Electrical computers and digital processing systems: support – Computer power control – Power conservation
Reexamination Certificate
1997-12-16
2002-01-08
Elmore, Reba I. (Department: 2187)
Electrical computers and digital processing systems: support
Computer power control
Power conservation
C713S320000, C713S324000, C713S340000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06338142
ABSTRACT:
The present invention relates to electronic devices and, more particularly, to a method and apparatus for preventing unauthorized use of such electronic devices.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Electronic devices, such as personal computers and workstations, have proliferated in the modern business and home arena. With this proliferation, security has become an increasing concern. Modern devices serve as a repository of highly sensitive information which, if misused or misappropriated, can cause financial and competitive loss. Accordingly, protection of such information has become a practical necessity.
Password protection is a useful security precaution but such protection is not failproof. Passwords are subject to eavesdropping and, when misappropriated, permit unauthorized users to access subject matter under the password. Also, passwords provide limited protection against “rogue employees” and the like, persons who may have authorized access to passwords for limited purposes and are likely to use the passwords for unauthorized purposes. Further, even if password protection is maintained, unauthorized users may be able to glean useful information through observation of unprotected elements of a system.
One of the most powerful means of protecting electronic devices against unauthorized use is to force them to remain in an unpowered state at all times except during authorized use. In such a state, for example, information present on magnetic, optical or ROM memories cannot be read out and misappropriated. However, no known system turns an electronic device off and maintains the device off against “wake up” events, conventional methods to turn it on. Accordingly, there is a need in the art for a security system in electronic devices that maintains electronic devices powered down against unauthorized attempts to restore power to such devices.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
An embodiment of the present invention disables power up events in an electronic device. This embodiment includes a lockout circuit that interrupts power up signals transmitted from a power controller to a power supply in response to a triggering signal.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4647721 (1987-03-01), Busam et al.
patent: 5142217 (1992-08-01), Gontowski, Jr.
patent: 5715465 (1998-02-01), Savage et al.
patent: 5835719 (1998-11-01), Gibson et al.
patent: 5910930 (1999-06-01), Dieffenderfer et al.
Elmore Reba I.
Intel Corporation
Kenyon & Kenyon
LandOfFree
Method and apparatus for providing secure lockout in... does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Method and apparatus for providing secure lockout in..., we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Method and apparatus for providing secure lockout in... will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2856037