Patent ID: 6369693
Filing Date: 2002-04-09
Classification: G08C,H03J,H04B,H04N

Abstract:
A method of transferring secure data between a remote controller and a user apparatus in a secure manner, the remote controller having means for storing the secure data, transmitting means, and means for controlling the output power of the transmitting means to have at least a low output power level and a high output power level, the user apparatus having receiving means and means to store secure data received by said receiving means, wherein the remote controller transmits operational commands for effecting operation of the user apparatus across an air interface using a communications link while said controlling means controls said transmitting means to transmit at said high output power level, characterized in that said method comprises the steps:storing said secure data in said storing means in said remote controller; placing the remote controller in a position closer to the user apparatus than a position used when said remote controller is transmitting said operational commands; and transmitting said secure data across said air interface using said communications link from said remote controller to said user apparatus using said transmitting means at said low output power level, wherein a personal identification number (PIN) is stored in the remote controller, characterized in that the method further comprises the steps: a user entering the PIN into the remote controller; comparing the entered PIN with the PIN stored in the remote controller; and enabling the transmitting means only if the entered PIN corresponds to the stored PIN.