Patent Abstract:
A portable theft deterrent device is disclosed. The theft deterrent device comprises a lock detection mechanism. The lock detection mechanism includes a plurality of connectors and an opening therethrough. The lock detection mechanism includes a keypad. The keypad enables and disables the lock detection mechanism when a correct key code is entered. The lock detection mechanism includes a first active circuit therein coupled to the plurality of connectors. Wherein when the lock detection mechanism is coupled to an electrical path via at least one connector of the plurality of connectors and the first active circuit detects an interruption in the electrical flow in the electrical path, the lock detection mechanism provides an alert.

Full Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    Under 35 U.S.C. 120, this application is a Continuation application and claims priority to U.S. application Ser. No. 14/555,521, filed Nov. 26, 2014, entitled “THEFT DETERRENT DEVICE AND METHOD OF USE,” which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/032,499 by co-inventors Shahriar Ilislamloo and Andisheh Sarabi, filed on Aug. 1, 2014, entitled “Method and Apparatus for Protecting a Portable Device”, all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. 
         [0002]    This application is related to U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______ (Docket No. 5469P), filed on Nov. 26, 2014, entitled “THEFT DETERRENT DEVICE AND METHOD OF USE”, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______ (Docket No. 5469C), filed on Dec. 17, 2015, entitled “THEFT DETERRENT DEVICE AND METHOD OF USE”, which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    The present invention relates generally to protecting a device against tampering or theft and more particularly to theft deterrence for protecting a device against tampering or theft. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    Theft deterrent devices have become increasingly popular for protecting devices from intrusion. In large part, this is due to the variety and wide scope of applications offered for use by portable devices in addition to smaller form factors. Costly portable devices, such as electronics, are particularly vulnerable because they are transportable yet they often carry store users&#39; private and sensitive information that if fallen into the wrong hands can have devastating effects, such as identity theft. On the other hand, the convenient portability of devices undesirably contributes to the ease of unwarranted intrusion, theft, or intentional and unintentional tampering. Anti-tampering or anti-deterrent techniques are therefore required. 
         [0005]    Currently, theft and/or tampering-deterrent devices do not serve their purpose well. They tend to be ineffective in that they can be easily bypassed, inflexible in that their use is limited, and unreliable. They often fail to alert users of tampering and/or theft because simply stated, they lack adequate capability. For example, by the time the user is alerted of the loss of its device, the portable device (or object) has long been taken or already damaged. 
         [0006]    Security-enhancement devices are generally best suited for a particular type of device and lack universal applicability in protecting different types of portable devices. Security devices that offer a suitable measure of protection tend to be large in size, unreliable, and often too inconvenient to be useful to the average individual. 
         [0007]    Therefore, the need arises for a theft and tampering-deterrent device to protect a user&#39;s portable device (or object) from damage, tampering, and/or theft. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    A portable theft deterrent device is disclosed. The theft deterrent device comprises a lock detection mechanism. The lock detection mechanism includes a plurality of connectors and an opening therethrough. The lock detection mechanism includes a keypad. The keypad enables and disables the lock detection mechanism when a correct key code is entered. The lock detection mechanism includes a first active circuit therein coupled to the plurality of connectors. Wherein when the lock detection mechanism is coupled to an electrical path via at least one connector of the plurality of connectors and the first active circuit detects an interruption in the electrical flow in the electrical path, the lock detection mechanism provides an alert. 
         [0009]    These and other objects and advantages of a system and method in accordance with the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art after having read the following detailed description of the various embodiments illustrated in the several figures of the drawing. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0010]      FIG. 1  shows an anti-theft/tampering device  10 , in accordance with an embodiment. 
           [0011]      FIG. 2  shows further details of the device  10  with the key  14  shown detached from the lock  12 . 
           [0012]      FIG. 3  shows one of numerous applications of the device  10 , in accordance with a method and embodiment. 
           [0013]      FIG. 4  shows, in conceptual form, a high-level block diagram of relevant portions of the internal structures of the lock  12  and key  14 , in accordance with an embodiment. 
           [0014]      FIGS. 5 and 6  show a flow chart of some of the relevant steps performed by the lock and key for handshaking. 
           [0015]      FIGS. 7, 8   a ,  8   b ,  9 ,  11   a ,  11   b ,  12   a  and  12   b  show various applications of the device  10 , in accordance with methods and embodiments. 
           [0016]      FIG. 10 a    shows a cross sectional side view of the inside of the lock  12  essentially without a detection feature. 
           [0017]      FIG. 10 b    shows a cross sectional side view of the inside of the lock  12  with a tampering detection feature.  FIG. 10 c    shows an isolated view of the detection feature. 
           [0018]      FIG. 13-15  show flow charts of some of the relevant operational steps performed by the lock and key. 
           [0019]      FIG. 16  shows exemplary screenshots on a mobile device of various parameters and status reported by the device  10 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0020]    The present invention relates generally to protecting a user object against tampering or theft and more particularly to protecting a portable user object against tampering or theft. A portable user object in one embodiment could comprise an electronic device such as laptop, smart phone, digital camera, hand held television, recorder, tablet, phablet or the like. In another embodiment the portable user object could comprise any object with an opening such as luggage, briefcase and the like. In the following description of the embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration of the specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized because structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. It should be noted that the figures discussed herein are not drawn to scale and thicknesses of lines are not indicative of actual sizes. 
         [0021]    A deterrent device, shown, discussed and contemplated using the various illustrative embodiments of the invention, can be classified by the following: the manner in which such a device is anchored; the type of object such a device protects; the type of connections between such a device and the object and the method of alerting a user of such a device of undesirable intrusion, such as theft tampering or theft attempts. 
         [0022]    Various embodiments are generally made of two distinct physical parts, an activity-deterrent notification lock and a user monitor key that when physically and communicatively coupled together, effectively protect a host of portable devices (or objects) using an anchoring technique. 
         [0023]    The deterrent devices of the various embodiments protect a user&#39;s portable device against tampering or theft by use of a deterrent notification lock and in some embodiments, a user monitoring key. The deterrent notification lock can operate work as a standalone unit or in conjunction with the user monitoring key, which notifies the user of the status of the device being protected. The deterrent notification lock is either directly or virtually secured to the device being protected. This lock is also separately or in conjunction with securing the device, anchored to a relatively unmovable object to anchor the device being protected to a relatively unmovable object. The anchoring can be performed virtually, in some embodiments. 
         [0024]    Once the deterrent lock is anchored and the device being protected is secured by the deterrent notification lock, the user is notified generally of the change-in-location (or lack thereof) or the change-in-status of the device via the user monitoring key and/or locally by its own alert system. Further, the user can be alerted in the event of the strength of the communication signal between lock and key becoming degraded. The degradation can occur due to distance between the lock and the key or low battery/power or any other interference such as noise. The unintentional leaving of the device behind will trigger the notification due to the increase in the distance between the lock and the key. The user can also be notified of any tampering of the device being protected. In the case where the deterrent lock is anchored and the device being protected is secured through the deterrent notification lock without the use of the user monitoring key, the tampering and deterrence are still reported locally. 
         [0025]    A user can further be notified of tampering and attempted theft through a remote connection, such as through the Internet. 
         [0026]    In some embodiments, the deterrent notification lock operates as a standalone unit, without the user monitoring key. In such embodiments, the user is alerted of tampering attempts by a sound, such as a beep, horn or the like when in local vicinity of the device but at the price of lowered security relative to the above scenario. In other embodiments, any malfunction of the lock, either through failure or outside tampering, is detected by the user monitoring key while in the case presented above, the user monitoring key cannot necessarily detect failure or tampering. 
         [0027]    In some embodiments, instead of a dedicated device, such as the user monitoring key, a general-purpose device may be employed to monitor the device being protected, such as a mobile or smart phone. In this case, the phone communicates using standard wireless/wired communication means, such as Bluetooth or a cable connection. 
         [0028]    Portable devices that are electrically-powered (active devices), such as without limitation, computers and phones, in addition to non-powered devices (passive devices), such as without limitation, luggage and briefcases, are effectively, reliably, and flexibly secured using the anchoring technique of the various methods and embodiments. 
         [0029]    Alternatively, a number of portable devices that are physically and/or electrically connected to each other are secured. 
         [0030]    Use of the deterrent device, in certain configurations and in conjunction with other devices, expands beyond the scope of security and protection measures. As an example, electrically-powered devices, such as but not limited to, smart phones are not only protected but can also be charged using the deterrent device, according to various embodiments and associated methods. 
         [0031]    Furthermore, in an illustrated embodiment, shown and discussed below, the user monitoring key securely communicates and remotely interfaces with the lock. The user monitoring key can remotely interact with the user through a network. The network could be either a public or private such as the worldwide web. For example, an alarm, an indicator or any other suitable means of alerting can be used by the key and the lock to inform those in close proximity and alert a remotely-located user of an undesirable activity. 
         [0032]    In accordance with methods and apparatus of various embodiments, to prevent tampering, the user is notified of disturbance to the object being protected, i.e. the protected device. The same holds true for disturbance to the site in which the object is being remotely protected. 
         [0033]    In alternate embodiments, rather than protection and security, certain environmental parameters may be monitored by the deterrent device, parameters such as temperature, humidity, fire or other types of factors-of-interest that are appropriate for tracking and monitoring. Results of such monitoring can be reported to an externally situated device, such as a smart phone, computer, or any other remotely or locally-situated monitor. 
         [0034]    Other exemplary applications of the deterrent device are protection of peripheral devices such as mouse or keypad of a corresponding laptop or the laptop itself, whether by (cable) wire or wirelessly. Undesired changes to protected devices, such as tampering by un-plugging the mouse or keyboard or typing on the keyboard or attaching a new peripheral device or the movement of the mouse, is detected through wire or wireless transmission and can be reported accordingly. 
         [0035]    Out-of-range detection is yet another application of embodiments of the deterrent device. Out-of-range detection is done by loss of communication or reduction of signal strength below a tolerable level between the key and the lock, or malfunctioning of either one. Alternatively, a threshold may be programmably (or statically) set below which communication between the lock and the key is considered effectively lost. The inability of the key and the lock to properly communicate with each other is typically reported to the user by the key, and in some embodiments, by the lock. The inability of the key and the lock to properly communicate with each other can be due to low signal strength or battery outage or the distance between the lock and the key or some noise interference or a combination of the above. Since the tampering with anchoring and securing are detected by monitoring the electrical flow in the corresponding electrical paths, any power outage in these paths will be treated as a failure. In a securing electrical path, in the case of the device being protected having low battery voltage or out of power, this condition will be treated as tampering with the securing electrical path and it will be notified remotely and locally. In an anchoring electrical path, in the case of the lock having low battery voltage or being out of power, this condition will similarly be treated as tampering with the anchoring electrical path. However, the user monitor key will be alerted due to reporting of low battery voltage or the interruption of periodical communication signals between the lock and the key due to power outage in the lock. 
         [0036]    In some embodiments, the relative distance between the lock and the key is monitored. As the distance grows, the user is notified. 
         [0037]    The deterrent device is an effective technique for non-hostile situations as well. By way of an example, where the user has secured his/her laptop and for some reason, leaves the location of the laptop but forgets to take the laptop, the key can be used to alert the user upon the user going beyond the range tolerated by the communication capabilities of the lock and the key. The user is therefore given a chance to go back and pick up the laptop before getting too far away from it. 
         [0038]    It should be noted that the examples provided herein, such as those above, are merely some of many others and needless to say too numerous to list. To describe the features of systems and methods in accordance with the present invention in more detail refer now to the following description in conjunction with the accompanying Figures. Referring now to  FIG. 1 , deterrent device  10  is shown in accordance with an embodiment. Device  10  is shown to include two parts, a (user) monitoring key  14  and deterrent notification lock  12 . The lock  12  is shown to include a tampering-resistant opening  18 , a lock-to-device connector  16 , an indicator  23 , and a communication pad  22 . In one embodiment, the key  14  is physically attached to the lock  12  through a lock-to-key connection  20 . 
         [0039]    It is understood that while the device  10  is shown in the figures of this patent document to have generally a rectangular shape, other suitable shapes are contemplated. In an embodiment, the device  10  is made generally of plastic but can be made of any other suitable material. 
         [0040]    Lock communication pad  22  and indicator  23  are shown situated on a top surface of the lock  12 ; however, other suitable areas of the lock  12  may be used to house the indicator  23  and pad  22 . The housing can also include a LCD or other displays of communication with the user or other input devices such as a touchpad. A tampering-resistant opening  18  is shown to extend from a longest side of the lock  12  through the interior of the lock through to an opposite side thereof. Again, other suitable locations for the opening  18  are contemplated. 
         [0041]    A security-bound connector  16  is shown protruding from a side of the lock  12  for establishing physical connection  20  with cable and/or a device, such as a phone charger. While shown to appear as a space between the lock  12  and the key  14 , the connection  20  is nearly non-existent, with the side of each of the lock and the key facing each other are flush against one another. As shown in subsequent figures, each of the lock  12  and key  14  have a connector protruding therefrom that are used to physically connect one to the other and situated at a location within the connection  20 . 
         [0042]    During operation of the device  10 , when the lock  12  and the key  14  are connected  20 , the lock  12  electrically synchronizes with the key  14 . Synchronization may include handshaking between the lock and the key and is further described below relative to flow chart figures. 
         [0043]    Upon completion of synchronization, the lock  12  and the key  14  can begin to effectively communicate with one another even when they are not physically coupled. Upon completion of the lock-key synchronization, the key  14  may be physically re-located away from the lock  12  up to distances that are within the signal-range of the device  10 . Upon the detection of an intrusion of the protected device by the lock  12 , the lock  12  reports the intrusion to the key  14  and the key  14  alerts the user. Anchoring serves to physically fix the lock  12 , within the confines of an anchoring cable, to a non-readily movable object, various examples of which are provided below and shown in subsequent figures. 
         [0044]    Alternatively, the lock  12  may be a stand-alone device, not accompanied by the key  14 . In this embodiment, the lock  12  is physically connected to the portable device being protected, through its connector and connected, via another connector, to a connector of a laptop, and used to locally alert a user. That is, upon unauthorized disconnection of the lock  12  from the device being protected, the lock  12  announces the disconnection, via a sound alarm or other desirable reporting means. 
         [0045]      FIG. 2  shows further details of the device  10 , in accordance with an embodiment. In  FIG. 2 , the key  14  and the lock  12  are shown physically detached from one another. The lock  12  is shown to include an anchor-bound connector  26 , in addition to the lock indicator  23 . The key  14  is shown to have a key connector  28 , a key communication pad  30  and a key indicator  32 . When physically coupled, connectors  26  and  28  form the connection  20  (shown in  FIG. 1 .) 
         [0046]    Through the key communication pad  30 , the user communicates with the key and effectively controls its operation. For example, operations can be initiated by the user by use of the key communication pad  30 . In an embodiment, the lock  12  receives start-of-operation and end-of-operation commands from the key  14 . These commands cause, for example, the start of deterring tampering and later the ending of deterring tampering of the electronic device. In another embodiment the key communication pad may have more than one key or implemented by a touchpad or LCD. 
         [0047]    The lock communication pad  22  is generally utilized by the user to communicate initiation of operations or relaying of various attributes. A contemplated use of the communication pad  22  is for password-protected operations. When the user enters a password via the communication pad  22 , signaling the beginning of a particular operation, the lock is triggered to start a particular operation. As discussed above, the key communication pad  30  is utilized in a similar manner by the user. Other applications of the communication pad  22  are contemplated according to design choices by a designer of the device  10 . 
         [0048]    In accordance with various embodiments, the communication pad  22  may be realized through a push-button, touchpad, a keypad, or other mechanisms that assist the user in notifying the device  10  of various information, such as parameters and passwords. An illustrative embodiment of the communication pad  22 , in the form of a keypad, is shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2  and those to follow. 
         [0049]    In an embodiment, key indicator  32  is implemented in the form of a light and flashes or lights up with one or more distinct colors to indicate the presence of pre-determined information or in response to an alert or an alarm, as detected by the lock  12 . 
         [0050]    The opening  18  is essentially a hole or void extending through the two longer sides of the device  12  although, as earlier noted, in other embodiments, the opening  18  may extend through the shorter two sides of the device  12 . Alternatively, the opening  18  may protrude externally from a side of the lock  12 . Yet alternatively, the opening may be the shape of a square or rectangle and extend vertically between the top and bottom surfaces of the device  10  and horizontally between the two sides of the device with a minimum size of the opening  18  being desirably large enough to allow a connecting cable to pass through it yet small enough to prevent the object being protected to pass therethrough. 
         [0051]    The connectors  26  and  28  can physically mate through means other than those shown or described herein, based on, for example, design choices. Without loss of generality, in an embodiment, the connectors  26  and  28  are Universal Serial Bus (USB) connectors. The number of connectors and their types can be customized toward a particular application such as having a RS232 family or circular phone connectors family or different type of USB Adaptors. 
         [0052]    In some embodiments, the lock  12  has a connector on either side, as shown in  FIG. 1 , one of which—connector  16 —allows the lock to monitor or protect a portable device/object. However, the lock  12  is hardly limited to protecting only one device and can rather, with the use of more than one connector on one side, reliably protect/monitor more than one device or anchored by more than one object. 
         [0053]      FIG. 3  shows one of numerous applications of the device  10 , in accordance with a method and embodiment. In this particular example, a laptop  36 , mouse  38 , and/or keyboard  40  are devices under protection. 
         [0054]    The lock  12  is shown anchored, through connectors  26  and  27 , to an example of an anchoring object, i.e. the chair  42 , thereby securing the three portable devices, the mouse  38 , the laptop  36 , and the keyboard  40 . More specifically, the keyboard  40  and the mouse  38  are shown connected to the laptop  36  and the laptop  36  is shown connected to the lock  12  through the connector  16 . By virtue of their connection to the laptop  36 , the keyboard  40  and the mouse  38  are monitored/protected by the lock  12  because the laptop  36  can communicate with the lock  12  and report thereto, the presence or absence of the three devices to the lock  12 . It is noted that an effective anchoring object is one that is not readily removed or picked up. In fact, the more securely an anchoring object is secured, such as to the floor or ground, the increased effectiveness of the device  10  in protecting a portable object. 
         [0055]    In  FIG. 3 , the chair  42  is used as an anchoring object, as it is in a fixed or stationary position (affixed to the floor) and cannot be easily moved. The laptop  36 , mouse  38  and/or keyboard  40 , on the other hand, are portable therefore requiring protection. The security of the laptop/mouse/keyboard is monitored by the device  10  and if the device  10  detects an undesirable intrusion, the device  10  remotely reports the same, through use of the lock  12 , to the key  14 . 
         [0056]    The exemplary anchoring object of  FIG. 3 , i.e. chair  42 , need not be permanently or fully stationary and instead only need be a structure that is not easily moveable. The anchoring object also has a shape allowing for the passage of a physical cable through a part of it, such as the opening  48 , in  FIG. 3 . Obviously, the less portable an anchoring object, the greater the effectiveness of protecting a device. 
         [0057]    In  FIG. 3 , the lock  12  is shown physically anchored to the chair  42  through an anchoring cable  46 . The cable  46  is generally flexible allowing it to loop through the area pointed to by the pointer  48 , in  FIG. 3 . As shown in  FIG. 3 , the cable  46  connects at one of its ends to one of the connectors (connector  27 ) of the lock  12 , then it is looped through the opening  48  and then connected to another connector (connector  26 ) of the lock  12  therefore forming a physical loop from and to the lock  12  through the area pointed by pointer  48 . Analogously, an electrical loop also forms as a result of the physical loop. 
         [0058]    That is, in the embodiment of  FIG. 3 , the lock  12  is shown to have two connectors, connectors  26  and  27 . Connector  26  physically connects to one end of the cable  46  while an opposite end of the cable  46  physically connects to the connector  27  with this physical connection forming an electrical closed loop from and to the electrical circuitry within the lock  12 . Namely, the flow of electrical current is continuous when the foregoing physical loop is formed and when the physical connection, i.e. the loop, is disrupted, the flow of current stops. It is through monitoring of this current flow in conjunction with the current continuing to flow through the internal circuitry of the lock  12  and the electrical path from cable  44  to the laptop  36 , that the lock  12  detects tampering/intrusion. In another embodiment, the cable  44  can be eliminated by connecting the lock  12  directly to the laptop  36  via connector  16 . 
         [0059]    It is noteworthy to say that which end of the cable  46  connects with which connector of the connectors  26  and connector  27  is irrelevant. In fact, such as shown in the embodiment of  FIG. 3 , the lock  12  may have more than two connectors, connectors  26  and  27 , used for securing more than one device, such as the combination of the laptop/mouse/keyboard. In other embodiments, the lock  12  employs connectors  26  and  27  to anchor to more than one anchoring object and not just the chair  42 . For instance, two chairs can serve as anchoring objects. As a matter of convenience, the connectors  26  and  27  are shown to be the same type of connectors, in  FIG. 3 , but they need not be. It should, however, be possible to physically mate the connectors  26  and  27  to either end of the cable  46 . 
         [0060]    In yet other embodiments, the laptop/mouse/keyboard of  FIG. 3  are secured in a cascaded manner. For example, the mouse  36  and the keyboard  40  are secured by the laptop  36 ; a second laptop (not shown) may also be secured by the laptop  36  and securing its own set of keyboard and mouse (not shown). 
         [0061]    Alternatively, the laptop can be monitored for any contact or typing. For example, if the laptop is being monitored and an unauthorized individual starts typing, for example, a password to try to gain access to the laptop, the device  10  can detect the same and report it to the user through the key. In an embodiment, the laptop  36  and the lock  12  communicate through their respective connectors (or “ports”) and a cable. Alternatively, the laptop  36  and the lock  12  communicate together wirelessly, i.e. Bluetooth, or any other suitable means. 
         [0062]    In an alternative embodiment, detection of undesirable activity is performed by execution of specialized software/firmware that is installed onto a laptop. In this instant example, any changes to the connectors or the keyboard of the laptop  36  are detected by the execution of the installed software on the laptop. The detected intrusion information is then communicated to the lock  12 , by the software/firmware of the laptop  36  and then passed on to the key  14  by the lock  12 . The user accordingly, becomes aware of the tampering. This tampering can be communicated to lock  12  via the securing cable  44  or wirelessly via Bluetooth and/or Wi-Fi or other wireless means. 
         [0063]    In the manner described above and shown in  FIG. 3 , the lock  12  is physically and electrically anchored to the chair  42 . Physical anchoring is described above. Electrical anchoring is done by connecting the cable  46 , at one of its ends, to the connector  26  and pulling the cable  46  through the area pointed to by the pointer  48  to connect to the connector  27 . In this manner, assuming the lock  12  is properly operating, the relevant part of the detection circuit (not shown in  FIG. 3 ) of the lock  12  is ‘closed’ because current flows through the cable  46 . It is noted that the cable  46  need not necessarily loop through the area pointed to by the pointer  48  and rather merely requires some kind of structure through which it can physically loop coming out to connect back with the lock  12 . One way to describe the loop is as follows. An anchoring cable employed for forming the loop travels through a location of the anchoring object that is essentially an opening or a pole extending between top and bottom surfaces such that the cable loop is smaller than the perimeter of the top and bottom surfaces to prevent the anchoring cable to travel passed the top and bottom surfaces. In the case of the pole, the cable wraps around the pole and in the case of the opening, which is a part of the anchoring object, the cable passes through the opening. In both examples of the pole and the opening, the cable connects to the lock at one of its ends while at another one of its ends, it also connects to the lock but through a connector that is distinct from the connector used to connect the one end of the cable to the lock. Alternatively, other configurations of the opening and cable for forming a loop are discussed and shown below. It is noted that the anchoring strength of the anchoring object is generally based on the permanency (ability to remain unmovable) of the anchoring object as well as the sturdiness of the space (or “opening”) of the anchoring object. 
         [0064]    Upon tampering or removal of the laptop  36 , such as cutting of the cable  44 , this electrical path ‘opens’. An ‘open’ connection results in the detection circuit of the lock  12  detecting the absence of current flow. To this end, the lock  12  senses an electrical disconnection of the path that is formed by the cable  44  and remotely reports this disconnection to the key  14 . An exemplary reporting technique/mechanism may be setting off of a sound alarm by the lock  12  thereby activating the indicator  23 . Another example is the key setting off a sound alarm and activating the indicator  32 . The key  14  may report tampering to the user by any other suitable means, such as, without limitation, vibration. 
         [0065]    The laptop  36  is not secured until the device protection via cable  44  physically links the laptop  36 , through the connector  16 , to form an electrical path between the lock  12  and the laptop  36 , much like the anchoring object, in that current flows through the cable  44  and back to the lock  12  where the lock&#39;s detection circuitry detects interruption of current flow. The cable  44  can be eliminated if connector  16  is connected directly to laptop  36 . The mouse  38  and/or keyboard  40  may be similarly secured because tampering of the ports of the laptop  36  is detected by the lock  12 . 
         [0066]    As earlier mentioned, any other device coupled to the connectors of the laptop  36  can be protected. Further and as previously mentioned, the lock  12  can alert the key  14  of tampering/theft through wireless communication. An example of wireless communication is in accordance with protocol defined by the industry-recognized standard, Zigbee. 
         [0067]    The key  14  and the lock  12  are each capable of communicating with a user personal device wirelessly or otherwise. For instance and without limitation, a user personal device may communicate wirelessly with the key and/or the lock, through Bluetooth, or through a computer to which the key or lock are physically or remotely coupled. 
         [0068]    The electrical path is interrupted if any of the following occur in the example of  FIG. 3 : 1) the connection of the cable  44  to the connector  16  is removed; 2) the connection of the cable  44  to the laptop  34  is removed; 3) the cable  44  is cut between laptop  34  and the connector  16 ; 4) the connection of the cable  46  to either of the connectors  26  and  27  is removed; or 5) the cable  46  is cut between the connectors  26  and  27 . 
         [0069]    In various embodiments, notification of an electrical path interruption, as well as tampering of the device being protected is stored in an Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EEPROM), which is physically located inside of the lock  12 . In the event, the lock is out of power, the user has sufficient knowledge of all events that preceded the power outage when power is restored later. 
         [0070]    The operation described herein regarding the embodiment of  FIG. 2 , except communication with the key  14 , applies to the embodiment of  FIG. 3 . 
         [0071]      FIG. 4  shows in conceptual form, a high-level block diagram of relevant internal portions of the lock  12  and key  14 , in accordance with an embodiment. The lock  12  is shown to include lock communication pad  22 , lock indicator  23 , lock standard wired communication unit  53 , lock keypad control block  61 , lock battery control block  65 , key-bound wired communication unit  51 , lock processor  50 , key-bound wireless communication unit  52 , opening tampering detection unit  69 , lock alerting control unit  63 , lock power control unit  62 , lock sensor unit  58 , lock connector unit  56 , lock standard wireless communication unit  54 , and connectors  16 ,  26  and  27 . The lock processor  50  is shown to include a buffer  57  that is used by the processor  50  for storing data, discussed in further detail below. 
         [0072]    An example of the unit  53  is a universal receiver/transmitter (UART/i2c) with others anticipated. An example of the unit  54  is Bluetooth or Wi-Fi with others anticipated. More specifically, the unit  54  is used by the lock  12  to communicate, by using Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, with the device being protected or a gateway to the Internet. 
         [0073]    The key  14  is shown to optionally include the pad  30 , the indicator  32 , a key standard wired communication unit  83 , a key standard wireless communication unit  84 , a key processor  80 , a key keypad control unit  68 , a key battery control block  85 , a lock-bound wired communication unit  81 , a lock-bound wireless communication unit  82 , key alerting control unit  87 , a key power control unit  89 , key connector unit  86 , and key connector  28 . The key processor  80  is shown to include a key buffer  88 , which is used by the processor  80  to store data, discussed in further detail below. 
         [0074]    The physical location of each of the structure/blocks shown in  FIG. 4  are not indicative of their actual physical positions. For example, connector  16 , while it can be, need not be located on the same side of the device  12  as the connectors  26  and  27 . 
         [0075]    The lock processor  50  is shown coupled to the units  53 ,  54 ,  56 ,  58 ,  62 ,  63 ,  69 ,  52 , and  51 , and serves as the master-mind for the lock  12 . The processor  50  instructs the structures to which it is coupled to take actions, or not, and communicates information (or data) from one structure to another and other relevant functions. 
         [0076]    The unit  56  is shown coupled to the connectors  16 ,  26  and  27 . The detection unit  69  houses the opening  18  as well as the opening-tampering notification device  67  that is shown wrapped around the outside of all of the sides of the opening  18 . The cable  46  of  FIG. 3  is poked through the opening  18  in certain applications that provide the user with added convenience, such as that shown by the embodiment of  FIG. 9 . As earlier stated, the opening  18  is optional. 
         [0077]    Information from the user is received, through the communication pad  22 , by the lock communication pad control unit  61  and ultimately communicated to the processor  50 . The lock battery control block  65  and power control unit  62  provide power to the electrical circuits of the lock  12 . Lock alerting control unit  63  determines when to alert the user. An alert to the user may be in the form of a sound alarm or a visual alarm, such as a LED/LCD. In applications that require it, the control unit  62  determines when to start and when to stop charging an electronic device. It also provides power to the key  14  through connection  20 . 
         [0078]    The unit  54  enables the lock  12  to wirelessly communicate with an external device, such as a laptop. The block  51  processes communication that is transmitted or received through a physical connection with key  14  as opposed to wirelessly, whereas, the unit  52  does the same through wireless communication. 
         [0079]    The unit  56  receives input from the outside through the connectors  16 ,  26 , and  27  and passes on the received input to the processor  50  for processing. It also provides communication back to the outside from the processor  50 . 
         [0080]    In  FIG. 4 , the key  14  is shown to include structures analogous to those of the lock. The processor  80 , analogous to processor  50 , is the master-mind for the key  14 . 
         [0081]      FIGS. 5 and 6  show flow charts of some of the relevant steps performed by the lock and key during handshaking.  FIG. 5  shows the flow chart  100  of the relevant steps performed by the lock  12  and key  14  during handshaking, in accordance with an embodiment. 
         [0082]    At step  102 , handshaking begins and physical authentication between the key  14  and lock  12  starts at step  104 . Physical authentication is verification of the key  14  to be the expected mating device, in addition to the generation of a wireless communication encryption key as well as a password generation, all of which are employed for activation of the current session. The password and wireless communication encryption key are collectively herein referred to as “credential data”. A new ‘session’ begins each time the key and the lock are physically connected to each other for the purpose of the activation of an event. In an embodiment, each time a new session starts, a new password and encryption key are generated. Alternatively, a new session need not trigger the generation of a new password and encryption key, rather, the frequency of such generation can be a design choice. However, it should be appreciated that this frequency may affect the strength of the security associated with the device  10 . 
         [0083]    It is noted that as part of the security offered by the device  10 , the wireless communication encryption key and the password, generated during handshaking, are generated on-the-fly using a random number generator and not predetermined. 
         [0084]    Referring still to  FIG. 5 , in the above-noted manner, the lock  12  authenticates the key  14 . At  106 , a determination is made of whether or not physical authentication passes and if so, the process moves onto the step  110 , whereas, if it fails (the key or lock are not as expected), the process moves onto the step  108  at which time the user of the device  10  is notified of the failure. 
         [0085]    At step  110 , wireless electronic authentication is initiated between the key  14  and lock  12 . That is, upon the key  14  being physically disconnected from the lock  12 , it is carried to a place remote from the lock  12  and electronic authentication, using wireless transmission, is conducted by them (at step  110 ). Electronic authentication is determined to pass or not at step  112  and if it fails, the user is notified at step  108 , otherwise, the process continues to step  114  where the key  14  and the lock  12  are activated in that they can fully perform, either individually or collectively, the functions intended for them to perform. In  FIG. 5 , the solid lines indicate steps performed solely by the lock  12  whereas the dashed lines indicate steps performed by both the key  14  and the lock  12 . In both cases, the steps are generally performed by a processor with other circuitry located internally to each of the lock and key, which are shown and discussed relative to subsequent figures. 
         [0086]    The flow chart  120  of  FIG. 6  shows further details of the activation and handshake steps of  FIG. 5 . In  FIG. 6 , the dashed lines indicate corresponding steps/decisions performed by the key  14  and the solid lines indicate corresponding steps/decisions performed by the lock  12 . For example, the step  122  and all of the steps/decisions shown thereafter on the left side of the page, i.e.  140 ,  142 ,  144 ,  146 ,  148 , and  150  are performed by the key  14  and the remaining steps/decisions shown in  FIG. 6 , are performed by the lock  12 . 
         [0087]    Starting at  122 , physical communication credentials exchange and wireless validation between the key and the lock starts as follows. 
         [0088]    The key  14  performs the step  140 , which is to provide its credentials to the lock  12  via its standard wired connection. Credentials may be saved in a credential-buffer, which is a memory location in the key processor  80 , such as the buffer  88 , for saving the credential data. Credential data include a signature identifying the key that is physically connected to the lock and used for authentication by the lock. Examples of other credential data are an encryption key that makes the wireless communication between the key and the lock secure and a termination key that ensures the correct termination command is being used. This step is performed when the lock  12  and the key  14  are physically connected  20 , such as shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         [0089]    Next, at step  142 , the key  14  awaits receipt of an activation command from the lock  12  and at  144 , a determination is made by the key  14  as to whether or not the awaited activation command is received and if so, the process continues to step  146 , otherwise, the process goes back to and continues from step  142 . Upon receipt of the activation command, at step  146 , radio-frequency (RF) communication starts between the lock  12  and key  14  using the wireless communication encryption key of the credential data that has been transferred from the lock  12  to the key  14  in step  140 . As previously noted, the generation of a unique wireless communication encryption key for the activation of a session increases the level of security of the wireless communication between the key  14  and the lock  12 . 
         [0090]    Next, at step  148 , the key  14  sends a handshake message to the lock  12  through RF transmission. Upon sending the handshake message, the key  14  awaits an acknowledgment of its handshake message from the lock  12 , at  150 . Once acknowledgment is received by the key, the handshake and activation process is completed. 
         [0091]    At step  124 , performed by the lock  12 , a pseudo-random number is generated as the wireless communication encryption key and another random number is generated as the password, the credential data, employed for the particular activation session that is currently underway. RF communication is initiated by the lock  12  at step  126  using the generated encryption key. The credentials data are then transmitted to the key through wired (physical) connection at step  128 . 
         [0092]    Next, at  130 , the lock  12  determines whether or not the transmission of step  128  is successful and if so, the lock  12  executes step  132 , otherwise, it executes step  128  until the credential data transfer is successful. 
         [0093]    At step  132 , an activation command is sent to the key  14  to activate the key and at  134 , receipt of the handshake message from the key is awaited. This is the handshake message of step  148 . Upon receipt of the handshake message from the key  14 , at step  136 , the lock  12  sends an acknowledgment to the key  14 . This is the acknowledgment the key awaits at  150 . 
         [0094]    In the case where the lock  12  operates as a stand-alone unit, without the key  14 , activation is initiated either by setting up a new password for the session via the keypad  22  or using the current password. The user can use the keypad  22  to provide the necessary commands to operate the device including of a command indicating the stand alone mode being employed. 
         [0095]    In some embodiments, operation of the user monitor key can be performed by the lock  12  communicating wirelessly with portable device, such as a smart device. In an alternative configuration, communication can be consummated through a cable connection. 
         [0096]      FIGS. 7-9 and 11-12  show various exemplary applications of the device  10  in accordance with methods and embodiments. 
         [0097]    In  FIG. 7 , the application  160  is securing the luggage  162 . In this example, the chair  42  is used as the anchor mechanism, as it is hard to move. At airports, for instance, benches are permanently affixed to the floor and cannot be readily removed. In this sense, they serve as good candidates for anchoring. The key  14  is remotely located relative to the lock  12  and communicates with the lock  12  wirelessly. 
         [0098]    The cable  44  is connected at one end to one of the connectors, i.e. the connector  26 , of lock  12  and connected, at an opposite end to another connector, i.e. the connector  16 , of the lock  12 . From the connector  26  to the connector  16 , it travels through the space of the headrest of the chair  42  to and through the carrying apparatus of the luggage  162 . Alternatively, the cable can be made to go through the handle of the luggage. In this manner, the cable  44  causes a closed electrical loop from the connector  26  to the connector  16  thereby allowing current to flow therethrough. Current further flows through the lock  12 . Once this electrical path is established, it is monitored and if detected by the first active circuit in the lock  12  to be interrupted, the lock  12  alerts the key  14  of the same. 
         [0099]    The electrical loop is interrupted if any of the following occur in the example of  FIG. 7 : 1) the connection of the cable  44  to the connector  26  is removed; 2) the connection of the cable  44  to the connector  16  is removed; 3) the cable  44  is cut between the connectors  16  and  26 ; or 4) the lock  12  is cut in a manner that cuts the opening-tampering notification device  67 , shown in  FIG. 4 . 
         [0100]    An undesirable removal of the luggage  162  would have to involve disconnecting the cable  44  from the connector  16  or in any other manner disconnecting the cable  44  or breaking the physical loop the cable  44  forms through the chair  42  and the lock  12 . Accordingly, the mechanism of  FIG. 7  acts as a deterrent against malfeasance of the luggage  162  and in this manner protects the luggage. In the event of a malfeasance, the user is immediately alerted and can act quickly to save the luggage. 
         [0101]    Upon detecting tampering, the lock  12  signals the key  14 , which alerts the user. An embodiment of an alert is a flashing light indicator  32 . As previously noted, numerous other types of indication are contemplated and too many to list here. 
         [0102]    In the case of a standalone lock  12 , without key  14 , the same can be performed but excluding communication with the key  14 . 
         [0103]      FIG. 8 a    shows an exemplary application of the device  10  where the lock  12  secures the device being protected, i.e. the laptop  36 , wirelessly (or “virtually”). In this manner, the cable  44  need not go through any part of the laptop as it did in the application of  FIG. 3  where the laptop  36  was connected through cable  44  to lock  12 . The chair  42  serves as an anchor and the connection of the cable  44  relative to the lock  12  is analogous to that of  FIG. 7  except that the cable  44  goes through the head-rest of the chair  42  and not any part of a luggage. In the embodiment of  FIG. 8 a   , the range of signal matters in that the physical distance between the laptop  36  and lock  12  needs to be within the wireless capability of the lock  12  outside of which the lock  12  fails to properly communicate with the laptop  36 . In fact, it is this very feature that protects the laptop  36  against tampering or theft. That is, if the laptop is physically taken outside of the range of proper wireless communication between the lock  12  and the laptop  36 , the lock  12  treats this lack of communication with the laptop  36  as an undesirable event and wirelessly alerts the key  14 , accordingly. In an embodiment, the lock  12  not only alerts the key of the undesirable event, it also sets off some kind of an alarm for local notification. 
         [0104]      FIG. 8 a    shows an example of the protection of an active device, i.e. laptop  36 , whereas  FIG. 7  shows an example of the protection of a passive device, i.e. luggage  162 . 
         [0105]    Further shown in  FIG. 8 a    are relevant structures within the lock  12  that take part in the application of lock  12  shown in  FIG. 8 a   . These structures are emphasized, in  FIG. 8 a   , by showing the contents of the blocks introduced in  FIG. 4 , whereas, non-active structures are shown as blank shapes. 
         [0106]    In the case of standalone operation of lock  12  without key  14 , the same operation is valid as above with the exception of the communication with key  14 . 
         [0107]      FIG. 8 b    shows an exemplary application of the device  10  where the lock  12  is anchored virtually. In this manner, the sensor unit  58 , which may be one or more of an accelerometer, motion detector sensor or any other sensor suitable for sensing a desirable metric., detects movement of the lock  12  relative to the lock  12 &#39;s original position. In this manner, the sensor unit  58  serves as a virtual anchor for the lock  12 . Alternatively, in the case of employing a motion detector sensor, a global positioning system (GPS) may be employed. Still alternatively, instead of sensing motion, the sensor unit  58  may sense an environmental factor, such as without limitation, temperature, moisture, and pressure. 
         [0108]    Further shown in  FIG. 8 b    are relevant structures within the lock  12  that take part in the application of lock  12  shown in this figure. These structures are emphasized, in  FIG. 8 b   , by showing the contents of the blocks introduced in  FIG. 4 , whereas, non-active structures are shown as blank shapes. In the case where the lock  12  is employed in standalone mode, without use of the key  14 , the foregoing discussion applies with the exception of communicating with the key  14 . 
         [0109]    In  FIG. 9 , yet another exemplary application of the device  10  is shown with some of the relevant structures of the lock  12  and the key  14  that are active in this example, highlighted in the same fashion as the highlights of  FIGS. 8 a  and 8 b    discussed above. 
         [0110]    In the example of  FIG. 9 , the laptop  36  is shown to be physically connected, through cable  44 , to the connector  16  of the lock  12  in a manner as follows. The chair  42  is used as an anchor and the cable  44  is connected at one end to the laptop  36  and at another end, threaded through the opening  18 . Once the cable  44  is threaded through the opening  18 , it travels through a portion of the backrest of the chair  42 , shown at  48  and thereafter connects with the connector  16  of the lock  12 . As shown in  FIG. 9 , the lock  12  and key  14  communicate wirelessly, as shown and discussed relative to prior figures. As is the case with most, if not all, of the embodiments shown in the various figures of this patent document, the lock  12  can operate as a standalone unit, in the application of  FIG. 9 . 
         [0111]    Use of the opening  18  frees up the connector  26  in the application of  FIG. 9  because the cable  44  connects to the lock through only one of the lock&#39;s connectors, i.e. the connector  16 , leaving connector  26  of the lock  12  and any other external connector that may be used, available. In this manner, the opening  18  allows for anchoring and securing to be done with only one cable. Whereas, in the application of the device  10 , in  FIG. 9 , the opening  18  is a part of anchoring, in  FIG. 3 , it is not utilized at all. Therefore, the application of  FIG. 3  requires two connectors, such as connectors  26  and  27 , whereas the application of  FIG. 9  only requires one connector, such as connector  16 . 
         [0112]    Undesirable events, such as those discussed relative to previous figures, are detected by the lock  12 , in large part, due to the presence of the electrical path that starts from the laptop  36  and goes to the connector  16 . Detection is triggered in first active circuit either by the tampering with the opening  18  and/or the cable  44 . Tampering with the opening  18  is detected through configuration described in  FIG. 10 . Tampering with the cable  44  entails disconnection from either connection  16  or laptop  36  or cutting the cable  44 . 
         [0113]    Similar to  FIG. 7 , cable  44  can be made to go through the handle of the luggage  162  and secure both active device  36  and passive object  162 . 
         [0114]    In  FIG. 9 , relevant structures employed for this application are shown in the drawing of the lock  12  as well as that of the key  14 .  FIG. 10 a    shows an internal cross section side view of the lock  12  essentially without a tampering detection feature for opening  18 .  FIG. 10 b    shows an internal cross section side view of the lock  12  with a tampering detection feature. 
         [0115]    In both  FIGS. 10 a  and 10 b   , the lock  12  is shown to include a bottom board  181 , a top board  183 , board connectors  190 - 193 , wire  187 , and wire  185 , all of which are shown located on a top surface of the top board  183 . The lock  12  is further shown to include wire  187 , which is shown located on top surface of the bottom board  181 . Wire  185  extends between the connectors  190  and  191  thereby causing electrical coupling of these connectors. Similarly, wire  187  extends between the connectors  192  and  193 . 
         [0116]    In  FIG. 10 b   , wire  186  causes electrical coupling of the connector  191  with the connector  193 . Similarly, wire  184  causes electrical coupling of the connector  190  with the connector  192 . The combination of wires  184 ,  185 ,  186 ,  187  connected to one another through the connectors  190 ,  191 ,  192 ,  193  creates the electrical loop  67  around the opening  18 . Any cut of the opening, either on the top and bottom or the other two sides, causes an interruption of the current flow in loop  67  and is detected by the processor  50  which is connected to the loop  67 . 
         [0117]      FIG. 10 c    shows an exploded view of the loop  67 . As shown in  FIG. 10 c   , the loop  67  is made of a combination of the connectors  190 ,  191 ,  192 ,  193  and wires  184 ,  185 ,  186 ,  187 . 
         [0118]      FIG. 11 a    shows yet another exemplary application of the device  10  for deterring/protecting/monitoring of a user device. In this application, the lock  12  is anchored to the wall through its connection via the cable  214  to the charger  204  and the charger  204  being plugged  208  to the wall outlet  202 . In case, the wall outlet had a common connection interface such as USB built in, the lock  12  could directly anchor to this outlet via cable  214 . 
         [0119]    In the configuration of  FIG. 11 a   , a phone  210  is secured through its connection to the lock  12  via cable  44 . If needed, the phone  210  can also get charged by the battery charger  204  through the lock  12 . In this configuration, the phone  210  can be secured while being charged. The lock  12  wirelessly reports any malfeasance related thereto to the key  14  As in the case of  FIGS. 8 a , 8 b    and  9 , some of the relevant portions of the inside of the lock  12  are highlighted in  FIG. 11 a   . In another embodiment, there can exist an internal charging system such as a charger or an adapter in the lock deterrent device. For example, the internal charging system can also have a 110V connector to be able to connect to the power outlet  202  directly or a 12V connector to be connected to a laptop charger. The lock deterrent device can charge the device being protected in two ways: either by its own battery power or through an internal or external battery charger when it is anchored to a power source  202  or external charger  204 . 
         [0120]    In  FIG. 11 a   , the device being protected, the mobile device or cell phone  210  is secured through cable  44 . It could also be any other active device, such as a laptop. In the case where the lock  12  operates as a stand-alone unit, without the key  14 , the only difference is that the communication with key  14  does not take place. 
         [0121]    The embodiment of  FIG. 11 b   , while shows the same anchoring as in  FIG. 11 a   , it shows how to secure a passive object  162 . 
         [0122]    The embodiment of  FIG. 12 a    is analogous to the embodiment of  FIG. 3  with the exception of the particular internal blocks of the lock  12   a  that are actively in use being shown in the configuration of  FIG. 12   a.    
         [0123]    The embodiment of  FIG. 12 b    is analogous to the embodiment of  FIG. 12 a    and shows any secure path  44  or the anchored loop  46  can also secure passive objects  162  and  163 . 
         [0124]      FIGS. 13-15  show flow charts of some of the relevant operational steps performed by the lock  12  and key  14 . At step  300 , wireless termination of the lock  12  via the key  14  begins. 
         [0125]    In accordance with a method, termination may be done through the key in “wireless” mode. In yet another method, a password is used through the communication pad of the lock  12  to terminate and yet another method, termination is done through physically mating of the key and the lock. 
         [0126]    After step  300 , at  302 , a determination is made as to whether or not the user  304  has entered a valid/recognized message, such as a number, through the key&#39;s communication pad and if not, the process waits until this occurs, and if so, the process continues to  316 . From  316 , the steps thereafter are performed by the key  14  and the steps from and including  306  (shown on the right side of  FIG. 13 ) are done by the lock  12 . At  316 , if the key is active, the process sets a timeout counter to zero at step  318  and determines whether or not the timeout counter is at a predetermined threshold at  320  and if so, the process moves onto the step  322 , otherwise, the process goes to step  338 . At step  338 , an error is noted. At step  322 , an end-command is sent to the lock wirelessly and the process moves onto  324 , where the key waits for acknowledgment from the lock. 
         [0127]    After step  322 , the key waits for an acknowledgment from the lock and upon receiving acknowledgment, the key ends this (termination) procedure and performs clean up or log, at step  330 . As used herein, “clean up” and “log” refer to initializing parameters at the end of the procedure to prepare for starting for a new activation. 
         [0128]    After step  330 , at step  314 , a wait period takes place for the lock and the key to reconnect. 
         [0129]    At  306 , a determination is made as to whether or not the lock is active and if the lock is determined to be active, the process continues to step  308  waiting for receipt of a RF-End command from the key, otherwise, the lock ignores the RF_End command from the key. After  308 , at step  310 , an acknowledgment is sent to the key. Next, at step  312 , the termination process for the lock  12  ends, much like step  330  and step  314  is performed. 
         [0130]      FIG. 14  shows some of the steps, in flow chart form, for physical termination of the operation between the lock and key. At step  400 , the process begins. The user  304 , at some point, needs to physically connect the key to the lock, such as shown by the connection  20  in  FIG. 1 . Next, at  402 , a determination is made as to whether or not the lock and key are physically connected and if so, the process moves onto either  422  or  404  depending on the steps the key or the lock perform. If the physical connection has not yet been established, the process waits until they are physically connected. 
         [0131]    The steps and decisions shown on the right side of  FIG. 14 , i.e.  404 - 416  and  420 , are generally performed by the lock  12  and the steps shown on the left side of  FIG. 14 , i.e.  422 - 430 , are generally performed by the key  14 . At  404 , the lock determines whether or not it is active. Prior to being “active”, the lock is not properly operational, i.e. perform the functions it is intended to perform such as monitoring, securing, and detecting, and the like. If inactive, the process goes from  404  to the step  418  and prepares for a new session. At step  418 , the lock and the key know to start the activation process described and shown relative to  FIG. 6 . 
         [0132]    Upon determining that it is active, the step  406  is performed but only if the key has given permission to the lock to access its credential buffer. Access to the lock is typically provided through physical wire connection for increased security. Assuming access has been extended to the lock, at step  406 , the lock reads the identification password from the buffer  88  of the key to determine the authenticity of the key. This is done, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment, by using the identification password stored in the key buffer  88  and that which is saved in its own buffer  57 . 
         [0133]    Next, the lock determines whether there is match between the identification password from the key and the password that is in its buffer  57  and when there is a match, the process moves on to the step  410 , otherwise in the event of no match, i.e. the key is not authenticated, the process moves to step  420 . At step  420 , the lock reports in intrusion (to the user  304 ), which is typically done wirelessly. 
         [0134]    At step  410 , a password that is used to verify termination, is read from the buffer  57  and at  412 , it is verified, or not. In the case of verification, the process performs step  414 , otherwise, the process moves onto step  420 . 
         [0135]    At step  414 , the lock reports to the key to end activation. Next, at step  416 , the lock carries out a termination process to end activation. 
         [0136]    As to the key, at  422 , similarly to the lock, the key determines if it is active and if so, the process continues to step  424  otherwise, the process goes to step  418 . At step  424 , the key gives the lock access to its buffer  88  (shown in  FIG. 4 ), via the connection  20  (shown in  FIG. 1 ). This is the step necessary for the lock to perform the steps from step  406  on. Next, at step  426  and at  428 , the key  14  awaits receipt of the end of activation (step  414 ) from the lock  12  and upon receipt thereof, the key  14  performs step  430 . At step  430 , the key ends activation by carrying out a termination process, analogous to the step  416 , performed by the lock. The foregoing ends the physical wired termination process between the lock  12  and the key  14 , therefore ending this session, in accordance with an embodiment and method. 
         [0137]    Alternatively, physical wired termination may be performed even when the key  14  is without battery power, as follows. When the lock  12  and key  14  physically mate as shown in  FIG. 1 , the key then utilizes the power supplied by the lock to charge the key&#39;s battery when battery power becomes low. When the key  14  is completely out of battery power, while charging the key&#39;s back, the lock  12  can act as a power source for the key processor  80 , through the connection  20 , to ensure uninterrupted operation of the key. 
         [0138]    In an embodiment, the key processor  80  (shown in  FIG. 4 ) includes memory, such Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory ((EEPROM). In accordance with a method, handshaking credential data is stored in the EEPROM of the key processor  80 , at the start of the session. When power is restored, the credential data is made available to the lock  12 . The foregoing process successfully effectuates termination of the lock  12 . The key also goes to the ending process and cleans up its log and prepares for next activation session. Furthermore, all information regarding tampering, intrusion, etc. are also stored in the EEPROM of the lock processor  50 . Upon loss of power by the lock, still the information will be available upon power restoration. 
         [0139]      FIG. 15  shows some of the steps, in flow chart form, performed by the lock and key, for termination of activation via the pad  22  of the lock, at step  500 . At  502 , the lock awaits the user&#39;s entry of a user password, which the lock uses to authenticate the user  304 . Upon failure of authentication, the lock awaits entry of the correct (expected) password from the user. Upon authenticating the user  304 , the lock determines whether or not it is active at  504  and if so, step  506  is performed. At step  506 , the lock initializes a timeout counter. Timeout is during a period of time the lock awaits the expected password from the user after which the lock no longer awaits entry from the user. From  508  to step  514 , the lock waits for receiving an acknowledgment from the key in response to its transmission of end-of-command, through RF transmission. The lock then moves onto step  516 . 
         [0140]    So as to avoid waiting indefinitely, the lock uses a threshold value to wait a predetermined amount of time for the process of acknowledgment from the key to end, as described above. The steps for doing so include steps  518  and  520  where at step  520 , the lock reports failure to receive of the key&#39;s acknowledgment, back to the key and at step  518  the lock records this problem. 
         [0141]    Steps  524  to  530  are performed by the key, i.e. the terminating activation or termination procedure. Upon determining it is activated at  524 , the key, at  526 , waits for the end-of-command, sent by the lock at step  510 , and upon receipt thereof, it sends an acknowledgment at step  528 , to the lock and ends its termination process at step  530 . 
         [0142]      FIG. 16  shows exemplary screenshots of a mobile device of various parameters and status reported by the device  10 . For example, the screenshot  600  shows adjustments that can be made by the user to the volume (of alert/alarm sound), password and battery status. Screenshot  602  shows various detections by the device  10 , for example, an intrusion detection at 10:17:10 AM on Jun. 6, 2014. 
         [0143]    It is understood that the various embodiments and methods shown and discussed herein, various configurations of protecting a user object, including but not limited to, stand-alone, without use of the key  14 , may be employed. Further, in place of the key  14 , a general purpose user monitor key such as a smart device may be employed. In addition, the dedicated communication between the lock  12  and the user monitor key can be either wired or wireless. The dedicated user monitor key  14  can be used for activation start, monitoring and end operations among other functions. Furthermore, the lock  12  can use its keypad for certain operations and use the user monitor key  14  for other operations. In a case where the lock  12  operates without the user monitor key  14 , all the operations of the lock  12  can be performed solely by itself and information may be input to the lock  12 , through, for example, a keypad. 
         [0144]    Although the invention has been described in terms of specific embodiments, it is anticipated that alterations and modifications thereof will no doubt become apparent to those skilled in the art. It is therefore intended that the following claims be interpreted as covering all such alterations and modification as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.

Technology Classification (CPC): 4