Method for generating an alarm in a portable computer system
First Claim
1. A method for generating an alarm in a portable computer system, comprising:
- detecting at the portable computer system an activation signal for the alarm from a remote transmitter;
setting, in response to the activation signal, an alarm condition at the portable computer system;
determining the location of the portable computing system by detecting a global positioning system (GPS) signal; and
activating, in response to the alarm condition, at least one theft deterrence action, the at least one theft deterrence action including transmitting the determined location to a remote receiver.
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Accused Products
Abstract
One embodiment of the present invention provides a system for generating an alarm in a portable computer system. In this embodiment, when an owner of a portable computer system determines that the portable computer system is either stolen or missing, the owner activates a remote transmitter. This remote transmitter sends an activation signal to a receiver in the portable computer system. In response to the activation signal, the portable computer system takes at least one theft deterrence action, such as generating an audio alarm. In one embodiment of the present invention, the theft deterrence action includes erasing at least part of the contents of a data storage device in the portable computer system. In another embodiment, the theft deterrence action includes disabling power for the portable computer system. In yet another embodiment, the theft deterrence action includes dialing a telephone number through a mobile telephone coupled with the portable computer system.
116 Citations
18 Claims
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1. A method for generating an alarm in a portable computer system, comprising:
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detecting at the portable computer system an activation signal for the alarm from a remote transmitter; setting, in response to the activation signal, an alarm condition at the portable computer system; determining the location of the portable computing system by detecting a global positioning system (GPS) signal; and activating, in response to the alarm condition, at least one theft deterrence action, the at least one theft deterrence action including transmitting the determined location to a remote receiver. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. A method for generating an alarm in a portable computer system, comprising:
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detecting at the portable computer system an activation signal for the alarm from a remote radio frequency transmitter; and setting, in response to the activation signal, an alarm condition at the portable computer system; determining the location of the portable computing system by detecting a global positioning system (GPS) signal; activating, in response to the alarm condition, at least one theft deterrence action, the at least one theft deterrence action including transmitting the determined location to a remote receiver; detecting at the portable computer system a deactivation signal for the theft deterrence action from a remote transmitter; and resetting the alarm condition in response to the deactivation signal at the portable computer system.
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15. A method for generating an alarm in a portable computer system, comprising:
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detecting at the portable computer system an activation signal for the alarm from a remote transmitter; setting, in response to the activation signal, an alarm condition at the portable computer system; determining the location of the portable computing system by detecting a global positioning system (GPS) signal; and activating, in response to the alarm condition, at least one theft deterrence action, wherein activating the at least one theft deterrence action includes sending a mobile telephone signal from the portable computer system to call a telephone number, and transmitting the determined location to a remote receiver. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18)
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Specification