Abstract:
An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for securely associating ownership information with an electronic device with a plurality of modules configured to functionally execute the necessary steps of securely associating ownership information with an electronic device. These modules in the described embodiments include a presentation component coupled to an electronic device, the presentation component configured to present ownership information; a latch connected to the presentation component and the electronic device, the latch configured to restrict access to the ownership information; and a controller coupled to the latch, the controller configured to free the latch to permit access to the ownership information. Beneficially, such an apparatus, system, and method would allow easy identification of the proper possessor of an electronic device and reduce the incidence of theft of the electronic device.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     This invention relates to the field of electronic devices and more particularly relates to an electronic device securely associated with ownership information. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Electronic devices are high value equipment. These electronic devices are especially vulnerable to theft due to their proliferation in recent years. It is commonplace to see individuals with electronic devices, and whether or not the user in possession has a right to possess the device is usually not questioned. Some owners attach security plates to the outside of a device to associate it with the appropriate user; others issue asset passes. Neither solution adequately associates ownership information with a device, as plates and passes are easily forged, and in many cases, only the tag itself is checked; the tag is not verified against the asset itself, and since the tags are easily removable, it is relatively easy for someone to inappropriately claim possession of a device. 
     From the foregoing discussion, it should be apparent that a need exists for an apparatus, system, and method that associates ownership with an electronic device. Beneficially, such an apparatus, system, and method would allow easy identification of the proper possessor of an electronic device and reduce the incidence of theft of the electronic device. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention has been developed in response to the present state of the art, and in particular, in response to the problems and needs in the art that have not yet been fully solved by currently available electronic devices. Accordingly, the present invention has been developed to provide an apparatus, system, and method for securely associating ownership information with an electronic device that overcome many or all of the above-discussed shortcomings in the art. 
     A method of the present invention is presented for securely associating ownership information with an electronic device. In one embodiment, the method includes coupling a presentation component with an electronic device, the presentation component configured to display ownership information; connecting a latch to the presentation component and the electronic device, the latch configured to restrict access to the ownership information; and coupling a controller to the latch, the controller configured to permit a user to access the ownership information. 
     The method also may include a controller configured to free the latch in response to a credential, in one embodiment. In another embodiment, the presentation component may comprise a transparent pane and an encasement configured to contain a business card having ownership information. In a further embodiment, the presentation component is configured to show evidence of tampering attempts. 
     The electronic device may comprise substantially any portable computing device in one embodiment of the invention. In another embodiment, the controller is configured to allow an authenticated user to change the ownership information. 
     In one embodiment, an apparatus to securely associate ownership information with an electronic device is provided with a plurality of modules configured to functionally execute the necessary steps of the present invention. These modules include a presentation component integrated with an electronic device, the presentation component configured to present ownership information; a latch connected to the presentation component and the electronic device, the latch configured to restrict access to the ownership information; and a controller coupled to the latch, the controller configured to free the latch to permit a user to access the ownership information. 
     The controller described in the apparatus, in one embodiment, is configured to free the latch in response to a credential. In another embodiment, the controller is configured to encrypt stored authentication information associated with a user. In a further embodiment, the controller comprises a user interface configured to allow an authorized user to change the credential and/or the ownership information. 
     The apparatus is further configured, in one embodiment, with the presentation component comprising a transparent pane and an encasement configured to contain a message media comprising ownership information. In another embodiment, the presentation component is further configured to show evidence of tampering attempts. 
     In a further embodiment, the electronic device may comprise a portable computing device. 
     A system of the present invention is also presented to securely associate ownership information with an electronic device. The system may include an electronic device, a presentation component, a latch and a controller. The electronic device may comprise a portable computing device. The presentation component may be integrated with the electronic device. Preferably, the latch connects to the presentation component and the electronic device. The latch is configured to restrict access to ownership information. The controller is configured to allow a user to access the ownership information. 
     In one embodiment, the controller is configured to free the latch in response to a credential. The credential may authenticate the user. The system may further include a user interface configured to allow an authenticated user to modify the credential. 
     The system may further include a presentation component comprising a transparent pane visible on an external surface of the electronic device, and an encasement configured to contain a message media comprising ownership information. In another embodiment, the presentation component described in the system is configured to show evidence of an unauthorized attempt to access the message media. 
     In another apparatus the presentation component is integrated with a portable device. The presentation component is configured to display ownership information. A latch connected to the presentation component and the portable device restricts access to the ownership information. A lock coupled to the latch frees the latch to permit access to the ownership information. 
     In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a lock configured to free the latch in response to the turning of a key. In another embodiment, the electronic device described in the apparatus comprises a portable computing device. 
     A method of the present invention is also presented for securely associating ownership information with an electronic device. The method in the disclosed embodiments substantially includes the steps necessary to carry out the functions presented above with respect to the operation of the described apparatus and system. In one embodiment the method includes receiving a credential, comparing the credential to stored ownership information, and permitting access to the ownership information stored in a locked presentation component affixed to the electronic device in response to the credential satisfying the authentication information. In one embodiment, the credential comprises a password. The authentication information may be encrypted. 
     Reference throughout this specification to features, advantages, or similar language does not imply that all of the features and advantages that may be realized with the present invention should be or are in any single embodiment of the invention. Rather, language referring to the features and advantages is understood to mean that a specific feature, advantage, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, discussion of the features and advantages, and similar language, throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, refer to the same embodiment. 
     Furthermore, the described features, advantages, and characteristics of the invention may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that the invention may be practiced without one or more of the specific features or advantages of a particular embodiment. In other instances, additional features and advantages may be recognized in certain embodiments that may not be present in all embodiments of the invention. 
     These features and advantages of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth hereinafter. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       In order that the advantages of the invention will be readily understood, a more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments that are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view drawing illustrating one embodiment of an electronic device in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a schematic block diagram illustrating one embodiment of an electronic device in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a schematic block diagram illustrating one embodiment of an electronic device in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective drawing illustrating one embodiment of an electronic device in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  is a schematic flow chart diagram illustrating one embodiment of an electronic device in accordance with the present invention; and 
         FIG. 6  is a schematic flow chart diagram illustrating one embodiment of an electronic device in accordance with the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Many of the functional units described in this specification have been labeled as modules, in order to more particularly emphasize their implementation independence. For example, a module may be implemented as a hardware circuit comprising custom VLSI circuits or gate arrays, off-the-shelf semiconductors such as logic chips, transistors, or other discrete components. A module may also be implemented in programmable hardware devices such as field programmable gate arrays, programmable array logic, programmable logic devices or the like. 
     Modules may also be implemented in software for execution by various types of processors. An identified module of executable code may, for instance, comprise one or more physical or logical blocks of computer instructions which may, for instance, be organized as an object, procedure, or function. Nevertheless, the executables of an identified module need not be physically located together, but may comprise disparate instructions stored in different locations which, when joined logically together, comprise the module and achieve the stated purpose for the module. 
     Indeed, a module of executable code may be a single instruction, or many instructions, and may even be distributed over several different code segments, among different programs, and across several memory devices. Similarly, operational data may be identified and illustrated herein within modules, and may be embodied in any suitable form and organized within any suitable type of data structure. The operational data may be collected as a single data set, or may be distributed over different locations including over different storage devices. 
     Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment. 
     Reference to a signal bearing medium may take any form capable of generating a signal, causing a signal to be generated, or causing execution of a program of machine-readable instructions on a digital processing apparatus. A signal bearing medium may be embodied by a transmission line, a compact disk, digital-video disk, a magnetic tape, a Bernoulli drive, a magnetic disk, a punch card, flash memory, integrated circuits, or other digital processing apparatus memory device. 
     Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics of the invention may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In the following description, numerous specific details are provided, such as examples of programming, software modules, user selections, network transactions, database queries, database structures, hardware modules, hardware circuits, hardware chips, etc., to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the invention. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that the invention may be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, and so forth. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the invention. 
       FIG. 1  depicts one embodiment of an electronic device  100  with securely associated ownership information  102  in accordance with the present invention. The electronic device  100  includes a presentation component  104 . The presentation component  104  displays and/or may optionally contain ownership information  102  for the electronic device  100 . 
     The electronic device  100  may be any electronic device which an owner would be concerned about keeping identified. Examples of electronic devices include computers, monitors, copiers, printers, televisions, appliances, and the like. The electronic device  100 , in one embodiment, comprises a portable electronic device  100 . Examples of portable devices  100  include, but are not limited to, cell phones, music players, projectors, office equipment, laptop computers, tablet computers, handheld computers, and the like. 
     In one embodiment, the presentation component  104  contains or displays ownership information  102 . Preferably, the presentation component  104  is securely connected to the electronic device  100 . In the illustrated embodiment, the presentation component  104  is positioned for high visibility when the electronic device  100  is in use. In another embodiment, the presentation component  104  may be located on an exterior surface  106  of the electronic device  100 . For example, the presentation component  104  may be on the exterior surface  106  opposite a display screen. On an exterior surface  106 , the presentation component  104  can be readily inspected without opening the device  100 . Thus, determining that a possessor of an electronic device  100  has the right to possess the electronic device  100  is quick and simple. 
     The presentation component  104  maybe integrated with the electronic device  100 . In such an embodiment, the presentation component  104  cannot be removed from the electronic device  100 . However, the presentation component  104  still permits access to ownership information  102 . 
     In another embodiment, the presentation component  104  can be completely removed from the electronic device  100  by an authorized user and replaced with another presentation component  104 . In this embodiment, ownership information  102  may be permanently marked on the presentation component  104 . The ownership information  102  may be printed, stamped, or otherwise affixed to the presentation component  104 . When the authorized possessor changes, a new presentation component  104  associated with the new authorized possessor can be securely attached to the electronic device  100 . 
     The ownership information  102 , in one embodiment, identifies an authorized possessor or owner. The ownership information  102  may comprise a message media such as an asset tag, a business card, an ID tag, or the like. The ownership information  102  may identify an authorized possessor or owner by including a name, a photograph, an identification number, a combination of these, or the like. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates one embodiment of the invention having a presentation component  104  integrated with an electronic device  100  embodied as a portable computer. The presentation component  104  contains and displays ownership information  102  in the form of a business card. Other embodiments of the present invention considered to be within the scope of the present invention will be apparent to one skilled in the art. 
       FIG. 2  illustrates one embodiment of an apparatus  200  for securely associating ownership information with an electronic device. The apparatus  200  includes a presentation component  104  integrated with an electronic device  100  and configured to present ownership information  102 . The apparatus  200  also includes a central processing unit (CPU)  202 , memory  204 , an input output module (I/O module)  206 , a controller  208 , an actuator  210 , and a latch  212 . 
     The CPU  202  processes information and executes instructions stored in the memory  204  to determine if a user should be granted access to the ownership information  102 . The CPU  202  may be a general purpose device such as Intel™ CPUs, AMD™ CPUs, and the like. The CPU  202  may also be a special purpose device such as a Hitachi H8™ or the like. In one embodiment, the CPU  202  is the CPU of the electronic device  100 . 
     In one embodiment, the memory  204  stores authentication information that is used to determine whether to permit access to the ownership information  102 . The memory  204  also stores a controller  208  comprising software instructions configured to control access to the ownership information  102 . The memory  204  is in communication with the CPU  202  and passes authentication information and software instructions to the CPU  202 . Preferably, the memory  204  is nonvolatile memory such as a programmable read only memory (PROM), a continuously powered random access memory (RAM), a flash memory, or the like. The memory  204  may be the general purpose memory used by the electronic device  100 , or in the alternative, it may be special purpose memory used to control access to the ownership information  102 . 
     The I/O module  206  receives input from a user. The input serves as a credential that authenticates a user. The input may comprise a password, a keycode, a number, biometric information such as a fingerprint, or the like. The I/O module  206  connects to a variety of I/O devices (not shown) that provide the user input. Examples of IO devices include a keyboard, a biometric scanner, a button, or the like. The I/O module  206  is in communication with the CPU  202 , the memory  204 , and the controller  208 . 
     The controller  208  processes input from the I/O module  206  to determine if the input satisfies the authentication information stored in the memory  204 . If the input satisfies the authentication information, the controller  208  toggles the actuator  210  between a released state and a secured state. Alternatively, the authentication information may be stored in a smartcard, RFID tag, or other security device configured to interact with the controller  208  to verify the input. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, a variety of types and configurations of controller  208  can be utilized without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. For example, in one embodiment, the controller  208  may be software instructions. In another embodiment, the controller  208  may be a special purpose device such as a Hitachi H8™. 
     In one embodiment, the presentation component  104  comprises a transparent pane  214  and an encasement  216 . The encasement  216  contains the ownership information  102 . The transparent pane  214  protects the ownership information  102  from damage or alteration and allows the ownership information  102  in the encasement  216  to be readily observed. 
     The encasement  216  may be configured to contain ownership information  102  in the form of a business card, an asset tag, an ID card, or the like. The encasement  216  may be constructed from the same material as the electronic device  100 , or the encasement  216  may be constructed from a different material, such as plastic, metal, or the like. 
     Preferably, the presentation component  104  readily opens and closes based on authorized operation of the actuator  210 . The transparent pane  214 , in the illustrated embodiment, rotates on a hinge  218  when freed from the latch  212  to open and allow access to the ownership information  102 . In one embodiment, the hinge  218  or encasement  216  may include a spring (not shown) to facilitate opening of the transparent pane  214 . The ownership information  102  can then be altered, removed, and/or replaced. When the transparent pane  214  is closed, access to the ownership information  102  is restricted. The transparent pane  214  may be constructed from any clear, durable material, such as plastic, glass, or the like. 
     Variations of this embodiment are considered within the scope of the present invention and will be apparent to one skilled in the art. For example, in another embodiment, the transparent pane  214  is permanently fixed to the encasement  216 . Releasing the latch  212  may open a pathway (not shown) for insertion or removal of ownership information  102 . In another embodiment, the transparent pane  214  comprises a material that shows evidence of attempts to tamper with the presentation component  104 . Examples of this type of tamper evident material include glass that cracks or breaks readily during tampering, plastic that cracks, breaks, or crazes during tampering, and the like. Other tamper evident material may include plastic that deforms and remains deformed after minimal force is applied. Alternatively, the tamper evident material may include a marker such as an ink that is released when attempts are made to open the presentation component  104  without authorization. In one embodiment, the transparent pane  214  is made of tamper-evident material such as CYRO Industries&#39; XT® polymer 375TE acrylic-based multipolymer compound. 
     In one embodiment, the controller  208  communicates with the actuator  210  coupled to the latch  212 . When activated by the controller  208  the actuator  210  moves the coupled latch  212 , changing the state of the latch  212  from secured to released or released to secured. In one embodiment, the actuator  210  may comprise a solenoid coupled to the latch  212 . In this embodiment, the solenoid moves the latch  212  to change the state of the latch  212  between secured and released. 
     As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, a variety of types and configurations of configurations of actuator  210  can be utilized without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. For example in one embodiment, the actuator  210  may comprise a motor coupled to the latch  212 . In this embodiment, the motor moves the latch  212  to change the state of the latch  212  between secured and released. 
     The latch  212  restricts access to the ownership information  102 . In one embodiment, the latch  212  is connected to the presentation component  104  and the electronic device  100 . The latch  212  is configured to repeatedly secure and release the transparent pane  214 . In a secured state, the latch  212  restricts access to the ownership information  102  such that the ownership information  102  cannot be changed. In a released state, the latch  212  allows access to the ownership information  102  so that the ownership information  102  can be replaced, removed, or modified. 
     In one embodiment, the latch  212  may be embodied as a pin slidably connected to the electronic device  100 . In the secured state, the latch  212  engages a receiver  220  on the presentation component  104 . The receiver  220  may comprise a hole, a tab, or a slot. The latch  212  is configured to slide to disengage the receiver  220  on the presentation component  104  and allow access to the ownership information  102 . The latch  212  may be constructed from any material strong enough to restrict access to the ownership information  102 , such as metal, plastic, and the like. Of course, the latch  212  may be connected to the presentation component  104  and engage a receiver  220  connected to the encasement  216  or chassis of the electronic device  100 . 
     As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, a variety of types and configurations of latch  212  can be utilized without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. For example, in one embodiment, the latch  212  may comprise a covering over a pathway sized to accept and receive ownership information  102  that leads to the ownership information  102 . When the latch  212  is secured, the covering blocks the pathway to the ownership information  102 , thus preventing modification of the ownership information  102 . When the latch  212  is released, the covering reveals the pathway to the ownership information  102  and allows modification of the ownership information  102 . 
       FIG. 3  depicts a schematic block diagram of a controller  208  for controlling access to ownership information  102  in response to a user-supplied credential  302 . The controller  208  comprises a user interface module  304 , an authentication module  306 , a latch coupling  308 , and stored authentication information  310 . 
     The credential  302  is an identifier that establishes the right of a user to modify the ownership information  102 . A user with the proper credential  302  is an authenticated user with the right to modify the ownership information  102 . When the proper credential  302  is supplied to the controller  202  through the user interface module  304 , the controller allows access to the ownership information  102 . In one embodiment, the credential  302  is an alphanumeric password typed at a keyboard. 
     As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, a variety of types and configurations of credential  302  can be utilized without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. For example, in one embodiment, the credential  302  comprises a biometric identifier, such as a thumbprint, a retina, or the like. In another embodiment, the credential  302  comprises a mechanical key. 
     The user interface module  304  provides a way for a user to supply a credential  310  to the controller  208  to verify the user&#39;s right to modify the ownership information  102 . The user interface module  304  passes the credential  302  to the authentication module  306 . In one embodiment, the user interface module  304  prompts a user for the credential  302  on a display (not shown). The user interface module  304  may receive a password at a keyboard (not shown) as a credential  310  and deliver the password to the authentication module  306 . 
     As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, a variety of types and configurations of user interface module  304  can be utilized without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. For example, in one embodiment, the credential  302  comprises a biometric identifier, such as a fingerprint, a retina, and the like. The user interface module  304  may comprise an I/O device that reads the biometric identifier and passes a representation of that identifier on to the authentication module  306 . In yet another embodiment, the credential may comprise a mechanical key, and the user interface module  304  may comprise a lock which accepts the mechanical key. 
     The authentication module  306  establishes the validity of a credential  302 , and thus, the user&#39;s right to access the ownership information  102 . The authentication module  306  compares the credential  302  delivered from the user interface  304  with the stored authentication information  310 . Given the proper credential  302 , the stored authentication information  310  is satisfied in the comparison of the credential  302  with the stored authentication information  310 , and the user supplying the credential  302  is deemed an authorized user. 
     In one embodiment, the authentication module  306  establishes that the stored authentication information  310  is satisfied when the credential  302  is an exact match with the stored authentication information  310 . In another embodiment, the authentication module  306  retrieves and decrypts encrypted stored authentication information  310 . When the credential  302  matches the decrypted stored authentication information  310 , the stored authentication information  310  is satisfied. In a different embodiment, the authentication module  306  performs a transformation on the stored authentication information  310  and compares the credential  302  to the transformed stored authentication information  310 . When the credential  302  matches the transformed stored authentication information  310 , the stored authentication information  3   10  is satisfied. 
     The latch coupling  308  couples the authentication module  306  to the latch  212  and changes the state of the latch  212  between a released state and a secured state. The authentication module  306  activates the latch coupling  308  as a result of the stored authentication information  310  being satisfied, thus allowing an authenticated user access to the ownership information  102 . In one embodiment, the latch coupling  308  comprises an actuator  210  that moves the latch  212 . 
     As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, a variety of types and configurations of latch coupling  308  can be utilized without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. For example, in one embodiment, the latch coupling  308  comprises a connection that is moved by the credential, such as by the turning of a key. 
     The stored authentication information  310  determines the proper credential  302  required to verify the authority of a user to modify the ownership information  102 . In one embodiment, the credential  302  comprises a password, and the stored authentication information  310  comprises an exact duplicate of the password. 
     As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, a variety of types and configurations of stored authentication information  310  can be utilized without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. For example, in one embodiment, the stored authentication information  310  comprises an encrypted version of the password. In yet another embodiment, the stored authentication information  310  comprises a transformed version of the password. 
     The stored authentication information  310  may also consist of a representation of biometric information when the credential  302  consists of a biometric identifier, such as a thumbprint, a retina, or the like. In another embodiment, the stored authentication information  310  may comprise a lock configured to respond to the appropriate key. 
     In one embodiment, the stored authentication information  310  may be modified by a user with authority to modify the ownership information  102 . An example of this embodiment would be allowing a user to input a new password after supplying the correct password. After the stored authentication information  310  has been changed, a user must input a corresponding, new credential  302  to become an authorized user. 
     One embodiment of a controller as illustrated in  FIG. 3  is a user interface module  304  comprising a keyboard and a display that receives a credential  302  comprising a password. The password is delivered to the authentication module  306  that compares the password to a decrypted version the stored authentication information  310 , which is an encrypted version of the password. If the decrypted stored authentication information  310  and the password match, the stored authentication information  310  is satisfied, and the latch coupling  308 , comprising a motor, changes the state of the latch  212  between secured and released. 
       FIG. 4  illustrates an alternative embodiment of an apparatus  400  for securely associating ownership information  102  with an electronic device  100 . The apparatus  400  includes an electronic device  100 , ownership information  102 , a coupled presentation component  104 , a latch  212 , a key  402 , and a lock  404 . The electronic device  100 , ownership information  102 , presentation component  104 , and latch  212  are preferably configured in a manner similar to like numbered components described above in relation to  FIGS. 1 and 2 . In this embodiment, the lock  404  and key  402  cooperate to control access to the ownership information  102 . 
     The key  402  may comprise a conventional tumbler lock key. Typically, the lock  404  is operated by inserting and turning the key  402 . This rotation moves the latch  212 , changing the state of the latch  212  between secured and released. 
     The lock  404  controls engagement of the latch  212  and the receiver  220 . Using the proper key  402 , the lock  404  can be locked or unlocked to selectively permit access to the ownership information  102 . In one embodiment, the lock  404  may comprise a tumbler lock operated by a key  402 . Preferably, the key  402  is configured to operate exclusively with the lock  404 . In certain embodiments, a single key  402  may operate a plurality of locks  404  installed on various electronic devices. 
     As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, a variety of types and configurations of locks  404  and corresponding keys  402  may be utilized without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. For example, the lock  404  may comprise a security lock such as those used for product control in retail outlets and DVD rentals. The key  402  in such an embodiment comprises a standard key that opens a plurality of security locks. The key  402  may be heavy and/or difficult to duplicate. In another embodiment, the lock  404  may comprise a magnetically controlled lock  404  with a key  402  comprising a corresponding magnetic key. Placing the magnetic key  402  into an appropriate position relative to the magnetic lock  404  changes the state of the latch  212  between secured and released. 
     In one embodiment, the latch  212  is embodied as a tab rotatably connected to the electronic device  100  or the lock  404 . Rotation of the key  402  in the lock  404  rotates the tab. In the secured state, the latch  212  engages a receiver  220  extending from the transparent pane  214 . The latch  212  is configured to enter a released state by rotating around a rotatable connection (not shown) and disengaging the receiver  220  on the transparent pane  214 , allowing access to the ownership information  102 . The latch  212  may be constructed from any material strong enough to restrict access to the ownership information  102 , such as metal, plastic, and the like. 
     The schematic flow chart diagrams that follow are generally set forth as logical flow chart diagrams. As such, the depicted order and labeled steps are indicative of one embodiment of the presented method. Other steps and methods may be conceived that are equivalent in function, logic, or effect to one or more steps, or portions thereof, of the illustrated method. Additionally, the format and symbols employed are provided to explain the logical steps of the method and are understood not to limit the scope of the method. Although various arrow types and line types may be employed in the flow chart diagrams, they are understood not to limit the scope of the corresponding method. Indeed, some arrows or other connectors may be used to indicate only the logical flow of the method. For instance, an arrow may indicate a waiting or monitoring period of unspecified duration between enumerated steps of the depicted method. Additionally, the order in which a particular method occurs may or may not strictly adhere to the order of the corresponding steps shown. 
       FIG. 5  depicts a flow chart for a method  500  for securely associating ownership information with an electronic device. Initially, a user couples  502  the presentation component  104  with the electronic device  100 . The user may couple  502  the presentation component  104  with the electronic device  100  during the manufacturing process of the electronic device  100 . 
     In an alternative embodiment, the user may couple  502  the presentation component  104  with the electronic device  100  after the electronic device  100  is manufactured. For example, a user may couple  502  the presentation component  104  to the electronic device  100  at a pre-formed connection point with a fastener. An example of a pre-formed connection point and fastener is a hole configured to accept a barbed pin. In another embodiment, the presentation component  104  could be coupled  502  with an existing electronic device  100  with adhesive. In another embodiment, the presentation component  104  could be coupled  502  with an existing electronic device  100  by welding the presentation component  104  to the electronic device  100 . 
     Next, the user links  504  a latch  212  to the presentation component  104  and the electronic device  100 . The user may link  504  the latch  212  with the presentation component  104  and the electronic device  100  during the manufacturing process of the electronic device  100 . 
     In an alternative embodiment, the user may link  504  the latch  212  to the presentation component  104  and the electronic device  100  after the electronic device  100  is manufactured. For example, a user could link  504  the latch  212  to the presentation component  104  and the electronic device  100  at a pre-formed linking point. In another embodiment, the latch  212  could be linked  504  to the presentation component  104  and an existing electronic device  100  with adhesive. In another embodiment, the latch  212  could be linked  504  to the presentation component  104  and an existing electronic device  100  by welding the latch  100  to the electronic device  100 . 
     Finally, the user couples  506  a controller  208  to the latch  212 . In one embodiment, the user may couple  506  the controller  208  to the latch  212  during the manufacturing process of the electronic device  100 . 
     In another embodiment, the user may couple  506  the controller  208  to the latch  212  after the electronic device  100  is manufactured. For example, the user may couple  506  the controller  208  to the latch  212  at a pre-formed coupling point with a fastener. In an alternative embodiment, the user may couple  506  the controller  208  to the latch  212  with adhesive or through welding. 
       FIG. 6  depicts a flow chart for a method  600  for securely associating ownership information  102  with an electronic device  100 . Initially, the user interface module  304  receives  602  a credential  302 . The credential  302  is typically received  602  from a user who wishes to modify ownership information  102 . Once the credential  302  is received  602 , it can be used to determine if the user is an authenticated user. In one embodiment, the credential  302  is a password. Alternatively, the credential  302  may be a key  402 . 
     As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, a variety of ways of receiving  602  a credential  302  can be utilized without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. For example, in one embodiment, the credential  302  is a biometric identifier, such as a fingerprint a retina, or the like, and receiving  602  the credential  302  comprises scanning the biometric identifier. 
     Next, the authentication module  306  compares  604  the received credential  302  to stored authentication information  310 . The stored authentication information  310  determines the proper credential  302  for authenticating a user. If the credential  302  satisfies the stored authentication information  310  the user is deemed to be authenticated. In one embodiment, the credential  302  is a password, and the stored authentication information  310  is the same password. Comparing  604  the credential  302  and the stored authentication information  310  comprises comparing  604  them for an exact match. 
     As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, a variety of ways of comparing  604  the stored authentication information  310  with the received credential  302  can be utilized without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. For example, in one embodiment, the credential  302  is a password, and the stored authentication information  310  is an encrypted version of the same password. Comparing  604  the credential  302  and the stored authentication information  310  comprises decrypting the stored authentication information  310  comparing  604  it with the received credential  302  for an exact match. 
     In another embodiment, the credential  302  comprises a key  402 , and the stored authentication information  310  comprises a lock  404 . Comparing  604  the credential  302  and the stored authentication information  310  comprises inserting the appropriate key  402  into the lock  404 . In yet another embodiment, the credential  302  comprises a biometric identifier, such as a finger print or a retina, and the stored authentication information  310  comprises information that corresponds to a scanned version of the biometric identifier. Comparing  604  the credential  302  and the stored authentication information  310  comprises comparing the scanned biometric identifier with the stored authentication information  310 . 
     Next, the authentication module  306  determines  606  if the stored authentication information  310  is satisfied. This determination is based on a comparison  504  of the credential  302  to the stored authentication information  310 . If the credential  302  satisfies the stored authentication information  310 , the user is deemed an authenticated user with rights to access the ownership information  102 . If the stored authentication information  310  is not satisfied, the user is not deemed an authenticated user, and the user is not granted access to the ownership information  102 . 
     Finally, the controller  208  permits  608  access to the ownership information  102  if the stored authentication information  310  is satisfied. Once the controller  208  permits  608  access to the ownership information  102 , an authenticated user can modify the ownership information  102  to reflect changes in rights to possession of the electronic device. 
     As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, a variety of ways of permitting  608  access to the ownership information  102  can be utilized without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. For example, in one embodiment, a controller  208  changes the state of a latch  212  from a secured state to a released state, allowing access to the ownership information  102 . 
     The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.