Patent · US Expired

Methods of using a controller for controlling multi-user access to the functionality of consumer devices

US6256019A · kind A · utility

247Cited by
70References
11Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateMar 30, 1999
Grant dateJul 3, 2001
Priority date
Expiry dateMar 30, 2019

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC G)Physics
  • CPC primaryG09G2330/04
  • WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
  • WIPO sectorElectrical engineering

Abstract

Methods are described whereby multiple users can swap a controller of consumer devices between themselves frequently, while each retains the ability to reinstate their own customized controller interface through a quick and simple yet secure log-on procedure. Stored data accessible to the controller is used to automatically upon log-on return a user to a system state associated with that user, which is typically the system state of the controller that existed the last time the user logged on thereto. The log-on procedure may include fingerprint and/or voice recognition. Additionally, time-out algorithms wherein the controller automatically shuts down and/or logs-off the current user as a security measure to prevent unauthorized users from gaining access thereto, may take into account factors other than merely the amount of time that has passed during which there has been no activity.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.