Apple has received confirmation that their patent for an anti-theft safeguard for portable electronics has been officially approved. The anti-theft patent describes an “acceleration-based theft detection system.”
The system works by tracking the movement of the device over time. In theory, after analyzing movement patterns it will be able to discern between the owner and someone that is trying to thieve their precious device.
The device would incorporate an accelerometer and special software to track the movements. They would include settings that could be customized so that a user can fine-tune the security. This way they aren't accidentally setting off the alarm throughout the day.
One of the obvious uses would of course be for the iPhone. We already know that it would include an accelerometer, so they should be able to issue a software update to activate this feature. As hot as iPhones are likely going to be, it would be great to know that it has a built-in security system.
Apple patent clears road for theft-proof iPhones, Macs [via appleinsider]
Oh great!
This will turn all attention to me when i have to catch a train! :)
Mac’s also have an accelerometer for disk head retraction… HOW sweet it would be to set a computer on a “Safe” setting that says it is NOT TO BE MOVED, until you turn off the “Safe” setting… else crank up volume and start wailing…
While a portable would not scream tooo loudly, it would be far, far, far, better than what most people do now… it is just too much of a pain to lock down a laptop every time you set it up to do some work.
Optimum advantage: let sleep automatically turned on the alarm!! Then wake from sleep (with password) could turn off the alram!!