TF2000 proximity sensor for your PC or laptop

Posted on March 4, 2008
Filed Under Technology |

TF2000 proximity sensorOver the years, I have come across numerous devices that promise to make locking and unlocking my PC a snap. Some work using fingerprint recognition and others using face detection software. The former work the best and the latter never really work as advertised. The TF2000 proximity sensor is another doohickey in this space.

The TF2000 uses ultrasound to tell if a person is standing in front of the PC or not. When it detects that no person is present, it automatically locks the computer. When the person returns, the sensor sends a signal to unlock the computer; I really hope that a password is still required for unlocking the computer because it is not possible for the TF2000 to perform person identification using only ultrasound measurements. In a way, the TF2000 proximity sensor works much like the sensors in touch free bathrooms with the exception that those sensors use infrared light to detect the presence of a person.

What makes this proximity sensor interesting is actually the way it works. First of all, it is a USB device which includes not only accessing operating system functions for locking and unlocking the computer but also drawing the necessary power to operate. In addition, the TF2000 works as a simple keyboard device and no additional drivers need to be installed. When the user moves away from the computer, the proximity sensor simply transmits the Windows Key + L combination to lock it. This makes installing and using the sensor trivial (for Microsoft Windows users anyways.)

In conclusion, I would not base the security of my computer on the TF2000 proximity sensor but I would definitely add it as another layer, if I come by an extra $85 and I couldn’t find a better way to spend them. Other than that, it would make for a nice gadget to have on your laptop in your efforts to impress some groovy chick at the local Starbucks.

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