Abstract:
A method of rapid access to resources on a computing system is provided that differentiates between applications, data and devices that require password protection and those that do not, enabling those applications, data and devices that do not require protection to be accessed without entry of a password. In one embodiment, application programs include an option that enables a user to specify whether or not the application, or specific operations within the application, can be initiated without first entering a password. In a second embodiment, the protection is provided at an operating system level by protecting designated resources. Another embodiment employs two passwords—the second of which is required to access rapid access applications or operations and may or may not timeout. In this manner, an authorized user can gain access to particular applications, data or devices in less time than otherwise necessary with a standard password protection scheme.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD  
         [0001]    The present invention relates generally to an access control scheme in a computing system and, more specifically, to a method of enabling limited access to selected computing applications, data and devices prior to entry of access control data.  
         BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    Handheld and tablet computers, personal digital assistants (PDAs) and cell phones are examples of computing devices that have been widely adopted by consumers and, in some cases, become indispensable personal accessories. These types of computing devices are used to store both personal and work-related information. Sometimes, information stored or accessible through these devices must be protected from access by unauthorized parties. One of the primary methods for ensuring the privacy of such information is the use of a power-on password, typically implemented in a particular computing device&#39;s hardware and basic input/output system (BIOS). When the computing device is first turned on or has been inactive for a certain period of time, a user must enter this power-on password to access the device. In this manner, a user who does not know the correct password is denied access to the computing device&#39;s applications and data.  
           [0003]    While a power-on password is useful in protecting the authorized user&#39;s data from inappropriate access, the time required to enter the password may create problems by preventing quick access to the computing device. For example, if the user wants to quickly save the license plate number of a passing automobile and attempts to enter the number on a PDA that has either been turned off or has “timed-out,” the time it takes to enter the password may be enough time to forget the license plate number. Exacerbating the problem, the time necessary to enter the password may be lengthened due to a particular device&#39;s less than optimal input/output system, e.g. a stylus-based system used by many PDAs. The user may also temporarily forget the correct password or, due to the need for speed, enter the password incorrectly one or more times. In fact, using the license plate example, it may take longer to enter the password than it takes to enter and save the license plate number, provided the license plate number can be remembered after entry of the password.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0004]    A method of and system for rapid access to resources on a computing system are provided that differentiate between applications, data and devices that require access control protection and those that do not, enabling those resources that do not require protection to be accessed without entry of access control data. Access control data includes but is not limited to passwords, such as a series of alphanumeric characters; overt acts, such as a predefined series of mouse clicks in a particular region(s) of a display; and the output of biometric devices such as a fingerprint reader and an iris scanner.  
           [0005]    One common type of password protection is the use of a “power-on” password. Examples of computing devices that provide power-on password protection include but are not limited to handheld computers, personal digital assistants (PDAs), tablet devices, laptop and desktop computers. In a system according to the disclosed embodiments, a user designates certain applications as “rapid access,” i.e. able to be accessed without entry of a power-on password even though the computing device has timed out or just been turned on and is otherwise requiring the entry of the password. Examples of potential rapid access applications include but are not limited to calculator programs, memo pad and games. Examples of rapid access devices include but are not limited to a printer, a GPS device and an infrared device. In addition, particular functions or operations within specific applications, such as the creation of new records in email, expense reports, scheduling programs, and address books, can be designated as rapid access operations. Examples of operations that might not be designated as rapid access include read and update operations on data records already stored by the email, expense report, scheduling or address books programs.  
           [0006]    In one embodiment of the claimed subject matter, an application program includes an option that enables a user to specify whether the application, or specific operations within the application, can be initiated without first entering a password. When the computing device enters a “restricted mode” the operating system sends a message to the application so that the application takes appropriate action in the event a user attempts to access protected data or functions. In another embodiment, individual data records are designated as password protected and the default protection scheme allows the initiation of applications or the access of data without requiring the entry of a password. In this embodiment, the user has read access to certain records even though the device is currently under password protection.  
           [0007]    In an alternative embodiment, a second password, referred to herein as a “rapid access password,” is required to access the rapid access applications or operations. The rapid access password can be considerably shorter than a first, standard password required for full access to a device. For example, the rapid access password may include a series of actions as simple as double tapping in one particular, user-specified area of the device&#39;s display or pressing a particular button. In this manner, an authorized user can gain access to particular resources more quickly than otherwise necessary with a standard password protection scheme. It should be noted that, although the following description makes use of a password protection scheme defined by keystrokes, the techniques of the disclosed embodiments may be implemented in a number of access control schemes. For example, the rapid access password scheme may include a prearranged series of mouse clicks.  
           [0008]    The rapid access protection scheme of the present invention provides enhanced security for a computing device because it makes it more likely that a user will utilize the power-on password feature of a computing device. Currently, the only way a user can simultaneously provide rapid access and data protection is to disable the power-on password entirely and then protect individual records. This “ad hoc” scheme may protect individual records but cannot prevent unauthorized access to specific applications or functions within those applications. Obviously, the ad hoc protection scheme has drawbacks that are eliminated by the methods of the disclosed embodiment.  
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0009]    A better understanding of the present invention can be obtained when the following detailed description of the disclosed embodiments is considered in conjunction with the following drawings, in which:  
         [0010]    [0010]FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate two exemplary computing devices implemented according to the present invention;  
         [0011]    [0011]FIG. 2 is a flow chart showing a start-up and initialization routine of the present invention;  
         [0012]    [0012]FIG. 3 is a flow chart showing an exemplary operation of a restricted mode and an unrestricted mode of the present invention;  
         [0013]    [0013]FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing an initiation of an application in a computing device implemented according to the present invention; and  
         [0014]    [0014]FIG. 5 is a flow chart of a “rapid access” password scheme that enhances the functionality of a typical password scheme.  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT  
       [0015]    Although described with particular reference to a personal digital assistant (PDA) and a laptop computer, the access limiting system and method of the present invention can be implemented in any system in which access control is desirable. In addition, the system and method are not limited to access control systems that employ a typewritten password. FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate two exemplary platforms in which the system according to the present invention can be implemented. Those with skill in the computing arts will recognize that the disclosed embodiments have relevance to a wide variety of platforms in addition to those described below. In addition, the access limiting system of the present invention can be implemented in software, hardware, or a combination of software and hardware. The hardware portion can be implemented using specialized logic; the software portion can be stored in a memory and executed by a suitable instruction execution system such as a microprocessor.  
         [0016]    [0016]FIG. 1A illustrates a PDA device  100 , which includes a display screen  101  and input keys  103 . Typically, a user of PDA  100  enters data by means of either the input keys  103  and/or a stylus (not shown), which is touched to the display screen  101 . The stylus is used to write data directly onto the screen  101  or used to select an application by touching an icon such as an Unlock (UL) icon  105  displayed on the screen  101 . The function of UL icon  105  is described in more detail below in conjunction with FIG. 3.  
         [0017]    [0017]FIG. 1B illustrates a laptop computer  150 , which includes a display screen  151 , input keys  153  and a touch pad  155 . The use of the display  151 , keys  153  and touch pad  155  should be familiar to those with computing experience. Like PDA  100 , the laptop computer  150  includes UL icon  105 , which is displayed on the display screen  151 .  
         [0018]    [0018]FIG. 2 is a flow chart showing a “Start-up and Initialization” routine  200  of the present invention. The Start-up routine  200  starts in a “Begin” step  201  and control immediately proceeds to a “Start Computing Device” step  203 . Typically, the process  200 , and consequently the Start Computing Device step  203 , is initiated by a user turning on the power to a computing device such as PDA  100  (FIG. 1A) or the laptop computer  150  (FIG. 1B). In the alternative, the start-up process  200  can be initiated by the user by means of a device restart, e.g. by pressing a predetermined key or combination of keys such as keys  103  or  153 . In order to simplify the following description, the figures will be explained in light of PDA  100 , although it should be understood that the description is equally relevant to the laptop computer  150  and many other types of devices that employ access control, as explained above. In addition, the following description makes use of, in general, a password access control scheme and, more specifically, a power-on password, as described above in the Summary of the Invention. It should be noted that the present invention is equally applicable to other access control schemes as well as password protection schemes. For example, the disclosed embodiments may be implemented in conjunction with a fingerprint reader, a retinal scan device or any other access control scheme that uses software and/or hardware for protection.  
         [0019]    From step  203 , control proceeds to a “Load Operating System (OS) and Query Basic Input/Output System (BIOS)” step  205 , in which the start-up routine  200  initializes the device  100  according to instructions stored in a BIOS memory (not shown). Stored within the BIOS is information as to whether the computing device supports the method of the present invention. After step  205 , control proceeds to a “Restricted Mode Operation?” step  207  in which the routine  200  determines whether PDA  100  is configured to support the method of the disclosed embodiment. A “restricted” mode of operation is an operating mode in which access of a user of PDA  100  is limited to specified operations, data or devices. For example, in one particular implementation of the restricted mode, the user can create and store data records but cannot access previously stored data records. In another implementation, the user cannot access infrared capabilities (not shown) of PDA  100 . It should be noted that in addition to data and other resources stored locally on PDA  100 , the restrictions of any particular restricted mode also apply to data and other resources accessible via network connections.  
         [0020]    If PDA  100  is not configured according to the method of the disclosed embodiment, control proceeds to an “Enter Power-On Password” step  209 , in which the user is required to enter a password to access PDA  100 . Of course, it should be noted that not all computing devices support a power-on or any other type of password or the password feature is disabled. In that case, the user would immediately have full access to the device and the following steps of process  200  are not executed. In addition to a password protection scheme, the disclosed embodiments are applicable to other types of computer access control methods such as biometric schemes, e.g. a fingerprint reader and a retinal scan device.  
         [0021]    In step  209 , once a user enters a password, control proceeds to a “Password Correct?” step  211  in which the password entered by the user is compared to a stored password. If the entered password matches the stored password, then control proceeds to an “Operate Unrestricted” step  213  in which all the resources of PDA  100  is available to the user. If, in step  211 , the entered password does not match the stored password, then control proceeds to a “Retry?” step  219  in which the process  200  determines whether or not the user is permitted to enter the password again. If the user is not permitted to reenter the password because, for example, too many attempts have already been made, control proceeds to a “Deny Access” step  215 . Control proceeds from the Deny Access step  215  to an “End Processing” step  217 . If, in step  219 , process  200  determines that the user may reenter the password, control proceeds to the Enter Power-On Password step  209  and processing proceeds as before.  
         [0022]    If, in step  207 , the process  200  determines that PDA  100  is configured to support the method of the disclosed embodiments, then control proceeds to an entry point A, the description of which continues in conjunction with FIG. 3.  
         [0023]    [0023]FIG. 3 is a flow chart showing an exemplary “Operational Mode” process  300  of the present invention. Some disclosed embodiments support “compliant” applications, which are applications designed to implement both a restricted mode and an unrestricted mode, and legacy applications, which are not designed to operate in the restricted mode. In addition to an ability to operate in both a restricted mode and an unrestricted mode, a compliant application can be designed such that an installation program need only load those portions of the complaint applications that apply to a particular OS. For example, if the OS does not support the disclosed embodiments, the installation program may forgo installing corresponding libraries, thus conserving memory.  
         [0024]    The entry point A is entered from step  207  (FIG. 2) when the Start-up procedure  200  has determined that the operating system of PDA  100  is configured to support the restricted mode of operation. Control proceeds from the entry point A to a “Notify Compliant Applications” step  301 . In step  301 , any compliant application, i.e. an application that is designed to be able to operate in the restricted mode or the unrestricted mode, executing on PDA  100  is notified by the operating system that PDA  100  is currently in the restricted mode. Typically, this notification is performed by means of well known mechanisms such as an application loader or via messages using interprocess communication (IPC). As will be recognized by those of skill in the computing arts, there are numerous ways in which any particular compliant application can implement the restricted mode. One method in which a specific compliant application may implement the restricted mode is to limit access to specific file system directories that store the application&#39;s data records. Another method may programmatically and selectively disable application functions such as those that retrieve data records.  
         [0025]    Once compliant applications have been notified in step  301 , control proceeds to a “Restore User Interface” step  303  in which a user interface displayed on the display screen  101  of PDA  100  is made accessible to the user of PDA  100 . Once the user interface of PDA  100  has been restored, control proceeds to an “Operate in Restricted Mode” step  305 . The disclosed restricted mode of operation is one in which specified applications are able to perform a limited number of operations prior to the entry of a password. For example, in the restricted mode, a note pad application allows a user of PDA  100  to enter and store new data but does not allow the user to access or modify stored data records.  
         [0026]    UL icon  105  (FIG. 1) is included on the user interface for a user to easily access a program to transition PDA  100  from the restricted mode to an unrestricted mode. In the unrestricted mode, the user has unlimited access to all of the available resources and data records on PDA  100 . UL icon  105  is one example of a mechanism for transitioning PDA  100  from a restricted mode to an unrestricted mode. Depending upon a particular user interface implementation other input mechanisms such as a defined series of keystrokes on the input keys  103  (FIG. 1) may be used alone or in addition to UL icon  105 .  
         [0027]    If the user elects to transition from the restricted mode to the unrestricted mode, whether by means of UL icon  105  or by some other means, control proceeds to a “Password Entered?” step  307  in which the user is prompted to enter a password to enable PDA  100  to make the transition. If an incorrect password is entered, the control returns to step  305  in which PDA  100  continues to operate in the restricted mode. Of course, the password entry step may include multiple opportunities to enter the correct password. If, in step  307 , the correct password is entered, control proceeds to a “Notify Compliant Applications” step  309  in which the complaint applications are notified via IPC of the entry into the unrestricted mode and the applications take the necessary measures to enable the user to access previously unavailable data records and application functions. Control than proceeds to an “Operate in Unrestricted Mode” step  311  in which the user has full access to the normally accessible data records, application functions and devices.  
         [0028]    From Operate in Unrestricted Mode step  311 , control proceeds to an “Activate Restricted Mode?” step  315  in which process  300  determines whether the user has requested a transition from the unrestricted mode to the restricted mode. The user request can be initiated by means of a Lock icon (not shown) or by entry of a “rapid access” password, which is described in more detail below. If process  300  determines that the restricted mode has not been requested, then control proceeds to a “Timeout?” step  313  in which the process  300  monitors PDA  100  for periods of inactivity. If a predetermined amount of time has occurred since the last user activity on PDA  100 , control proceeds to an “Enter Restricted Mode” step  317 . If a timeout has not occurred, then control returns to step  311 .  
         [0029]    If, while in the Activate Restricted Mode?, step  315 , the user requests to enter the restricted mode from the unrestricted mode, control proceeds to the Enter Restricted Mode step  317 . From step  317 , control proceeds to the Notify Compliant Applications step  301  and processing continues as explained above. In the absence of either a timeout in step  313  or an explicit user request to enter the restricted mode in step  315 , PDA  100  continues to operate in the unrestricted mode. Of course, alternative configurations of step  315  and step  313  are possible. Entry points B and C are explained below in conjunction with FIG. 4.  
         [0030]    [0030]FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing an “Application Initiation” process  400  in a computing system, such as PDA  100 , implementing the present invention. In an “Initiate Application” step  401 , either the user of PDA  100  initiates an application or an application is initiated automatically such as by a start up or routine maintenance script. As an example of a maintenance script, many computing systems include antivirus software or disk cleanup software that executes periodically. Typically, tasks associated with initiating an application, such as the tasks associated with the disclosed embodiments, are performed by the OS and/or an application loader program. From step  401 , control proceeds to a “Restricted Mode?” step  403  in which the process  400  determines whether or not PDA  100  is currently operating in the restricted mode. If PDA  100  is not operating in the restricted mode, control proceeds to an Entry Point B, which is illustrated in the Restricted Mode process  300  of FIG. 3 as transferring control to the Operate In Unrestricted Mode step  311 .  
         [0031]    If in step  403 , the process  400  determines that PDA  100  is operating in the restricted mode, then control proceeds to a “Legacy Application?” step  405  where process  400  determines whether the application initiated in step  401  is a compliant application, designed to operate in a restricted mode, or a legacy application. If the process  400  determines that the initiated application is a legacy application, then control proceeds to a “Restrict Access” step  407  in which the operating system takes steps to restrict directories or disks that contain stored data records corresponding to the initiated application. In addition, certain devices such as a printer may also be disabled. In an alternative embodiment, the restrictions may enable a user to read but not write data records. If in step  405 , the process  400  determines that the application is a compliant application, then control proceeds to a “Notify Application” step  409  in which IPC is used to notify the compliant application of the currently operating restricted mode and the application takes the necessary measures to comply with the requirements of the mode. Regardless of whether control proceeds from step  405  to step  407  or step  409 , control then proceeds to Entry Point C, which transfers control to the Operate In Restricted Mode step  305  illustrated above in conjunction with FIG. 3.  
         [0032]    In an alternative embodiment, the methods of the present invention can work the same for all resources. In other words, rather than depending upon the existence of compliant applications or resources, all resources can be operated in the restricted mode by restricting any combination of file directories, data disks, functions or other operations of PDA  100  such as the disclosed embodiment describes in conjunction with legacy applications.  
         [0033]    [0033]FIG. 5 is a flow chart of a “Rapid Access Password” process  500  that can be incorporated into the disclosed embodiment as described in conjunction with the figures above. A rapid access password is a second password used in addition to the power-on password. As explained above, a rapid access password is used as an example; other types of rapid access control data are equally applicable to the techniques of the disclosed embodiments. Typically, the rapid access password is shorter than the power-on password and thus can be entered more quickly. For example, the rapid access password may be as simple as a double-click of the stylus in a user specified area of the display screen  101  (FIG. 1) of PDA  100  or a short combination of two or more particular input keys  103  (FIG. 1).  
         [0034]    Rapid Access Password process  500  begins in a “Begin Processing” step  501  and proceeds immediately to a “Restricted Mode?” step  515  in which the user determines which mode, restricted or unrestricted, to enter. The decision in step  515  is determined by whether the user enters the power-on password, typically in a password entry window (not shown), or enters the rapid access password. In the alternative, the user may indicate the requested mode by clicking on one of two corresponding icons (not shown). If the user elects to enter the restricted mode, control proceeds to an “Enter Rapid Access Password?” step  503 . If the user elects to enter the unrestricted mode, then control proceeds to an “Enter Power-On Password?” step  505 . In step  503 , if the user correctly enters the rapid access password, then control proceeds to an “Operate In Restricted Mode” step  513 . In step  505 , if the user correctly enters the power-on password, then control proceeds to an “Operate In Unrestricted Mode” step  507 . Although a power-on password is used as an example, the method of the disclosed embodiment is applicable to any password protection scheme. If, in step  503  or step  505 , the corresponding password is entered incorrectly, control proceeds back to step  501 .  
         [0035]    If the user is in the restricted mode, as exemplified by step  513  and elects to enter the unrestricted mode, as exemplified by step  507 , control proceeds to an “Enter Alternative Password” step in which the user enters the power-on password and control proceeds to step  507 . As explained above in conjunction with FIG. 3, password entry can be initiated in the restricted mode by means of UL icon  105 . If the user is in the unrestricted mode and elects to enter the restricted mode in order to prevent a subsequent user from accessing particular data or functions, control also proceeds to the Enter Alternative Password step  509  in which the user enters the rapid access password and control proceeds to step  513 .  
         [0036]    If while operating in the unrestricted mode, a timeout occurs, as indicated by a “Timeout?” step  511 , control proceeds from the Timeout step  511  to the Operate In Restricted Mode  513 . In other words, after a timeout, the user is not required to reenter the rapid access password in order to use PDA  100  in the restricted mode. In an alternative embodiment, the user may be required to reenter the rapid access password following a timeout.  
         [0037]    While the invention has been shown and described with reference to particular embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing and other changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, including but not limited to additional, less or modified steps performed in the same or a different order.