Enpoint security appliance/sensor platform

Patent metadata

Field	Value
Publication number	US-2017180984-A1
Application number	US-201615384027-A
Country	US
Kind code	A1
Filing date	Dec 19, 2016
Priority date	Dec 18, 2015
Publication date	Jun 22, 2017
Grant date	—

Abstract

Some embodiments include a privacy/security apparatus for a portable communication device that includes a housing assembly configured to attenuate acoustic and light energy, and an audio channel comprising a microphone and speaker that can play input derived primarily from either the microphone or from a different audio source. The privacy/security apparatus includes a Digital Signal Processor (DSP) that can receive the input from the microphone and provide the input to the speaker or process the microphone input prior to providing speaker, and seed to generate a masking signal provided to one or more speakers with an output that is played to one or more microphones of a portable communication device. Further, the privacy/security apparatus includes a microprocessor configured and arranged to: i. load software on the DSP, and ii. provide control of a user interface that controls at least some functions of the apparatus.

First claim

1 . A privacy/security apparatus for a portable communication device comprising:
a. a housing assembly configured to at least partially attenuate at least one of acoustic and light energy; b. at least one audio channel comprising a microphone and speaker, the speaker being configured and arranged to play input derived primarily from either the microphone or from a different audio source; c. a Digital Signal Processor (DSP) configured and arranged to:
i. receive the input from the microphone and provide the input to the speaker or process the microphone input prior to providing speaker; and
ii. use a seed to generate a masking signal provided to one or more speakers comprising an output that is played to one or more microphones of a portable communication device; and
e. at least one microprocessor configured and arranged to:
i. load software on the DSP; and
ii. provide control of a user interface that controls at least some functions of the apparatus

2 . The privacy/security apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising an interface for a module which provides additional capabilities for the apparatus.

3 . The privacy/security apparatus of claim 2 , wherein the module comprises a subscriber identity module.

4 . The privacy/security apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the microprocessor captures the state of switches/buttons.

5 . The privacy/security apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the microprocessor captures battery status.

6 . The privacy/security apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the microprocessor controls at least one visual feedback system.

7 . The privacy/security apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the visual feedback system includes at least one LED.

8 . The privacy/security apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising one or more user actuated buttons, slides, or shutters configured to control the type of signal played to a least one microphone on a protected mobile device.

9 . The privacy/security apparatus of claim 8 , wherein the one or more user actuated buttons, slides, or shutters are configured cover and uncover at least one camera on the protected device.

10 . The privacy/security apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising at least one switch configured to detect the use of at least one shutter for a camera.

11 . The privacy/security apparatus of claim 10 , wherein the at least one switch is further configured to automatically change the input played to a microphone on a protected device.

12 . The privacy/security apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising at least one LED or visual signaling method to indicate the state or status of features of the privacy/security apparatus.

13 . The privacy/security apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising at least one wired or wireless connection configured to allow information to pass to or from the privacy/security apparatus and a protected device.

14 . The privacy/security apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising a mechanical/electrical connection configured and arranged for coupling at least one module to the privacy/security apparatus, the connection enabling:
i. Power to pass to and/or from the module and the privacy/security apparatus; and ii. Data to pass to and/or from the module and the privacy/security apparatus.

15 . The privacy/security apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the at least one module utilizes the mechanical/electrical connection to couple components of the privacy/security apparatus.

16 . The privacy/security apparatus of claim 15 , wherein the components comprise one or more of:
a. A blank module to fill any open space that may be taken by a module; b. A module configured to provide extra battery power to a portable communication device, the privacy/security apparatus or to one or more separate devices; and c. A module to detect Radio Frequency transmissions.

17 . The privacy/security apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the housing assembly includes an articulating assembly configured and arranged to articulate a portion of the housing assembly to one or more positions to enable a user to insert or enclose and remove the portable communication device.

18 . The privacy/security apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the housing assembly includes a sliding assembly configured and arranged to slide a portion of the housing assembly to one or more positions to enable a user to insert, enclose or remove the portable communication device.

19 . The privacy/security apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the housing assembly includes one or more separate and distinct parts/components, together which integrate and connect into a complete assembly enclosing the portable communication device.

20 . The privacy/security apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising at least one microphone configured to listen to the mask noise generated by the privacy/security apparatus.

21 . The privacy/security apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the microprocessor is configured to set parameters of a battery charge system.

22 . The privacy/security apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the microprocessor is configured to control the power state of one or more components of the privacy/security apparatus.

23 . The privacy/security apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the DSP is configured to filter/sculpt audio (voice or mask noise) to compensate for microphone, speaker and cavity response.

24 . The privacy/security apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the DSP is configured to analyze ambient audio to determine optimum mask profile.

25 . The privacy/security apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the DSP is configured to morph voice to obfuscate identity while maintaining intelligibility.

26 . The privacy/security apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the DSP is configured to apply a frequency mask.

Assignees

• Ppip Llc

Inventors

• Thomas Teddy David
• Quintus-Bosz Harald
• Diduch Piotr
• Ritsher Kenneth Alan
• Greeley Gabriel
• Fong Neric

Classifications

• H04M1/667

  Preventing unauthorised calls from a telephone set (H04M1/677 takes precedence) · CPC title

• H04M1/0254

  comprising one or a plurality of mechanically detachable modules · CPC title

• H04M2250/52

  including functional features of a camera · CPC title

• H04M1/0202 Primary

  Portable telephone sets, e.g. cordless phones, mobile phones or bar type handsets (constructional features of telephone transmitters or receivers, e.g. of speakers or microphones H04M1/03) · CPC title

• H04M2250/12

  including a sensor for measuring a physical value, e.g. temperature or motion · CPC title