Method for automatically initiating a computer security and/or screen saver mode
AssigneeMicron Technology, Inc.
InventorDean Klein
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A method for automatically switching a computer to a password protected screen saver mode when a computer user leaves the proximity of the computer. A proximity sensor determines whether or not an individual is located proximate the computer. The proximity sensor interfaces with either the computer a bus bridge, a keyboard controller, a keyboard, or some another component of the computer to cause the computer to start executing a screen saver program responsive to an output signal from the proximity sensor. A variety of proximity sensors may be used, including ultrasound, infrared, or electromagnetic proximity sensors. A proximity sensor may also detect the presence of a computer user by detecting the weight of the user at a location proximate the computer.
Claims27
A method of controlling the operating mode of a computer, comprising:
- detecting whether a person is located proximate the computer, wherein the detecting includes:
- broadcasting a first signal in an area proximate the computer;
- detecting a reflected signal from the person proximate the computer;
- receiving a relatively low frequency signal indicative of a frequency difference between the first signal and the reflected signal;
- converting the relatively low frequency signal to a converted signal indicative of an amplitude of the low frequency signal;
- and
- comparing the converted signal with a predetermined threshold to determine whether the person is located proximate the computer;
- and
- allowing the computer to execute a screen saver program responsive to detecting that no persons are located proximate the computer.
A method of controlling the operating mode of a computer, comprising:
- detecting whether a person is located proximate the computer, wherein the detecting includes:
- broadcasting a first signal in an area proximate the computer;
- detecting a reflected signal from the person proximate the computer;
- receiving a relatively low frequency signal indicative of a frequency difference between the first signal and the reflected signal;
- converting the relatively low frequency signal to a converted signal indicative of an amplitude of the low frequency signal;
- and
- comparing the converted signal with a predetermined threshold to determine whether the person is located proximate the computer;
- and
- allowing the computer to operate in a screen saver mode responsive to detecting that no persons are located proximate the computer.
A method of controlling the operating mode of a computer, comprising:
- detecting whether a person is located proximate the computer, wherein the detecting includes:
- broadcasting a first signal in an area proximate the computer;
- detecting a reflected signal from the person proximate the computer;
- receiving a relatively low frequency signal indicative of a frequency difference between the first signal and the reflected signal;
- converting the relatively low frequency signal to a converted signal indicative of an amplitude of the low frequency signal;
- and
- comparing the converted signal with a predetermined threshold to determine whether the person is located proximate the computer;
- and
- preventing the computer from executing a screen saver program responsive to detecting that the person is located proximate the computer.
A method of controlling the operating mode of a computer, comprising:
- detecting whether a person is located proximate the computer, wherein the detecting includes:
- broadcasting a first signal in an area proximate the computer;
- detecting a reflected signal from the person proximate the computer;
- receiving a relatively low frequency signal indicative of a frequency difference between the first signal and the reflected signal;
- converting the relatively low frequency signal to a converted signal indicative of an amplitude of the low frequency signal;
- and
- comparing the converted signal with a predetermined threshold to determine whether the person is located proximate the computer;
- allowing the computer to operate in a screen saver mode responsive to detecting that no persons are located proximate the computer;
- and
- preventing the computer from entering a screen saver mode responsive to detecting that the person is located proximate the computer.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.