US5959530A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Remote computer security system for computers, printers and multifunction devices
Assignee: Xerox Corp
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Filing: 1998-07-29
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Granted: 1999-09-28
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Expires: 2018-07-29
Abstract
Abstract A method of preventing theft or unauthorized use of a computer including a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag allowing use of the machine only within range of the tag and when the tag is recognized. Moving or accessing the computer without the tag in range activates a security system. The computer provides a continuous authorization signal and monitors for a received signal indication of a valid response from the RFID tag. Access is denied unless a valid response is received to the authorization signal. Upon receipt of a valid response, the computer is enabled, in particular enabled to create images on paper, on screens, or to be stored in memory.
Inventors
- 👤 Gordon F. Lupien, Jr.
- 👤 Craig A. Smith
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 01:36
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06F; G06F21/00; G06F21/70; G06F21/88; G06F21/30; G06F21/31; G06F21/42; G06F21/43; G08; G08B; G08B13/00; G08B13/02; G08B13/14; G08B13/1472; G05; G05B; G05B2219/00; G05B2219/30; G05B2219/37; G05B2219/37175; G05B2219/41; G05B2219/41123; G05B2219/42; G05B2219/42074
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 13
Claim 1
Independent Claim
115 words
In an image processing apparatus for producing images on a medium, a method of preventing unauthorized use of the apparatus comprising the steps of: providing a continuous authorization signal from the image processing apparatus, the authorization signal being a periodic timed signal, monitoring a receiver within the image processing apparatus for a received signal indication of a valid response to the authorization signal, denying access to the image processing apparatus with lack of sensing a received signal indication of a valid response to the authorization signal, and providing access to the image processing apparatus and enabling the apparatus to create images upon sensing a received signal indication of a valid response to the authorization signal.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
115 words
In an image processing apparatus for producing images on a medium, a method of preventing unauthorized use of the apparatus comprising the steps of: providing a continuous authorization signal from the image processing apparatus, the authorization signal being a periodic timed signal, monitoring a receiver within the image processing apparatus for a received signal indication of a valid response to the authorization signal, denying access to the image processing apparatus with lack of sensing a received signal indication of a valid response to the authorization signal, and providing access to the image processing apparatus and enabling the apparatus to create images upon sensing a received signal indication of a valid response to the authorization signal.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
33 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the step of providing access to the image processing apparatus and enabling the apparatus to create images includes the step of providing access to a service technician.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
40 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the step of providing access to the image processing apparatus and enabling the apparatus to create images includes the step of enabling the creation of images on paper and images on a display screen.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
40 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the step of denying access to the image processing apparatus with lack of sensing a received signal indication of a valid response to the authorization signal includes the step of turning the apparatus off.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
40 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the step of denying access to the image processing apparatus with lack of sensing a received signal indication of a valid response to the authorization signal includes the step of providing an alarm signal.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
41 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the step of denying access to the image processing apparatus with lack of sensing a received signal indication of a valid response to the authorization signal includes the step of initiating a power saver mode.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the step of providing a continuous authorization signal from the image processing apparatus includes the step of providing a continuous signal in response to an event.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 7 wherein the event is the physical motion of the apparatus.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
90 words
In an image processing apparatus for producing images on a medium, a method of preventing unauthorized use of the apparatus comprising the steps of: providing a radio frequency authorization signal from the image processing apparatus, the authorization signal including a continuous signal in response to an event, monitoring a receiver within the image processing apparatus for a received signal indication of a valid response to the authorization signal, and providing an alarm signal in the absence of sensing a received signal indication of a valid response to the authorization signal.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
90 words
In an image processing apparatus for producing images on a medium, a method of preventing unauthorized use of the apparatus comprising the steps of: providing a radio frequency authorization signal from the image processing apparatus, the authorization signal including a continuous signal in response to an event, monitoring a receiver within the image processing apparatus for a received signal indication of a valid response to the authorization signal, and providing an alarm signal in the absence of sensing a received signal indication of a valid response to the authorization signal.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method of claim 9 wherein the step of providing a radio frequency authorization signal from the image processing apparatus includes the step of providing a periodic timed signal.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 9 wherein the event is the physical motion of the apparatus.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2002-09-27 | 2003-03-29 | 2003-09-28 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2006-09-27 | 2007-03-29 | 2007-09-28 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2010-09-27 | 2011-03-29 | 2011-09-28 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |