Patent · US Expired

Method of controlling multi-user access to the functionality of consumer devices

US6906696B2 · kind B2 · utility

34Cited by
75References
7Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateJun 5, 2001
Grant dateJun 14, 2005
Priority date
Expiry dateJun 5, 2021

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, whilst 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.