US5712973A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Wireless proximity containment security
Assignee: Lenovo PC International Ltd
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Filing: 1996-05-20
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Granted: 1998-01-27
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Expires: 2016-05-20
Abstract
Abstract A personal computer system has security features enabling control over access to data retained in such system. The system cooperates with a transmitter of radiation having a predefined characteristic. A radiation detector within the system detects such radiation and produces an alarm signal when detection fails or is lost. The alarm signal is retained and triggers security logic cooperating with power-on-sequence logic to prevent the system from becoming operative. It is preferred to also provide an erasable memory element that when switched to an active state stores a privileged-access password. Logic is provided to cooperate with such element and override the security logic when the correct password is input to the system. As an added security feature the transmitter may be deactivated if an intrusion is detected at the site to shut down all systems responding to the radiation in the security zone.
Inventors
- 👤 Richard A. Dayan
- 👤 Joseph P. McGovern
- 👤 Palmer E. Newman
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-28 21:05
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06F; G06F21/00; G06F21/30; G06F21/31; G06F21/34; G06F21/35
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
90 words
A personal computer system having a normal power-up logic sequence to become operative in receiving and retaining data, such system being capable of securing the data retained within the system against access when moved from a security zone defined by a transmitter for radiation having a predefined radiation characteristic, the system comprising: a detector for radiation which produces an alarm signal upon losing detection of radiation having said predefined characteristic; security logic cooperating with said power-up logic and responsive to said alarm signal to prevent said system from becoming operative.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
90 words
A personal computer system having a normal power-up logic sequence to become operative in receiving and retaining data, such system being capable of securing the data retained within the system against access when moved from a security zone defined by a transmitter for radiation having a predefined radiation characteristic, the system comprising: a detector for radiation which produces an alarm signal upon losing detection of radiation having said predefined characteristic; security logic cooperating with said power-up logic and responsive to said alarm signal to prevent said system from becoming operative.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
18 words
A personal computer system according to claim 1 wherein the predefined characteristic is the frequency of the radiation.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
69 words
A personal computer system according to claim 1 including an erasable memory element mounted within said system for selective activation to active and inactive states and for receiving and storing a password when in the active state; and logic operative when said element contains a password to override said security logic to allow the system to become operative upon identification of said password to the system by the operator.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
24 words
A personal computer system according to claim 3 wherein said security logic is disabled when said erasable memory element does not contain a password.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
24 words
A personal computer system according to claim 3 wherein the password is identified by manual activation of a keyboard cooperatively connected to said system.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
21 words
A personal computer system according to claim 1 wherein the predefined characteristic is an encoded set of digits that are repeated.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
84 words
A secured system which includes at least one computer with start-up logic that when power is applied prepares the system to process and store data, said system comprising: a transmitter of radiation with a predefined characteristic for defining a security zone where such radiation exceeds a predefined threshhold; a detector mounted in said computer which detects such radiation and activates security logic that cooperates with said start up logic to prevent processing and storage of data if such radiation does not exceed said threshhold.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
84 words
A secured system which includes at least one computer with start-up logic that when power is applied prepares the system to process and store data, said system comprising: a transmitter of radiation with a predefined characteristic for defining a security zone where such radiation exceeds a predefined threshhold; a detector mounted in said computer which detects such radiation and activates security logic that cooperates with said start up logic to prevent processing and storage of data if such radiation does not exceed said threshhold.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
14 words
A secured system according to claim 7, wherein the predefined radiation characteristic is frequency.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
70 words
A secured computer system according to claim 7 additionally including an erasable memory element mounted within said computer for selective activation to active and inactive states and for receiving and storing a password when in the active state; and logic operative when said element contains a password to override said security logic to allow the system to become operative upon identification of said password to the system by the operator.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
24 words
A personal computer system according to claim 9 wherein said security logic is disabled when said erasable memory element does not contain a password.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2001-01-26 | 2001-07-28 | 2002-01-27 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2005-01-26 | 2005-07-28 | 2006-01-27 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2009-01-26 | 2009-07-28 | 2010-01-27 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |