Patent · US Expired

Deterring unauthorized use of electronic devices

US7266849B1 · kind B1 · utility

29Cited by
9References
22Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateDec 8, 1999
Grant dateSep 4, 2007
Priority date
Expiry dateDec 8, 2019

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC G)Physics
  • CPC primaryG08B13/1418
  • WIPO fieldControl
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

A method for deterring unauthorized use of an electronic device is described. The method includes installing security data in a protected storage area, installing a security routine operable to check for the security data, and prompting a user for identity information if the security data is found, before permitting use of the device. In an implementation, the device is shut down if the identity information is incorrect, and manufacturer contact information may be displayed before shutting down. But if the user responds correctly, the activation process is continued to enable normal operation of the device.

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