Bradley L Fosdick

US Patent:

20060105712, May 18, 2006

Filed:

Nov 12, 2004

Appl. No.:

10/987980

Inventors:

Andrew Glass - Woodinville WA, US
Bernard Thompson - Bellevue WA, US
Bradley Fosdick - Kirkland WA, US
Chih Wen - Redmond WA, US
Christopher Dreher - Seattle WA, US
Doron Holan - Seattle WA, US
Firdosh Bhesania - Kirkland WA, US
Gary Rensberger - Redmond WA, US
Peter Hauser - Kirkland WA, US
Randall Aull - Kenmore WA, US

Assignee:

Microsoft Corporation - Redmond WA

International Classification:

H04B 7/00

US Classification:

455041200

Abstract:

Disclosed are a unique system and method that facilitate establishing and maintaining a secure connection between at least one wireless input component and a host (e.g., PC). The system and method involve the wireless input component broadcasting a message that can be “heard” by any potential host located within a given distance from the wireless input component. The message can indicate that the input component is available for use or pairing with a PC. PCs in the area can respond to the message by notifying the user that a wireless input component is available and by generating a random PIN. The PIN can be displayed to the user on the respective PC. The user can be prompted to enter the PIN using the wireless device. When a match between the user's response and the corresponding PC is determined, the two can be securely linked. In addition the invention provides support of wireless input devices at boot or start up.