IP Verse

Hybrid device having a personal digital key and receiver-decoder circuit and methods of use

Patent No. US10073960 (titled "Hybrid device having a personal digital key and receiver-decoder circuit and methods of use") on May 15, 2017. The application was issued on Sep 11, 2018.

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Technical Landscape

In the late 2000s when ’960 was filed, proximity detection and location tracking were typically implemented using passive identification tags or dedicated hardware tokens that functioned as single-purpose, unidirectional signaling devices. At a time when mobile systems commonly relied on isolated hardware components for specific security or tracking tasks rather than integrated, multi-role communication modules, the coordination between a tracking tag and a local receiver was often restricted by proprietary protocols and fixed functional logic. Hardware and software constraints made it non-trivial to implement dynamic, bi-directional application services on a single portable device that could simultaneously act as both a verifiable credential and a localized sensor for other nearby tokens.

Prosecution Position

The disclosed invention represents a technical advancement through the architectural integration of a personal digital key and a receiver-decoder circuit into a single hybrid device capable of multi-mode operation. This structural shift enables a device to transition between acting as an authenticated signal source and a local processing hub that decodes signals from other proximity devices, overcoming the limitations of static, single-function tracking hardware. The technical effect achieved is a versatile communication framework that supports authorization inheritance and automated service management by allowing the hybrid device to process concurrent data links, thereby enabling complex security and location-aware applications within a unified mobile platform.

Claims

The patent contains a total of 20 claims, with claims 1 and 14 serving as the independent claims. These independent claims focus on a hardware device and a corresponding method that utilize a battery-powered wireless communication interface and integrated secure memory to enable specific applications, functions, or services based on proximity to external devices and stored secure information. The dependent claims serve to further define the system by specifying the types of secure data used, such as biometric or financial information, identifying the device as a cell phone or wearable item, and detailing the specific locations and mechanisms for enabling the associated services.

Key Claim Terms New

Definitions of key terms used in the patent claims.

Term (Source)Support for SpecificationInterpretation
Enablement signal
(Claim 14)		The device generates an enablement signal enabling one or more of an application, a function and a service. This can include the use of multiple links of the hybrid device to generate an authorization signal. The system can be used for authorization inheritance and for automatically disabling a service or feature.A signal generated by the device, following the receipt of a wireless transmission, that triggers the activation of a specific application, function, or service.
Integrated, secure memory
(Claim 1, Claim 14)		The device comprises an integrated, secure memory storing local, secured information. The integrated, wireless communication interface is communicatively coupled to the integrated, secure memory. The memory stores information that enables one or more of an application, a function, and a service.A non-volatile storage component embedded within the device designed to protect sensitive data from unauthorized access.
Integrated, wireless communication interface
(Claim 1, Claim 14)		The hybrid device includes a personal digital key (PDK) and a receiver-decoder circuit (RDC) coupled for communication with each other. The device provides a physical interconnect for connecting to other devices to send and receive control signals and data. It allows for simultaneous use of the PDK and the RDC functionality and multiple links to generate an authorization signal.A built-in hardware component that establishes wireless links with external devices to facilitate proximity detection and data exchange.
Local, secured information
(Claim 1, Claim 14)		The integrated, secure memory stores local, secured information. This information enables one or more of an application, a function, and a service. The device acts as a personal digital key (PDK) to provide secure access to physical and/or digital assets.Data stored within the device's internal secure memory that is used to authorize or enable applications, functions, or services.
Proximity zone
(Claim 1)		Proximity sensors can be used to provide secure access to physical and/or digital assets, based on biometrics, passwords, PINs, or other types of authentication. Knowledge about a person's location (and/or their past locations and projected future locations) could be used to provide better services to that person. The device is capable of proximity detection/location determination and auxiliary data services/application services.A defined physical range or area surrounding the device within which wireless communication and detection occur to trigger specific actions or services.
Wireless communication interface
(Claim 1, Claim 14)		The hybrid device also provides a physical interconnect for connecting to other devices to send and receive control signals and data, and receive power. The integrated, wireless communication interface is for communicating wirelessly with at least one external device within a proximity zone. The interface is communicatively coupled to the integrated, secure memory and coupled to draw power from the battery.A hardware component integrated into the device that facilitates the exchange of data and signals with external devices over a wireless medium.

Patent Summary

Litigation Cases New

US Latest litigation cases involving this patent.

Case NumberFiling DateTitle
6:25-cv-00016Jan 14, 2025Proxense, Llc V. Hyundai Motor Company

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US10073960

Application Number
US15595739A
Filing Date
May 15, 2017
Publication Date
Sep 11, 2018
External Links
Slate, USPTO , Google Patents