Patent ID: 7865253
Filing Date: 2011-01-04
Classification: G11B

Abstract:
1. A method for protecting a portable electronic device having at least one accelerometer therein, the at least one accelerometer for detecting acceleration of the portable electronic device in at least one direction, the method comprising the steps of: a. monitoring, by an operating system of the portable electronic device, the at least one accelerometer, the at least one accelerometer providing at least one acceleration value corresponding to the acceleration of the portable electronic device; b. determining, by the operating system, a deviation of the at least one acceleration value from a corresponding previously detected at least one acceleration value resulting in a corresponding at least one deviation value, wherein the at least one acceleration value and the corresponding at least one acceleration value are over a threshold acceleration value; c. determining, by the operating system, whether the at least one deviation value is greater than a corresponding at least one pre-specified acceptable deviation value; d. if so, incrementing a total deviation value by the at least one deviation value, wherein the total deviation value is a cumulative value of any previous contemporaneous deviation values; e. determining, by the operating system, whether the total deviation value is greater than a pre-specified acceptable total deviation value; and f. if so, taking protective action on the portable electronic device.