Abstract:
This abstract has been included pursuant to Section  1.72 (b) of the Rules for Patent and Trademark Cases, Title  37  of the Code of Federal Regulations. This abstract is intended only to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public to generally determine the nature of the technical disclosure. This abstract is not intended to aid in the interpretation of the scope of any claim.  
     A direction-sensitive, touch activated security device is coupled to an electronic system, such as a computing device or other type of computer-assisted equipment. The security device includes a selector which is manipulated along certain directions by a user. Signals which represent the particular movements of the selector are conveyed to the computing device where they are compared with a predetermined group of signals and associated directions. In the event that the signals from the selector accord with the predetermined group of signals, the computing device permits the user to operate the device, use the device in a specific mode, or to undock the device from a docking station. Alternatively, a user traces a pattern on a touchpad that is compared with a predetermined pattern. Based on the results of this comparison, the user is permitted access to the computing device or to operate in a specific mode.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0001]    The invention relates to electronic systems and, more particularly, to security devices for electronic systems.  
           [0002]    As electronic systems, including portable computers, laptop computers, handheld computing devices and pagers gain in popularity, the need to protect these devices from unauthorized users increases as well. In order to control access to a portable computer, for example, the computer typically incorporates a password authentication technique in order to ensure that only authorized users are able to make use of the computer, or to access certain files stored on the computer or accessed by the computer. This password authentication technique can also be used to unlock a laptop computer from an associated docking station, thereby preventing unauthorized users from removing the computer from the station.  
           [0003]    In order to make use of a password-protected electronic system, a user must often remember a password which is a combination of alphanumeric characters. In addition to a user having to remember other numbers as well, such as Social Security, driver&#39;s license, and other numbers, the password needed to unlock an electronic systems represents yet another number which can be forgotten, misplaced, or compromised. Additionally, in order to remove a laptop computer from its docking station, for example, the portable computer sometimes must be fully operational before the password can be entered and the computer subsequently ejected from its docking station. This places an additional burden on the user in that the user must wait for the computer to transition to a fully operational state before the computer can be removed from its docking station.  
           [0004]    Therefore, it is highly desirable for an electronic system to make use of a security device that makes use of a password, which is easier to remember than an alphanumeric combination, and allows for the undocking of the computing device without requiring the computing device to be fully operational. The security device can also simplify access and enhance the security of a variety of electronic systems.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0005]    According to one aspect of the invention, a method of permitting access to an electronic system is provided. The method includes receiving at least a first and second signal, wherein each signal indicates a state change of a corresponding switch, and wherein each state change is in response to a selector being urged in a particular direction. The method additionally includes the electronic system comparing each signal with a signal from a group of predetermined signals and a direction associated with each signal within of the group of predetermined signals. The method further includes permitting access to an operating mode of the electronic system when the comparing action determines that each received signal accords with the signals of the group of predetermined signals and the direction of each received signal accords with the direction associated with each signal of the group of predetermined signals.  
           [0006]    According to another aspect of the invention, a second method for permitting access to an electronic system is provided. The method includes, receiving signals from a touchpad, wherein the signals represent the movements of a user&#39;s finger tracing a pattern on the touchpad. The method additionally includes comparing the signals with a group of predetermined signals associated with movements of the user&#39;s finger tracing the pattern on the touchpad. The method further includes permitting access to an operating mode of the electronic systems when the comparing action determines that the signals representing movements of the user&#39;s finger tracing a pattern on the touchpad accords with the group of predetermined signals associated with movements of the user&#39;s finger tracing the pattern on the touchpad.  
           [0007]    These and other aspects of the invention are pointed out with particularity in the appended claims. However, a more complete understanding of the various aspects of the invention may be acquired by reading the description herein, in conjunction with the figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0008]    [0008]FIG. 1 is an illustration of a direction-sensitive, touch-activated security device in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention;  
         [0009]    [0009]FIG. 2 is a cross section of the direction-sensitive, touch-activated security device of FIG. 1 in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention;  
         [0010]    [0010]FIG. 3 is an illustration of a computing device wherein the direction-sensitive, touch-activated security device of FIG. 1 has been located on a retractable surface of a computing device in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention;  
         [0011]    [0011]FIG. 4 is an illustration of a computing device wherein the direction-sensitive, touch-activated security device of FIG. 1 has been located proximate to a keyboard of the computing device;  
         [0012]    [0012]FIG. 5 is an illustration of a computing device wherein the direction-sensitive, touch-activated security device of FIG. 1 has been located on a cover of the computing device;  
         [0013]    [0013]FIG. 6 is an illustration of a user&#39;s finger interacting with a direction-sensitive, touch-activated security device in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the invention;  
         [0014]    [0014]FIG. 7 shows the touchpad of FIG. 6, wherein the touchpad has been divided into  16  regions, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention;  
         [0015]    [0015]FIG. 7 a  shows the touchpad of FIG. 7 with a second pattern traced on a touchpad in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention;  
         [0016]    [0016]FIG. 8 shows the direction-sensitive, touch-activated security device of FIG. 1 used in conjunction with a finger guide in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention;  
         [0017]    [0017]FIG. 9 is a block diagram of a candidate system used to implement a direction-sensitive, touch-activated security device used by an electronic system in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention;  
         [0018]    [0018]FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a method for implementing a direction-sensitive, touch-activated security device in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention;  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 11 is a block diagram of a method for implementing a direction-sensitive, touch-activated security device in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the invention; and  
         [0020]    [0020]FIG. 12 is a block diagram of a method for implementing a direction-sensitive, touch-activated security device which is used to undock a portable computer from a docking station in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0021]    A direction-sensitive, touch-activated security device provides a more intuitive and faster way of gaining access to an electronic system, or operating the electronic system in a specific mode. The security device can also provide a more efficient and convenient way of removing a computing device from a docking station. The security device can be placed in a variety of locations, either external to or physically attached to the computing device. Additionally, a variation of the selector can be implemented using an existing touchpad which is already made part of many portable-computing devices. The security device can also be implemented using a joystick, which is already used to control the operation of many computing devices as well as other types of computer-assisted electronic systems.  
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 1 is an illustration of a direction-sensitive, touch-activated security device in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention. In FIG. 1, security device  20  is coupled to a computing device (not shown in FIG. 1) through output  5 . Although output  5  is shown as providing an interface to security device  20  through a wire or other suitable conductor, nothing prevents the use of a wireless interface integrated into security device  20  in order to convey signals from device  20  to an associated computing device.  
         [0023]    [0023]FIG. 1 also shows a user&#39;s finger ( 60 ) interacting with security device  20 . In a preferred embodiment, the user urges selector  205  of security device  20  in one or more directions according to directional arrows  21 ,  22 ,  23 , and  24 , which are identified on a surface of security device  20 . In order to make use of the security device ( 20 ) of FIG. 1, a user places his or her finger on selector  205  and moves to the selector in accordance with a pattern that corresponds to a pattern stored within a memory element of the associated portable computer. As an example, a pattern that consists of a first movement in the direction of arrow  21 , followed by a movement in the direction of arrow  24  (opposite to the direction of arrow  21 ), followed by a movement in the direction of arrow  22 , and finally in the direction of arrow  23  (opposite to the direction of arrow  22 ) may accord with a pattern stored within a memory element of the associated portable computer. In this case, the portable computer can permit the user to access the computer, access certain protected files stored on the computer, or unlock the computer from a docking station.  
         [0024]    Although directional arrows  21 ,  22 ,  23 , and  24  are shown as indicating directions which are substantially orthogonal to each other, nothing prevents the movement of selector  205  along other directions as well. Thus, security device  20  can be constructed using a selector that is capable of moving in any number of directions.  
         [0025]    [0025]FIG. 2 is a cross section of the direction-sensitive, touch-activated security device of FIG. 1 in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention. In FIG. 2, selector  205  is shown as using rollers  210  in order to make contact with one of switches  220  and  221 . Substrate  230  provides a base to which switches  220  and  221  can be mounted. Substrate  230  also provides detents which accommodate rollers  210 . The cross section represented by FIG. 2 illustrates either a cross section taken along direction arrows  21  and  24 , or can represent a cross section taken along directional arrows  22  and  23  without a change in functionality.  
         [0026]    As selector  205  is urged toward switch  221 , the selector makes momentary contact with the switch, thus changing the state of switch  221 . This momentary contact causes switch  221  to convey a first signal, which represents the state change of switch  221 , to an associated electronic system. In a similar manner, urging selector  205  toward switch  220  causes the switch to convey a corresponding signal that indicates the state change of switch  220  to the computing device. Further, urging selector  205  in a side-to-side direction causes momentary contact with switches similar to switches  220  and  221 , thereby enabling corresponding signals from the similar switches to be conveyed to the electronic system.  
         [0027]    Although FIG. 2 makes use of switches  220  and  221  to detect the movement of selector  205 , this is not intended to be limiting in any way. Those skilled in the art are aware of other techniques and devices for making, breaking, or changing the connections in an electrical circuit, and using the resulting change in the state of the electrical circuit to identify the position of selector  205 .  
         [0028]    [0028]FIG. 3 is an illustration of a computing device ( 10 ) wherein the direction-sensitive and touch-activated security device of FIG. 1 has been located on a retractable surface of the computing device ( 10 ) in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention. In FIG. 3, retractable surface  30  extends as a result of the user applying power to computing device  10 , or can be extended in response to a user depressing a particular key or button on keyboard  40  of computing device  10 . Although retractable surface  30  is shown as being located on a particular side of computing device  10 , nothing prevents retractable surface  30  from being located on any other side of computing device  10 . The use of retractable surface  30  may be most desirable when a user need only enter a password once in order to be permitted access to computing device  10 . In this case, retractable surface  30  can be retracted and stored within the body of computing device  10 .  
         [0029]    [0029]FIG. 4 is an illustration of a computing device wherein the direction-sensitive, touch-activated security device of FIG. 1 has been located proximate to a keyboard of the computing device. In FIG. 4, security device  20  is shown as being located in an upper right location that is proximate to keyboard  40 . The location of security device  20  represents the placement of the security device in a location constantly accessible by a user. Thus, the user need not extend a retractable surface in order to manipulate security device  20 . Placing security device  20  proximate to keyboard  40  of computing device  10  can be highly desirable when the operations of computing device  10  require a user to provide inputs to security device  20  on a regular basis, thus not requiring the user to extend a retractable surface in order to interact with security device  20 . The arrangement of FIG. 4 can be especially useful when the user is required to occasionally or periodically input a password while using computing device  10 .  
         [0030]    Additionally, although not shown in FIG. 4, the function of security device  20  can also be performed using the directional arrow keys which function to move a cursor on a video display of the computer. This can be an advantageous implementation of security device  20  in a portable computer where keyboard space is limited since many portable computers already incorporate direction al arrow keys.  
         [0031]    Further, the function of security device  20  can also be implemented using a joystick or other control device that resembles an airplane&#39;s joystick especially in being capable of motion in two or more directions. This also represents an advantageous implementation of security device  20  in that the functions of the device are brought about using equipment already present in many portable computing systems. The use of a joystick to implement the features of security device  20  furthermore provides the means by which additional security features can be built into a variety of equipment, such as farm, construction, and industrial equipment, that employ electronic systems in their operation. Thus, for example, the security of a forklift used in a factory setting can be enhanced through the use of a joystick which performs the security function of device  20 , thus ensuring that only those who know the proper sequence of movements of the joystick can operate the forklift. Since many pieces of farm, construction, and industrial equipment already make use of a joystick in order to control the operations of the equipment, the additional security features can be implemented using the existing joystick.  
         [0032]    [0032]FIG. 5 is an illustration of a computing device ( 10 ) wherein the direction-sensitive, touch-activated security device of FIG. 1 has been located on a cover of the computing device. In FIG. 5, security device  20  can be used to unlock cover  50  of computing device  10  in order to provide the user with access to the keyboard and function keys of computing device  10 . Locating security device  20  on cover  50  of computing device  10  can provide the additional advantage of being capable of operating in conjunction with a latch or lock which secures cover  50  to the chassis of computing device  10 . Thus, manipulating security device  20  can release the latch mechanism, and thereby permit the user to view the display of computing device  10  as well as to interact with its keyboard.  
         [0033]    [0033]FIG. 6 is an illustration of a user&#39;s finger ( 60 ) interacting with a direction-sensitive, touch-activated security device in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the invention. In FIG. 6, touchpad  305  provides an input device which allows a user to interact with computing device  10 . Preferably touchpad  305  causes an indicator to move correspondingly about a computer screen, allowing the operator to move the indicator freely, as to select operations or manipulate text or graphics. In FIG. 6, the user manipulates touchpad  305  by making a particular pattern on the surface of the touch pad by using his or her finger. Although FIG. 6 indicates a circle being drawn with the user&#39;s finger ( 60 ), nothing prevents the user from making a cross, star, rectangle, or any other two-dimensional geometric shape in order to be permitted access to computing device  10 , or to operate computing device  10  in a particular mode. Additionally, nothing prevents the use of multiple sequential geometric shapes made by a user&#39;s finger in order to access computing device  10 , or operate computing device in a particular mode.  
         [0034]    [0034]FIG. 7 shows the touchpad of FIG. 6, wherein the touchpad has been divided into  16  regions, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention. Each of the  16  regions of touchpad  305  has been assigned one of  16  alphabetical characters (A through P). In this example, pattern  310  has been traced over touchpad  305  with user&#39;s finger  60  (of FIG. 6). This trace pattern results in the signals J-I-E-A-B-C-D-H-L-P-O-N being reported by touchpad  305 . Preferably, computing device  10  (of FIG. 6) receives this group of signals and compares these signals with a group of predetermined signals which is associated with movements of the user&#39;s finger tracing a pattern of the touchpad. In the event that the signals reported by touchpad  305  accords with the group of predetermined signals, portable computer can permit access by the user, allow the user to operate portable computer in a particular mode, or allow the user to undock computing device  10 .  
         [0035]    [0035]FIG. 7 a  shows the touchpad of FIG. 7 with a second pattern ( 320 ) traced on touchpad  305  in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention. The trace pattern of FIG. 7 a  results in the signals C-G-F-J-F-G being generated by touchpad  305 . It is noteworthy that the pattern of FIG. 7 a  is discontinuous and thus requires that the user momentarily lift his or her finger above touchpad  305  in order to complete the pattern.  
         [0036]    In FIGS. 7 and 7 a  it is anticipated that the user&#39;s finger makes accurate movements on touchpad  305 . However, computing device  10  can be made to accept signals from touchpad  305  which correspond with more than one group of predetermined signals with which signals from the touchpad are compared. Thus, in either example, signals from touchpad  305  can be compared with several groups of predetermined signals and directions associated with each of the predetermined signals. When the received signals accord with signals from a particular one of a group of predetermined signals, this can be sufficient to permit access to the portable computer, allow operation of the portable computer in a certain mode, or allow the portable computer to be undocked.  
         [0037]    In FIGS. 7 and 7 a  it is also anticipated that the user&#39;s finger makes smooth and fluent movements on touchpad  305 . An example of such a movement could be one in which user&#39;s finger  60  spends a substantially equal amount of time in each of the important regions of touchpad  305 . However, nothing prevents the use of a trace pattern that involves a time-dependent component. Thus, in order for pattern  310  to bring about signals which accord with those of the group of predetermined signals, pattern  310  may include at least one pause at some point in the pattern.  
         [0038]    [0038]FIG. 8 shows the direction-sensitive, touch-activated security device of FIG. 1 used in conjunction with a finger guide ( 405 ) in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention. In FIG. 8, finger guide  405  has been placed over touchpad  305  to direct the movement of the user&#39;s finger. The function of finger guide  405  can also be performed by way of printing an outline of the finger guide on touchpad  305 .  
         [0039]    [0039]FIG. 9 is a block diagram of a candidate equipment suite used to implement a direction-sensitive, touch-activated security device within an electronic system in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention. In FIG. 7, security device  20  is shown as being integral to computing device  10 . However, nothing prevents security device  20  from being external to computing device  10  and coupled to signal conditioner  100  by way of a conductive or wireless link. In a preferred embodiment, signal conditioner  100  receives signals from security device  20  which indicates that a selector has been moved along a particular direction. In an alternate embodiment, signal conditioner  100  is coupled to a touch pad, such as touchpad  305  of FIG. 6, in order to receive signals from the touchpad which indicate the movement of a user&#39;s finger (FIG. 6, 60) on the touchpad.  
         [0040]    Signal conditioner  100  is coupled to processor  120 . Processor  120  logically compares signals from signal conditioner  100  with those stored in memory element  130 . In the event that signals from signal conditioner  100  are within specified tolerances of signals stored within memory element  130 , processor  120  can command access control circuit  140  to either unlock computing device  10  from a docking station, or permit the use of the computing device by the user. When signal conditioner  100  is coupled to a touchpad, signals from the signal conditioner may be compared with multiple groups of signals within memory element  130  in order to determine if the signals from signal conditioner  100  accord with one of the multiple groups stored within memory element  130 .  
         [0041]    When commanded by processor  120 , access control circuit  140  may alternatively permit the user to operate computing device  10  in a particular mode. Thus, access control circuit  140  can enable a user to access protected information, to make use of a word processing program which operates on computing device  10 , or can enable the user to send a message from computing device  10  when computing device  10  is a handheld messaging device. Therefore, release  150  can represent either a mechanical release of computing device  10  from a docking station, or enabling the release of a cover of computing device  10 , thus allowing a user to view the display and manipulate the keyboard of the computing device. In a similar manner, release  150  can represent an unlocking of the hydraulic or electrical system of a piece of industrial, farm, or construction machinery. Further, release  150  can represent an interface to file protection program that precludes unauthorized users from running certain programs on computing device  10 , such as word processing, file access, and messaging software.  
         [0042]    [0042]FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a method for implementing a direction-sensitive, touch-activated security device in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention. The apparatus of FIG. 9 is suitable for performing the method of FIG. 10 using the direction-sensitive, touch-activated security device of FIG. 1. In block  400  of FIG. 10, a first and second signal is received from a direction-sensitive, touch-activated security device. Additional signals, which indicate that the selector has been moved in additional directions can also be received. The method continues at block  410  in which each signal is compared with a group of predetermined signals as well as a direction of each signal. At block  420 , the user is permitted access to a computing device based on the results of block  410 .  
         [0043]    [0043]FIG. 11 is a block diagram of a method for implementing a direction-sensitive, touch-activated security device in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the invention. The apparatus of FIG. 9 is suitable for performing the method of FIG. 11 using the direction-sensitive touchpad of FIGS. 7 and 7 a . In block  450  of FIG. 11, signals representing the movements of a user&#39;s finger tracing a pattern on a touchpad are received. In block  460 , the received signals are compared with a group of predetermined signals associated with movements of the user&#39;s finger tracing the pattern on the touchpad. In block  470 , a user is permitted access to an operating mode of the computing device when the comparing action determines that the signals representing movements of the user&#39;s finger tracing a pattern on the touchpad accords with the group of predetermined signals associated with movements of the user&#39;s finger tracing the pattern on the touchpad.  
         [0044]    [0044]FIG. 12 is a block diagram of a method for implementing a direction-sensitive, touch-activated security device which is used to undock a portable computer from a docking station in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention. The apparatus of FIG. 9 is suitable for performing the method of FIG. 12 using the direction-sensitive, touch-activated security device of FIG. 1. At block  500 , a first signal which conveys that a selector has been urged toward a first direction is received. At block  510 , a second signal which conveys that a selector has been moved toward a second direction is received. At block of  520 , the first and second signals are compared with a predetermined sequence of signals. At block  530 , the first and second signals are compared with a set of predetermined signals. In the event that the first and second signals accord with predetermined signals, the computing device can be undocked at block  540 . In the event that the received signals do not accord with the predetermined sequence of signals, block  550  is executed in which the computing device is not permitted to be undocked.  
         [0045]    Although the examples of FIGS. 10 and 12 include only the reception of a first and second signal, nothing prevents the reception of a greater number of signals, such as four or more. The use of a greater number of signals allows the use of an increasingly complex code which may involve the movement of a selector sequentially in several directions. It is also noteworthy to indicate that the methods of FIGS.  10 - 12  can be encoded onto a program storage device which is readable by a machine, such as a portable computer. The program storage device should tangibly embody a program of instructions executable by the machine to perform method steps for directing a portable computer to enter an operational mode, undock the machine, or permit a user to access the machine.  
         [0046]    In conclusion, a direction-sensitive, touch-activated security device provides an intuitive and faster way of gaining access to a computing device, or operating the computing device in a specific mode. The security device can also provide a more efficient and convenient way of removing a computing device from a docking station. The security device can be placed in a variety of locations, either external or physically attached to the computing device. Additionally, a variation of the selector can be implemented using an existing touchpad which is already made part of many portable-computing devices. Further, the security device can be incorporated using a joystick that is already used to control many industrial, construction, and farm equipment.  
         [0047]    It should be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Accordingly, the invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, equivalents and variations as fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims.