System and method for authentication
AssigneeSystel Business Equipment Co., Inc.
InventorDennis Keith Allison
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A multi-functional device is attached to a secure network and includes a control circuit. The control circuit receives indications as to whether a user is authenticated to use the multi-functional device and in response, generates and sends a control signal to the multi-functional device. As long as the multi-functional device continues to receive the control signal, the multi-functional device remains in an operational mode to allow the authenticated user to access the multi-functional device functions. If the multi-functional device ceases to receive the control signal, the multi-functional device deactivates itself.
Claims16
A method of activating a secure device to perform secure functions, the method performed at the secure device and comprising:
- authorizing a user to use a secure device, wherein authorization is based on data input by the user, and on encoded user credentials read from an authentication medium of the user and removably coupled to the secure device;
- if the user is authorized to use the secure device:
- generating a heartbeat signal while the authentication medium remains coupled to the secure device;
- generating a control signal while the heartbeat signal continues to be generated;
- switching the secure device into an active mode responsive to detecting the control signal to allow the user to use the secure device;
- and
- switching the secure device into an inactive mode responsive to detecting that the control signal is no longer being generated to prevent the user from using of the secure device.
A secure device configured to perform a plurality of secure functions for authorized users, the secure device comprising:
- an input/output (I/O) assembly comprising:
- a reader configured to releasably receive a user's authorization medium having user credentials encoded thereon;
- and
- a programmable control circuit configured to generate a heartbeat signal while the authentication medium remains coupled to the reader;
- and
- an access control device operatively connected to the I/O assembly and comprising:
- an access control circuitry configured to generate a control signal while the programmable control circuit continues to generate the heartbeat signal;
- and
- a processor circuit operatively connected to the access control circuitry and configured to:
- switch the secure device into an active mode responsive to receiving the control signal from the access control circuitry;
- and
- switch the secure device into an inactive mode responsive to detecting that the access control circuitry has ceased generating the control signal.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.