Rental Computer Security via Time-Day Card and TPM Binding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Companies and users face challenges in ensuring rental computers are returned on time and preventing unauthorized modifications to avoid rental fees, as renters may try to tamper with the systems to continue using them without paying.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus utilizing a time-day card with a real-time clock and a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) to bind the card to the rental computer system, ensuring it cannot be moved or tampered with, and tracking the rental time to prevent unauthorized usage by only allowing the system to boot if the rental time has not expired.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional computer rental systems are used without security measures, then renters can easily modify the system to avoid paying fees, but implementing security measures increases device complexity and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by binding the time-day card to the rental computer system during the rental agreement establishment phase. The TPM securely stores the binding information and the system pre-configures the rental period before the renter even uses the computer. This prevents unauthorized modifications because the system is already secured with cryptographic binding and time-based restrictions before any potential tampering could occur.
2Reliability
If simple time tracking without secure binding is used, then the system is easier to operate, but renters can easily tamper with time settings to extend usage beyond paid period
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a time-day card as an intermediary component that mediates between the rental computer system and the time tracking function. The card contains a real-time clock and is cryptographically bound to the system via TPM, serving as a trusted intermediary that accurately tracks time without requiring the renter to manually set or manage time settings. This eliminates tampering while keeping the operation simple for the end user.
3Ease of manufacture
If manual time tracking by renters is allowed, then the system is simpler and cheaper, but renters can falsify time records to avoid paying for actual usage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by having the time-day card's real-time clock automatically track and record usage time without requiring manual intervention from the renter. The system autonomously monitors the rental period, verifies the current time against the stored binding information, and enforces the rental agreement. This eliminates the need for renters to manually track time (which could be falsified) while maintaining accurate usage records for billing purposes.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for preventing unauthorized modifications to a rental computer system is disclosed. During boot up of the rental computer system, a determination is made whether or not a time-day card is bound to the rental computer system. If the time-day card is bound to the rental computer system, another determination is made whether or not a time/date value on the time-day card is less than a secure time/date value stored in a secure storage location during the most recent power down. If the time/date value on the time-day card is not less than the secure time/date value, yet another determination is made whether or not the secure time/date value is less than an end time/date rental value. If the secure time/date value is less than the end time/date rental value, the rental computer system continues to boot.