| WO/2000/023895 | SIGNAL PROCESSING APPARATUS WITH MEMORY ACCESS HISTORY STORAGE |
| JP3202700 | SIGNAL PROCESSOR |
| WO/2007/008602 | MONITORING METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR MONITORING OPERATION OF RESOURCES |
STAHL, John D. (705 Regency Square 205, Kalamazoo, Michigan, 49008, US)
ELLINGER, Michael E. (7720 Pickering Street, Portage, Michigan, 49024, US)
AHLEMAN, Larry L. (510 Southland Ave, Portage, Michigan, 49024-2770, US)
STAHL, John D. (705 Regency Square 205, Kalamazoo, Michigan, 49008, US)
ELLINGER, Michael E. (7720 Pickering Street, Portage, Michigan, 49024, US)
| 1. A portable computer readable medium system comprising: a computer readable medium device configured to removably connect to a computer, said computer readable medium device comprising: a processor; a memory in communication with said processor; and a communication device in communication with said processor; a remote transceiver device distant from and in communication with said computer readable medium device, said remote transceiver device comprising: a processor; and a communication device in communication with said processor; and a notification device included in at least one of said computer readable medium device and said remote transceiver device, wherein said notification device is configured to emit a notification when communication between said computer readable medium device and said remote transceiver device has been terminated. 2. The portable computer readable medium system of claim 1, wherein said computer readable medium is a flash memory drive configured to communicate with said computer utilizing a universal serial bus (USB) connection. 3. The portable computer readable medium system of claim 1, wherein said communication device of said computer readable medium and said communication device of said remote transceiver device communicate at predetermined intervals. 4. The portable computer readable medium system of claim 3, wherein said notification device emits said notification when communication between said computer readable medium device and said remote transceiver device has been terminated for a plurality of said predetermined intervals. 5. The portable computer readable medium system of claim 3, wherein said predetermined intervals are approximately two seconds (2 s). 6. The portable computer readable medium system of claim 1, wherein said remote transceiver device further comprises an energy storage device. 7. The portable computer readable medium system of claim 6, wherein said energy storage device is a small single cell battery. 8. The portable computer readable medium system of claim 1, wherein said communication device of said computer readable medium is substantially continuously powered, and configured to receive a signal periodically transmitted by said remote transceiver device. 9. The portable computer readable medium system of claim 1, wherein said computer readable medium device and said remote transceiver device are configured to communicate a unique signal. 10. The portable computer readable medium system of claim 1, wherein said notification emitted by said notification device is at least one of a visual, an audio, and a tactile notification. 11. The portable computer readable medium system of claim of claim 10, wherein said notification device is a piezoelectric speaker. 12. The portable computer readable medium system of claim 1, wherein said computer readable medium and said remote transceiver device wirelessly communicate utilizing an approximately 2.4 GHz signal. 13. The portable computer readable medium system of claim 1, wherein said processor of said computer readable medium is further configured to activate at least one security measure when communication between said computer readable medium device and said remote transceiver has been terminated. |
MEDIUM SYSTEM AND METHOD THEREOF
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention is generally related to a portable computer readable medium system and a method thereof, and more particularly, a portable computer readable medium system configured to emit a notification to a user and method thereof.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0002] According to one aspect of the present invention a portable computer readable medium system is provided that includes a computer readable medium device configured to removably connect to a computer including a processor, a memory in communication with the processor, and a communication device in communication with the processor. The system also includes a remote transceiver device distant from and in communication with the computer readable medium device that includes a processor and a communication device in communication with the processor. The system further includes a notification device included in one of the computer readable medium device and the remote transceiver device, wherein the notification device is configured to emit a notification when communication between the computer readable medium device and the remote transceiver device has been terminated.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0003] The present invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which
[0004] Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of a portable computer readable medium system, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;
[0005] Figs. 2A-2D is an exemplary executable software routine of the portable computer readable medium system, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;
[0006] Fig. 3 is a table describing exemplary components of a portable computer readable medium system, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;
[0007] Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a small form factor, battery powered, wireless
communication device, which could be integrated into a portable computer readable system, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; and
[0008] Fig. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a method of emitting a notification to a user in a portable computer readable medium system, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0009] Before describing in detail embodiments that are in accordance with the present invention, it should be observed that the embodiments include combinations of method steps and apparatus components related to a portable computer readable medium system and method thereof. Accordingly, the apparatus components and method steps have been represented, where appropriate, by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present invention so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein. Further, like reference characters in the description and drawings represent like elements.
[0010] In this document, relational terms, such as first and second, top and bottom, and the like, may be used to distinguish one entity or action from another entity or action, without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions. The terms "comprises," "comprising," or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. An element proceeded by "comprises . . . a" does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises the element.
[0011] In regards to Fig. 1, a portable computer readable medium system is generally shown at reference identifier 100. The portable computer readable medium system 100 can include a computer readable medium device generally indicated at reference identifier 102, which can be configured to removably connect to a computer 104. The computer readable medium device 102 can include a processor 106, a memory 108 in
communication with the processor 106, and a communication device 110 in
communication with the processor 106. The portable computer readable medium system 100 can further include a remote transceiver device generally indicated at reference identifier 112, which is distant from and in communication with the computer readable medium device 102. The remote transceiver device 112 can include a processor 114, and a communication device 116 in communication with the processor 114. Additionally, the portable computer readable medium system 100 can include a notification device that is included in either the computer readable medium device 102 or the remote transceiver device 112. Typically, a notification device 118 is configured to emit a notification when communication between the computer readable medium device 102 and the remote transceiver device 112 has been terminated, as described in greater detail herein.
[0012] By way of explanation and not limitation, the computer readable medium device
102 can be a flash memory drive configured to communicate with the computer 104 utilizing a universal serial bus (USB) connection 120 (e.g., a thumb drive). However, it should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the computer readable medium device 102 can be other suitable devices that include the memory 108, such as, but not limited to a removable hard disk, MP3 player, cell phone, personal digital assistant (PDA), camera, iPod™, iPad™, iPhone™, the like, or a combination thereof. It should further be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the computer readable medium device 102 can be configured to communicate with the computer 104 utilizing other suitable connections, such as, but not limited to, Ethernet, Fire Wire (IEEE 1394), the like, or a combination thereof.
[0013] Typically, the computer readable medium device 102 and the remote transceiver device 112 communicate with one another, wherein the remote transceiver device 112 stays with a user of the portable computer readable medium system 100, such that if the remote transceiver device 112 and the computer readable medium device 102 are separated by a distance (e.g., when a user walks away from the computer 104), the user is notified so that the user is reminded to take the removable computer readable medium device 102. Thus, if a user walks away from the computer readable medium device 102 with the remote transceiver device 112, once a distance away, the notification device 118 emits a notification to alert the user, such that the user is reminded to retrieve the computer readable medium device 102, which may still be connected to the computer 104.
[0014] With respect to Fig. 1 , the connection between the computer readable medium
device 102 and the computer 104 is exemplary illustrated as two (2) connections but it should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the connection between the computer readable medium device 102 and the computer 104 can be at least one connection.
Additionally, the remote transceiver device 112 is exemplary illustrated in Fig. 1 to be connected to a computer 104A, and does not require such a connection. [0015] The remote transceiver device 112 can be any suitable portable device, such as, but not limited to, a pin, a button, other suitable attachment devices, a cellular telephone, a PDA, a pager, the like, or a combination thereof. Additionally or alternatively the remote transceiver device 112 can be integrated or attached to an item that is less likely to be forgotten or left behind by the user, such as, but not limited to, a backpack, a purse, a lab notebook, an identification badge, a cellular telephone, a PDA, a pager, a laptop computer, a cap to the computer readable memory device 102 that is removed to allow for connection thereof to the computer 104 and can be removably attached to an article associated with the user (e.g., clothing, bag, etc), a fob adapted to hang on a key chain, a pen clip, a part integrated into a retractable card for an ID badge, a pin, the like, or a combination thereof. One exemplary remote transceiver device 104 is illustrated in Fig. 4. According to one embodiment, the remote transceiver device 112 is configured to only receive or transmit. Further, one exemplary processor 104 and 114 can be an Arduino microcontroller.
[0016] According to one embodiment, the communication device 110 of the computer readable medium device 102 and the communication device 116 of the remote transceiver device 112 communicate at predetermined intervals. In such an embodiment, the notification device 118 can emit a notification when communication between the computer readable medium device 102 and the remote transceiver device 112 has been terminated for a plurality of predetermined number intervals. Thus, the distance separating the computer readable medium device 102 and the remote transceiver device 112 that results in a notification being emitted by the notification device 118 can be a function of a signal strength of the signal transmitted by the communication device 110 of the computer readable medium device 102, the communication device 116 of the remote transceiver device 112, or a combination thereof.
[0017] For purposes of explanation and not limitation, the predetermined intervals can be approximately two seconds (2 s), and the notification device 118 emits the notification after it has been determined that the signal has not been received for approximately six (6) intervals (i.e., twelve seconds (12 s)). By configuring the processor 106, 114 to control the notification device 118 in such a manner, the probability of a false alarm or false non- detection is reduced in the event of an intermittent communication error, which may occur as a result of obstructions, electrical noise in the environment, the like, or a combination thereof. According to one embodiment, a user can reconfigure the interval (e.g., time between signal transmissions), communication timeout, the like, or a combination thereof. Typically, one or both of the processors 106 and 114 are configured to execute one or more executable software routines to control other components of the portable computer readable medium system 100.
[0018] The computer readable medium device 102 can typically be powered utilizing the
USB connection 120 to the computer 104. The remote transceiver device 112 can include an energy storage device 122, according to one embodiment. Due to the reduced power requirements of the processor 114 in the communication device 116 of the remote transceiver device 112, the energy storage device 122 can be a small energy storage device, such as, but not limited to, a small single cell battery with a nominal voltage between approximately 1.5 volts and three (3) volts (e.g., a "watch" battery). According to one embodiment, the remote transceiver device 112 can include a switch 124 for testing the portable computer readable medium system 100, such that the switch 124 simulates the signal not being received.
[0019] In an embodiment where the computer readable medium device 102 and the
communication device 110 are substantially continuously powered by the USB connection 120 or another suitable power source, the communication device 110 can be configured to receive a signal periodically transmitted by the remote transceiver device 112. Thus, the remote transceiver device 112 can power down during intervals in order to minimize the electrical power consumed from the energy storage device 122, and be powered to full power when transmitting the periodic signal. Typically, the computer readable medium device 102 and the remote transceiver device 112 are configured to communicate a unique signal, such that signals from other portable computer readable medium systems 100 are not affected.
[0020] According to one embodiment, the notification emitted by the notification device
118 is a visual notification, an audio notification, a tactile notification, or a combination thereof. When the notification includes an audio notification, the notification device 118 can include a piezoelectric speaker. The visual, audio, and/or tactile notification can be configurable by the user of the portable computer readable medium system 100. For purposes of explanation and not limitation, audio and visual notifications can include software generated audio and/or visual notifications via the computer 104, such as, but not limited to, a pop-up window and/or an audible sound.
[0021] Typically, the computer readable medium device 102 and remote transceiver
device 112 wirelessly communicate utilizing approximately a 2.4 GHz signal. However, it should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that other suitable frequencies can be utilized for communicating this wireless signal.
[0022] Additionally or alternatively, when it is determined that the computer readable medium device 102 and the remote transceiver device 112 are separated by a distance, (e.g., the communicated signal is no longer being received) the processor 106 of the computer readable medium device 102 can deactivate one or more security measures, such as, but not limited to, deactivating the memory 108. Thus, a third party cannot access the computer readable medium device 102 and access the data stored in the memory 108. This can prevent access and/or deletion of the data in the memory 108. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that additional or alternative security measures can be implemented, such as, but not limited to, data encryption, password protection to reactivate the memory 108, other suitable security accessing features (e.g., a finger print reading device), the like, or a combination thereof.
[0023] According to one embodiment, the computer readable medium device 102 can include an energy storage device (e.g., similar to the energy storage device 122) of the remote transceiver device 112, such that the portable computer readable medium system 100 can continue to operate when the computer readable medium device 102 is not connected to the computer 104. Additionally or alternatively, the computer readable medium device 102 and the remote transceiver device 112 can include duplicative components, such that both the computer readable medium device 102 and the remote transceiver device 112 can include the notification device 118, the energy storage device 122, the like, or a combination thereof.
[0024] Exemplary components of the portable computer readable medium system 100 are described in the table of Fig. 3. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the above-described embodiments include components and/or functions described with respect to one of the computer readable medium device 102 or the remote transceiver device 112, respectively, for purposes of explanation and not limitation, and that the components and functionalities thereof could be included in the other of the computer readable medium device 102 or the remote transceiver device 112, respectively.
[0025] In regards to Figs. 1 and 5, a method of emitting a notification in a portable
computer readable medium system is generally shown in Fig. 5 at reference identifier 200. The method 200 starts at step 202, and at step 204, electrical power is supplied. Typically, electrical power is supplied to the computer readable medium device 102 utilizing the USB connection 120 and the remote transceiver device 112 is supplied with electrical power utilizing an internal energy storage device 122. At step 206, a periodic signal is transmitted. Typically, the periodic signal is transmitted by the remote transceiver device 112.
[0026] At decision step 208, it is determined if the signal is received. If it is determined at decision step 208 that the signal is received, the method 200 returns to step 206, wherein the periodic signal is transmitted at the next interval. Thus, it can be determined that the computer readable medium device 102 and the remote transceiver device 112 are within an acceptable distance with one another. However, if it is determined at decision step 208 that the signal is not received, the method 200 proceeds to step 210. At step 210, a notification is emitted. Thus, it is determined that the computer readable medium device 102 and the remote transceiver device 112 are no longer within an acceptable distance of one another, and that the notification device 118 should emit a notification to notify the user. The method 200 can continue to operate by turning to step 206, or end at step 212. Typically, the method 200 ends when electrical power is no longer supplied to the computer readable medium device 102, the remote transceiver device 112, or a
combination thereof.
[0027] Advantageously, the portable computer medium system 100 and method 200 can notify a user that has a remote transceiver device 112 once the remote transceiver device 112 is a distance from the computer readable medium device 102, such that the user is reminded to take the computer readable medium device 102. Therefore, a user is less likely to leave a computer readable medium device 102 when use of the computer 104 has ended. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the portable computer readable medium system 100 can have additional or alternative advantages. It should further be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the above-described components of the portable computer readable medium system 100 and steps of the method 200 can be combined in additional or alternative ways not explicitly described herein.
[0028] Modifications of the invention will occur to those skilled in the art and to those who make or use the invention. Therefore, it is understood that the embodiments shown in the drawings and described above are merely for illustrative purposes and not intended to limit the scope of the invention, which is defined by the following claims as interpreted according to the principles of patent law, including the doctrine of equivalents.
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