Patent ID: 7437051
Filing Date: 2008-10-14
Classification: G02B,H04M

Abstract:
1. A secure communication system comprising: a portable computing device having an infrared beaming port capable of bidirectional serial communication via open air radiation of infrared pulses, wherein said portable computing device is comprised of a personal digital assistant (PDA) having an infrared beaming window; a fiber optic system releasably attached to said portable computing device and including an optical fiber, a retractable spool for retaining said optical fiber, a fiber mount for mounting a first end of said optical fiber in alignment with said infrared beaming port of said portable computing device, and a terminator at a second end of said optical fiber, wherein said fiber optic system further includes a sleeve for retaining said optical fiber in alignment with said infrared beaming window and for blocking infrared transmission from said infrared beaming window other than through said optical fiber; and a public network outlet in a fixed location and having an infrared data port in communication with an optical fiber connector adapted to receive said terminator, said infrared data port being in bidirectional serial communication with said infrared beaming port via said optical fiber in order to authenticate said portable computing device and to provide public network services in response to said authentication.