US 5,694,335 A · Secure personal applications network

Abstract

An extensible, programmable digital electronic network (14A") originates from a network node (FIG. 1), including a base node microcomputer (90) and a network interface (71C), and is operatively connected to a power supply (61), and at least one separate, network communicating circuit or network node (21), which is connected to at least one application device (21A). Enclosing cases of the network components includes an access sensor (8, 18C, and 22F, respectively) and power storage units (24G, 18B, and 22H, respectively) for fail-safe functions. The application device is programmably controlled by the base node microcomputer, a network security main program (100), a separate circuit or node, and a node security main program (130) to cause the network to selectably effect control of a device, for example, upon loss of network integrity, such that the network and node, respectively, enter programmably secure conditions (125, 155). These conditions include disconnecting the power supply from certain controlled system circuits including vehicle engine starting or ignition (5B') or one or more nodes causing application devices to function.

Claims19

Dependent claims

A modular, substantially distributed, digital electronic, complex multiple-function, including computing, entertainment, heating system control, and vehicle security functions, substantially independently functioning, network system comprising:

a. a user extensible digital electronic network,
b. a plurality of programmable network communicating nodes, which may connect to communications devices or other computer systems, each of which includes memory and is operatively connected to one or more application devices and
a power supply, and
c. program means to cause said nodes to digitally intercommunicate using said network and, upon the loss or impending loss of network integrity, cause said nodes to substantially actively modify the action of one or more of said devices, including triggering an alarm and automatically initiating a telecommunicated message, whereby said network and said nodes enter, and cause controlled systems to enter, into programmably useful, including secure and safe, conditions.

1 more element

In combination, at least one power storage unit with positive and negative electrodes in which said electrodes are substantially located within an internal, substantially enclosed chamber,

a. positive and negative electric terminals,
b. at least one electric connection means interposed severally between said electrodes and said terminals,
c. one or more electric circuits operatively connected to said electrodes of which at least one of said circuits is an extensible electronic network with memory and means to communicate with separate electronics circuits, of which at least one includes memory whereby said circuits and connection means continue to operate without external power and are safeguarded from tampering and exposure.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Secure personal applications network

Life of this patent

Secure personal applications network

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims19