U.S. patent application number 15/689564 was filed with the patent office on 2017-12-21 for apparatus, method, and system for securely charging mobile devices.
The applicant listed for this patent is Robert M. Brinson, JR., Scott T. Cottle, Kristen Todd Gaeta, Emory Todd. Invention is credited to Robert M. Brinson, JR., Scott T. Cottle, Kristen Todd Gaeta, Emory Todd.
Application Number | 20170366026 15/689564 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 60660895 |
Filed Date | 2017-12-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170366026 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Todd; Emory ; et
al. |
December 21, 2017 |
APPARATUS, METHOD, AND SYSTEM FOR SECURELY CHARGING MOBILE
DEVICES
Abstract
A secure mobile device charger for charging batteries of mobile
devices. The secure mobile charger can include one or more body
housing battery charging elements; a power connector; a mobile
device connector; a code receiver; and a switch that prevents
unauthorized battery charging from the mobile device connector. The
code receiver may receive a code transmitted from the power source
in the form of a variation in the electrical power supplied by the
power source, which may be used to provide authorization to enable
battery charging from the mobile device connector.
Inventors: |
Todd; Emory; (Atlanta,
GA) ; Gaeta; Kristen Todd; (Palm Beach Gardens,
FL) ; Brinson, JR.; Robert M.; (Rome, GA) ;
Cottle; Scott T.; (Raleigh, NC) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Todd; Emory
Gaeta; Kristen Todd
Brinson, JR.; Robert M.
Cottle; Scott T. |
Atlanta
Palm Beach Gardens
Rome
Raleigh |
GA
FL
GA
NC |
US
US
US
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
60660895 |
Appl. No.: |
15/689564 |
Filed: |
August 29, 2017 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
14731939 |
Jun 5, 2015 |
9774200 |
|
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15689564 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06K 9/00013 20130101;
G06K 9/00006 20130101; G06F 21/44 20130101; H02J 7/00045 20200101;
H02J 7/0044 20130101; H02J 7/025 20130101; H02J 7/00 20130101; G06F
21/32 20130101 |
International
Class: |
H02J 7/00 20060101
H02J007/00; G06K 9/00 20060101 G06K009/00; G06F 21/44 20130101
G06F021/44; H02J 7/02 20060101 H02J007/02; G06F 21/32 20130101
G06F021/32 |
Claims
1. A system for charging a mobile communication device, comprising:
a mobile communication device; a power source; a cord; and a mobile
communication device charger, the mobile communication device
charger comprising: one or more body housing battery charging
elements; a power connector; a mobile device connector; a code
receiver; and a switch that prevents unauthorized battery charging
from the mobile device connector; wherein the mobile communication
device charger is coupled to the power source and the mobile
communication device is coupled to the mobile communication device
charger with the cord; wherein the code receiver is configured to
receive, from the power source, in the form of a variation in the
electrical power supplied by the power source, an authorization
code, the code receiver further being configured to validate the
authorization code by performing a comparison between the
authorization code and a stored authorization code stored in a
memory; and wherein, following the receipt of the authorization
code from the power source, the code receiver is configured to
supply power to the mobile communication device when the
authorization code matches the stored authorization code and is
configured not to supply power to the mobile communication device
when the authorization code does not match the stored authorization
code.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the system further comprises a
biometric sensor configured to read biometric input data and
configured to receive a biometric input.
3. The system of claim 2, wherein the system is further configured
to perform, with a processor, a comparison between the biometric
input and authorized biometric data stored in a memory that
determines a charging status of the mobile communication device
charger.
4. The system of claim 2, wherein the system is configured to
perform multi-factor authentication with the biometric sensor and
the authorization code.
5. The system of claim 1, wherein the system further comprises an
authorization code provision device coupled directly to and in
series with an electrical outlet, and wherein the authorization
code is supplied by the authorization code provision device.
6. The system of claim 1, wherein the authorization code is
supplied from at least one of a wall outlet, a breaker, an
electrical meter, a transformer, or an electrical generator.
7. The system of claim 1, wherein the authorization code is
supplied based on at least one of an indication that a user
associated with the mobile communication device charger has paid
for a subscription, or an indication that the user associated with
the mobile communication device charger has paid a charging
fee.
8. The system of claim 1, wherein the authorization code is at
least one of a fixed user-specific code, a code generated according
to a predetermined algorithm, or a randomly-generated code.
9. The system of claim 1, wherein the mobile communication device
charger further comprises an entrance condition monitor and an exit
condition monitor, the entrance condition monitor provided at the
power connector and configured to determine an entrance condition
metric, the exit condition monitor provided at the mobile device
connector and configured to determine an exit condition metric.
10. The system of claim 9, wherein the mobile communication device
charger is configured to transmit a condition metric, the condition
metric derived from the entrance condition metric and the exit
condition metric.
11. The system of claim 9, wherein the mobile communication device
charger is configured to perform at least one condition diagnostic
on the mobile communication device.
12. The system of claim 1, wherein the mobile communication device
further comprises a device-based authenticator, the device-based
authenticator being configured to transmit a device code to the
code receiver; wherein the code receiver is configured to receive,
from the mobile communication device, the device code, the code
receiver further being configured to validate the device code by
performing a comparison between the device code and a stored device
code stored in a memory; wherein, following the receipt of the
device code, the code receiver is configured to supply power to the
mobile communication device when the device code matches the stored
device code and is configured not to supply power to the mobile
communication device when the device code does not match the stored
device code.
13. The system of claim 12, wherein the mobile communication device
charger is configured to transmit at least one of a condition or a
device diagnostic to the mobile communication device.
14. The system of claim 1, wherein the mobile communication device
charger is configured to upload a user identity and at least one of
a power consumption, a condition metric, or a carbon signature to a
social media profile.
15. The system of claim 1, wherein the mobile communication device
charger further comprises a GPS receiver; and wherein the mobile
communication device charger is configured to determine a charger
geolocation by determining, from the GPS receiver, a mobile
communication device charger geolocation, and is configured to
transmit the mobile communication device charger geolocation.
16. The system of claim 1, wherein the mobile communication device
charger has a data connection to the mobile communication device;
and wherein the mobile communication device charger is configured
to retrieve a mobile communication device geolocation from the
mobile communication device through the data connection, and is
configured to transmit the mobile communication device
geolocation.
17. The system of claim 1, further comprising a remote
authorization device, the remote authorization device configured to
transmit a temporary authentication code at least one of wirelessly
or as a signal riding on the power provided by the power source;
and wherein, following the receipt of the temporary authentication
code, the code receiver is configured to supply power to the mobile
communication device when the temporary authorization code matches
a stored temporary authorization code.
18. The system of claim 1, wherein the mobile communication device
charger further comprises a processor and is configured to
determine, with the processor, whether a predetermined amount of
time has passed during battery charging of the mobile communication
device from the mobile device connector.
19. A secure mobile device charging apparatus, comprising: one or
more body housing battery charging elements; a power connector; a
mobile device connector; a code receiver; and a switch that
prevents unauthorized battery charging from the mobile device
connector; wherein the one or more body housing battery charging
elements are coupled to a power source by the power connector;
wherein the code receiver is configured to receive, from the power
source, in the form of a variation in the electrical power supplied
by the power source, an authorization code, the code receiver
further being configured to validate the authorization code by
performing a comparison between the authorization code and a stored
authorization code stored in a memory; and wherein, following the
receipt of the authorization code from the power source, the code
receiver is configured to supply power through the mobile device
connector when the authorization code matches the stored
authorization code and is configured not to supply power through
the mobile device connector when the authorization code does not
match the stored authorization code.
20. The device of claim 19, further comprising a biometric sensor
configured to read biometric input data and configured to receive a
biometric input, and further comprising a processor configured to
perform a comparison between the biometric input and authorized
biometric data stored in a memory.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 14/731,939, filed on Jun. 5, 2015, entitled
"Apparatus, Method, and System for Securely Charging Mobile
Devices," the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by
reference.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Mobile communication devices, and other mobile electronic
devices, are commonly used in almost every environment. The mobile
devices can be phones, smart phones, tablets, tablet-phones,
computers, and the like, and may provide their users with any of a
variety of capabilities. Although many mobile communication devices
provide telephone capabilities, they are relied on more frequently
for internet access, social media access, email access, video and
audio downloading and playback capabilities, and other properties
in work and entertaining environments.
[0003] The myriad capabilities of such mobile communication devices
utilize various amounts of power. Although battery technology is
consistently being improved, the battery life of a mobile
communication device can dictate its usefulness or effectiveness.
Additionally, although some capabilities of mobile communication
devices are known as battery friendly, such as audio or music
playback and Wifi internet usage, others require significantly more
power consumption by the mobile communication device. For example,
data network usage (such as EDGE, 3G, 4G, LTE, and the like), video
playback, video recording, and social media access and social media
gaming often utilize a wide variety of a mobile communication
device's processing and power capabilities, providing a shorter
useful life of the mobile communication device until it needs to be
recharged.
[0004] Recharging mobile communication devices is then an issue
because the environments where they are often plugged in and
recharged are not typically secure environments. As mobile
communication devices are frequently used outside of home and
office environments, charging solutions are often sought by users.
Users often have charging devices with them, but often fear theft
of the charging device or other people simply unplugging their
mobile communication device and using it with another device. Also,
in some locations, such as airports and coffee shops, recharging
stations are often provided for consumer use. However, mobile
communication devices typically take a substantial amount of time
to recharge and, in order to prevent removal, unauthorized access,
or theft of their mobile communication device, users must monitor
or be physically present or proximate to the charging stations or
other locations that are being used to charge the mobile
communication devices. Thus it is desired to provide a manner of
securely charging a mobile communication device that provides a
user with additional security.
SUMMARY
[0005] In one exemplary embodiment, a secure mobile device charging
device may be shown and described. The secure mobile device charger
can have a body housing battery charging elements; a power
connector; a mobile device connector; a biometric sensor that reads
biometric input data; and a switch that prevents unauthorized
battery charging from the mobile device connector.
[0006] In another exemplary embodiment, a system for charging a
mobile communication device may be shown and described. This
exemplary embodiment may include a mobile communication device; a
power source; a cord; and a mobile communication device charger.
The charger may further have a body housing battery charging
elements; a power connector; a mobile device connector; a biometric
sensor that reads biometric input data; and a switch that prevents
unauthorized battery charging from the mobile device connector.
[0007] In still another exemplary embodiment, a method for having a
secure mobile device charger may be shown and described. The method
can include connecting a battery charging device to a power source;
connecting a mobile device to the battery charger; supplying,
temporarily, power to the mobile device from the battery charger;
prompting input of biometric information on a biometric sensor on
the battery charger; inputting biometric information on the
biometric sensor; comparing the inputted biometric information with
stored, authorized biometric information; providing continuous
power from the battery charger to the mobile device when the
inputted biometric information is authorized; and ceasing the
temporary supply of power from the battery to the mobile device
when the inputted biometric information is not authorized.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0008] Advantages of embodiments of the present invention will be
apparent from the following detailed description of the exemplary
embodiments. The following detailed description should be
considered in conjunction with the accompanying figures in
which:
[0009] FIG. 1A is an exemplary view of a secure mobile
communication device battery charger.
[0010] FIG. 1B is another exemplary view of a secure mobile
communication device battery charger.
[0011] FIG. 2 is an exemplary view of a mobile communication device
coupled with a secure mobile communication device battery
charger.
[0012] FIG. 3 is an exemplary view of a mobile communication device
coupled with a secure mobile communication device battery
charger.
[0013] FIG. 4 is an exemplary decision tree associated with a
secure mobile communication device battery charger.
[0014] FIG. 5A is an exemplary view of another mobile communication
device battery charger.
[0015] FIG. 5B is another exemplary view of another mobile
communication device battery charger.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0016] Aspects of the invention are disclosed in the following
description and related drawings directed to specific embodiments
of the invention. Alternate embodiments may be devised without
departing from the spirit or the scope of the invention.
Additionally, well-known elements of exemplary embodiments of the
invention will not be described in detail or will be omitted so as
not to obscure the relevant details of the invention. Further, to
facilitate an understanding of the description discussion of
several terms used herein follows.
[0017] As used herein, the word "exemplary" means "serving as an
example, instance or illustration." The embodiments described
herein are not limiting, but rather are exemplary only. It should
be understood that the described embodiments are not necessarily to
be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments.
Moreover, the terms "embodiments of the invention", "embodiments"
or "invention" do not require that all embodiments of the invention
include the discussed feature, advantage or mode of operation.
[0018] According to at least one exemplary embodiment, and
generally referring to FIGS. 1-6, a secure mobile device battery
charger, system, and method for using may be shown and described.
The secure mobile device battery charger may be utilized with any
of a variety of mobile devices, as described herein. The secure
mobile device battery charger may be such that it can provide
battery charging, or other power capabilities, based on a desired
input or entry of a security code. The secure mobile device battery
charger can further prevent unauthorized or undesired devices from
being charged while connected to the secure mobile device battery
charger.
[0019] In exemplary FIGS. 1A and 1B, and in one embodiment, a
mobile communication device charger 100 may be shown and described.
The mobile communication device charger 100 may include any of a
variety of components and functionality. For example, the mobile
communication device charger 100 can include an integrated
biometric sensor 102, or another input sensor or component, which
may allow for the input of data. In this exemplary embodiment, the
charger 100 may be a charger usable with any type of mobile device
including, but not limited to, mobile phones, tablets, portable
computers, laptop computers, mobile audio and/or video devices, and
the like. It may be appreciated that the charger 100 can be
connected to AC power, a USB port, or the like, by power connector
104. In exemplary FIGS. 1A and 1B, power connector 104 is shown as
a plug with a pair of prongs. However, in other exemplary
embodiments, power connector 104 may be a cable, cord, USB dongle,
micro-USB dongle, or any other proprietary or non-proprietary power
connector or power-capable connector that may be coupled to a power
source. The charger 100 may further have a body portion 106 and a
mobile device connector 108. The mobile device connector 108 may be
a port that allows a cable (not pictured) to be connected to the
mobile device connector 108. A port used as mobile device connector
108 may be a USB port, micro-USB port, AC port, headphone port, or
any other connector capable of communicatively coupling, and
provide power to, a mobile communication device. Additionally,
although the term "mobile communication device" is used in various
parts of this description, it should be appreciated that any mobile
device or electronic device may be utilized with charger 100. For
example, a USB cord may be connected from a mobile communication
device to the mobile communication device charger 100 via mobile
device connector 108. In this example the USB cord may have a first
end that is connected to the body 106 of mobile communication
device charger 100 through mobile device connector 108 and a second
end that is connected directly to the mobile communication
device.
[0020] It may further be appreciated that body 106 may house any
charging elements or components (not pictured) for providing
charging capabilities from charger 100 to a device connected
thereto. For example, housed in body 106 may be a transformer, for
example, to convert high voltage to low voltage. It may further
include a rectifier that can convert AC voltage from the
transformer to DC voltage. Body 106 may further have a filter,
which may provide for capacitive filtering, to filter the DC
voltage into a smooth, usable output. Body 106 may further include
a regulator that can remove irregularities and inconsistencies from
the output signal in order to provide a desired output to charge a
mobile device.
[0021] In some other exemplary embodiments, it may be appreciated
that mobile communication device charger 100 may communicate with a
mobile communication device through wireless transmission. In such
exemplary embodiments, mobile communication device charger may
include a Wi-Fi transmitter, data network transmitter (such as, but
not limited to, EDGE, 3G, 4G, 5G, LTE, and the like), modem, or any
other device that may communicate data to and from the mobile
communication device charger 100 and which may be housed in body
106. Additionally, it may be appreciated that mobile communication
device charger 100 may communicate in a wired or wireless fashion
with any of a variety of devices. Such communications can take
place between the mobile communication device charger 100 and a
mobile communication device to be charged, multiple mobile
communication devices to be charged, a remotely located server, or
the like.
[0022] In still other exemplary embodiments, it may be appreciated
that wireless power transmission may be utilized with the mobile
communication device charger 100. In such an exemplary embodiment,
the body 106 of mobile communication device charger 100 may be
formed as a pad, as utilized for wireless power transmission, or
may take any other appropriate form. Wireless power transmission
may then be effected through use of inductive coupling, resonant
inductive coupling, capacitive coupling, or any other wireless
power transmission methodology. Wireless data transmission may
still be accomplished through any of the manners described
herein.
[0023] Still referring to exemplary FIGS. 1A and 1B, the body 106
of the charger 100 can have a biometric device 102 mounted thereon.
The biometric device 102 may be such that it can read biometric
data to provide or deny access or capabilities associated with the
charger 100. For example, the biometric device 102 may be coupled
to or capable of actuating a locking mechanism or lockout
capabilities associated with the charger 100. Such capabilities can
include, but are not limited to, providing power or charging
capabilities to an authorized mobile device or authorized user,
transmitting an accepted message to an authorized device or
unauthorized device regarding access to the charger 100, denying
power or preventing charging of an unauthorized device, data and/or
communication transmissions to and from a remote server,
communicating with a software application on a mobile communication
device, and the like. For example, if unauthorized use or
unauthorized biometric data is inputted into charger 100 or
biometric sensor 102, a switch embedded in biometric sensor may
deactivate the charger or otherwise prevent use. The switch may be
any type of switch, for example a software switch, data switch,
mechanical switch, or the like. In some alternative exemplary
embodiments, mobile communication device charger 100 may also have
capabilities to actively couple the charger 100 to a mobile
communication device and prevent its removal, or deny access to
mobile device connector 108 until authorized access is made via
biometric sensor 102.
[0024] In still a further exemplary embodiment, the biometric
sensor 102 may be any type of biometric device. For example, the
biometric sensor 102 can be a fingerprint reader or sensor, as
shown in exemplary FIGS. 1A and 1B. Alternatively, the biometric
device could be a finger vein scanner, retinal scanner, or the
like. Thus, a user may put his or her finger (or other appropriate
body part) in a sensing area of the biometric sensor 102. The
biometric sensor 102 may then sense or detect if the body part
being scanned is appropriate. It may be appreciated that the
charger 100 may include storage, such as memory, and processing
capabilities, such as a processor, which may store desired
biometric data and allow comparisons to be made to determine if
appropriate biometric data is being inputted through the biometric
sensor 102. In other exemplary embodiments, the charger body 106
may have communication capabilities, such as a transmitter, that
transmits data, in a wired or wireless fashion to an outside
processor associated with a database in order to determine if
appropriate biometric data is being sensed or otherwise inputted
through biometric sensor 102.
[0025] In a further exemplary embodiment, and still referring to
exemplary FIGS. 1A and 1B, indicators 110 and 112 may be on a front
face of body 106 of mobile communication device charger 100.
Indicators 110 and 112 may be positioned proximate mobile device
connector 108, or may be located on any other portion of body 106,
as desired. Indicators 110 and 112 may be LEDs or any other type of
light or indicator, as desired. In one example, a first indicator
110 may be lit when charger 100 is in a state where charging of a
device is authorized. This may be in situations where appropriate
or authorized access has been provided through biometric sensor
102. Alternatively, first indicator 110 may be lit when charger 100
is in a state where access or charging capabilities are available
without entry of any biometric data or other access
information.
[0026] Referring now to exemplary FIG. 2, further embodiments of a
secure mobile device charger 100 may be shown and described. In
this example charger 100 may be communicatively coupled to a mobile
device, such as a mobile phone 200. The communicative coupling
between phone 200 and charger 100 may be accomplished using cord
202. Cord 202 may be any type of cord, for example a cord
associated with a USB. Cord 202 may further be connected to phone
200 via port 204, which may be any type of port capable of
providing a couple between cord 202 and phone 200. In different
exemplary embodiments, phone 200 and charger 100 then initiate
charging, communication, or have different actions take place.
[0027] In one exemplary embodiment, charger 100 may be connected to
a power source 206 by prongs 104. Then, after charger 100 is
connected to phone 200, indicator 112 may indicate that charger 100
is not active or that it will not provide charging capabilities to
phone 200. Alternatively, charger 100 may provide or act as a
temporary power supply to charge phone 200. Such temporary or
inactive charging capabilities may be utilized when charger 100 has
not been properly activated or accessed. In such circumstances,
indicator 112 may indicate that charger 100 is in a temporary
charging mode or an inactive or standby mode. It may be appreciated
that when charger 100 is in a temporary charging mode, charger 100
may provide power for a predetermined amount of time, for example
the amount of time desired to prompt and have a user enter in
biometric information or data. Alternatively, charger 100 may be in
a temporary active state for a period of 30 seconds, 1 minute,
etc.
[0028] After charger 100 is connected with phone 200, biometric
sensor 102 may also be activated. In some exemplary embodiments,
charger 100 may also be connected to a power source 206 via prongs
104 and it can be appreciated that charger 100 may be connected to
a power source 206 when discussing the various exemplary
embodiments described herein. Biometric sensor 102 may be activated
and provide any of a variety of indications that it is active. For
example, biometric sensor 102 may have a backlit pad that
illuminates when it is active. Alternatively, an audible alert may
be issued from a speaker on body 106 of charger 100. In still
further examples, a message may be shown on phone 200 that
indicates biometric sensor 102 is active and which further prompts
a user to use biometric sensor 102 to fully activate charger 100. A
message on phone 202 may further provide instructions to a user on
how to use charger 100 and how to otherwise interface with
biometric sensor 102.
[0029] Exemplary FIG. 3 can provide another embodiment of secure
charger 100. Here, as in exemplary FIG. 2, charger 100 is coupled
with phone 200 via cord 202, as described above. Further, a user
may be attempting to charge phone 200 using charger 100. Thus, in
this exemplary embodiment, a user may attempt to enter biometric
information via biometric sensor 102, for example by pressing his
or her finger on biometric sensor 102. Biometric sensor 102 may
then obtain the biometric data, for example fingerprint data, and
compare it with known fingerprint data, such as fingerprint data
associated with an authorized user or users of charger 100. After
obtaining biometric data, biometric sensor 102 may compare the
biometric data with one or more sets of accepted biometric data.
For example, a user may have previously set up charger 100 to
accept only his or her fingerprint as a way of accessing the
charging capabilities of charger 100. This information may be
stored in any of a variety of locations, for example a remotely
located or cloud based memory 300, a memory on phone 200, or on a
memory in charger 100. It may be appreciated that charger 100 can
communicate with cloud based memory 300 through wireless data
transmission, as otherwise discussed herein. Additionally, charger
100 can communicate with phone 200 in any wired or wireless
fashion, as desired. Biometric sensor 102 may communicate with any
of these items, as well as a processor associated with any of
memory 300, phone 200, or charger 100 in order to compare the
inputted biometric data with known or authorized biometric data. If
the biometric data inputted into biometric sensor 102 is
authorized, charger 100 may activate or enable certain
capabilities, such as the ability to charge mobile phone 200, and
indicator 110 may illuminate (or provide some other type of alert)
that charger 100 is active.
[0030] Alternatively, in some other exemplary embodiments, if the
biometric data inputted into biometric sensor 102 is compared by a
processor with biometric data in a memory and determined to be
unauthorized biometric data, or otherwise not recognized biometric
data, charger 100 may remain in a standby state, may deactivate any
charging capabilities, or otherwise prevent unauthorized users or
devices from charging using charger 100. It may be appreciated that
such unauthorized access may be accompanied by a notification on
the mobile device of the unauthorized user. Additionally, a
notification may be transmitted to an authorized user's device
indicating that another party attempted to access the charging
capabilities of charger 100. Alternatively, when the authorized
device is reconnected to charger 100, charger 100 may transmit a
message about the unauthorized access at that time.
[0031] In another exemplary embodiment, and referring now to FIG.
4, a method for providing charging capabilities or power to an
electronic device, such as a mobile device, may be shown and
described. Here, in 400 a mobile device charger may be presented
and, at 402, the mobile device charger may be connected to a power
source, such as a power outlet or other device that can supply
electricity. Then, in 404, a device may be attached or coupled to
the charger. Following this, in 406, power may be temporarily
supplied from the charger to the mobile device it is connected to.
As described in other exemplary embodiments, this power may be
delivered for a set amount of time or any other increment, as
desired.
[0032] Still referring to exemplary FIG. 4, after the device is
connected to the charger and power is temporarily supplied, in 408
the device may prompt a user to enter a security measure. As
discussed in examples herein, the security measure may be biometric
information entered via a biometric sensor. However, in other
exemplary embodiments, the security measure could be a number, such
as a four digit code or the like, password, or any other security
measure, as desired. In 410, the charger (or a processor associated
with the charger) may determine that the predetermined amount of
time has elapsed. In such cases, in 412, the temporary power would
be suspended or cut off and the charger would be deactivated.
Alternatively, if, in 410, the predetermined time has not run out,
a user may still enter a security measure, as prompted in step
408.
[0033] In 414, if an improper security measure is supplied to the
charger, the temporary power will be suspended, as shown in 416.
This can be done by any desired form of comparison done with a
processor and memory, as described herein. Alternatively, if a
security measure is reviewed by the charger and accepted, in 418
the charger may be fully activated and continuous, uninterrupted
power may be supplied to the device. Power may then be supplied, or
the charger will remain inactive, depending on the above-described
circumstances, until 420 when the device is disconnected from the
charger or the charger is otherwise disconnected from a power
supply.
[0034] In exemplary FIGS. 5A and 5B, another secure mobile device
charger 500 may be shown. Similar to that shown in exemplary FIGS.
1A and 1B, charger 500 may include any of a variety of components.
In particular security measure input area 502 may be any type of
security measure input device. In the exemplary embodiments shown
in FIGS. 5A and 5B, security measure input device 502 may be a
keypad. In this exemplary embodiment, a passcode or personal
identification number may be entered to activate charger 500.
Alternatively, security measure input device 502 may be a pattern
recognition tool that allows a user to draw or swipe a pattern to
determine if it matches a preselected or authorized pattern. In
still other exemplary embodiments, any other security measure input
device 502 may be used as desired.
[0035] In still other exemplary embodiments, a secure mobile device
charger, such as charger 100, may be used in a variety of
environments and circumstances. In one example, charger 100 may be
a personal use device. In such embodiments, a user may assign any
desired security measure, such as biometric fingerprint data, to
the charger and may be the only authorized user of charger 100. In
further examples, charger 100 may have any number of authorized
users that can input biometric data or other data in order to
access the capabilities of charger 100. In other examples, charger
100 may be associated with a payment portal. In such examples a
user may deposit money into a payment portal associated with
charger 100. The payment portal may then prompt the user to enter
biometric data, such as a fingerprint, on a sensor associated with
the payment portal. This information may then be transmitted or
otherwise shared with the charger 100 so that, upon payment of the
appropriate funds, charger 100 can be activated by the paying user
and authorized use of charger 100 may take place. Such an exemplary
embodiment may allow access to any of a variety of desired users
and may prevent undesired or unauthorized access. Further, it may
be appreciated that, as in other examples described herein, any
desired security measure or measures may be used alone, or in
combination.
[0036] In still other exemplary embodiments, it may be envisioned
that data may be transmitted via power lines. As such, exemplary
embodiments of a mobile communication device charger 100 may be
expanded and adapted in order to support authentication at various
segments in power delivery or in power delivery circuits.
[0037] For example, according to an exemplary embodiment, a power
feed may be configured to transmit, via a power line data
transmission, one or more codes or a set of codes to be transmitted
to the mobile communication device charger 100, which may operate
as a receiver for such a data transmission. In an exemplary
embodiment, a code may be a fixed code or set of codes, or may be a
dynamic code or set of codes (such as, for example, an
algorithmically generated and/or random code) or a combination of
the two as may be desired. In some exemplary embodiments of a power
feed, such a code or set of codes may be provided by a wall outlet,
a circuit breaker, an electrical meter, an electrical transformer,
an electrical generator coupled to the power feed, or any other
device that may be coupled to the power feed, such as may be
desired. In some exemplary embodiment, such codes may be inserted
into the power feed at more than one of the multiple possible
locations.
[0038] The mobile communication device charger 100 may then verify
the one or more codes before providing or denying access or
capabilities associated with the charger. In some exemplary
embodiments, the mobile communication device charger 100 may only
provide such capabilities if a certain code or set of codes is
read; for example, the charger may be restricted to use in
particular locations, or the user may configure the charger to be
usable only in particular locations. (For example, according to an
exemplary embodiment, a user may, upon plugging a mobile
communication device charger 100 into an outlet, authorize the use
of the outlet via a mobile device that has been configured to
communicate with the charger 100, which may cause the charger 100
to temporarily or permanently store the code or set of codes being
transmitted by the outlet as "authorized codes.") In another
exemplary embodiment, the mobile communication device charger 100
may deny such capabilities if a certain code or set of codes (such
as an incorrect code, or a code indicating that the outlet is
provided in an area where charging is not permitted, such as a
secure area where communications devices are restricted from use)
is read.
[0039] In an exemplary embodiment, a code or set of codes provided
by an outlet may be used in combination with another security
device, such as a biometric device 102 or numerical passcode device
mounted on the body 106 of the charger 100. In some exemplary
embodiments, the other security device (such as biometric device
102) may be used to provide multi-factor authentication, requiring
the user to both authorize the use of the charger 100 (or use the
charger 100 in an authorized location) and provide the additional
biometric authorization or other authorization. In some exemplary
embodiments, the other security device may be used to authorize the
use of the charger 100 in the specific outlet; for example, in an
exemplary embodiment, a user may insert a charger 100 into an
outlet and provide a biometric authorization, whereby the charger
100 may permanently (or temporarily) store the code transmitted by
the outlet as being a valid code linked with the biometric
authorization. In some exemplary embodiments, a user authorization
may be temporary and may expire, and a user may need to re-provide
the security measure from time to time in order to continue using
the charger 100 to charge their device; however, in some exemplary
embodiments, the user authorization may be extended if the outlet
transmits a code or set of codes that is received by the charger
100, as this may allow the charger 100 to determine that it has not
been removed from the outlet and placed in another outlet, reducing
the need for the charger 100 to request reauthorization.
[0040] In some exemplary embodiments, the charger 100 may be
transmitted a code other than through a power line or outlet. For
example, according to an exemplary embodiment, a code or set of
codes may be embedded by a power supplier in any other type of
transmissions that may be received by the charger 100, whether
directly or indirectly; such transmissions may include, for
example, television broadcast transmissions, phone and data
transmissions, or local transmissions from a local device. For
example, according to an exemplary embodiment, a code may be
embedded on a third-party device that may be inserted onto a
circuit by an end user or by an electrician (or by another similar
party), and may provide an authorization code to just that outlet
(or, in combination with a number of such devices, to a plurality
of outlets). This may allow a user to, for example, restrict one or
more charging devices 100 provided in their home to function only
in their home, or may allow a business owner to restrict one or
more charging devices provided in their business to function only
in their business, deterring theft of the charging devices 100.
[0041] In an exemplary embodiment, the use of such a security code
or set of security codes, whether provided by the power company, a
third-party device of an end user, and so on, may enable the
authentication process to be tied to a physical location rather
than an individual, or rather than only to an individual. In some
exemplary embodiments, once restricted to a physical location,
chargers 100 may further be restricted to particular individuals or
groups of individuals, as may be desired. For example, according to
an exemplary embodiment where a code is provided to chargers 100
through an outlet or set of outlets in a home (by a power company,
by the use of local devices integrated into the home circuitry, or
by any other such method as may be desired) the chargers 100 may
further restrict access to the members of the family household. In
another exemplary embodiment, when a code is provided to chargers
100 through an outlet or set of outlets in a business, the chargers
100 may further restrict access so that only employees are
authorized users. The chargers 100 may similarly be restricted in
any other application, such as when provided in any other public
place, such as may be desired.
[0042] For example, according to an exemplary embodiment, chargers
100 may be restricted to a particular public place and may further
be restricted to users who have become authenticated, for example
by subscribing to a charging service or by paying a charging fee.
For example, according to an exemplary embodiment, a public place
in which many users may be using their electronic devices for
extended periods of time without necessarily having access to a
charger (such as, for example, an airport or coffee shop) may have
such chargers provided, as may be desired. In an exemplary
embodiment where a charging fee may be required, a user may pay to
use the charger 100 (at, for example, a nearby authorization
kiosk), and the charger 100 may then operate until the user's
device is fully charged, may operate for a period of time, may
provide a certain amount of charge, or may otherwise operate as may
be desired. In an exemplary embodiment where a subscription model
is used, the user may pay a subscription fee (such as a monthly
fee) in order to use the service, and may be granted access to the
service if their subscription fee has been paid. In some exemplary
embodiments, the charger 100, or, for example, a companion app for
the charger 100 may handle multiple current fees or subscriptions;
for example, a user may use a first service for local travel and a
second service for international travel, and may subscribe to each.
In some exemplary embodiments, the subscription of a user to a
service or the payment of a charging fee may be set via, for
example, a toggle switch, a digital selection, an app-specified or
app-generated selection, or another such method as may be
desired.
[0043] In some exemplary embodiments, a charger 100 may be assigned
to a user which may be functional (or may be functional in some
outlets such as those of certain airports) only when a subscription
or fee has been paid. In this manner, the charger 100 itself may be
a subscriber to a particular electrical source, such that the
charger 100 is only permitted to draw as much charge as is
available to it based on the subscription service it is subscribed
to. The source may likewise be configured such that only authorized
chargers 100 having a subscription to the source are permitted to
be used with it; for example, according to an exemplary embodiment,
the source may be configured to shut down the power supplied to a
particular outlet if the outlet is broadcasting a code, power is
drawn from that outlet, and no return response from an authorized
charger 100 is provided in response to the code.
[0044] According to an exemplary embodiment, a wall outlet, USB
port, or other power-providing device may be directly provided with
or may be refitted to include an embedded authorization code
provider. Such an embodiment may allow legacy chargers 100 to be
used in location-based authentication. For example, according to an
exemplary embodiment, such an authenticator may be provided in a
USB charging port, power outlet, or similar device of an airplane,
of an airport, or of an automobile or other vehicle.
[0045] According to an exemplary embodiment, in addition to a
biometric component 102 or other such feature integrated into the
body 106 of the charger 100, additional components may be
integrated into the charger 100 in order to broaden the
capabilities of the charger 100, such as, for example, the
capabilities of the charger 100 that are related to or controlled
by the biometric component 102 or by another such feature. For
example, in some exemplary embodiments, additional modifications
may be made to the charger 100 in order to improve circuit power
conditioning, regulation, or performance, such as may be
desired.
[0046] For example, according to an exemplary embodiment, the
charger 100 may be modified in order to improve power condition
monitoring. In typical electrical devices, the power flow, or
condition, may fluctuate, which may be undesirable from the
perspective of both the owner of the device that is causing the
load and the power supplier. A device owner may wish to improve
power quality through conditioning because of potential adverse
effects of poor power condition on their device, and a power
supplier may wish to improve quality in order to reduce waste and
mitigate "pollution" of the supply network. A power supplier may
also want to obtain additional situational awareness of power
condition or other load-level information, right down to the outlet
location at which power is drawn, if such information is
available.
[0047] In an exemplary embodiment, one or more condition-monitoring
instruments may be integrated into a charger 100. Such
condition-monitoring instruments may be configured to monitor and
then retransmit one or more condition-monitoring metrics. In some
exemplary embodiments, the condition-monitoring metrics may be
linked to the ID of the owner of the charger 100, which may be used
to provide additional information to the supplier or may, for
example, be used to track historical usage.
[0048] In some exemplary embodiments, this may then be used in
order to compute one or more analytics, such as "big data"
analytics, about a specific user and the power usage of the
specific user. For example, such analytics may be applicable to the
user, to the devices of the user, and to the sources of power used
by the user. These analytics may then be used to, for example,
better market products to the user or may be used to plan
electrical power production more effectively. Beneficiaries of the
analytics may include, for example, the charger owner, who may be
provided with information about the power consumption of their
devices or the power consumption of devices powered with their
charger device; the power supplier, who may be provided with
information as to the power consumption of devices on their
electrical distribution network; the manufacturers of one or more
of the user's devices, such as, for example, a smartphone, tablet
computer, or laptop computer of the user, or the manufacturer of
the charger itself; or any other applicable beneficiaries such as
the maintenance personnel of a commercial facility in which
chargers 100 are in common usage. For example, according to an
exemplary embodiment, a charger 100 may obtain geolocation
information from one or more sources (such as, for example, an
onboard GPS device or a data link with one or more mobile devices
configured to collect location information) and may then transmit
this location data combined with authentication information. This
may be provided to, for example, power companies, which may then
use it to derive relevant information about power condition in one
or more geographic areas. This may further be provided to, for
example, device manufacturers, which may then use it to gain
relevant information about individual devices and device models,
and use it to improve future models by improving the reactive power
characteristics of the devices or otherwise improve them.
[0049] In some exemplary embodiments, this may likewise be used for
billing. For example, it may be convention to charge users more for
abnormal loads such as low-power-factor loads, because of problems
such as harmonic pollution that they create for the supplier.
Certain battery chargers, such as, for example, the battery
chargers for electric vehicles or other large-scale devices, have
been identified as being a cause of harmonic distortion on an
electrical power distribution network. As such, a user that is
identified as creating problems for the supplier in this manner,
such as a user that has a large-scale battery charger 100 such as
an electric vehicle battery charger may be billed based on the
reactive power of the load as measured at the load.
[0050] According to an exemplary embodiment, a charger 100, or
device associated with a charger such as a plug or USB charging
port, may have one or more quality or performance monitoring
instruments.
[0051] For example, according to an exemplary embodiment, condition
monitoring for a charger 100 and a source, which may facilitate
determination of charger/source equipment quality, performance,
integrity, condition, and the like, may be accomplished by
inserting two condition monitors into the charger 100, one
condition monitor being provided at the power entrance side of the
charger 100 and one condition monitor being provided at the exit
side of the charger 100. Between the two condition monitors may be
provided various components of the charger 100, such as a charger
on-off switch tied to an authenticator (such as, for example, a
biometric sensor 102), power conditioners, power regulators, and
other similar devices such as may be desired.
[0052] In order to perform condition monitoring and determine, for
example, the power quality of power provided through the charger,
the condition metrics at each end of the charger 100 may be
calculated, and may be compared. In this manner, the entrance
metric and exit metric may each be determined, and may be compared
in order to determine the condition of the charger device 100 as a
whole as well as of its components.
[0053] When utilizing the device or app-based authentication such
as is described elsewhere, such device or app-based authentication
may be coupled with a charger performance monitoring and
visualization system, by which the performance of the charger can
be monitored and data on the device effect on the charger may be
determined and may be provided to the user, which may be in the
form of, for example, a device diagnostic. For example, if a short
or another negative condition exists in the device that is
receiving the charge, the condition in the device may be detected
by analysis of the two condition monitors, or more specifically
through analysis of the entrance metric calculated by the entrance
monitor and the exit metric calculated by the exit monitor in order
to determine the variance in the condition data between the
entrance and exit metrics.
[0054] According to an exemplary embodiment, such information can
be provided to, for example, an owner of the charger, a power
supplier, a device manufacturer, or any other party such as may be
desired. For example, according to an exemplary embodiment, if the
user's device is determined to have some kind of performance issue
or negative condition, such as, for example, a short, the user may
be notified of this information in order to ensure that the user
can repair or replace their device. The manufacturer of the device
may also be notified, so that they can have data reflecting the
occurrence of specific performance issues or negative conditions
that may affect their devices, such as shorts or other such
issues.
[0055] In some exemplary embodiments, it may be understood that the
charger 100 may be used for other devices or batteries other than
small portable electronics such as smartphones or other mobile
devices. For example, according to an exemplary embodiment, charger
100 may be used for larger computers, for example laptop computers
or battery backup systems for a desktop computer, or may be used to
charge the batteries of electric vehicles, such as may be
desired.
[0056] In some exemplary embodiments, it may be understood that the
charger 100 may be used in various vehicles, such as, for example,
airplanes, trains, boats, and so forth. It may be understood that
some or all of these vehicles may have different power requirements
at different times; for example, an airplane may be less equipped
to provide electrical power to devices during take-off and landing.
As such, airline companies may seek ways to lessen the electrical
draw in airplanes at various times. Airline companies, or other
transportation companies, may also desire more information about
their passengers; for example, they may desire to see mobile device
usage patterns of customers in order to determine when those
customers are seeking entertainment (and what type of customers are
seeking entertainment at which times) in order to better schedule
in-flight entertainment. Transportation companies may also wish to
determine which electrical outlets, USB charging ports, or other
such devices that are provided on their vehicles are problematic,
are failing, or have failed, in order to allow these outlets to be
replaced or fixed before they become a problem for the customers or
before they present an electrical hazard. Transportation companies
may also desire any other information that may be provided that may
be relevant to their market performance.
[0057] According to an exemplary embodiment, a charger 100 may be
configured to use device-based or app-based authentication instead
of or in addition to another authentication method. For example,
according to an exemplary embodiment, a mobile device of a user
that is connected to a charger 100 may be used as the
authentication code source for a charger 100. In an alternative
exemplary embodiment, any other device of a user, such as a laptop
computer or an electric car, which may be coupled to a charger 100
may also provide authentication. According to an exemplary
embodiment, a specific application on the device may be used to
provide authentication, and may be launched by the user in order to
provide authentication or may be running at all times. In this
manner, a code may be provided to the charger 100 without having to
provide any additional authentication and without having to provide
a code through the power outlet, which may be, for example, a
standard power outlet not incorporating any kind of authentication
mechanism.
[0058] According to an exemplary embodiment, a device of the user
may be configured to provide an authentication code to any device
which may require authentication to be provided before charging.
For example, the device of the user may be configured to supply
authentication codes to the charger device 100, the outlet, or to
any other device such as may be desired. This may ensure that, when
a user plugs their device into a charger 100, the user does not
then need to main in the physical presence of the charger 100 to
continue providing authorization to the charger when requested.
This may ensure that, for example, a family member can plug in
their device for charging without providing biometrics or any other
authorization such as an authorization code (which may, for
example, be useful for young children with their own tablet devices
who cannot necessarily be relied on to remember an authorization
code). Likewise, in some exemplary embodiments, the physical
proximity of a user's device may be sufficient to authorize the use
of the charger 100; this may, for example, allow a charger 100 to
be used with other devices, such as the devices of guests, so long
as it is in the proximity of the user's device.
[0059] According to an exemplary embodiment, a charger 100 may have
a code receiver instead of, or in addition to, a biometric sensor
102. In an exemplary embodiment, a code receiver may receive a code
transmitted by a mobile device or other device of the user, may
determine, based on this received code, whether the user has access
to the charger 100, and may charge a device of the user if so. In
some exemplary embodiments, transmission of the code may be
wireless, such that a device may be used to authorize the charging
of devices remotely and so that other devices may be charged, or
may be based on a wired connection of the device to the charger. In
an exemplary embodiment, a code receiver may be provided alongside
a biometric sensor 102, which may be used to provide multi-factor
authentication if such is desired; alternatively, a user may only
need to provide authentication from one of the two sources,
allowing the user some flexibility as to how to authorize the use
of the charger 100.
[0060] According to an exemplary embodiment, a user may have some
ability to remotely provide authorization to use a charger 100. For
example, a user may not be present in the room or in the area when
someone else (such as, for example, a family member) wishes to use
the charger 100. Alternatively, a user may wish to charge a device
that takes an extended period of time to charge, such as, for
example, a portable power bank, and may retain possession of their
mobile device while they leave the device to charge.
[0061] In some exemplary embodiments, certain methods by which a
user may provide temporary or extended-temporary remote user
authentication to a charger 100 may be provided. According to one
exemplary embodiment, on a version of a charger 100 having a
biometric sensor 102, remote access may be provided to the
biometric processor (rather than the biometric sensor 102) may be
provided by a wireless communication protocol, such as through
Wi-Fi or as a signal riding on the power provided to the charger
100, or by another communications mechanism as may be desired. The
authentication code that would be provided by a valid biometric
scan from the biometric sensor 102 may then be directly provided to
the biometric processor.
[0062] In some exemplary embodiments, in order to generate this
code, a user may have a portable biometric scanner configured to
generate the same code (or a similar code, or otherwise valid code)
as the biometric sensor 102 of the charger 100 in response to a
valid biometric scan. The user may scan the biometric in question
(for example, their fingerprint), the remote code may be
transmitted to the charger 100, and the charger 100 may be enabled
for some period of time. Other remote authorization devices other
than a portable biometric scanner may also be understood; for
example, in an exemplary embodiment, a user may have a portable
wirelessly-enabled dongle having a button or activation switch that
the user may likewise be able to use to generate the authentication
code that would be provided by a valid biometric scan from the
biometric sensor 102.
[0063] In some exemplary embodiments, the authentication code may
be provided by another method. For example, according to an
exemplary embodiment, the authentication code may be provided by an
application running on the user's mobile device. For example, when
the user loads an application that may be used to provide an
application-specific authentication to the charger 100, the
application may provide a button or other dialog by which the user
can select to remotely authorize the use of the charger 100.
[0064] In some exemplary embodiments, the charger 100 may be
configured so that a user may have to first authorize the use of
the charger 100 in person, for example by coupling a device to the
charger 100 or scanning a fingerprint on the biometric sensor 102
of the charger 100, and may then be able to extend the length of
time over which the charger 100 stays active by providing one or
more remote authorizations.
[0065] In an exemplary embodiment, certain information, such as,
for example, identity information (such as, for example, the
identity of the user, the identity of one or more mobile devices
that the user has paired with the charger 100 or otherwise
configured to use the charger 100, the identity of a user group
that the user has permitted to use the charger 100, a user type
that the user has permitted to use the charger, and so forth),
power consumption or carbon signature information, or any other
such information as may be desired, may be provided to the user in
any form as may be desired.
[0066] For example, in an exemplary embodiment, it may be desired
to couple one or more chargers 100 to a social media profile, such
that the chargers 100 can provide public information as to the
power consumption of the charger or chargers 100. This may allow,
for example, a business that wishes to appear
environmentally-conscious to inform the public about how much power
they are consuming and how much power they are saving through the
use of their systems.
[0067] In an exemplary embodiment, one or more of the above
qualities, such as identity information, may be provided to a user,
a power supplier, a device manufacturer, or any other party, for a
purpose such as boosting the public opinion and corporate
reputation of a corporate user or such as providing more detailed
demand information on the basis of which power can be more
effectively supplied. Likewise, in addition to information and
usage information, information such as the conditions of power
sources and equipment may be provided. In this manner, an incentive
business model may be provided to monitor, capture, report, and
thereby monetize the saving of power and more effectively perform
maintenance.
[0068] The foregoing description and accompanying figures
illustrate the principles, embodiments and modes of operation of
the invention. However, the invention should not be construed as
being limited to the particular embodiments discussed above.
Additional variations of the embodiments discussed above will be
appreciated by those skilled in the art.
[0069] Therefore, the above-described embodiments should be
regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive. Accordingly, it
should be appreciated that variations to those embodiments can be
made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope
of the invention as defined by the following claims.
* * * * *