Security device for portable computer and method thereof

Details Security device for portable computer and method thereof Security device for portable computer and method thereof

1998-12-31

2001-12-25

Zimmerman, Brain (Department: 2635)

Communications: electrical

Selective

Having indication or alarm

C340S007100, C340S005540, C340S005740, C340S568200, C340S571000, C713S152000, C713S185000, C713S189000, C455S412100, C455S456500

Reexamination Certificate

active

06333684

ABSTRACT:

CLAIM OF PRIORITY
This application makes reference to, incorporates the same herein, and claims all benefits accruing under 35 U.S.C §119 from an application entitled Security Device For Portable Computer And Method Thereof earlier filed in the Korean Industrial Property Office on Dec. 31, 1997, and there duly assigned Ser. No. 97-80236 by that Office.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a security device and a method thereof for portable computers, and more particularly to a security device and a method for controlling an operating status of a portable computer with a pager to prevent unauthorized access to infonnation stored in the portable computer, in the event of a theft or a loss.
2. Description of the Related Art
In the conventional art, a locking device or a security device installed in portable computers are commonly used to prevent theft and provide security. Computer security has been a continuous problem in the art. Many personal computers are equipped with some type of security program to allow authorized users to access the computer and the data resident on the hard drive, while preventing unauthorized users from operating the computer. Typically, these security programs operate by preventing the complete boot-up of a computer without entry of a password by an authorized user. Usually these prior art systems also require a user to implement one of two options in which the user either manually enters a password to cause the security program to lock-out the computer, or to preset the computer to automatically lock the computer after some predetermined length of time when there is no activity at the computer. Thus, if a user walks away from his terminal, the computer will automatically lock after a predetermined time.
As computers and other expensive consumer electronic devices become smaller and more portable, the risk of their being stolen increases dramatically. Of particular concern is the theft of laptop computers.
Examples of known systems providing computer security are proved by U.S. Pat. No. 5,736,932 to Andrew Frederick Bulfer et al. entitled Security For Controlled Access Systems; U.S. Pat. No. 5,748,084 to Jeremy M. Isikoff entitled Device Security System; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,821,854 to Dale W. Dorinski et al. entitled Security System for Personal Computer.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to provide a security device and a method for controlling operating status of the portable computers with a pager to prevent unauthorized access to information stored in portable computers, in the event of a theft or a loss.
The security device comprises a memory for storing a pager processing routine, data processing means for receiving, storing, and determining pager information to generate an interrupt signal according to determined information, and a controller for displaying a message or a telephone number, or for changing a system password by performing a pager processing routine, according the interrupt signal from the data processing means.
The security method for a portable computer comprises the steps of receiving pager information, determining the content of pager information after sensing the presence of a power supply and generating a corresponding interrupt signal according a result of determining the content of the pager information, and controlling the operating status of the computer according to the type of interrupt signal generated such as preventing unauthorized access to the portable computer.
Another security method for a portable computer comprises the steps of receiving pager information, determining the pager information type and generating a corresponding interrupt signal according to a result of determined pager information type, and stopping a program in use in presence of an interrupt signal and controlling the operating status of a portable computer according to a type of the interrupt signal to prevent further access of the portable computer.


REFERENCES:
patent: 5574786 (1996-11-01), Dayan et al.
patent: 5578991 (1996-11-01), Sholder
patent: 5736932 (1998-04-01), Bulfer et al.
patent: 5748084 (1998-05-01), Isikoff
patent: 5821854 (1998-10-01), Dorinski et al.
patent: 5872515 (1999-02-01), Ha et al.
patent: 5960084 (1999-09-01), Angelo
patent: 5964877 (1999-10-01), Victor et al.
patent: 6075456 (2000-06-01), Park

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