Abstract:
Apparatus having corresponding methods and computer-readable media comprise: a processor configured to execute one or more applications associated with a plurality of identities; and one or more transceivers configured to transceive first wireless signals responsive to a first enablement signal, and to transceive second wireless signals responsive to a second enablement signal; wherein the first wireless signals represent a first transceiver identifier associated with a first one of the identities; wherein the second wireless signals represent a second transceiver identifier associated with a second one of the identities; wherein the processor is further configured to assert the first enablement signal responsive to occurrence of one or more first events; and wherein the processor is further configured to assert the second enablement signal responsive to occurrence of one or more second events.

Description:
FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates generally to the field of wireless communications. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to the identities employed during wireless communications. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Wireless communications have become indispensable in modern life. Mobile devices are used for phone calls, exchanging electronic messages, shopping, banking, and for making payments. Some of these wireless transactions require more security than others. For example, while one may want little security for accepting a store coupon delivered wirelessly to a mobile device, one will want much greater security when using that mobile device to wirelessly transfer funds between banking accounts. 
     SUMMARY 
     In general, in one aspect, an embodiment features an apparatus comprising: a processor configured to execute one or more applications associated with a plurality of identities; and one or more transceivers configured to transceive first wireless signals responsive to a first enablement signal, and to transceive second wireless signals responsive to a second enablement signal; wherein the first wireless signals represent a first transceiver identifier associated with a first one of the identities; wherein the second wireless signals represent a second transceiver identifier associated with a second one of the identities; wherein the processor is further configured to assert the first enablement signal responsive to occurrence of one or more first events; and wherein the processor is further configured to assert the second enablement signal responsive to occurrence of one or more second events. 
     Embodiments of the apparatus may include one or more of the following features. In some embodiments, the one or more transceivers comprise: a first transceiver configured to transceive the first wireless signals responsive to the first enablement signal; and a second transceiver configured to transceive the second wireless signals responsive to the second enablement signal. In some embodiments, the first transceiver identifier comprises a first media access control (MAC) address; and the second transceiver identifier comprises a second MAC address. In some embodiments, the one or more transceivers comprise: a transceiver; and one or more registers configured to store the first and second transceiver identifiers; wherein the transceiver is configured to access the first transceiver identifier responsive to the first enablement signal; and wherein the transceiver is further configured to access the second transceiver identifier responsive to the second enablement signal. In some embodiments, the first transceiver identifier comprises a first media access control (MAC) address; and the second transceiver identifier comprises a second MAC address. In some embodiments, the first one of the identities is associated with a security credential; and the second one of the identities is not associated with the security credential. In some embodiments, the events include at least one of: the apparatus being at a first predetermined location; the apparatus not being at a second predetermined location; the apparatus being near a first selected object; the apparatus not being near a second selected object; the apparatus being near a first selected person or group of persons; the apparatus not being near a second selected person or group of persons; occurrence of a time of day; occurrence of a scheduled task; and reception by the one or more transceivers of a signal associated with one of the applications. 
     In general, in one aspect, an embodiment features computer-readable media embodying instructions executable by a computer to perform functions comprising: executing one or more applications associated with a plurality of identities; and enabling one or more transceivers to transceive first wireless signals responsive to occurrence of one or more first events, wherein the first wireless signals represent a first transceiver identifier associated with a first one of the identities; and enabling the one or more transceivers to transceive second wireless signals responsive to occurrence of one or more second events, wherein the second wireless signals represent a second transceiver identifier associated with a second one of the identities. 
     Embodiments of the computer-readable media may include one or more of the following features. In some embodiments, the one or more transceivers include a first transceiver and a second transceiver, and the functions further comprise: enabling the first transceiver to transceive the first wireless signals responsive to occurrence of one or more of the first events; and enabling the second transceiver to transceive the second wireless signals responsive to occurrence of one or more of the second events. In some embodiments, the first transceiver identifier comprises a first media access control (MAC) address; and the second transceiver identifier comprises a second MAC address. In some embodiments, the functions further comprise: storing the first and second transceiver identifiers; providing the first transceiver identifier to one of the transceivers responsive to occurrence of one or more of the first events; and providing the second transceiver identifier to the one of the transceivers responsive to occurrence of one or more of the second events. In some embodiments, the first transceiver identifier comprises a first media access control (MAC) address; and the second transceiver identifier comprises a second MAC address. In some embodiments, the first one of the identities is associated with a security credential; and the second one of the identities is not associated with the security credential. In some embodiments, the events include at least one of: the computer being at a first predetermined location; the computer not being at a second predetermined location; the computer being near a first selected object; the computer not being near a second selected object; the computer being near a first selected person or group of persons; the computer not being near a second selected person or group of persons; occurrence of a time of day; occurrence of a scheduled task; and reception by the one or more transceivers of a signal associated with one of the applications. 
     In general, in one aspect, an embodiment features a method comprising: executing one or more applications associated with a plurality of identities; and enabling one or more transceivers to transceive first wireless signals responsive to occurrence of one or more first events, wherein the first wireless signals represent a first transceiver identifier associated with a first one of the identities; and enabling the one or more transceivers to transceive second wireless signals responsive to occurrence of one or more second events, wherein the second wireless signals represent a second transceiver identifier associated with a second one of the identities. 
     Embodiments of the method may include one or more of the following features. In some embodiments, the one or more transceivers include a first transceiver and a second transceiver, and the method further comprises: enabling the first transceiver to transceive the first wireless signals responsive to occurrence of one or more of the first events; and enabling the second transceiver to transceive the second wireless signals responsive to occurrence of one or more of the second events. In some embodiments, the first transceiver identifier comprises a first media access control (MAC) address; and the second transceiver identifier comprises a second MAC address. Some embodiments comprise storing the first and second transceiver identifiers; providing the first transceiver identifier to one of the transceivers responsive to occurrence of one or more of the first events; and providing the second transceiver identifier to the one of the transceivers responsive to occurrence of one or more of the second events. In some embodiments, the first transceiver identifier comprises a first media access control (MAC) address; and the second transceiver identifier comprises a second MAC address. In some embodiments, the first one of the identities is associated with a security credential; and the second one of the identities is not associated with the security credential. 
     The details of one or more implementations are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims. 
    
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  shows elements of a mobile communication device according to one embodiment. 
         FIG. 2  shows elements of a transceiver according to an embodiment having two transceivers, each with a different transceiver identifier. 
         FIG. 3  shows elements of a transceiver according to an embodiment having one transmitter with two different transceiver identifiers. 
         FIG. 4  shows a process for the mobile communication device of  FIG. 1  according to the transceiver embodiment of  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 5  shows a process for the mobile communication device of  FIG. 1  according to the transceiver embodiment of  FIG. 3 . 
     
    
    
     The leading digit(s) of each reference numeral used in this specification indicates the number of the drawing in which the reference numeral first appears. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Embodiments of the present disclosure provide multiple wireless identities for a mobile device. Each wireless identity is associated with a transceiver identifier. In one embodiment, a transceiver includes two or more transmitters, and each transmitter has a different transceiver identifier. In another embodiment, a transceiver includes a single transmitter associated with multiple transceiver identifiers. In one example, each transceiver identifier is a media access control (MAC) address. 
     Each identity is associated with one or more applications. For example, one of the identities may be associated with a shopping application, while another may be associated with a banking application. Each identity may be associated with a different level of security, a different amount of personal information, or the like. For example, a “secure” identity may be associated with a particular security credential, while a “promiscuous” identity may not be associated with that security credential. An identity may be associated with multiple applications. Multiple identities may be associated with a single application. 
     The identities may be enabled and disabled automatically based on the occurrence of one or more events. The events may include being at a predetermined location, not being at a predetermined location, occurrence of a time of day, occurrence of a scheduled task, reception of a signal associated with one of the applications, being near a selected object, not being near a selected object, being near a selected person or group of persons, not being near a selected person or group of persons, and the like. For example, a “secure” identity associated with high levels of security and personal information may be enabled only while at work during working hours, while a “promiscuous” identity associated with low levels of security and personal information may be enabled while at a shopping mall on a weekend. Being near an object could include, for example, being near a firearm, a radio-linked code key for international wire transfers, or the like. Being near a person could include, for example, being near another person where two people are required to open a vault or the like. Other features are contemplated as well. 
       FIG. 1  shows elements of a mobile communication device  100  according to one embodiment. Although in the described embodiment elements of the mobile communication device  100  are presented in one arrangement, other embodiments may feature other arrangements. For example, elements of the mobile communication device  100  may be implemented in hardware, software, or combinations thereof. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , the mobile communication device  100  may include one or more of a transceiver  112 , a processor  108 , a memory  110 , a microphone  114 , a speaker  116 , a display  118 , one or more user-operable controls  120 , a location module  122 , and a power supply  126 . The mobile communication device  100  may include other elements as well. 
     The processor  108  may execute one or more applications associated with a plurality of identities. The processor  108  may communicate with other elements of the mobile communication device  100  over one or more communication busses  128 . The elements of mobile communication device  100  may receive power from the power supply  126  over one or more power rails  130 . Various elements of the mobile communication device  100  may be implemented as one or more integrated circuits. The mobile communication device  100  may be implemented as a smartphone, a wearable electronic device, or the like. 
     The transceiver  112  may employ any communication protocol, including wired and wireless communication protocols. The wireless protocols may include Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low-Energy (BLE), Wi-Fi, Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications (DECT), near-field communications (NFC), and the like. The transceiver  112  may employ multiple communication protocols. The processor  108  may include digital signal processors, analog-to-digital converters, digital-to-analog converters, and the like. 
     The display  118  may be implemented as a touch screen or the like. The user-operable controls  120  may include buttons, slide switches, capacitive sensors, touch screens, and the like. The location module  122  may include an e-compass, accelerometers, gyroscopes, an altimeter, and the like. The location module  122  may include a dedicated receiver to receive Global Positioning System (GPS) signals or the like, and may include a location processor to process the received signals. The location processor may employ wireless signals received by the transceiver  112 . The location module  122  may receive messages that include location information, and may employ those messages in location determination. 
       FIG. 2  shows elements of a transceiver  200  according to an embodiment having two transceivers, each with a different transceiver identifier. The transceiver  200  may be used to implement the transceiver  112  of  FIG. 1 . Although in the described embodiment elements of the transceiver  200  are presented in one arrangement, other embodiments may feature other arrangements. For example, elements of the transceiver  200  may be implemented in hardware, software, or combinations thereof. 
     Referring to  FIG. 2 , the transceiver  200  includes two transceivers  202  and  204 . Each transceiver  202 ,  204  includes a respective register  212 ,  214 . Each register  212 ,  214  stores a respective media access control (MAC) address  222 ,  224  or other respective transceiver identifiers. Each transceiver  202 ,  204  may employ its MAC address  222 ,  224  in radio signals transmitted by the transceiver  202 ,  204 . Each media access control (MAC) address  222 ,  224  may be associated with a respective one of a plurality of identities. While the described embodiment employs only two transceivers, two MAC addresses, and two identities, other embodiments may employ greater numbers of transceivers, MAC addresses, and identities. 
       FIG. 3  shows elements of a transceiver  300  according to an embodiment having one transmitter with two different transceiver identifiers. The transceiver  300  may be used to implement the transceiver  112  of  FIG. 1 . Although in the described embodiment elements of the transceiver  300  are presented in one arrangement, other embodiments may feature other arrangements. For example, elements of the transceiver  300  may be implemented in hardware, software, or combinations thereof. 
     Referring to  FIG. 3 , the transceiver  300  includes two registers  312 ,  314 . Each register  312 ,  314  stores a respective media access control (MAC) address  322 ,  324  or other respective transceiver identifiers. The transceiver  300  may employ either MAC address  322 ,  324  in radio signals transmitted by the transceiver  300 . Each media access control (MAC) address  322 ,  324  may be associated with a respective one of a plurality of identities. While the described embodiment employs only two MAC addresses and two identities, other embodiments may employ greater numbers of MAC addresses and identities. 
       FIG. 4  shows a process  400  for the mobile communication device  100  of  FIG. 1  according to the transceiver embodiment of  FIG. 2 . Although in the described embodiments the elements of process  400  are presented in one arrangement, other embodiments may feature other arrangements. For example, in various embodiments, some or all of the elements of process  400  can be executed in a different order, concurrently, and the like. Also some elements of process  400  may not be performed, and may not be executed immediately after each other. In addition, some or all of the elements of process  400  can be performed automatically, that is, without human intervention. 
     Referring to  FIG. 4 , at  402 , the processor  108  may execute one or more applications associated with a plurality of identities. Each identity may be associated with one or more of the applications. For example, one of the identities may be associated with a shopping application, while another may be associated with a banking application. Each identity may be associated with a different level of security, a different amount of personal information, and the like. An identity may be associated with multiple applications. Multiple identities may be associated with a single application. Each identity may be associated with one of the MAC addresses  222 ,  224 . In this example, a first identity is associated with MAC address  222 , and a second identity is associated with MAC address  224 . 
     The identities may be enabled and disabled automatically based on the occurrence of one or more events. The events may include being at a predetermined location, not being at a predetermined location, occurrence of a time of day, occurrence of a scheduled task, reception of a signal associated with one of the applications, and the like. Information describing the events may be stored in the memory  110 . A user of the device  100  may configure the events using the user-operable controls  120 , the display  118 , the microphone  114 , the speaker  116 , and the like. 
     At  404 , one or more of the events may occur. At  406 , the processor  108  may determine the identity or identities that are associated with the one or more events. At  408 , responsive to the one or more events being associated with the first identity, the processor  108  may enable the first identity. In particular, the processor  108  may enable the transceiver  202  associated with the first identity. For example, the processor  108  may assert a first enablement signal over the one or more communication busses  128 . 
     At  410 , responsive to being enabled by the processor  108 , the transceiver  202  may transceive wireless signals that represent the MAC address  222 ,  224  associated with the first identity. In this example, the MAC address  222 ,  224  associated with the first identity is MAC address  222 . The transceiver may be enabled responsive to the assertion of the first enablement signal over the one or more communication busses  128 . 
     At  412 , the one or more events may end. At  414 , responsive to the one or more events ending, the processor  108  may disable the transceiver  202 . For example, the processor  108  may negate the first enablement signal over the one or more communication busses  128 . 
     At  416 , responsive to being disabled by the processor  108 , the transceiver  202  may cease to transceive wireless signals that represent the MAC address  222  associated with the first identity. The transceiver  202  may be disabled responsive to the negation of the first enablement signal over the one or more communication busses  128 . The process  400  may then resume, at  404 . 
     At  418 , responsive to the one or more events being associated with the second identity, the processor  108  may enable the second identity. In particular, the processor  108  may enable the transceiver  204  associated with the second identity. For example, the processor  108  may assert a second enablement signal over the one or more communication busses  128 . 
     At  420 , responsive to being enabled by the processor  108 , the transceiver  204  may transceive wireless signals that represent the MAC address  222 ,  224  associated with the second identity. In this example, the MAC address  222 ,  224  associated with the second identity is MAC address  224 . The transceiver may be enabled responsive to the assertion of the second enablement signal over the one or more communication busses  128 . 
     At  422 , the one or more events may end. At  424 , responsive to the one or more events ending, the processor  108  may disable the transceiver  204 . For example, the processor  108  may negate the second enablement signal over the one or more communication busses  128 . 
     At  426 , responsive to being disabled by the processor  108 , the transceiver  204  may cease to transceive wireless signals that represent the MAC address  224  associated with the second identity. The transceiver  204  may be disabled responsive to the negation of the second enablement signal over the one or more communication busses  128 . The process  400  may then resume, at  404 . 
       FIG. 5  shows a process  500  for the mobile communication device  100  of  FIG. 1  according to the transceiver embodiment of  FIG. 3 . Although in the described embodiments the elements of process  500  are presented in one arrangement, other embodiments may feature other arrangements. For example, in various embodiments, some or all of the elements of process  500  can be executed in a different order, concurrently, and the like. Also some elements of process  500  may not be performed, and may not be executed immediately after each other. In addition, some or all of the elements of process  500  can be performed automatically, that is, without human intervention. 
     Referring to  FIG. 5 , at  502 , the processor  108  may execute one or more applications associated with a plurality of identities. Each identity may be associated with one or more of the applications. For example, one of the identities may be associated with a shopping application, while another may be associated with a banking application. Each identity may be associated with a different level of security, a different amount of personal information, and the like. An identity may be associated with multiple applications. Multiple identities may be associated with a single application. Each identity is associated with one of the MAC addresses  322 ,  324 . In this example, a first identity is associated with MAC address  322 , and a second identity is associated with MAC address  324 . 
     The identities may be enabled and disabled automatically based on the occurrence of one or more events. The events may include being at a predetermined location, not being at a predetermined location, occurrence of a time of day, occurrence of a scheduled task, reception of a signal associated with one of the applications, and the like. Information describing the events may be stored in the memory  110 . A user of the device  100  may configure the events using the user-operable controls  120 , the display  118 , the microphone  114 , the speaker  116 , and the like. 
     At  504 , one or more of the events may occur. At  506 , the processor  108  may determine the identity or identities that are associated with the one or more events. At  508 , responsive to the one or more events being associated with the first identity, the processor  108  may enable the first identity. For example, the processor  108  may assert a first enablement signal over the one or more communication busses  128 . 
     At  510 , responsive to the first identity being enabled, the transceiver  300  may transceive wireless signals that represent the MAC address  322  associated with the first identity. In particular, the transceiver  300  may access the MAC address  322  associated with the first identity. The transceiver  300  may access the MAC address  322  responsive to the assertion of the first enablement signal over the one or more communication busses  128 . Alternatively, the processor  108  may provide the MAC address  322  to the transceiver  300 . 
     At  512 , the one or more events may end. At  514 , responsive to the one or more events ending, the processor  108  may disable the first identity. For example, the processor  108  may negate the first enablement signal over the one or more communication busses  128 . 
     At  516 , responsive to the first identity being disabled, the transceiver  300  may cease to transceive wireless signals that represent the MAC address  322  associated with the first identity. The first identity may be disabled responsive to the negation of the first enablement signal over the one or more communication busses  128 . The process  500  may then resume, at  504 . 
     At  518 , responsive to the one or more events being associated with a second identity, the processor  108  may enable the second identity. For example, the processor  108  may assert a second enablement signal over the one or more communication busses  128 . 
     At  520 , responsive to the second identity being enabled by the processor  108 , the transceiver  304  may transceive wireless signals that represent the MAC address  324  associated with the second identity. In particular, the transceiver  300  may access the MAC address  324  associated with the second identity. The transceiver  300  may be enabled responsive to the assertion of the second enablement signal over the one or more communication busses  128 . Alternatively, the processor  108  may provide the MAC address  324  to the transceiver  300 . 
     At  522 , the one or more events may end. At  524 , responsive to the one or more events ending, the processor  108  may disable the transceiver  300 . For example, the processor  108  may negate the second enablement signal over the one or more communication busses  128 . 
     At  526 , responsive to the second identity being disabled, the transceiver  300  may cease to transceive wireless signals that represent the MAC address  324  associated with the second identity. The second identity may be disabled responsive to the negation of the second enablement signal over the one or more communication busses  128 . The process  500  may then resume, at  504 . 
     Various embodiments of the present disclosure can be implemented in digital electronic circuitry, or in computer hardware, firmware, software, or in combinations thereof. Embodiments of the present disclosure can be implemented in a computer program product tangibly embodied in a computer-readable storage device for execution by a programmable processor. The described processes can be performed by a programmable processor executing a program of instructions to perform functions by operating on input data and generating output. Embodiments of the present disclosure can be implemented in one or more computer programs that are executable on a programmable system including at least one programmable processor coupled to receive data and instructions from, and to transmit data and instructions to, a data storage system, at least one input device, and at least one output device. Each computer program can be implemented in a high-level procedural or object-oriented programming language, or in assembly or machine language if desired; and in any case, the language can be a compiled or interpreted language. Suitable processors include, by way of example, both general and special purpose microprocessors. Generally, processors receive instructions and data from a read-only memory and/or a random access memory. Generally, a computer includes one or more mass storage devices for storing data files. Such devices include magnetic disks, such as internal hard disks and removable disks, magneto-optical disks; optical disks, and solid-state disks. Storage devices suitable for tangibly embodying computer program instructions and data include all forms of non-volatile memory, including by way of example semiconductor memory devices, such as EPROM, EEPROM, and flash memory devices; magnetic disks such as internal hard disks and removable disks; magneto-optical disks; and CD-ROM disks. Any of the foregoing can be supplemented by, or incorporated in, ASICs (application-specific integrated circuits). As used herein, the term “module” may refer to any of the above implementations. 
     A number of implementations have been described. Nevertheless, various modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, other implementations are within the scope of the following claims.