Stimulus-dependent electronic device
AssigneeAdvanced Wireless Communications
InventorsPaul Michael Kulseth, Peter Alan Blakeley
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Abstract
Herein is disclosed a method, system, and apparatus for dettering theft of portable electronice devices. A portable electronic device is rendered incapable of properly operating after being powered down, without at least some exposure for some time to a given stimulus during a subsequent power-up sequence. A source of the stimulus is provided within a locality from which the devices are not to be removed. Transmission of the stimulus is limited to a region of space within the locality.
Claims30
A two-way radio requiring a stimulus from an external source for completion of a power-up sequence, the radio comprising:
- operational circuitry of the radio for reception and transmission of a radio signal;
- a power source that provides power to the operational circuitry;
- and
- a stimulus-sensitive switch interposed between the power source and the operational circuitry;
- wherein, the stimulus-sensitive switch is configured to remain closed upon initial exposure to a given stimulus, until such time as the radio is powered down.
A method of governing a power-up sequence of a battery-powered two-way radio, the method comprising:
- (a) interrupting flow of electrical current from the battery with a non-mechanically actuatable switch;
- and
- (b) upon initial exposure to a given stimulus, closing the switch, thereby permitting electrical current to flow from the battery and allowing the power-up sequence to take place.
A method of governing use of a battery-powered two-way radio controlled by an embedded microprocessor programmed to execute a sequence of instructions for operating the radio, the method comprising:
- instructing the microprocessor to enter an inactive state, upon power-up of the radio;
- instructing the microprocessor to remain in the inactive state, until a particular stimulus is received, thereby rendering the radio non-operational;
- and
- instructing the microprocessor to exit the inactive state and to execute the sequence of instructions for operating the radio, upon reception of the stimulus, thereby restoring the operation of the radio.
A method of deterring removal of a portable electronic device from a locality, the method comprising:
- (a) rendering operation of the portable electronic device dependent upon a given stimulus, so that the device is inoperable without at least some exposure for some time to the given stimulus;
- (b) providing a source of the stimulus within the locality;
- and
- (c) limiting transmission of the stimulus to a region of space within the locality.
A method of deterring removal of a portable electronic device from a locality, the method comprising:
- (a) rendering the portable electronic device incapable of properly operating after being powered down, without at least some exposure for some time to a given stimulus during a subsequent power-up sequence;
- (b) providing a source of the stimulus within the locality;
- and
- (c) limiting transmission of the stimulus to a region of space within the locality.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.