Method and apparatus for online geographic and user verification and restriction using a GPS system
View Patent ↗A method and system for determining geographic location and mental state of a user. A GPS circuit is to generate signals representing a geographic location. The system uses a host computer and a local computer connected to each other over a network. A keypad is used to enter provided sequence information which is sent to the host computer if entered within a set period of time along with geographic location information provided by a GPS system and serial number information. The host computer verifies that the sequence information, serial number and geographic location information are as expected and if so, allows a user access to certain information provided by the host system.
1. A verification system comprising:
a) a GPS circuit to generate signals representing a geographic location;
b) means for connecting the system to a network;
c) means for connecting the system to a local computer coupled to said network;
d) a keypad having a plurality of keys, each key having a changeable color or symbol;
e) logic means for:
i) communicating with a remote host computer coupled to said network and with said local computer;
ii) receiving key sequence information from said remote host computer;
iii) after a key has been depressed, changing a color or symbol associated with each of said keys based on said received key sequence;
iv) determining if an attempt has been made to enter a key sequence using said keypad within a predetermined period of time, and if yes, sending said entered key sequence, a serial number and geographic information provided by said GPS circuit to said host computer.
2. The system defined by claim 1 wherein said GPS circuit operates to communicate with GPS satellites and generate a latitude and longitude of said GPS circuit using signals received from said satellites.
3. The system defined by claim 1 wherein said means for connecting the system to a network comprises one of a serial port and a USB port.
4. The system defined by claim 1 wherein said means for connecting the system to a local computer comprises one of a serial port and a USB port.
5. The system defined by claim 1 wherein each of said plurality of keys comprises at least one LED.
6. The system defined by claim 1 wherein said logic means comprises a computer program executed by a processor.
7. The method defined by claim 1 wherein if said determining step determines that said entered key sequence was not entered within said predetermined period of time, a message to that effect, said serial number and said geographic information provided by a GPS circuit are sent to said host computer.
8. A method for verifying location of a user comprising the steps of:
a) communicating with a remote host computer coupled to a network and with a local computer coupled to said network;
b) receiving key sequence information from said remote host computer;
c) after a key of a keypad has been depressed, changing a color or symbol associated with each key of said keypad based on said received key sequence;
d) determining if an attempt has been made to enter a key sequence using said keypad within a predetermined period of time, and if yes, sending said entered key sequence, a serial number and geographic information provided by a GPS circuit to said host computer.
9. The method defined by claim 8 , wherein said GPS circuit operates to communicate with GPS satellites and generate a latitude and longitude of said GPS circuit using signals received from said satellites.