Method and apparatus for theft deterrence and secure data retrieval in a communication device
US6480096B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 8, 1998 |
| Grant date | Nov 12, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 8, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04W88/022
- WIPO fieldDigital communication
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A communication device having a theft deterrence feature includes a selective call receiver (16), a transmitter (16), a memory (18) coupled to the selective call receiver and containing an encryption key (40) and an address (41), a secure memory (26) coupled to the selective call receiver containing secure data that is accessible with the encryption key and further containing a stealth code, a tampering detection circuit (21) for detection of unauthorized use by an unauthorized user of the communication device or another electronic device coupled to the selective call device, and a processor (22). When the processor detects unauthorized use, it is to delete the encryption key, transmit a stealth code to a base station transparent to the unauthorized user when unauthorized use is detected, and receive data into the secure memory location transparent to an unauthorized user of the communication device.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.