Laptop Return Service via Startup Screen Display
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current protection schemes for laptops, such as encryption and anti-theft technology, do not effectively facilitate the return of lost laptops to their rightful owners due to the lack of easily accessible owner information, which discourages finders from returning them.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that displays a unique laptop identification number and contact information for a return service on the laptop's initial startup screen, along with a reward message and warning about anti-theft protection, to encourage return and track the laptop, while securely storing and communicating this information for retrieval by the owner.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If contact information is displayed on physical labels affixed to the laptop, then finders can contact the owner to return the laptop, but the labels can be easily detached and the information is not always visible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the contact information display with the laptop's built-in display system, specifically showing the identifier and contact information on the initial startup screen. This merges the return service functionality with the existing display hardware, eliminating the need for separate physical labels while ensuring the information is always visible when the laptop is powered on.
Solution Approach 2:
The contact information and laptop identifier are pre-configured into the laptop's system during manufacturing or enrollment. This preliminary action ensures the information is already in place and automatically displayed on the startup screen without requiring any additional physical attachment or manual setup by the owner later.
2Ease of operation
If contact information is displayed on the laptop screen, then finders can easily contact the owner, but the laptop lacks built-in display capabilities for this purpose
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the laptop's existing display system serve multiple functions: it displays the operating system interface, hardware information, and now also the contact information for the return service. By utilizing the display's existing capabilities for a new purpose, the invention avoids adding dedicated display hardware while maximizing the utility of the existing display component.
3Reliability
If the laptop is labeled with owner contact information, then return probability increases, but privacy and security are compromised and password guessing attempts increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different information display strategies to different contexts: the laptop identifier and contact information are displayed locally on the startup screen for finder assistance, while the owner's personal contact details and sensitive data remain protected within the encrypted file system. This localized information placement allows return facilitation without compromising overall security.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a return service intermediary that acts as a middle layer between the finder and the owner. The finder contacts the return service with the displayed identifier, and the service facilitates the return process without exposing the owner's direct contact information or sensitive data to the finder, thus maintaining security while enabling return.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, system, and computer-readable storage medium for providing a unique identifier for a computer system and a message from a service external to the computer system, such as a laptop return service, for display when the computer system is powered on. The computer system is configured to restrict functionality until the service authorizes restoration of full functionality of the computer system. The message includes contact information for the laptop return service and, when the service is contacted, the service sends an instruction to return the computer system to full functionality. Other embodiments are described and claimed.