WO2007107749A1 - Apparatus and method for determining location and disabling of a mobile terminal - Google Patents

Apparatus and method for determining location and disabling of a mobile terminal Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2007107749A1
WO2007107749A1 PCT/GB2007/000997 GB2007000997W WO2007107749A1 WO 2007107749 A1 WO2007107749 A1 WO 2007107749A1 GB 2007000997 W GB2007000997 W GB 2007000997W WO 2007107749 A1 WO2007107749 A1 WO 2007107749A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
mobile terminal
item
control unit
signal
transmitting
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/GB2007/000997
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Shahood Ahmed
Original Assignee
Shahood Ahmed
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Shahood Ahmed filed Critical Shahood Ahmed
Publication of WO2007107749A1 publication Critical patent/WO2007107749A1/en

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F21/00—Security arrangements for protecting computers, components thereof, programs or data against unauthorised activity
    • G06F21/30—Authentication, i.e. establishing the identity or authorisation of security principals
    • G06F21/305—Authentication, i.e. establishing the identity or authorisation of security principals by remotely controlling device operation
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F21/00—Security arrangements for protecting computers, components thereof, programs or data against unauthorised activity
    • G06F21/30—Authentication, i.e. establishing the identity or authorisation of security principals
    • G06F21/31—User authentication
    • G06F21/32—User authentication using biometric data, e.g. fingerprints, iris scans or voiceprints
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F21/00—Security arrangements for protecting computers, components thereof, programs or data against unauthorised activity
    • G06F21/30—Authentication, i.e. establishing the identity or authorisation of security principals
    • G06F21/31—User authentication
    • G06F21/34—User authentication involving the use of external additional devices, e.g. dongles or smart cards
    • G06F21/35—User authentication involving the use of external additional devices, e.g. dongles or smart cards communicating wirelessly
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F21/00—Security arrangements for protecting computers, components thereof, programs or data against unauthorised activity
    • G06F21/70—Protecting specific internal or peripheral components, in which the protection of a component leads to protection of the entire computer
    • G06F21/88—Detecting or preventing theft or loss
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G08—SIGNALLING
    • G08B—SIGNALLING OR CALLING SYSTEMS; ORDER TELEGRAPHS; ALARM SYSTEMS
    • G08B13/00—Burglar, theft or intruder alarms
    • G08B13/02—Mechanical actuation
    • G08B13/14—Mechanical actuation by lifting or attempted removal of hand-portable articles
    • G08B13/1427—Mechanical actuation by lifting or attempted removal of hand-portable articles with transmitter-receiver for distance detection
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G08—SIGNALLING
    • G08B—SIGNALLING OR CALLING SYSTEMS; ORDER TELEGRAPHS; ALARM SYSTEMS
    • G08B21/00—Alarms responsive to a single specified undesired or abnormal condition and not otherwise provided for
    • G08B21/02—Alarms for ensuring the safety of persons
    • G08B21/0202—Child monitoring systems using a transmitter-receiver system carried by the parent and the child
    • G08B21/0205—Specific application combined with child monitoring using a transmitter-receiver system
    • G08B21/0213—System disabling if a separation threshold is exceeded
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G08—SIGNALLING
    • G08B—SIGNALLING OR CALLING SYSTEMS; ORDER TELEGRAPHS; ALARM SYSTEMS
    • G08B21/00—Alarms responsive to a single specified undesired or abnormal condition and not otherwise provided for
    • G08B21/02—Alarms for ensuring the safety of persons
    • G08B21/0202—Child monitoring systems using a transmitter-receiver system carried by the parent and the child
    • G08B21/0225—Monitoring making use of different thresholds, e.g. for different alarm levels
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G08—SIGNALLING
    • G08B—SIGNALLING OR CALLING SYSTEMS; ORDER TELEGRAPHS; ALARM SYSTEMS
    • G08B21/00—Alarms responsive to a single specified undesired or abnormal condition and not otherwise provided for
    • G08B21/02—Alarms for ensuring the safety of persons
    • G08B21/0202—Child monitoring systems using a transmitter-receiver system carried by the parent and the child
    • G08B21/0236—Threshold setting
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G08—SIGNALLING
    • G08B—SIGNALLING OR CALLING SYSTEMS; ORDER TELEGRAPHS; ALARM SYSTEMS
    • G08B21/00—Alarms responsive to a single specified undesired or abnormal condition and not otherwise provided for
    • G08B21/02—Alarms for ensuring the safety of persons
    • G08B21/0202—Child monitoring systems using a transmitter-receiver system carried by the parent and the child
    • G08B21/0238—Child monitoring systems using a transmitter-receiver system carried by the parent and the child adding new units to the system
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G08—SIGNALLING
    • G08B—SIGNALLING OR CALLING SYSTEMS; ORDER TELEGRAPHS; ALARM SYSTEMS
    • G08B21/00—Alarms responsive to a single specified undesired or abnormal condition and not otherwise provided for
    • G08B21/02—Alarms for ensuring the safety of persons
    • G08B21/0202—Child monitoring systems using a transmitter-receiver system carried by the parent and the child
    • G08B21/0241—Data exchange details, e.g. data protocol
    • G08B21/0252—System arrangements wherein the child unit emits, i.e. the child unit incorporates the emitter
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G08—SIGNALLING
    • G08B—SIGNALLING OR CALLING SYSTEMS; ORDER TELEGRAPHS; ALARM SYSTEMS
    • G08B21/00—Alarms responsive to a single specified undesired or abnormal condition and not otherwise provided for
    • G08B21/02—Alarms for ensuring the safety of persons
    • G08B21/0202—Child monitoring systems using a transmitter-receiver system carried by the parent and the child
    • G08B21/0241—Data exchange details, e.g. data protocol
    • G08B21/0258—System arrangements wherein both parent and child units can emit and receive
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M1/00—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers
    • H04M1/66—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers with means for preventing unauthorised or fraudulent calling
    • H04M1/667—Preventing unauthorised calls from a telephone set
    • H04M1/67—Preventing unauthorised calls from a telephone set by electronic means
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M1/00—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers
    • H04M1/72—Mobile telephones; Cordless telephones, i.e. devices for establishing wireless links to base stations without route selection
    • H04M1/724—User interfaces specially adapted for cordless or mobile telephones
    • H04M1/72403—User interfaces specially adapted for cordless or mobile telephones with means for local support of applications that increase the functionality
    • H04M1/72409—User interfaces specially adapted for cordless or mobile telephones with means for local support of applications that increase the functionality by interfacing with external accessories
    • H04M1/72412—User interfaces specially adapted for cordless or mobile telephones with means for local support of applications that increase the functionality by interfacing with external accessories using two-way short-range wireless interfaces
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M1/00—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers
    • H04M1/72—Mobile telephones; Cordless telephones, i.e. devices for establishing wireless links to base stations without route selection
    • H04M1/724—User interfaces specially adapted for cordless or mobile telephones
    • H04M1/72448—User interfaces specially adapted for cordless or mobile telephones with means for adapting the functionality of the device according to specific conditions
    • H04M1/72457—User interfaces specially adapted for cordless or mobile telephones with means for adapting the functionality of the device according to specific conditions according to geographic location
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M19/00—Current supply arrangements for telephone systems
    • H04M19/02—Current supply arrangements for telephone systems providing ringing current or supervisory tones, e.g. dialling tone or busy tone
    • H04M19/04—Current supply arrangements for telephone systems providing ringing current or supervisory tones, e.g. dialling tone or busy tone the ringing-current being generated at the substations

Definitions

  • Fig. 2 illustrates a monitoring device 13 in the form of a watch.
  • This item includes a watch body 20 and respective strap portions 21a, 21b.
  • the item illustrated in Fig. 2 is shown cut away to illustrate a power source 22, such as a lithium battery, which provides power to a control unit 23.
  • the control unit 23 controls a transceiver element 24 and at least one warning device.
  • the warning device includes an audible buzzer 25 and light 26.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Child & Adolescent Psychology (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Computer Security & Cryptography (AREA)
  • Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
  • Emergency Management (AREA)
  • Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
  • Computer Hardware Design (AREA)
  • Software Systems (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (AREA)
  • Signal Processing (AREA)
  • Human Computer Interaction (AREA)
  • Environmental & Geological Engineering (AREA)
  • Mobile Radio Communication Systems (AREA)
  • Telephone Function (AREA)

Abstract

A method and apparatus are disclosed for providing a warning cue indicating a proximity status between a user and a mobile terminal. The apparatus includes a first item including means for providing a warning cue to a user and a transmitter element arranged for transmitting a wireless signal from a location of the mobile terminal to the first item wherein the first item further includes means for receiving the wireless signal and providing the warning cue responsive thereto.

Description

APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR
DETERMINING LOCATION AND DISABLING OF
A MOBILE TERMINAL
The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for providing a warning signal, indicating a particular proximity status between a user and a mobile terminal. In particular, but not exclusively, the present invention provides an apparatus and method for providing the owner of a mobile telephone with an alert when the mobile telephone is separated from the user. Such separation may occur when a user leaves ah area forgetting the mobile telephone or when an attempt is made to steal the mobile telephone.
It is well-known that mobile terminals, such as mobile telephones, personal data assistants (PDAs) or laptop computers, are often carried by people everyday. Mobile telephones, in particular, are carried by almost everyone and because a mobile telephone must be present with a user all the time it is a major problem for a user to forget or misplace the mobile telephone.
With the onset of convergence, mobile phones are being used for many purposes other than mere forms of communication, for example, the transaction of commerce via point-to-point technology or other location-based applications. As such, it is becoming of paramount importance that a mobile telephone is never lost, misplaced or otherwise separated from a user. Since such items are costly this makes them targets for criminals. Theft of mobile terminals is therefore a risk. It is an aim of the present invention to at least partly mitigate the above-mentioned problems .
It is an aim of embodiments of the present invention to provide an apparatus and/or method for providing a user with a warning cue indicating when a mobile terminal, such as a mobile telephone is separated from a user by more than a first predetermined distance. The first predetermined distance may be set at one or more preset distances to provide some control over the proximity threshold which is allowed.
According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for providing a warning cue indicating a proximity status between a user and a mobile terminal, comprising: a first item for including means for providing a warning cue to a user; and a transmitter element arranged for transmitting a wireless signal from a location of said mobile terminal to said first item; wherein said first item further comprises means for receiving said wireless signal and providing said warning cue responsive thereto.
According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for providing a warning cue to a user indicating an undesired proximity status between the user and a mobile terminal, comprising the steps of: providing a first item proximate to said user; transmitting a wireless signal from a means for transmitting a wireless signal to said first item; and responsive to the transmitted wireless signal, generating a warning cue via said first item.
According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for providing a warning cue to a user indicating an undesired proximity status between the user and a mobile terminal, comprising the steps of: providing a first item proximate to said user; transmitting a wireless signal from a means for transmitting a wireless signal to said first item; and responsive to the transmitted wireless signal, generating a warning cue via said first item.
Embodiments of the present invention provide the advantage that a user is able to retrieve a mobile terminal, such as a mobile phone, before it becomes permanently lost within an easily retraceable distance and recoverable time period. The user carries a monitoring unit which may be inbuilt into an item of clothing or jewellery or which may be a separate device carried or clipped by the user. This item is worn regularly by the user so that this is not forgotten. For example, a watch, belt, bracelet or brooch.
Embodiments of the present invention provide a device which may be plugged into existing mobile telephones via existing sockets so as to make existing mobile telephones or other mobile terminals protectable.
Embodiments of the present invention may be inbuilt into new mobile telephones or other mobile terminals. Embodiments of the present invention may be inbuilt into a SIM card which may be located in a mobile terminal such as a mobile telephone.
Embodiments of the present invention provide the advantage that a user never forgets/loses the mobile phone so never has to replace it. This saves the user time, effort and money. Also, the user does not lose information such as phone numbers and addresses. Furthermore, calls are not missed or text messages lost.
Embodiments of the present invention provide the advantage of a system which is small and therefore unobtrusive. Also, the system can be easily maintained by replacing batteries.
Embodiments of the present invention provide a monitoring system which can be built into virtually any item, for example, a necklace, hairclip, earrings, bangles, belt, bracelet and/or watch. The monitoring unit can be made to coordinate with any mobile phone to enable a user to replace the monitor in case of loss or if a user prefers to coordinate the mobile/adaptor with another item such as an earring or bangle rather than a watch. This is possible because the monitor includes a programmable element such as an EPROM device .
Embodiments of the present invention provide a warning system which may be audible and/or visible and/or may be sensed, such as a buzzer, light or vibrator respectively.
Embodiments of the present invention provide an apparatus and method for temporarily or permanently disabling the mobile telephone when the mobile telephone is further separated from the user. This feature of the present invention aims to reduce theft of mobile telephones, as once the thief gets a predetermined distance from the user the mobile telephone would become disabled and therefore virtually useless to the thief. It is believed that if all mobile telephones had this disabling functionality the practice of stealing mobile telephones would be reduced.
Embodiments of the present invention provide an apparatus and method to temporarily or permanently disable the mobile terminal when the user becomes separated from the mobile telephone by more than a second predetermined distance.
Embodiments of the present invention will now be described hereinafter, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
Fig. 1 illustrates a user being separated from a mobile terminal ;
Fig. 2 illustrates a monitoring device;
Fig. 3 illustrates an adaptor being connected to a mobile terminal ;
Fig. 4 illustrates an adaptor;
Fig. 5 illustrates functionality in the adaptor;
Fig. 6 illustrates a mobile terminal; Fig. 7 illustrates disabling functionality of a mobile terminal ; and
Fig. 8 illustrates disabling functionality of a mobile terminal .
In the drawings like reference numerals refer to like parts.
Fig. 1 illustrates one example of a situation in which a user 10 of a mobile terminal 11 may become separated from that mobile terminal. In the instance illustrated in Fig. 1 a thief 12 is illustrated making off with the mobile terminal . It will be understood that embodiments of the present invention would be applicable in any circumstance where a mobile terminal becomes separated from its primary user. For example, if the user were to leave home forgetting the mobile terminal, as the user moves away from the home the user and mobile terminal will become separated by an increasing distance.
The user 10 is illustrated in Fig. 1 as wearing a monitoring device 13 which, in the example illustrated, is indicated as a watch. It will be understood that embodiments of the present invention make use of a monitoring device but that monitoring device may be any item which may be carried and/or worn and/or secured releasably to a user.
As the thief 12 moves in the direction illustrated by arrow A away from the user 10, the distance of the user 10 from the mobile terminal 11 increases. The distance at any instant between the monitor unit 13 and mobile terminal 11 is illustrated in Fig. 1 as distance da. A user may select a threshold distance dset beyond which a warning cue will initiate on the monitor device 13 when the mobile terminal passes point P. The distance dset may be chosen to be a relatively short distance away from a user, such may be selected when the user is in a crowded area or a relatively larger distance, such as when a user is in their home and places the mobile terminal out of reach in the home. As such the user wishes to be able to move around the home without physically carrying the mobile terminal without a warning cue being initiated. Should the user leave home the next day without the mobile terminal, the user will be provided with a warning cue promptly so that they can return to reclaim the mobile terminal without undue effort.
Fig. 2 illustrates a monitoring device 13 in the form of a watch. This item includes a watch body 20 and respective strap portions 21a, 21b. The item illustrated in Fig. 2 is shown cut away to illustrate a power source 22, such as a lithium battery, which provides power to a control unit 23. The control unit 23 controls a transceiver element 24 and at least one warning device. In Fig. 2 the warning device includes an audible buzzer 25 and light 26.
When the control unit determines that a mobile terminal is more than a predetermined distance away, signals are sent to the buzzer and light to arouse the user 10 's attention to the change in proximity status .
Fig. 3 illustrates how an adaptor 30 may be provided which plugs into a socket 31 of a mobile terminal 11. The socket
31 may be the socket typically provided with a mobile telephone for the use of recharging. It will be appreciated that other sockets on a mobile terminal may be utilised.
The adaptor 30 includes a connector 32 which has dimensions selected to be connectable with the socket 31. The connector 32 includes securing lugs 33 which are used to releasably secure the connecting element 32 of the adaptor 30 to the mobile telephone 11.
The adaptor 30 also includes an adaptor body 34 for containing the functioning parts of the adaptor and from which the connector 32 extends.
The adaptor body 34 includes a socket 35 which has a matching configuration with the socket 31 of the mobile telephone. In this way an adaptor may be secured to a mobile telephone by plugging in the adaptor into socket 31 and locking the adaptor in place via locking unit 36 which, when turned, causes lugs 33 to extend from the connecting element to thereby secure the mobile phone in position. Subsequently, the mobile telephone and adaptor unit can be recharged by connecting a battery recharger into the socket 35 in the adaptor 30. Although the locking mechanism is illustrated in Pig. 3 as a typical screw head 36 an extending lug 33, it will be understood that other locking mechanisms may be utilised to secure the adaptor to the mobile telephone in a releasably secure manner.
Fig. 4 illustrates a plan view of the adaptor 30 which illustrates the locking lugs 33 in their extended position. These may be resiliently biased. As the screw 36 is turned, the lugs move outwardly to urge against the body of the mobile telephone 31, thus locking the adaptor in place.
Fig. 5 illustrates the adaptor 30 in cut-away format. The adaptor connector 32 includes four terminal elements 5O0 to 5O3 which are arranged so as to connect to mating elements in the socket 31 of the mobile telephone 11. Each of the terminal elements 50 is connected by a respective connection to a corresponding terminal 5I0 to 5O3 in the socket 35 of the adaptor body 34. In this way when a battery recharger is connected to socket 35, power may be delivered via elements 51 and 50 via the respective connections to the mobile telephone 11.
The adaptor also includes a power source 52 which provides power to an adaptor controller unit 53 and to a transmitting element 54. The transmission element is arranged to transmit a wireless signal which will be detected by the transceiver element 24 in the item 13 comprising the monitor unit. The transmission element is a transceiver such as a transponder so that wireless signals such as beacon signals from the watch 13 may be received.
When a user wishes to monitor the proximity of a mobile terminal, they connect the adaptor 30 to that mobile terminal securing the adaptor to the mobile telephone in a manner which is difficult for a further user to separate. A monitoring mode of operation may then be entered by initiating a button (not shown) on the monitoring unit 13. The transmitting element 54 which comprises a means for transmitting a wireless signal from the location of the mobile terminal transmits a signal at a pre-selected frequency, duration and period responsive to a beacon signal received from the monitor unit, which is detected by the receiver element 24 in the item 13. Various methodologies are known for determining a distance between two items responsive to a received signal. For example, timing between a transmitted beacon signal and a received response signal may be monitored. As distance increases, the time between sent and received signals increases proportionately. When the time elapsed is equal to or above a predetermined threshold value, which may be set by the user 10 via a user interface (not shown) of the item 13, the control unit 23 determines that this has occurred and initiates a warning cue in the form of a visible and/or audible and/or feelable manner. The user 10 is thus provided with a warning cue indicating that a proximity status, namely the closeness of the mobile terminal to the item 13 has changed. This occurs when the mobile terminal 11 passes beyond point P illustrated in Fig. 1.
In this way the transceiver unit 24 may be arranged to generate a beacon signal from time to time. This time to time motion may be periodic and at predetermined instances or may be initiated by a user via a user terminal (not shown) on the item 13. The transceiver element 54 receives the beacon signal and this fact is determined by the control unit 53. The control unit 53 then initiates transmission of a wireless signal from transceiver element 54 to the transceiver element 24 in response to the beacon signal sent by the item 13. The control unit 23 of the item 13 then makes a determination of the distance between the item 13 and mobile terminal 11 in a manner as noted above. The system is initiated by the user when they require to enable the safety device. The monitor is switched on using a power on/off switch as is the plug in adaptor to the mobile phone. Alternatively, this may automatically power on responsive to a start up beacon signal generated by the monitor unit on initial start up.
The powering up of both units sets up the channels of communication between the two units and a pulse signal at a preset tone is generated as the beacon signal using the pulse signal generator in the watch. The pulse signal is transmitted by the monitor transmitter in the watch and received by the transponder in the adaptor which responds by transmitting a signal in return. The signals are timed so that the outgoing signal is pulsed once per second or at some other predetermined periodic timing thus allowing time for incoming signals to be processed before the next outgoing pulse occurs. Alternatively, processing of received signals and transmission of beacon signals can occur substantially simultaneously. The timings of the pulses are compared (outgoing to incoming) and the distance between the master unit and monitor are calculated and compared to a pre-stored value. For example, the distance may be calculated in binary and compared to a binary value held in the master Eprom. Where a difference is detected between the determined value corresponding to the distance between watch and mobile telephone and the range of acceptable values (i.e. less than a preselected value) the alarm is operated and the master device beeps or otherwise initiates a warning cue for a user signifying that the monitored mobile unit has moved out of the designated safety area. Fig. 6 illustrates a further embodiment of the present invention in which the functionality for providing a warning function to a user is inbuilt into a mobile terminal 11. The mobile telephone 11 includes a user interface which includes a screen 60 and multiple user keys 61. The dotted line 62 illustrates a cut away section showing a control unit 63 connected to a power source 64 and transceiver unit 65 which is connected to antenna 66. The antenna 66 is arranged to receive and transmit wireless signals in accordance with a normal functioning mode of the mobile telephone. In addition, the antenna can be used to receive beacon signals generated by monitor unit 13 and/or transmit wireless signals to the monitoring unit either periodically at a time determined by the control unit 63 or responsive to the beacon signal received. The wireless signal generated at the mobile telephone 11 is received by the monitoring unit 13 which determines a distance between the mobile telephone 11 and monitor unit 13 and raises the alarm to the user 10 if that distance exceeds a preset threshold.
A further embodiment of the present invention provides an apparatus and method for disabling the mobile terminal 11 so that it is not usable if the proximity between the mobile terminal 11 and monitor device 13 becomes greater than a second predetermined distance. After a predetermined time, a current is applied to the microprocessor of the mobile phone which destroys the microprocessor and permanently disables the mobile phone.
Fig. 7 illustrates a system in accordance with this embodiment of the present invention. In addition to the control unit 63 mentioned previously, an amplifier 70 and clock 71 are also inbuilt into the mobile terminal. The control unit 63 can receive command signals from the monitoring device 13 and in response to the signals control the circuitry required to disable the mobile terminal 11. In order to perform the timing required to ascertain when to permanently disable the mobile terminal a clock 71 is connected to the control unit, the control unit contains a counter which can count predetermined time periods and then indicate when such time periods have elapsed. Additionally, an amplifier 70 controlled by control unit 63, and integrated into the mobile terminal 11 is used to produce a current which is high enough to destroy the microprocessor 72 and thus permanently disable the mobile terminal. The amplifier 70 and clock 71 in conjunction with the control unit 63 and the power source 64 constitute the destruction circuit 73. A switching system 74, controlled by the control unit allows for the microprocessor to be switched from a position in which it is fully connected to the mobile terminal, 75, to a disconnected state, 76, and to the output of the amplifier, 77.
When the control unit 63 of the mobile terminal receives a signal from the monitor • device 13 indicating that the proximity between the two devices is greater than or equal to the second predetermined distance, the control unit 63 disconnects the mobile terminal's microprocessor 72 from a component or a plurality of components of the mobile terminal 11 so as to disable the mobile terminal. In Fig. 7 this disconnection is performed by moving the switch from point 75 to 76. The disconnection of the microprocessor temporarily disables the mobile terminal, however, this could be achieved by disconnecting the microprocessor from just one component such as the power source, or from all components .
If it is determined that the mobile terminal has not been removed by an unauthorised person or that the mobile terminal has been or will be recovered within a predetermined period of time, it is possible to send a signal from the monitor device 13 to the control unit 63 within the mobile terminal . The control unit then commands the switching system to reconnect the microprocessor 72 to the whole of the mobile terminal, consequently reactivating the mobile terminal . Hence the switching system moves its connection from 16 to 75. The signal sent from the monitor device to the mobile terminal to reactivate the mobile terminal can be triggered by a switch or a specific command input at the monitor device 13.
If the user does not cancel the alarm within the predetermined time period, the destruction circuit 73 is activated. The control unit commands the switching system 74 to connect the microprocessor 72 to the amplifier output 77. The control unit 63 then commands the amplifier to apply a current to the microprocessor 72, wherein the applied current is larger than the operating current of the microprocessor. This destroys the functionality of the microprocessor and consequently permanently disables the mobile terminal .
A further embodiment of the present invention provides an apparatus and method for temporarily disabling the mobile terminal 11 so that it is not usable given that the proximity between the mobile terminal 11 and monitor device 13 becomes greater than a second predetermined distance. This embodiment of the present invention shares many characteristics with the previous embodiment, however, this embodiment only disables the mobile terminal temporarily, thus allowing the mobile terminal to be reactivated upon positive user identification.
Fig. 8 illustrates the system according to this further embodiment of the present invention. As in the previous embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 63 is used to control a switching system 80. The switching system 80 can disconnect and reconnect the microprocessor 72 to a component or a plurality of components of the mobile terminal . As in the previous embodiment the purpose of this switching mechanism is to enable the mobile terminal to be disabled. This is achievable by disconnecting the microprocessor from just one component such the power source, or all components of the mobile terminal. In this embodiment the mobile terminal can be reactivated by positive user identification. The keypad 61 can be used to input a personal identification number (PIN) . A biometric data reader 81 can also be used to positively identify the user/owner of the mobile terminal . This biometric data reader 81 may be a capacitive finger print scanner if the finger print is used as the biometric data. However, other biometric data could be used as identification, for example it may be possible to incorporate the inbuilt camera present on most mobile telephones to photograph the user's retina and thus perform retina recognition within the control unit. An information storage unit 82 connected to the control unit is used to store the actual biometric data and PIN of the user, this is later used for comparative purposes with the input biometric data and PIN.
This embodiment of the present invention like the previous embodiment will disable the mobile terminal when a second predetermined proximity is reached. It does this by moving the switch from point 75 to 76. At this point the clock is started, and the user has -a predetermined period of time in which to reactivate the mobile terminal . As in the previous embodiment the reactivation can be triggered by a switch or a specific command input within or upon the monitor device 13. If the mobile terminal is not reactivated within this time period, it is only possible to reactivate the mobile terminal by positive user identification as outlined below. A combination of PIN identification and biometric coding can be used to positively identify the user. For example, the control unit compares the PIN number input into the keypad 61 and finger print placed upon the finger print scanner, 81, with the corresponding information stored within the information storage unit 82. If both sets of identification data are correct the control unit will reactivate the mobile terminal by switching the switch 80 to position 75 and thus reconnecting the microprocessor to the rest of the mobile terminal. It is understood that the biometric data and PIN can be set within the device upon purchase of the mobile terminal .
In accordance with further embodiments of the present invention, the mobile terminal is arranged to lock access to information or functionality of the mobile terminal where it is determined that the mobile terminal satisfies a first predetermined condition. For example, when a mobile terminal becomes separated from a first item by at least a predetermined distance. In this way access to personal data such as photos, video and telephone numbers may be prevented promptly. The ability to make calls may also be inhibited at this point as could other user functions . Access can be reestablished either by a user inputting user input such as a biometric test and/or PIN number or by receipt of a control signal from the first item controlled by a user.
Throughout the description- and claims of this specification, the words "comprise" and "contain" and variations of the words, for example "comprising" and "comprises", means "including but not limited to", and is not intended to (and does not) exclude other moieties, additives, components, integers or steps .
Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the singular encompasses the plural unless the context otherwise requires. In particular, where the indefinite article is used, the specification is to be understood as contemplating plurality as well as singularity, unless the context requires otherwise.
Features, integers, characteristics, compounds, chemical moieties or groups described in conjunction with a particular aspect, embodiment or example of the invention are to be understood to be applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described herein unless incompatible therewith.

Claims

1. Apparatus for providing a warning cue indicating a proximity status between a user and a mobile terminal, comprising: a first item for including means for providing a warning cue to a user; and a transmitter element arranged for transmitting a wireless signal from a location of said mobile terminal to said first item; wherein said first item further comprises means for receiving said wireless signal and providing said warning cue responsive thereto.
2. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein said first item further comprises : means for determining when a proximity between said first item and said mobile terminal satisfies a predetermined condition responsive to the wireless signal received from said means for transmitting.
3. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 wherein said first item further comprises: a transmitter element arranged for transmitting a beacon signal and said means for transmitting further comprises means for receiving said beacon signal and generating said wireless signal responsive thereto.
4. The apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein said means for transmitting comprises a mobile terminal.
5. The apparatus as claimed 4 wherein said mobile terminal comprises a mobile phone.
6. Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein said means for transmitting is arranged to be secured to a mobile terminal.
7. The apparatus as claimed in claim 6 wherein mobile terminal comprises a mobile phone.
8. The apparatus as claimed in claim 7 wherein said means for transmitting comprises a plug-in adaptor arranged to plug into a socket of said. mobile phone.
9. The apparatus as claimed in claim 6 wherein mobile terminal comprises a PDA.
10. The apparatus as claimed in claim 7 wherein said means for transmitting comprises a plug-in adaptor arranged to plug into a socket of said PDA.
11. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein said means for transmitting is arranged to transmit a beacon signal at predetermined moments in time and at a predetermined signal strength.
12. The apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein: said first item is arranged to provide said warning cue when a value indicating a distance between said first item and said mobile terminal is greater than a first predetermined value stored, in a memory element of said first item.
13. The apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8 wherein said first item is arranged to provide said warning cue when a value indicating a distance between said first item and said mobile terminal is less than a first predetermined value stored in a memory element of said first item.
14. The apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein said warning cue comprises a visible warning cue.
15. The apparatus as claimed in claim 14 wherein said warning cue comprises a flashing light.
16. The apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein said warning cue comprises an audible warning cue.
17. The apparatus as claimed in claim 16 wherein said warning cue comprises an alarm noise.
18. The apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein said first item comprises an item of jewellery.
19. The apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein said first item is portable.
20. The apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein said first item further comprises a timing detector and means for generating a visible and/or audible indication of a direction in which said mobile terminal is located with respect to said first item.
21. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein said first item further comprises: a control unit for determining when a proximity between said first item and said mobile terminal satisfies a second predetermined condition responsive to the wireless signal received from said transmitter element; and a transmitter element arranged for transmitting a wireless signal to said mobile terminal indicating said second predetermined condition is satisfied.
22. The apparatus as claimed in claim 21 wherein said mobile terminal further comprises : a receiver element arranged for receiving the wireless signal from said first item; and a switching system arranged for disabling the mobile terminal responsive to said wireless signal.
23. The apparatus as claimed in claim 22 wherein the microprocessor of said mobile terminal can be disabled to thereby disable the mobile terminal .
24. The apparatus as claimed in claim 22 wherein a switching system is connected to at least one input and/or output of the microprocessor of the mobile terminal, the switching system can be controlled by the control unit of the mobile terminal .
25. The apparatus as claimed in claim 23 and claim 24 wherein a control unit is provided within the mobile terminal, the control unit. capable of: processing wireless signals received from said first item; and controlling said switching system responsive to said signals from said first item.
26. The apparatus as claimed in claim 25 wherein a clock is provided which produces a constant periodic signal at a predetermined frequency, the control unit contains a counter able to count specific predetermined time periods using the clock signal .
27. The apparatus as claimed in claim 26 wherein an amplifier is provided for producing a current larger than the operating current of said microprocessor, wherein the amplifier can be controlled by the control unit of the mobile terminal .
28. The apparatus as claimed in claim 27 wherein the control unit comprises a transmitting element arranged for transmitting signals to said switching system and said amplifier responsive to signals received from said first unit and said clock.
29. The apparatus as claimed in claim 28 wherein said switching system can connect the output said amplifier to said microprocessor responsive to a signal from said control unit .
30. The apparatus as claimed in claim 25 wherein said apparatus includes a biometric data reader.
31. The apparatus as claimed in claim 25 wherein the mobile terminal has a keypad in which a user can input information.
32. The apparatus as claimed in claim 25 wherein said mobile terminal has an information storage unit in which the data corresponding to the specific user of said mobile terminal is stored, the information storage unit being accessible by the control unit.
33. The apparatus as claimed in claims 30, claim 31, and claim 32 wherein said control unit further comprises: a receiving element arranged for receiving information from said biometric data reader and from said keypad; a processing unit for processing information from said biometric data reader and said keypad by comparing with information stored within the information storage unit; a transmitting element arranged for transmitting signals to said switching system responsive to the result of said information processing.
34. The apparatus as claimed in claim 21 further comprising : said second predetermined condition comprises a determined distance being equal to or greater than a second predetermined value.
35. The apparatus as claimed in claim 34 and claim y wherein: said second predetermined value is greater than a first predetermined value .
36. A method for providing a warning cue to a user indicating an undesired proximity status between the user and a mobile terminal, comprising the steps of: providing a first item proximate to said user; transmitting a wireless signal from a means for transmitting a wireless signal to said first item; and responsive to the transmitted wireless signal, generating a warning cue via said first item.
37. A method as claimed in claim 36 further comprising the steps of : determining when a distance between said first item and said mobile terminal satisfies a first predetermined condition in response to the wireless signal received from said means for transmitting a wireless signal .
38. The method as claimed in 36 or claim 37 further comprising the steps of: transmitting a beacon signal from said first item; and at said mobile terminal receiving said beacon signal and generating said wireless signal responsive thereto.
39. The method as claimed in claim 36 further comprising securing a plug-in adaptor comprising said means for transmitting into said mobile terminal prior to the step of generating said warning cue.
40. The method as claimed in claim 36 further comprising the steps of : determining when a distance between said first item and said mobile terminal satisfies a second predetermined condition in response to the wireless signal received from said means for transmitting a wireless signal; transmitting a wireless signal from said first item to said mobile terminal responsive to said second predetermined condition being satisfied; and responsive to received wireless signal, disabling the mobile terminal .
41. The method as claimed in claim 40 comprising the steps of disabling the mobile terminal by disconnecting the microprocessor of said mobile terminal .
42. The method as claimed in claim 41 further comprising the steps of : processing said signal that indicates that said second predetermined condition has been satisfied, said signal being received from said first item and said processing being performed by a control unit within the mobile terminal sending a signal to the switching system from the control unit commanding the disconnection of the microprocessor; and disconnecting the microprocessor using the switching system responsive to said signal from the control unit.
43. The method as claimed in claim 42 wherein a counter within the control unit counts a predetermined number of clock cycles from the point at which said signal is received by the control unit, wherein the predetermined number of clock cycles corresponds to a predetermined period of time.
44. The method as claimed in claim 43 wherein within the predetermined period of time a signal can be sent from said first item to said mobile terminal indicating that the mobile terminal should be reactivated.
45. The method as claimed in claim 44 wherein: said control unit processes said signal received from said first item; said control unit sends a signal to switching system commanding that the microprocessor be reconnected; and said switching system reconnects said microprocessor responsive to said signal from the control unit.
46. The method as claimed in claim 44 further comprises the following steps : the control unit detects that the predetermined period of time has elapsed and that no signal has been received from said first item indicating that the microprocessor should be reconnected; the control unit sends a signal to the switching system to connect the microprocessor to the output of the amplifier; the switching system connects the microprocessor to the output of the amplifier responsive to receipt of said signal ; and the control unit activates the amplifier, hence current flows from the output of the amplifier into the microprocessor, the current is larger than the operating current of the microprocessor consequently destroying the microprocessor .
47. The method as claimed in claim 44 further comprising the following steps: the control unit detects that the predetermined period of time has elapsed and that no signal has been received from said first item indicating that the microprocessor should be reconnected; the control unit then no longer performs actions upon receipt of a message indicating that the microprocessor should be reconnected received from said first item; the control unit receives data from the biometric data reader; the control unit receives data from the keypad; the control unit processes the data from the biometric data reader and the keypad; the control unit reconnects the microprocessor to the mobile terminal given that the data from the biometric data reader and keypad is the same as a predetermined data set stored in an information storage unit .
48. The method as claimed in claim 47 wherein the predetermined data stored in the information storage unit can be set within the mobile terminal .
49 . Apparatus for providing a warning cue to a user indicating a proximity of a mobile terminal to the user, comprising : a slave device connectable to a mobile terminal and comprising a transmitter element for transmitting a wireless signal responsive to receipt of a beacon signal ; a master device comprising a receiver element for receiving said wireless signal and proximity detecting means for determining a distance between said mobile terminal and master device; wherein said master device further comprises a means for generating a warning cue to indicate to a user that the distance between said mobile terminal and master device satisfies a first predetermined condition.
50. The apparatus as claimed in claim 49 further comprising: said first predetermined condition comprises the determined distance being equal to or greater than a predetermined value.
51. The apparatus as claimed in claim 50 wherein said first predetermined condition comprises the determined distance being equal to or less than a predetermined value.
52. The apparatus as claimed in claim 50 wherein said master device is portable.
53. The apparatus as claimed in claim 49 wherein slave device comprises a plug-in adaptor arranged to plug into said mobile terminal .
54. Apparatus constructed and arranged substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings .
55. A method substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings .
PCT/GB2007/000997 2006-03-22 2007-03-19 Apparatus and method for determining location and disabling of a mobile terminal WO2007107749A1 (en)

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GBGB0605709.5A GB0605709D0 (en) 2006-03-22 2006-03-22 Locating and disabling of a mobile terminal
GB0605709.5 2006-03-22

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