Password protected modular computer method and device

Abstract

A method and device for securing a removable Attached Computer Module (“ACM”) 10. ACM 10 inserts into a Computer Module Bay (“CMB”) 40 within a peripheral console to form a functional computer such as a desktop computer or portable computer. The present ACM 10 includes a locking system, which includes hardware and software 600, 700, to prevent accidental removal or theft of the ACM from the peripheral console. While ACM is in transit, further security is necessary against illegal or unauthorized use. If ACM contains confidential data, a high security method is needed to safeguard against theft.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]The following two commonly-owned copending applications, including this one, are being filed concurrently and the other one is hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety for all purposes:Notice: More than one reissue application has been filed for the reissue of U.S. Pat. No. 6,321,335. The reissue applications are application Ser. No. 10 / 963,825 filed Oct. 12, 2004, application Ser. No. 11 / 474,256 filed Jun. 23, 2006, and application Ser. No. 11 / 517,601, filed Sep. 6, 2006 (the present application), which is a continuation reissue of U.S. Pat. No. 6,321,335.[0002]1. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09 / 183,816, William W. Y. Chu, entitled “Modular Computer Security Method and Device”, and[0003]2. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09 / 183,493, William W. Y. Chu, entitled “Password Protected Modular Computer Method and Device”.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0004]The present invention relates to computing devices. More particularly, the p...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0015]In a specific embodiment, the present invention provides a computer module. The computer module has an enclosure that is insertable into a console. The module also has a central processing unit (i.e., integrated circuit chip) in the enclosure. The module has a hard disk drive in the enclosure, where the hard disk drive is coupled to the central processing unit. The module further has a programmable memory device in the enclosure, where the programmable memory device can be configurable to store a password for preventing a possibility of unauthorized use of the hard disk drive and / or other module elements. The stored password can be any suitable key strokes that a user can change from time to time. In a further embodiment, the present invention provides a permanent password or user identification code stored in flash memory, which also can be in the processing unit, or other integrated circuit element. The permanent password or user identification code is designed to provide a permanent “finger print” on the attached computer module.

[0017]Numerous benefits are achieved using the present invention over previously existing techniques. The present invention provides mechanical and electrical security systems to prevent theft or unauthorized use of the computer system in a specific embodiment. Additionally, the present invention substantially prevents accidental removal of the ACM from the console. In some embodiments, the present invention prevents illegal or unauthorized use during transmit. The present invention is also implemented using conventional technologies that can be provided in the present computer system in an easy and efficient manner. Depending upon the embodiment, one or more of these benefits can be available. These and other advantages or benefits are described throughout the present specification and are described more particularly below.

Problems solved by technology

Although somewhat successful, laptop computers have many limitations.

These computing devices have poor display technology.

In fact, these devices often have a smaller flat panel display that has poor viewing characteristics.

Additionally, these devices also have poor input devices such as smaller keyboards and the like.

Furthermore, these devices have limited common platforms to transfer information to and from these devices and other devices such as PCs.

Up to now, there has been little common ground between these platforms including the PCs and laptops in terms of upgrading, ease-of-use, cost, performance, and the like.

A drawback to having two separate computers is that the user must often purchase both the desktop and laptop to have “total” computing power, where the desktop serves as a “regular” computer and the laptop serves as a “portable” computer.

Purchasing both computers is often costly and runs “thousands” of dollars.

The user also wastes a significant amount of time transferring software and data between the two types of computers.

Another drawback with the current model of separate portable and desktop computer is that the user has to spend money to buy components and peripherals the are duplicated in at least one of these computers.

Because program software and supporting programs generally must be installed upon both hard drives in order for the user to operate programs on the road and in the office, hard disk space is often wasted.

The docking station typically includes a separate monitor, keyboard, mouse, and the like and is generally incompatible with other desktop PCs.

The docking station is also generally not compatible with portable computers of other vendors.

Another drawback to this approach is that the portable computer typically has lower performance and functionality than a conventional desktop PC.

For example, the processor of the portable is typically much slower than processors in dedicated desktop computers, because of power consumption and heat dissipation concerns.

Another drawback to the docking station approach is that the typical cost of portable computers with docking stations can approach the cost of having a separate portable computer and a separate desktop computer.

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