Abstract:
A security apparatus and method is provided for a portable computer, wherein a solenoid within the portable computer is controlled by a specified program running on the computer. Activation of the solenoid is usefully enabled by a password or computer security chip. One embodiment, comprising a security apparatus, includes a locking mechanism such as a conventional manually operated USS locking device having a locking element. The security apparatus further includes a component positioned proximate to a slot disposed to receive the locking element, the component being adjustable to vary a dimension of the slot entrance between hold and release modes. The component is coupled to the solenoid and is actuated to adjust the slot entrance dimension, from the hold mode to the release mode, when the solenoid is energized in response to a command generated by the specified program running on the computer.

Description:
This application is a continuation of application number Ser. No. 11/168,724, filed Jun. 28, 2005, status abandoned. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The invention disclosed and claimed herein generally pertains to a security locking apparatus and method for portable computers, wherein the invention provides enhanced adaptability. More particularly, the invention pertains to apparatus of the above type wherein a portable computer that is locked in place may be released by a program running on the computer. Even more particularly, the invention pertains to apparatus of the above type wherein a locked portable computer can be released either by a program running on the computer, or by manually unlocking a conventional security lock. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Laptop computers, notebook computers and other portable computer devices typically have high monetary value, often on the order of $1,000 or more. At the same time, portable computers are intentionally designed to be as mobile as possible, to enable users to easily move them from one location to another. Accordingly, it has been necessary to develop security locking systems for portable computers, to prevent their theft or other unauthorized removal from a site of use. 
     In conventional locking systems of the above type, locks typically consist of a cable terminated in a standardized “Universal Security Slot” (USS) locking tab. Nearly all laptop computers and docking stations made today incorporate a USS compatible slot. Security locking devices and cables that can be used with a USS compatible slot are referred to herein as “USS locking devices”. Such devices are available with either tamper-resistant keys or rotary combination locks. 
     A significant problem with USS locking devices is that they generally must be unlocked manually, in order to remove the computer from a current location. However, when the computer is used in and locked to a docking station or port replicator, there are often accessibility problems with unlocking the device for removal. For example, the portable computer may be positioned so that a keyhole or combination lock dial is awkward to reach, or is blocked by stationary adjacent structure. 
     Moreover, if quick removal is required, even readily accessible locations of a USS locking device generally will still require using a key or dialing in a combination to release the computer. Frequently, neither of these methods is particularly quick or easy. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention generally provides an apparatus and method wherein a solenoid within a portable computer or docking station is used in connection with a conventional USS, and the solenoid may be controlled by a program running on the computer. Such solenoid, in its non-energized state, provides a slot compatible for use with manual USS locking devices of the types currently available. When energized, the solenoid expands the width of the USS slot, such that even a locked cable may be removed therefrom. Activation of the solenoid may be controlled by a computer security chip, such as is currently built into many or most laptop computers. A useful embodiment of the invention is directed to a portable computer security apparatus. Such apparatus includes a locking mechanism having a user interface and a locking element, wherein the locking element is movable from a lock mode to an unlock mode in response to operation of the user interface. The security apparatus further includes a component joined to the portable computer proximate to a slot disposed to receive the locking element, the component being adjustable between locking element hold and release configurations. The received locking element is fixably retained in the slot only when the locking element is in the locked mode, and the component is in the hold configuration. The apparatus further comprises a device that is actuated to adjust the slot, from the hold configuration to the release configuration, in response to a command generated by a specified program running on the computer. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a block diagram showing a data processing system and solenoid that are contained in a portable computer and configured to implement an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a flow chart depicting tasks or steps carried out by a program running on the computer of  FIG. 1 , in implementing an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIGS. 3A and 3B  depict information presented to a user in connection with certain steps shown in  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view showing a portable computer for containing the data processing system and solenoid of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIGS. 5 and 6  are views showing a USS locking device and compatible slot for the computer of  FIG. 4 , and further showing the solenoid of  FIG. 1  adjusting a mechanical component located at the slot entrance to hold and release positions, respectively. 
         FIGS. 7 and 8  show views taken along lines  7 - 7  of  FIG. 5  and along lines  8 - 8  of  FIG. 6 , respectively, in relation to the computer of  FIG. 4 . 
         FIGS. 9 and 10  are views showing the device, slot and solenoid of  FIGS. 5 and 6 , and further showing another embodiment of the mechanical component, adjusted to hold and release positions, respectively. 
         FIGS. 11 and 12  show views taken along lines  11 - 11  of  FIG. 9  and lines  12 - 12  of  FIG. 10 , respectively, in relation to the computer of  FIG. 4 . 
         FIGS. 13 and 14  are views showing the locking device, slot and mechanical component of  FIGS. 9 through 12 , wherein the mechanical component is adjusted to hold and release positions by a solenoid having a rotary, rather than a linear, actuator. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , there is shown a block diagram of a generalized data processing system  100 , adapted for use in implementing an embodiment of the invention. System  100  exemplifies a data processing system that may be found in various types of portable computers, in which code or instructions for implementing the processes of the present invention may be located. The term “portable computer” is defined and used herein to mean any computer or data processing device that can be readily moved from one place to another, such as by a single user. Such term includes laptop computers, notebook and sub-notebook computers, hand-held computers, palmtops and personal digital assistants (PDA&#39;s), but is not limited to such devices. 
     Data processing system  100  usefully employs a peripheral component interconnect (PCI) local bus architecture.  FIG. 1  shows a processor  102  and main memory  106  coupled through a host bridge  104  to a bus  108 . Host bridge  104  also includes a memory controller for processor  102 .  FIG. 1  further shows bus  108  connected to a file storage adapter  110 , a local area network (LAN) adapter  112  and a video adapter  114 . 
     Referring further to  FIG. 1 , there is shown a local I/O bus control  116  likewise connected to bus  108 . By means of a local bus  132 , a keyboard mouse adapter  118 , an integrated audio adapter  120  and a clock and CMOS memory  122  are respectively connected to I/O bus control  116 , and therethrough to other components of data processing system  100 . 
     A security control element  124 , also connected to I/O bus control  116 , is provided for use in implementing an embodiment of the invention, as described hereinafter in further detail. Security control  124  is coupled to operate a solenoid driver  126 , which is provided to selectively energize and de-energize a solenoid  128  or other linear or rotary actuator device. Solenoid  128  is provided with a plunger  130  or like elongated element, constrained to move linearly in response to successive energizations and de-energizations of solenoid  128 . Alternative embodiments may include a rotary solenoid provided with a rotational element which turns in response to successive energizations and de-energization of the solenoid. 
     Security control element  124  may include a biometric sensor or other security chip interfaces. Such devices are increasingly used to confirm that someone using or operating a computer is authorized to do so. A fingerprint access device would be one example of a biometric sensor that could be used in security control element  124 . Such device scans the fingerprint of a prospective user, and compares the scan with authorized user fingerprints. Other types of security chips or biometric sensors could be used in connection with security control element  124 . 
     In concert with the security chip or biometric sensor of security control  124 , a software user interface program is installed on data processing system  100 , for use in releasing a portable computer security lock. As described hereinafter in further detail, in connection with  FIG. 2 , this lock release program is configured to allow a user to select or define a password, and also to specify a time period. When the user enters the password into system  100  and the password is verified, a signal is sent to security control  124 . If the user has also been confirmed or positively identified by the security chip, security control  124  would be operated to send an energization signal α to the solenoid driver  126 . Driver  126  would then supply power to energize solenoid  128 , whereupon plunger  130  would be moved linearly or rotationally. The solenoid would remain energized for the time period specified by the user, which usefully could be on the order of 15 seconds. The solenoid  128 , under control of the security control  124 , remains powered for the set time duration, even if the system  100  enters standby mode or is shut down. 
     It will be seen that by providing the security control  124 , the solenoid  128 , and the lock release program installed to run on a portable computer, mechanical movement of element  130  can be generated by simply entering the password. As described hereinafter in connection with  FIGS. 5-14 , the solenoid element with rotor or plunger  130  is coupled to vary a slot dimension for a conventional USS locking device, used to secure the computer to a docking station or other stationary structure. More particularly, energization of solenoid  128  moves rotor or plunger  130  to change or expand dimensions of the slot used to receive and retain the locking element of the USS device. The locking element may then be removed from the slot, to unlock or release the portable computer, even though the USS locking device remains in a locked condition. This removal action must be taken during the specified time period, or the solenoid rotor or plunger  130  will return to its de-energized position. Moreover, the means for unlocking the conventional USS device, such as a manual key or combination lock dial, can still be operated by a user to release the portable computer. It is thus seen that embodiments of the invention do not require any changes or modifications to a conventional USS locking device used therewith. 
     Referring to  FIG. 2 , there is shown a flow chart illustrating respective steps taken by a user in interacting with a lock release program as described above, when such program is running on system  100  to control operation of solenoid  128 . After beginning a program sequence to unlock the portable computer security device, the program causes virtual buttons to appear on the computer monitor or other user interface. The program then waits for the user to select one of the virtual buttons as shown by function block  202 . Function blocks  204 - 206  indicate that three different buttons may be selected for directing the lock release program to perform one of three sequences. Selecting the OK button, as indicated by function block  204 , commences a sequence to energize solenoid  128  as described above. Selecting the Cancel button results in immediately exiting the program, as shown by function block  206 . Function block  208  indicates that selection of Configure button  208  commences a configuration dialogue sequence, as described hereinafter. 
     Referring to  FIG. 3A , the three buttons associated with function blocks  204 - 208  are respectively represented as they appear to a user on a computer viewing screen. Thus,  FIG. 3A  depicts OK button  302  and the locations  304  and  306  of the Cancel and Configure buttons, respectively.  FIG. 3A  further shows a window  308  wherein the password is to be entered to energize the solenoid  128 . After the password has been inserted into window  308 , the OK button is operated to commence a lock release sequence. As is the case in most computer programs, keyboard keys may be used to provide an alternate user input means for button operation. 
     Referring further to  FIG. 2 , decision block  210  indicates that after the lock release sequence has been started, the program determines whether or not the password is correct. If not, the sequence returns to its beginning at function block  202 . The screen shown in  FIG. 3A  will then reappear, to allow the user to enter the correct password. However, if the initial password is found to be correct at decision block  210 , a signal is generated to energize the solenoid  128  or other linear or rotary actuator, as described above. This is shown by function block  212 . Thereupon a timer is started, as indicated by function block  214 , to limit energization to the specified time period. Expiration of the time period is continually monitored, as shown by decision block  216 . Device  128  is de-energized or turned off when the period expires, as shown by function block  218 , and the sequence comes to an end. Blocks  216  and  218  may be implemented by the control program or security control element or both in implementation variations of this invention. 
     Referring again to  FIG. 2 , function block  220  indicates that a configuration dialogue is opened, when the configure button is selected. This will enable a user to change the password or the time-out time, that is, the time that the solenoid is energized. After opening the configuration dialogue, the program causes virtual buttons pertaining to this sequence to appear on the viewing screen, as shown by function block  222 . The program then waits for the user to select one of the virtual buttons so presented.  FIG. 3B  indicates that both OK and Cancel buttons may be displayed allowing user selection at locations  310  and  312 , respectively. This is also shown by function blocks  224  and  226  of  FIG. 2 . If the Cancel button is selected, the configuration dialog is closed. If the OK button is selected, decision block  228  of  FIG. 2  indicates that the software program determines whether or not the password is to be changed. 
     Referring further to  FIG. 3B , there are shown windows  314 - 318 , for respectively displaying the old password and entering and confirming a new password. Thus, if the password is to be changed or updated, the user carries out this task, represented in  FIG. 2  by function block  230 , by entering the new password in both windows  316  and  318 . 
       FIG. 2  further shows a function block  232  following decision block  228 , wherein function block  232  pertains to updating the time out or time period of solenoid energization. Such time-out may be readily changed, by entering the new period at window  320 , shown in  FIG. 3B . Thereafter, the configuration dialogue is closed, as indicated by function block  234 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 4 , there is shown a laptop or other portable computer  400 , configured to contain respective components shown in  FIG. 1  including data processing system  100 , security control  124 , solenoid driver  126  and solenoid  128  with its plunger  130 . Portable computer  400  is provided with a keyboard  402  and monitor  404  for use by a computer user or operator.  FIG. 4  also shows a locking mechanism  406 , comprising a conventional USS locking device. Locking mechanism  406  is inserted into a USS compatible slot formed in portable computer  400  (not shown in  FIG. 4 ) and is thus releasably locked to the computer. 
       FIG. 4  further shows one end of a flexible steel cable  408  firmly attached to locking mechanism  406 . An eye is formed in the other end of cable  408 , by means of a steel sleeve  414 . Accordingly, cable  408  can be looped through a hole or aperture formed through stationary structure  410 , as shown in  FIG. 4 , in order to secure portable computer  400  to the structure  410 . Computer  400  thus cannot be removed from the location shown in  FIG. 4 , without either cutting cable  408  or removing locking mechanism  406  from the computer.  FIG. 4  shows a key  412  that can be used to manually unlock the mechanism  406 , in conventional manner, so that it can be removed. Alternatively, the solenoid  128  may be energized as described above, to expand the slot that holds locking mechanism  406 . The locking mechanism  406  may then be removed from engagement with computer  400 . Operation of the solenoid to expand the slot, in accordance with embodiments of the invention, is described hereinafter in further detail in connection with  FIGS. 5-12 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 5 , there is shown solenoid  128  and a plunger  500  in a de-energized mode, wherein the plunger is constrained to move linearly. There is further shown a spring  502  in a relaxed or unstressed condition. Spring  502  is joined to plunger  500  to receive forces therefrom and apply forces thereto, along the direction of plunger movement. It will be readily apparent that spring  502  will always act to return and maintain plunger  500  in the position shown in  FIG. 5 , in the absence of any counter forces. 
       FIG. 5  further shows an end of plunger  500  attached to an adjustable mechanical component  504  by means of a pivotable pin  506 . Component  504  comprises elongated links  504   a  and  504   b , each having one end joined to plunger  130  by pin  506 . The opposing ends of links  504   a  and  b  are respectively joined to ends of arms  504   c  and  504   d , by pivotable pins  508   a  and  508   b . Arms  504   c  and  d  are restrained to pivot about pivot points  510   a  and  510   b , respectively. Arms  504   c  and  d  are also respectively provided with slot edge members  512   a  and  512   b , wherein the spacing between the two slot edge members is selectively adjusted by pivoting arms  504   c  and  504   d.    
     Referring further to  FIG. 5 , there is shown USS locking device  406  provided with a rotatable shaft  514 , and with a locking tab or locking element  518 .  FIG. 5  shows the shaft  514  and locking element  518  extending downward into a slot  516 . It will be readily apparent that the width of the entrance to the slot, wherein the slot entrance is adjacent to locking device  406 , is determined by the spacing between slot edge members  512   a  and  512   b .  FIG. 5  and  FIG. 7  together show that locking element  518  is elongated, and has a length greater than the spacing between edge members  512   a  and  b  that is shown in  FIGS. 5 and 7 . Thus, when locking element  518  and arms  504   c  and  d  of component  504  are respectively positioned as shown in  FIG. 5 , locking mechanism  406  cannot be removed from slot  516 . In a preferred embodiment, the spacing between the slot edge members  512   a  and  b  shown in  FIGS. 5 and 7  is equal to the width of the entrance to a USS compatible slot. 
     Referring further to  FIG. 7 , it will be seen that if shaft  514  and locking element  518  are rotated by 90 degrees, locking element  518  can readily be removed from slot  516 . The shaft and locking element can be rotated, simply by unlocking the locking mechanism  406  using conventional manual means, such as key  412 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 6 and 8  together, there is shown solenoid  128  energized, whereby plunger  500  is moved downward as viewed in  FIG. 6 . This action pivots arms  504   c  and  d  of structure  504  to increase the spacing between slot edge members  512   a  and  512   b . The increased spacing is large enough to allow locking element  518  to be withdrawn from slot  516 , even though locking mechanism  406  remains locked, and locking element  518  remains oriented as shown in  FIGS. 6 and 8 . Thus, energizing solenoid  128  enables locking mechanism  406  to be released from computer  400 , even though locking mechanism  406  itself remains in a locked mode. Moreover,  FIG. 6  shows spring  502  compressed as solenoid  128  is energized and the plunger  500  is moved. Accordingly, when solenoid  128  is de-energized, spring  502  will act to restore plunger  500  and component  504  to their normal positions or configurations, that is, to those shown in  FIG. 5 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 9 , there is shown solenoid  128  in a de-energized state, together with plunger  500  and spring  502 , as described above.  FIG. 9  further shows the end of plunger  500  attached to an adjustable mechanical component  902  by means of a pivotable pin  904 . Component  902  comprises elongated links  902   a  and  902   b , each having one end joined to plunger  500  by means of pin  904 . The opposing end of link  902   a  is constrained to pivot about a pin  906   a , and the opposing end of link  902   b  is joined to a sliding sub-component  902   c , by means of a pivotable pin  906   b . Component  902  further comprises a fixed or anchored sub-component  902   d , and sub-components  902   c  and  d  are provided with slot edge members  908   a  and  908   b , respectively. Sub-Component  908   a  is constrained by conventional means, not shown, to sliding or translational movements toward or away from anchored sub-component  902   d . Thus, the spacing between slot edge members  908   a  and  908   b  is adjustable by moving sub-component  902   c  to the right or left, as viewed in  FIG. 9 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 9 and 11  together, there are shown slot edge members  908   a  and  b  spaced apart to provide a width for the entrance to slot  516  that is compatible with a USS slot width. Accordingly, locking element  518  of locking mechanism  406  is retained in slot  516  by mechanical component  902 , when solenoid  128  is de-energized. The action of component  902 , with respect to solenoid  128  and locking mechanism  406 , is thus similar to the action of component  504 , described above. 
     Referring to  FIG. 10 , there is shown solenoid  128  energized, whereby plunger  500  is moved downward and sliding sub-component  902   c  is moved to the left, as viewed in  FIG. 10 . Thus, the spacing between slot edge members  908   a  and  b  becomes large enough for locking element  518  and mechanism  406  to be withdrawn from slot  516 . When solenoid  128  is de-energized, spring  502  will act to return plunger  130  and component  902  to the configuration shown by  FIG. 9 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 13 and 14 , there is shown a rotor or rotary actuator  1302  for solenoid  128 , wherein solenoid  128  is configured to provide rotary movement to rotor  1302 , rather than linear movement to a plunger  500  as described above. More particularly, rotor  1302  is rotated through 180 degrees by solenoid  128 , whenever the solenoid is energized or de-energized, respectively. 
       FIG. 13  shows rotor  1302  at its position when solenoid  128  is de-energized, and  FIG. 14  shows rotor  1302  at its energized position. 
     Referring further to  FIGS. 13 and 14 , there is shown a short link  1304  having an end fixably joined to rotor  1302 , by means of a pin  1306 . Accordingly, the short link  1304  rotates with rotor  1302 . The other end of short link  1304  is joined to an end of a link  1310 , by means of a pivotable pin  1308 . Accordingly, link  1310  reciprocates, or moves upwardly and downwardly as viewed in  FIGS. 13 and 14 , as rotor  1302  is rotated between its energized and de-energized positions. 
     A spring  1312  joined to rotor  1302  is in a relaxed or unstressed condition, when rotor  1302  is in its de-energized position as shown in  FIG. 13 . Thus, spring  1312  will store force when solenoid  128  is energized to move rotor  1302  and link  1310  to the positions thereof shown in  FIG. 14 . Thereafter, when the solenoid is de-energized, spring  1312  will return rotor  1302  and link  1310  to their respective de-energized positions, shown in  FIG. 13 . 
       FIGS. 13 and 14  further show the opposite end of link  1310  coupled to adjustable mechanical component  902 , by means of the pin  904 . Locking mechanism  406 , with its locking element  518  and shaft  514 , is arranged in relation to mechanical component  902  in like manner with the arrangement thereof shown in  FIGS. 9-12 . Accordingly, when rotor  1302  is in its de-energized position, locking element  518  of locking mechanism  406  is retained in slot  516  by mechanical component  902 , as best shown by  FIGS. 13 and 11 . When the solenoid is energized, rotor  1302  is rotated to move link  1310  downward, and to move sliding sub-component  902   c  to the left, as viewed in  FIG. 14 . Thus, the spacing between slot edge members  908   a  and  b  becomes large enough for locking element  518  and mechanism  406  to be withdrawn from slot  516 , as shown in  FIGS. 14 and 12 . When solenoid  128  is de-energized, spring  1312  will act to rotate rotor  1302  back to its de-energized position. 
     It is important to note that while the present invention has been described in the context of a fully functioning data processing system, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the processes of the present invention are capable of being distributed in the form of a computer readable medium of instructions and a variety of forms and that the present invention applies equally regardless of the particular type of signal bearing media actually used to carry out the distribution. Examples of computer readable media include recordable-type media, such as a floppy disk, a hard disk drive, a RAM, CD-ROMs, DVD-ROMs, and transmission-type media, such as digital and analog communications links, wired or wireless communications links using transmission forms, such as, for example, radio frequency and light wave transmissions. The computer readable media may take the form of coded formats that are decoded for actual use in a particular data processing system. 
     The description of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, and is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the invention in the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention, the practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the invention for various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.