Secure portable computer and security method

• US 20140013420A1
• Filed: 03/15/2013
• Published: 01/09/2014
• Est. Priority Date: 03/21/2000
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Gregory A. Picionielli, Michael M. Gerardi
• Original Assignee: Gregory A. Picionielli, Michael M. Gerardi
• Inventors: Gerardi, Michael M., Picionielli, Gregory A.
• Granted Patent: US 10,552,583 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 726/17
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 21/10 Protecting distributed programs or content, e.g. vending or licensing of copyrighted material protection in video systems or pay television H04N7/16 ; Digital rights management [DRM]
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 21/32 using biometric data, e.g. fingerprints, iris scans or voiceprints
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 21/60 Protecting data
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 21/606 by securing the transmission between two devices or processes
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 21/88 Detecting or preventing theft or loss
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 2221/2111 Location-sensitive, e.g. geographical location, GPS
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 12/08 Access security
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 12/30 Security of mobile devices; Security of mobile applications
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 12/63 Location-dependent; Proximity-dependent
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 4/029 Location-based management or tracking services

Abstract

A computer includes a processor, position determining means for determining the location of the computer, and control means for controlling the operation of the processor. The control means are in communication with the position determining means and control the operation of the processor in response to location information provided to the control means by the position determining means.

Claims

1. A computer comprising a) a processor, b) position determining means for determining the location of the computer, and c) control means for controlling the operation of the processor, the control means being In communication with the position determining means and controlling the operation of the processor in response to location information provided to the control means by the position determining means.

2. The computer of claim 1 wherein the position determining means comprise a GPS locator.

3. The computer of claim 1 wherein the position determining means comprise an accelerometer.

4. The computer of claim 1 wherein the control means prevents operation of the processor in response to location information provided by the position determining means that indicates that the location of the computer is outside of a preselected area.

5. The computer of claim 1 further comprising a hard drive in communication with the processor.

6. The computer of claim 5 wherein the control means instructs the processor to prevent operation of the hard drive in response to location information provided by the position determining means that indicates that the location of the computer is outside of a preselected area.

7. The computer of claim 5 wherein the control means instructs the processor to at least partially erase the hard drive in response to location information provided by the position determining means that indicates that the location of the computer is outside of a preselected area.

8. The computer of claim 1 further comprising alarm means for transmitting an alarm to a preselected destination, the alarm means being in communication with the processor.

9. The computer of claim 8 wherein the control means instructs the processor to generate an alarm using the alarm means in response to location information provided by the position determining means that indicates that the location of the computer is outside of a preselected area.

10. The computer of claim 1 further comprising identification means for identifying an authorized user, the identification means being in communication with the processor.

11. The computer of claim 10 wherein the control means instructs the processor to request identification of a user by using the identification means in response to location information provided by the position determining means that indicates that the location of the computer is outside of a preselected area.

12. The computer of claim 11 wherein the identification means is a facial recognition device that identifies a user as an authorized user by reference to a data base of facial features associated with one or more authorized users.

13. The computer of claim 11 wherein the identification means is in communication with an input device and identifies the user as an authorized user upon input by the user of an authorization code.

14. The computer of claim 11 wherein the control means prevents further operation of the processor upon failure of the identification means to identify the user as an authorized user.

15. The computer of claim 11 further comprising a hard drive in communication with the processor.

16. The computer of claim 15 wherein the control means instructs the processor to prevent operation of the hard drive upon failure of the identification means to identify the user as an authorized user.

17. The computer of claim 15 wherein the control means instructs the processor to at least partially erase the hard drive upon failure of the identification means to identify the user as an authorized user.

18. The computer of claim 11 further comprising alarm means for transmitting an alarm to a preselected destination, the alarm means being in communication with the processor.

19. The computer of claim 18 wherein the control means instructs the processor to generate an alarm using the alarm means upon failure of the identification means to identify the user as an authorized user.

20. The computer of claim 1 which is a portable computer.