device to provide a command to the logic based controller. The logic based controller receives the command, which may be prioritized, and processes the command in accordance with predefined logic to determine whether to actuate a vehicle barrier switch to raise or lower a vehicle barrier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2012
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Applicant: Cinch Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Joel Curtis Christianson, Bryan L. Peterson, Gregory Brett Olson
  • Publication number: 20130200995
    Abstract: A system for controlling vehicle opening/closing element has a radiation block for irradiating near-infrared light to a peripheral region of an opening/closing element; a photographing block that photographs an image irradiated with the near-infrared light; a hand region extraction block that extracts a user's hand region from brightness of an image photographed by the photographing block; a motion detection block that detects motions of the user's hand from the extracted hand region; and a control block that determines whether or not the detected motions coincide with previously-set predetermined motions and that commands operation of the opening/closing element in accordance with the determined motions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Applicant: PANASONIC CORPORATION
    Inventor: PANASONIC CORPORATION
  • Patent number: 8502667
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to management of activities by the operation of keys for performing said activities that are monitored for timing of any activity itself, its duration and frequency in predefined intervals and more particularly to an activity based key monitoring and management system. The present system provides a safe and secured manner of management of activities involving key operation whereby it would be possible to value add to the required authentication and performance of key operative activities in variety of applications and end uses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Inventor: Rangaswamy Narayanan
  • Publication number: 20130194066
    Abstract: Techniques for movement languages in wearable devices are described, including Receiving input from a sensor coupled to a wearable device, processing the input to determine a pattern, the pattern associated with a movement, referencing a pattern library stored in a database to compare the pattern to a set of patterns in the pattern library, and performing an operation based on a comparison of the pattern to the set of patterns.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2012
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Inventors: Hosain Sadequr Rahman, Richard Lee Drysdale, Michael Edward Smith Luna, Scott Fullam, Travis Austin Bogard, Jeremiah Robison, Max Everett Utter, II, Thomas Alan Donaldson
  • Publication number: 20130194067
    Abstract: A method and a system for locking an electronic device are provided. In one aspect, a method in an electronic device is provided comprising the steps of receiving, through a user input interface of the device when the device is in a locked state, a challenge response and a temporary automatic lock time indicator, and if the challenge response is accepted, unlocking the device, setting an automatic lock timer of the device to a temporary lock time value, and starting the automatic lock timer. In another aspect, an electronic device is provided for implementing the above method. According to another aspect, a locking mechanism is provided that utilizes information on an environment of the electronic device. According to another aspect, a stimulus based locking mechanism is provided that employs a different lock time after the device has issued a stimulus in response to an event on the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2012
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Applicant: RESEARCH IN MOTION LIMITED
    Inventor: Jacob Warren KIMBRELL
  • Publication number: 20130187753
    Abstract: A method for displaying a lock screen on a device is provided. The method comprises using at least one of usage information for the device or context information for the device to predict at least one application likely to be used on the device during a time frame and, when the lock screen is displayed during the time frame, displaying on the lock screen at least one icon associated with launching the at least one predicted application.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2012
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Applicant: RESEARCH IN MOTION LIMITED
    Inventor: Cipson Jose Chiriyankandath
  • Publication number: 20130181810
    Abstract: An ergonomic remote control glove for controlling an electronic device in military applications is disclosed. In one embodiment, the ergonomic remote control glove includes at least one motion sensor and a processor communicatively coupled to the at least one motion sensor. Further, the ergonomic remote control glove includes a communication link to connect to the electronic device. The communication link is communicatively coupled to the processor. Furthermore, the ergonomic remote control glove includes a wearable ergonomic glove configured to include the at least one motion sensor, the processor and the communication link. The processor is configured to send one or more control signals to the electronic device via the communication link upon detecting finger motions and/or hand gestures by the motion sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2012
    Publication date: July 18, 2013
    Applicant: BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc.
    Inventor: Vadim Plotsker
  • Publication number: 20130176105
    Abstract: In a method for unlocking an electronic device, unlocking operation having motion units are preset and are stored into a storage system. Sampled unlocking operation is stored into the storage system. When the electronic device receives a preset unlocking command to start unlocking the electronic device, three-axis acceleration values and three-axis rotation vectors are obtained continuously as an input operation from a first sensor and a second sensor. Motion units of the input operation are recorded. Sampled input operation is obtained by sampling the input operation at a preset time interval. A membership degree of the input operation is calculated. When the membership degree of the input operation conforms to a preset unlocking threshold, the electronic device is unlocked.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2012
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Applicant: CHI MEI COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: HSIN-CHANG LAI, HAN-ZEN CHANG, LIU-WEI WU, JIUN-RU HOU
  • Patent number: 8482380
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, an input aiding apparatus comprises an aiding module, wherein in the case where the selection of an input column in the direction toward the head or tail end is requested with the head or tail end input column, respectively, already selected, the tail end or the head input column, respectively, is selected, and at the same time, a predetermined number, character or code is displayed in all vacant input columns automatically and collectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventor: Masami Tanaka
  • Publication number: 20130169411
    Abstract: A method for operating an electronic lock is disclosed. The electronic lock includes a processing unit, an inner body and an outer body. The inner body includes an inner input portion, and the outer body includes an input device. The method includes operating the inner input portion of the inner body to output various signals according to operation of the inner input portion, wherein the various signals comprises a first signal and utilizing the input device to log in a manage menu of the electronic lock when the processing unit receives the first signal, wherein the manage menu of the electronic lock comprises a first controlling item for setting a left-handed mode or a right-handed mode by the input device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2013
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Applicant: TAIWAN FU HSING INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.
    Inventor: TAIWAN FU HSING INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.
  • Publication number: 20130082819
    Abstract: Techniques are provided for giving access to restricted content on a first device from a second device through a wireless network. In one embodiment, the first device transmits an authorization request signal to the second device or to a server in the wireless network. The second device, having received the authorization request, prompts an authorized user to give authorization to the first device by inputting an authentication key such as a password or gesture on the second device. Upon verification of the authentication key, an authorization signal may be wirelessly transmitted to the first device, permitting access to the restricted content or functions on the first device. In some embodiments, the second device may be alerted to an authorization request and may select a request for authorization from a selectable queue of requests.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2011
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Applicant: APPLE INC.
    Inventor: Stephen Hayden Cotterill
  • Publication number: 20130049928
    Abstract: A host organization system for a host organization of a physical site, receives a request, by a visitor with an identifier of a visitor organization for a visitor access medium, for access to the physical site controlled by a physical access control system requiring presentation of the visitor access medium for access to the physical site, wherein there is an electronic trust relationship between the host organization system and a visitor organization system for the visitor organization via a network, wherein the visitor organization system maintains an electronic identity profile for the visitor. Responsive to the host organization system receiving an authenticated identifier for the visitor from the visitor organization system and validating the authenticated identifier from the visitor organization system, issuing a visitor access medium to the visitor for controlling access to the physical site.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2011
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: DAVID P. MOORE, CRAIG PEARSON
  • Patent number: 8384516
    Abstract: Conventional techniques for logging and using a user's signature are insecure and inflexible. A system and method are provided which: i) translate a user's first signature, such as a user's voice signature, into a user's second signature, such as a radio frequency identifier signature; and ii) deploy the user's second signature. By translating the user's first signature into the user's second signature and deploying the user's second signature, the provided technique assures the authenticity of the user. Furthermore, the provided system and method enable additional authentication factors, such as a user's personal identification number, to be used with the user's first and second signatures in multiple combinations and sequences to assure the authenticity of the user. As such, the invention provides a security layer offering added security and added flexibility previously unavailable, and which may be applied in a variety of contexts, such as a user device or a retail transaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Voorhuis PLC, Limited Liability Company
    Inventors: Gene S. Fein, Edward Merritt
  • Publication number: 20130043973
    Abstract: An electronic lock, system and method for dynamic controlled access, without the lock communicating with or connected to a code server, are provided. The lock includes a locking mechanism, a clock, a microprocessor, and a memory storing a hash function and programmed instructions for the microprocessor to perform certain operations. The microprocessor and memory may be comprised in a microcontroller. When an access code is entered into the lock, the lock microcontroller hashes currently valid access start date/duration combinations with lock identifying data to return valid access codes. If the entered access code equals any of the valid access codes, the locking mechanism is opened. The lock identifying data may include data stored by a lock manufacturer and/or data created by a lock owner. Static access codes may also be programmed into the lock if desired. Caching of valid access codes may be used to reduce processing time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2011
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Inventors: David J. Greisen, Daniel H. Greisen
  • Patent number: 8358195
    Abstract: A delivery system uses secure containers each equipped with means such as a keypad (8) or barcode reader (10) to input a single use delivery key. The delivery key is generated by an external code generator that produces pseudo noise codes. A generator (20) that produces the same sequence is provided in the lock and synchronization between the two generators is provided by the delivered items.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: Delivery Works Limited
    Inventor: Terence Giles
  • Patent number: 8358196
    Abstract: A method for granting access with a touch sensitive display is provided. The method includes displaying a security access interface on a touch sensitive display, wherein the security access interface has at least one polyhedron object; changing the at least one polyhedron object from a first state to a second state according to detections of inputs/contacts with the touch sensitive display; recording parameters of the at least one polyhedron object in the second state; determining if the recorded parameters satisfy the predetermined values; granting access when the record parameters satisfy the predetermined values. A security system using the method is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Song-Ling Yang
  • Publication number: 20130015950
    Abstract: The invention relates to a container for goods transport, comprising walls, enclosing a storage space for the goods, a closable entrance to the storage space, such as a door, a lock, for locking respectively unlocking the entrance to the storage space, means for reading a global destination position for the container in a database, means for determining an actual global position of the container, a controller configured to enable unlocking the lock based on at least the global destination position and the actual global position. In an embodiment, the controller is configured to enable unlocking the lock when the actual global position is within a predetermined range of the predetermined global position. The invention further relates to a system and method using the above container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2011
    Publication date: January 17, 2013
    Applicant: ACISS INTERNATIONAL B.V.
    Inventor: Bastiaan Cornelis Wip
  • Publication number: 20120306615
    Abstract: A safety system for a machine includes a hand identifying module and a control module. The hand identifying module identifies a hand from an image of a movement range of a particular portion of the machine. The control module sends a control signal in response to the identification of the hand from the image, thereby disabling the machine. The disclosure further provides a safety method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2011
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: HOU-HSIEN LEE, CHANG-JUNG LEE, CHIH-PING LO
  • Patent number: 8319603
    Abstract: A control device for a mobile storage system includes a data entry device, such as a numeric keypad. The user enters an access code on the keypad, and the access code is compared against a data table including a list of security levels associated with access codes. If the access code entered is included in the data table, the user is permitted to control the mobile storage system according to the access rights granted by the security level associated with the access code. Each of the access codes and attempted commands entered in the numeric keypad are recorded in an activity log. The activity log is downloadable to a computer for later review.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Spacesaver Corporation
    Inventors: Brian P. Bourke, Eric J. Wipperfurth, Tim Wawrzynczak
  • Patent number: 8305211
    Abstract: A security installation positions a peering ability with a peer installation by establishing a peering agreement to define the conditions constituting a situation for which peering applies, and identifies the resources and assets which will be shared, as well as the duration of the peering, typically until the resolution of the exigent situation or circumstances that prompted the peering. Peering selectively couples security installations for monitoring a particular upon determining that a situation responsive to mediation has occurred within an area monitored by the security installation for monitoring an area. The security installation initiates a peering invitation to a peer installation, in which the peer installation is configured to share resources with the security installation for mitigating the cause of the situation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: VidSys, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen Jeffrey Morris, Steven Arnold Bolton
  • Publication number: 20120268240
    Abstract: An operating device and a method for operating a machine in automation engineering are disclosed. A touch-sensitive screen detects simultaneous contact with the screen at different positions on the screen, and an external key with a geometric key pattern is provided. A reference pattern is stored in the operating device which compares the geometric pattern determined from the different screen positions detected upon contact of the external key with the screen with the stored reference pattern and allows specific operating actions for operating the machine if the determined geometric pattern matches the stored reference pattern. Authorization to operate a machine can thus be easily ascertained.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2011
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Applicant: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: BJÖRN FRERKING
  • Patent number: 8289131
    Abstract: A security method and system using a touch screen that allows manipulation input using only an input tool which is not part of a user's body, i.e., finger manipulation, when a secure function such as secure printing is set instead of a normal function when the touch screen is manipulated, so as to prevent leakage of secure information due to fingerprint marks and smudges caused by finger manipulation. The security method includes checking whether or not a password is input, and inputting to the touch screen a password using an input tool which is not part of a user body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Eun-sung Cho, Soo-Jin Jung
  • Publication number: 20120249291
    Abstract: A system for a vehicle includes a sensor and a control module. The sensor detects a gesture made by a user. The control module unlocks the vehicle when (i) a key fob is within a predetermined distance from the vehicle and (ii) the detected gesture matches a desired gesture. A method for a vehicle includes detecting a gesture made by a user using a sensor, and unlocking the vehicle when (i) a key fob is within a predetermined distance from the vehicle and (ii) the detected gesture matches a desired gesture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2011
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Applicants: DENSO CORPORATION, DENSO INTERNATIONAL AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Stephen Holcomb, Justin McBride, Akira Sakashita
  • Publication number: 20120249295
    Abstract: A method for authenticating a user of a touch-controlled device having a touch screen may include touching the touch screen with a user's finger or stylus to initiate a core figure to start the authentication process. The core figure includes a center and a surrounding area. Therefore, user need only moving the finger or stylus within the surrounding area remaining contact with the touch screen to input an input code for authentication, without lifting the finger or stylus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2011
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Applicant: ACER INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Sip Kim YEUNG
  • Patent number: 8279039
    Abstract: A device may receive a signal that includes information about a touch pattern on a surface of the tag, identify the touch pattern based on the received signal, validate tag-specific information in the received signal by comparing the identified touch pattern and information that is stored prior to receiving the signal, and perform an action that is specified by the tag-specific information if the tag-specific information is validated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Sony Mobile Communications AB
    Inventor: Ola Karl Thorn
  • Publication number: 20120229252
    Abstract: A method of operating a household appliance that has a knock sensor and an analyzer unit includes detecting an acoustic knocking signal input by a user with the knock sensor. The analyzer unit analyzes the detected acoustic knocking signal so as to initiate a first action in response to identification of a first predeterminable signal sequence and a second action in response to identification of a second predeterminable signal sequence.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2012
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Applicant: MIELE & CIE. KG
    Inventor: Ralf Ruether
  • Patent number: 8253530
    Abstract: A keyboard can power a computer on or off. A switch arranged on the keyboard receives power on or off operations. A control chip in the keyboard outputs control signals to a microcontroller according to the power on or off operations. The microcontroller actuates a switch circuit to make a control terminal of a motherboard of the computer power on and off the computer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hai-Qing Zhou
  • Publication number: 20120200388
    Abstract: A capacitance type detection device may include a sensor electrode forming a capacitor with respect to a peripheral conductor; a measurement unit measuring the floating capacitance of the sensor electrode, which changes correspondingly to a positional relation between the sensor electrode and the detection object; and a judgment unit judging the approach of the detection object in a case in which there is satisfied an approach detection condition including a fact that a magnitude correlation between a time rate-of-change of the floating capacitance measured by the measurement unit and a predetermined time rate-of-change which is defined correspondingly to a combination of the detection object and an object to be discriminated so as to be different from the detection object lies in a predetermined relation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2012
    Publication date: August 9, 2012
    Applicant: SUMIDA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yoshinori MIURA, Hitoshi MORIYA, Takanobu ROKUKA
  • Patent number: 8217753
    Abstract: Locked electronic device, e.g., a device which produces a video output, such as a game console or TV. The device is shipped in a locked state, and cannot be used as a game console or a TV until it is unlocked. The unlocking is carried out by a code. The code is provided separately from the device, and only once authorized sale is detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Harris Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Scott C. Harris
  • Patent number: 8217780
    Abstract: A system and method are provided for extending the expiration of an entry delay period for disarming a security system based on the entry of a keypress that matches a valid access code before expiration of a preprogrammed entry delay period. The security system includes a plurality of detection devices to detect any number of conditions, a user interface such as a keypad, and a control panel communicating with each of the detection devices and the user interface. The system extends the entry delay period based on the input of each keypress using the user interface that matches a symbol of a valid access code.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Tyco Safety Products Canada Ltd.
    Inventor: Kylie J. Gilbert
  • Publication number: 20120169458
    Abstract: A method and system for monitoring access requests for physical access to a location includes a plurality of access control devices for control accessing to specific locations. The system determines if access is authorized based on comparing information associated with the request with a database. Access is granted to a physical location based on the comparison of information. In addition, the system compares an access request to prior access requests. The system determines if the access request is an anomaly from previous requests. If the access request is an anomaly from previous requests, the system notifies an operator that the access request is an anomaly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2010
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Applicant: SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC BUILDINGS AB
    Inventors: Richard L. Dubois, JR., Michael Morley, Fred Morris Welsh, JR.
  • Publication number: 20120157083
    Abstract: The described method and system allows for the utilization of a telematics unit on a telematics-equipped vehicle to prevent the unauthorized discharge of a vehicle battery. A user may communicate an authorization request for allowing discharge of the vehicle battery through a telematics unit or telematics service provider (TSP) call center. If approved by the TSP call enter or telematics unit, an authorization, which may include an authorization code, is communicated to a charge controller which controls the discharge of the vehicle battery. Alternatively, the user may communicate an authorization code directly to the telematics unit which passes it on to the charge controller for approval.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2010
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Applicant: GENERAL MOTORS LLC
    Inventor: Scott W. Otterson
  • Publication number: 20120146764
    Abstract: The present invention presents a novel security access device, wherein finger movements define a validation code to unlock entryway access in a system comprising an electronic controller directing a servomechanism. Security is enhanced by the finger movements, which are rendered virtually undetectable to an observer, and by the mathematical augmentation of the number of choices for code selection. Alternative embodiments present both a novel system and a novel method for validating access.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2010
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Inventors: Michael Brent Kitchen, Peter Michael Johnston
  • Publication number: 20120133484
    Abstract: A device, such as a communication device or data processing device, is configured to transition between a locked and unlocked state in response to a detected action that is interpreted as a continuous or single action. In an embodiment a first input is detected at a first input mechanism of the device when the device is locked, then a second input is detected at the second input. If the inputs are determined to be continuous, for example if the second input is detected within a predetermined period after completion of the first input, the device is unlocked. The input may also be combined or interpreted as a password or security code. Conversely, if a detected action is interpreted as a continuous or single action by an unlocked device, the device may enter the locked state in response to the detected action. Methods for implementing this transition between locked and unlocked states are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2010
    Publication date: May 31, 2012
    Applicant: RESEARCH IN MOTION LIMITED
    Inventor: Jason Tyler GRIFFIN
  • Publication number: 20120133485
    Abstract: A gate control and communication system of the invention including a base unit located within a premises, a gate receiver unit positioned next to a remotely located gate, and a gate control unit located next to the gate. The base unit provides for voice communications with an individual at the gate and for issuing of commands to control the gate. The gate receiver unit includes a switching device which, in response to commands directs the opening and closing of the gate. The gate control unit includes a call button for initiating voice communication with the base unit and a keypad for entering an identification code or password. The information stored in an existing gate control unit may be cloned into an additional or replacement gate control unit by entering an appropriate identification code and command while positioning the units in range of each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2012
    Publication date: May 31, 2012
    Applicant: THE CHAMBERLAIN GROUP, INC.
    Inventor: Shary Nassimi
  • Publication number: 20120126938
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for generating an access code. In one embodiment, a method may include detecting user activation of a directional input of a device, wherein the user activation relates to a plurality of directional input commands, and determining an access code based on the user activation of the directional input, the access code including a plurality of code elements wherein each code element of the access code is associated with a direction of the directional input based on the user activation. The method may further include outputting code elements of the access code.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2010
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Applicant: SONY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Steven Friedlander, Manish Gupta, Jeffrey Tang, Jenny Su Chow
  • Publication number: 20120098639
    Abstract: A method for providing a device unlock mechanism for touch screen devices may include receiving an indication of a pinch event at a touch screen display generating a locked screen that prevents user interaction with hidden content obscured by the locked screen, generating a preview window providing visibility of a portion of the hidden content based on characteristics of the pinch event, and determining whether to unlock user interaction with the hidden content based on the characteristics of the pinch event. A corresponding apparatus and computer program product are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2010
    Publication date: April 26, 2012
    Inventor: Jari Ijas
  • Patent number: 8149086
    Abstract: There is provided a method for identifying, at the moment of verification, the situation of a threat to a protected ground, airspace and/or sea limits by an approaching ground vehicle, aircraft or sea-going vessel. The method includes an authorized driver/pilot/captain to select first state in which the vehicle, aircraft or sea-going vessel is not considered to present a threat and a second state in which the vehicle, aircraft or sea-going vessel is considered to present a threat. The method further provides entering the first and second PIN codes into a smart card for generating a One Time Indicia (OTI) for each of the PIN codes and disclosing the state associated with each of the first and second OTI codes to at least one control center. Upon the control center receiving an OTI code, the control center obtains positive identification of the driver/pilot/captain and the degree of the threat that the vehicle, aircraft or sea-going vessel presents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Elbit Systems Ltd.
    Inventors: Dan Klein, Relu Rosenberg
  • Publication number: 20120075474
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for controlling access to a compartment of a control panel. The method includes the step of posing, with a controller, an indemnification query to a user. The controller receives a response to the indemnification query. The method further includes the step of enabling, with the controller, access to the compartment subsequent to receiving said response.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Publication date: March 29, 2012
    Applicant: Multitrode Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Aaron PARKINSON
  • Publication number: 20120050009
    Abstract: An electronic device with unlocking function includes an accelerometer, an unlocking module, a touch screen and a storage. The accelerometer detects a direction of movement of the electronic device. The touch screen provides output and input for the electronic device. The touch screen detects a contact path of a user when the user contacts the touch screen. When the contact path matches an unlocking path stored in the storage, the electronic device is unlocked.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2010
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Applicant: Foxconn Communication Technology Corp.
    Inventor: HSING-CHUN HSIEH
  • Patent number: 8125314
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a method, system, and computer program product for determining user interest in media. The invention can select one of a set of different activity profiles specified within a data store. Each activity profile can include biometric attributes and associated baseline attribute values specific to an activity state. A media stream can be manipulated (e.g., created from environmental inputs and/or played upon a presentation device). Biometric data can be received from a user in proximity to the media stream. The received biometric data can be compared values in the selected activity profile. An interest level in the media stream can be determined based on comparison differences. A programmatic action can be performed relating to the media stream based upon the determined interest level. For example, a bitrate of the media and/or a marker in the media can be modified based on interest level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Rachel H. Fithian, Hugh E. Hockett
  • Patent number: 8063734
    Abstract: A method of operating an access control system including a remote control system configured to control a lock an a central control system configured to wirelessly communicate with the remote control system. The method includes inputting user data into a user identification reader of the remote control system, and in response to inputting user data, requesting updating a remote user list stored by the remote control system with a central user list stored by the central control system using a wireless communicator of the remote control system and a wireless communicator of the central control system. The method further includes comparing the user data with one of the remote user list and the central user list to determine whether to unlock the lock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Harrow Products LLC
    Inventor: Fred J. Conforti