| US 7,589,614 B2 | ||
| Method of allowing access to an electronic device | ||
| Thomas G Xydis, Manitou Beach, Mich. (US) | ||
| Assigned to Ensure Technologies, Inc., Ypsilanti, Mich. (US) | ||
| Filed on Sep. 23, 2004, as Appl. No. 10/948,497. | ||
| Application 10/948497 is a continuation in part of application No. 09/997299, filed on Nov. 29, 2001. | ||
| Claims priority of provisional application 60/505082, filed on Sep. 23, 2003. | ||
| Claims priority of provisional application 60/250293, filed on Nov. 29, 2000. | ||
| Prior Publication US 2005/0044424 A1, Feb. 24, 2005 | ||
| Int. Cl. H04Q 1/00 (2006.01) | ||
| U.S. Cl. 340—5.61 [726/16] | 21 Claims |
| 1. A method of allowing access to an electronic device (218) disposed in a working space (14) by a user (16) having a remote device (212) in proximity to the electronic device (218), said method comprising the steps of:
disposing the electronic device (218) selected from at least one of a computer, a printer, a personal digital assistant, a copy machine, and a cellular phone
in communication with a network (13) at a known position in the working space (14);
disposing an access point (20) in communication with the network (13) at a known position about the working space (14);
detecting the remote device (212) with the access point (20);
transmitting an initial signal from the access point (20) instructing the remote device (212) to respond after a delay period;
detecting the initial signal with the remote device (212);
transmitting a response signal from the remote device (212) upon the expiration of the delay period;
detecting the response signal with the access point (20);
measuring a period interval from the transmission of the initial signal to the detection of the response signal by the access
point (20);
determining a distance of the remote device (212) from the electronic device (218) based upon the period interval and the known positions of the access point (20) and the electronic device (218);
comparing the distance to a predetermined distance range;
enabling the electronic device (218) in response to the distance of the remote device (212) being within the predetermined distance range such that the user (16) can access the electronic device (218) and the network (13); and
disabling the electronic device (218) in response to the distance of the remote device (212) being outside the predetermined distance range such that the user (16) can not access the electronic device (218) and the network (13).
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