GB2379547A

GB2379547A - Information systems devices power charger

Info

Publication number: GB2379547A
Application number: GB0121573A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Tendai Silas Machakaire; Yahaya Abdullahi Ndanusa
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2001-09-06
Filing date: 2001-09-06
Publication date: 2003-03-12
Also published as: GB0121573D0

Abstract

The console 6 of a battery charger for a mobile phone or other information systems device opens when a security card 7 is inserted to reveal a cable connection 8 which may be connected to a mobile phone 11 by means of cable 10. Before charging commences, authentication of the user may be carried out by means of the finger print reader 9. A central information system ensures that the phone cannot be charged if it has been reported missing or stolen. Thus, phone theft is discouraged. The charger may be portable and be fitted with alternative sets of retractable prongs to permit it to be used with different power outlet sockets. It may also be powered by a vehicle cigarette lighter.

Description

BATTERY CHARGER WITH A SECURITY SYSTEM This Invention relates to telephone charging apparatus for charging portable telephones and other similar apparatus such as pagers and computing devices.

According to this invention a means is provided to charge batteries for portable telephone devices at public places whilst providing a security system of preventing unauthorised usage of such devices by persons other than those authorised to do so. The theft of such devices is major concern to the public, insurance companies and the law enforcement officers.

The proposed power supply and security system is aimed at providing a simple but yet a considerable amount of security that surpasses the ineffective amount of security provided by the manufactures of the afore mentioned items. Besides providing a means of security, the proposed invention will also provide an unlimited source of energy for users of portable telephones and like devices.

The present source which powers the telephone devices is a rechargeable battery that can only be recharged inserting the charger in power outlets found inside homes, offices hotels and private motor vehicles, but not in means of public transport such as busses and trains. Neither can these power outlets be found in shops, theatres, railway stations and airports.

The other problem that is a constant worry to owners and users of such devices is theft and loss. It is now common for school children to possess telephones. Gangs of young hooligans are constantly forcibly taking these devices from the poor defenceless children. These young thugs have on several occasions'robbed even adults. It is therefore the object of this invention to mitigate this problem by providing a means to discourage this violence.

The present provision of security is by means of a secret code inserted by pressing the telephone keys and transferring the code to the memory of the particular device. These codes can be scrambled by using an electronic device or by several attempts at guessing the code.

The proposed means of security hereby provided by this invention is by rendering the power supply inactive if the telephone is connected to a power source of charging other than that matched by a code only known by a central information system. The central information system being a computer that receives information from the telephone and charging devices when activated by a security card inserted in the said device. If an apparatus is reported missing or stolen, the central information will not allow the device power source to replenish the power of that device, by this, meaning the battery.

Instead of inserting a security card, identification can be made by a device for reading the fingerprint codes. The code being matched with the device when identity is first processed.

If by any chance attempts are made to connect the device to a power source that it does not recognise, the device will permanently shut off the telephone and can only be made to function again by an authorised service provider. The service provider will also need authority from the central information system to make the device function fully.

Contact between the device and the central information system is transmitted by apparatus placed in public places and by an adapter that can be used on power outlets of several counties in the world. The adapter can also be made to function from the power source of a cigarette lighter such as can be found in almost all automobiles.

An embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of examples relating to the accompanying drawings whereby, Figs 1 to 2 are drawings of the sub terminal of the central information system terminal ;

Fig 3 shows a portable telephone coupled to the console of the sub terminal.

Fig 4 shows the face of a multi-prong adapter transmitter for use in home offices and motor vehicles; Fig 5 shows the back of the same transmitter ; Fig 6 shows one of the four sides of the multi-prong adapter transmitter.

Beginning with Fig 1 the sub terminal transmitter 1 is enclosed in a sub terminal housing 2 or protective container or building, connected by a cable 3. to the security card recipient 4 and console door 5 which is shown in a closed position. Referring to Fig 2, the console 6 opens when a security card 7 is inserted in the holder to reveal a cable connection 8 and a finger or thump pint reader 9.

In Fig 3 the power cable is 10 shown connecting a portable telephone 11 to the console. Charging the telephone battery from electric mains or car battery can be achieved by using a device 12 which functions as a miniature sub terminal and battery charger. Fig 4 shows the types of prongs 13, such used with power sockets in Europe, the United Kingdom, USA/Canada and Australia/New Zealand. The prongs remain in a recessed position inside the sub terminal until pushed out by levers 14 attached to each prong. Power cable for the vehicle cigarette lighter connects to the socket 15.

In Fig 5 is shown the rear of the miniature sub the terminal showing recipient 16 for connecting the telephone or like device and 17 for the insertion of the security card. Fig 6 shows the prongs 18 are fully extended when the slide lever 19 is moved forward. The prongs remain in the recessed position when slide lever 20 is pushed to the back of the device. The security card 21 and telephone cable 22 are shown in their respective positions. At the other end of the telephone cable is shown the adapter 23 that connects to the telephone.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. A battery-charging device for potable telephones and like devices, composing of a security system activated by a security card identification and or and a means of reading the code supplied by a finger, hand or thumb print: while providing a means for attachment to a portable telephone or computer through a socket for adapting a means to accept information imbedded in a device capable of storing such information; and having a means to transfer the said information for verification by a singular or plural means in the form of a computing device.
2. A battery-charging device according to Claim 1, wherein the surmounting

0 of information massS a computer sub terminal.
3. A battery-charging device according to Claim 2, wherein the collection and processing of information may or may not facilitate the supply of power to the receiving device such as a battery attached to a telephone or other information-transferring device.
4. A battery-charging device according to Claim 3, wherein the said device can be placed for use in public gathering places and on vehicles for" < ' transport.
5. A battery-charging device according to Claim 4 that can also be made of such size to be transported on person.
6. A battery-charging device according to Claim 5 wherein the device can be attached to an electricity power supplying means with sockets for receiving prongs.
7. A battery-charging device according to Claim 6 wherein the prongs of the device can be shifted in and out within its encompassment.

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8. A battery-charging device according to claim 7 encompassing prongs to be accepted by electricity socket outlets such as found and used in various nations.
9. A battery-charging device according to Claim 8 having a socket for receiving a connection for adapting to the electrical power supplied from a battery source, such as found in motor vehicles.
10. A battery charging device substantially as herein before described with refrence to the accompanying drawings.