Remote Locking via Guaranteed SMS Buffer in Laptop BIOS
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for securing computers require them to be powered on and connected to the internet, making them ineffective if stolen or lost and powered off or without an internet connection.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a guaranteed buffer, such as an SMS Text Buffer on a WAN card, that allows a laptop PC to receive and store lock messages even when powered off, using SMS text messaging to lock or unlock the device, independent of internet connectivity or power state.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional remote locking services are used, then the computer can be locked remotely when powered on and connected to the internet, but the locking mechanism becomes ineffective when the computer is powered off or without internet connection
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by storing lock commands in a guaranteed buffer before the operating system needs to respond. The BIOS checks the guaranteed buffer during startup and can execute lock commands even when the system is powered off or lacks internet connectivity, ensuring the locking mechanism works in all power states
2Reliability
If third party monitoring software is installed, then the computer can be tracked and locked when connected to the internet, but the system complexity increases and requires continuous power and internet connection
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the essential locking functionality from complex third-party monitoring software and implements it directly in the BIOS through a guaranteed buffer mechanism. This removes the dependency on continuous power, internet connection, and elaborate software agents, while maintaining reliable remote locking capability through a simple buffer check during startup
3Ease of operation
If the computer must be powered on to receive lock commands, then the locking system can verify message receipt, but the locking mechanism fails when the computer is stolen and powered off
Solution Approach 1:
The guaranteed buffer acts as an intermediary that stores lock commands between the communication interface and the BIOS execution layer. This allows messages to be received and stored even when the system is powered off, and the BIOS can verify and execute them during startup, bridging the gap between message delivery and system state
Data Source
AI summary
The invention broadly contemplates locking methods and arrangements for electronic devices, including laptop personal computing (PC) devices. The invention provides methods and arrangements for authorizing remote devices, such as cellular phones, to control the locking of electronic devices, such as laptop PCs. After receipt of a lock message from an authorized device at a guaranteed buffer, the laptop PC becomes locked such that only an authorized user may enable the functionality of the device.