19
`
`Europaisches Patentamt
`European Patent Office
`Office europeen des brevets ien des brevets
`
`
`(fi) Publication number : 0 687 9 6 8 A 2
`
`EUROPEAN PATENT A P P L I C A T I O N
`
`@ Application number : 95303884.1
`(22) Date of filing : 06.06.95
`
`(30) Priority : 13.06.94 US 259026
`(43) Date of publication of application :
`20.12.95 Bulletin 95/51
`@) Designated Contracting States :
`AT BE CH DE ES FR GB IT LI NL SE
`© Applicant : INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS
`MACHINES CORPORATION
`Old Orchard Road
`Armonk, N.Y. 10504 (US)
`
`@ Int. CI.6 : G06F 1/00
`
`(72) Inventor : Cohen, Mark Evan
`101 Warley Circle
`Cary, North Carolina 27513 (US)
`Inventor : Park, Se-Jung
`1361 SW 21st Lane
`Boca Raton, Florida 33486 (US)
`Inventor : Rengan, Marco Michael
`2054 Conference Drive
`Boca Raton, Florida 33486 (US)
`@ Representative : Lloyd, Richard Graham
`IBM (UK) Ltd,
`UK Intellectual Property Department,
`Hursley Park
`Winchester, Hampshire S021 2JN (GB)
`
`(54) Access to portable computers and associated identification
`
`(57) A method and system for providing an indicia
`of personal ownership of a portable computer
`device which includes a processor, a memory
`for storing multiple files and applications, a
`video display device, a keyboard and a power
`switch for applying electrical power to the port-
`able computer device. A textual indicia of per-
`sonal ownership is entered by the owner of the
`system during set-up or during a configuration
`change and electronically stored within non-
`volatile memory, such as serial EEPROM, within
`the portable computer device. Thereafter, each
`time power is applied to the portable computer
`device a Power-On System Test (POST) process
`is
`initiated which, after testing system par-
`ameters, automatically retrieves and displays
`textual
`indicia of personal ownership,
`the
`the
`likelihood
`that a mis-
`greatly enhancing
`placed portable computer device will be retur-
`ned to its owner. A password prompt may also
`be displayed and entry by user of the approp-
`in order to
`riate password will be required
`access the files and applications stored within
`the portable computer device.
`
`CM
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`RUN POST PROCESS
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`TOR PASSWORD
`
`( RETURN-^64
`
`Fig. 4
`
`EX-1006
`US Patent 10,789,393
`
`

`

`1
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`EP 0 687 968 A2
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`2
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`The present invention relates in general to com-
`puters and in particular to personalizing of portable
`computer devices.
`Personal computer systems are becoming more
`and more prevalent in the modern work place. Tradi-
`tional desk-top computers are now commonly utilized
`in both the home and office. As the technical com-
`plexity of these devices has increased, so has the ef-
`ficiency of manufacturers at packaging these devices
`within increasingly smaller packages. The evolution
`from personal computer to lap-top computer, to note-
`book computer, to sub-notebook computer has result-
`ed in portable computer devices which are commonly
`utilized in automobiles, on airplanes and within many
`similar non-traditional workspaces. Additionally, the
`increasing utilization of so-called "Personal Digital
`Assistants" (PDA's) within the modern business en-
`vironment has further increased the likelihood that a
`portable computer device of this type may be mis-
`placed or lost.
`A problem which exists when such devices are
`lost results as a consequence of the fact that most de-
`vices commonly employ a password protection
`scheme to control access to the system. In such
`schemes only the authorized computer user is as-
`signed a password. Each time the user wishes to util-
`ize the portable computer device he or she must first
`enter his or her password. If the computer recognizes
`this password as valid, the user will be permitted to
`access data and/or execute applications which are
`stored within the portable computer device.
`While the utilization of password protection
`schemes maintains the integrity of data and applica-
`tions within such devices, such schemes render a de-
`termination of ownership of such a device which has
`been lost or misplaced quite difficult by the individual
`who finds the device. Thus, while security with re-
`spect to access to the files and applications within
`such a device is highly desirable it should be apparent
`that a need exists for a method and/or system where-
`by the personal ownership information for a portable
`computer device may be simply and efficiently deter-
`mined in a manner which increases the likelihood that
`a lost or misplaced portable computer device may be
`returned to its owner.
`Today information regarding the ownership of a
`portable computer device is typically provided within
`the carrying case or by utilizing decals or labels at-
`tached to the computer. While the system does pro-
`vide some information regarding ownership of the
`computer, the likelihood that the device may be sepa-
`rated from its carrying case or identifying decal or
`label renders these solutions somewhat less than op-
`timal.
`The present invention is directed to providing an
`improved method and system for personalizing a
`portable computer device.
`Accordingly the invention provides a method for
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`personalizing a portable computer device which in-
`cludes a processor, a memory, multiple files stored
`within said memory, a video display device, a key-
`board and means for applying electrical power to said
`portable computer device, said method comprising
`the steps of:
`electronically storing an indicia of personal
`ownership of said portable computer device within
`said memory; and
`automatically displaying said indicia of person-
`al ownership within said video display in response to
`each application of electrical power to said portable
`computer device.
`Viewed from another aspect, the invention pro-
`vides a portable computer device, said portable com-
`puter device comprising:
`a processor;
`a memory coupled to said processor having in-
`dicia of personal ownership and multiple files stored
`therein;
`a video display device coupled to said proces-
`
`sor;
`
`a keyboard coupled to said processor;
`a power switch for applying electrical power to
`said processor in response to an operation thereof;
`and
`
`means for automatically displaying said indicia
`of personal ownership within said video display de-
`vice in response to each application of electrical pow-
`er to said processor.
`In one embodiment, a textual indicia of personal
`ownership is entered by the owner of the system dur-
`ing set-up or during a configuration change and elec-
`tronically stored within nonvolatile memory, such as
`serial EEPROM, within the portable computer device.
`Thereafter, each time power is applied to the portable
`computer device a Power-On System Test (POST)
`process is initiated which, after testing system para-
`meters, automatically retrieves and displays the tex-
`tual indicia of personal ownership, greatly enhancing
`the likelihood that a misplaced portable computer de-
`vice will be returned to its owner. A password prompt
`may also be displayed and entry by user of the appro-
`priate password will be required in order to access the
`files and applications stored within the portable com-
`puter device.
`An embodiment of the invention will now be de-
`scribed with reference to the accompanying draw-
`ings, wherein:
`Figure 1 is a pictorial representation of a portable
`computer device;
`Figure 2 is a high level block diagram of selected
`components of the portable computer device of
`Figure 1;
`Figure 3 is a high level logic flowchart which illus-
`trates a process for implementing the present in-
`vention; and
`Figure 4 is a high level logic flowchart which illus-
`
`

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`EP 0 687 968 A2
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`4
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`trates the automated display of personal owner-
`ship indicia within a portable computer device.
`With reference now to the figures and in particu-
`lar with reference to Figure 1 , there is depicted a pic-
`torial representation of a portable computer device
`10. As illustrated, portable computer device 10 may
`comprise a notebook, sub-notebook or lap-top com-
`puter or, in an alternate embodiment may be imple-
`mented utilizing a so-called "Personal Digital Assis-
`tant" (PDA). As illustrated, portable computer device
`10 preferably includes a video display device 14 and
`a keyboard 12. Video display device 14 may be imple-
`mented utilizing a liquid crystal display or, a vacuum-
`fluorescent display or any other suitable technique for
`providing a visual output. As illustrated, video display
`device 14 may be utilized to display an indication of
`ownership of portable computer device 10, in a man-
`ner which will be explained in greater detail herein.
`Additionally, portable computer device 10 prefer-
`ably includes a battery system for providing electrical
`power for portable computer device 10 or, in the alter-
`native, an alternating current adapter may be utilized
`in order to provide electrical power to portable com-
`puter device 10. As is common in such devices a pow-
`er switch 8 is provided which is utilized to apply elec-
`trical power to the components within portable com-
`puter device 10 in a manner well known in the art.
`Referring now to Figure 2, there is depicted a high
`level block diagram of portable computer device 1 0 of
`Figure 1 which illustrates selected components of
`that device. As illustrated, portable computer device
`10 preferably includes a microprocessor 16 which is
`utilized to control the operations of portable computer
`device 10. Microprocessor device 16 is preferably
`coupled to keyboard 12 and video display device 14
`in a manner well known to those having ordinary skill
`in the art.
`Also depicted within Figure 2 is random access
`memory (RAM) 18 and read only memory (ROM) 20
`which are coupled to microprocessor 16 in a manner
`well known to those having ordinary skill in this art. As
`illustrated within Figure 2, an additional programma-
`ble nonvolatile memory device, such as ROM 26 is
`provided. ROM 26 is preferably implemented utilizing
`so-called "flash" ROM or serial EEPROM, which may
`be electrically altered upon application of suitable
`control signals. ROM 26 preferably includes a seg-
`ment thereof which is utilized to store the process
`known as Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) and
`Power-On System Test (POST) 24 and 22. These
`processes are utilized, as is common in such devices,
`to control the interrelation between microprocessor
`16 and the various components of portable computer
`device 1 0 and to perform an initial test of the compo-
`nents of portable computer device 10 upon each ap-
`plication of electrical power to microprocessor 16.
`One important feature of the present embodiment in-
`volves a modification of Power-On System Test
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`(POST) 22 in a manner such that an automatic display
`of personal ownership indicia may be obtained, after
`that data has been stored within data panel 28 of
`ROM 26. In the depicted embodiment, this data may
`be stored within a 256 byte segment of ROM 26.
`With reference now to Figure 3, there is depicted
`a high level logic flowchart which illustrates a process
`for implementing the present invention. As depicted,
`this process begins at block 30 and thereafter passes
`to block 32. Block 32 illustrates a determination of
`whether or not the "set-up" program has been initiat-
`ed. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that such
`a program is typically utilized to configure portable
`computer device 10 upon an alteration of the subsys-
`terns of that device or in response to an initial utiliza-
`tion of the device. Thus, the type of display device
`utilized, the amount of memory, the number and lo-
`cation of disk drives utilized and other system para-
`meters are typically established during this set-up
`process. In the event the setup process has not been
`initiated, the process illustrated within Figure 3 mere-
`ly iterates until such time as this set-up process oc-
`curs. Of course, those skilled in the art will appreciate
`that an additional level of security, such as a second-
`ary password, may be required to alter the ownership
`indicia which will be entered as part of this process.
`Still referring to block 32, in the event the set-up
`process has been initiated, block 34 illustrates the
`running of normal configuration programs. There-
`after, the process passes to block 36. Block 36 illus-
`trates the prompting of the user to enter personal
`ownership indicia, such as name and address data
`which may thereafter, be illustrated within video dis-
`play device 14 as depicted within Figure 1. Addition-
`ally, the user may be prompted at this time to enter a
`particular password which will be utilized to ensure
`that only an authorized computer user is permitted to
`access the files and applications within portable com-
`puter device 1 0. Thereafter, the process passes to
`block 38. Block 38 illustrates a determination of
`whether or not the personal ownership indicia and
`password data has been entered, and if not, the proc-
`ess returns in an iterative fashion to block 36 to once
`again prompt the user for this data.
`Still referring to block 38, in the event the person-
`al ownership indicia requested has been entered, the
`process passes to block 40. Block 40 illustrates the
`storing of the personal ownership indicia and pass-
`word data within nonvolatile memory, such as ROM
`26, within portable computer device 10. While the
`present invention may be implemented utilizing the
`storage of this information within random access
`memory (RAM) which is continuously supplied from
`a battery, such systems may be easily defeated by
`opening the case of portable computer device 1 0 and
`temporarily removing that battery, rendering this in-
`formation erased. Thus, the present embodiment il-
`lustrates the storing of this personal ownership indicia
`
`

`

`5
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`EP 0 687 968 A2
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`6
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`and password information within nonvolatile memory,
`preferably a separate module mounted to the mother-
`board of portable computer device 1 0. Thereafter, the
`process passes to block 42 and returns.
`Finally, referring to Figure 4, there is depicted a
`high level logic flowchart which illustrates the auto-
`mated display of personal ownership indicia within a
`portable computer device. As depicted, this process
`begins at block 50 and thereafter passes to block 52.
`Block 52 illustrates a determination of whether or not
`power has been applied to portable computer device
`10, if not, this process merely iterates until such time
`as power has been applied.
`Still referring to block 52, once power has been
`applied to portable computer device 10, whether in-
`ternally from self-contained batteries or utilizing an
`alternating current power supply, the process passes
`to block 54. Block 54 illustrate the running of the Pow-
`er-On System Test (POST) in a manner well known to
`those having ordinary skill in the art.
`Next the Power-On System Test (POST) process
`has been modified to initiate the retrieval from non-
`volatile memory of the personal ownership indicia
`stored therein and block 56 illustrates the retrieval
`and display of this information, preferably comprising
`the owner's name and address, utilizing video display
`device 14.
`Next, the process passes to block 58. Block 58 il-
`lustrates the prompting of the user for a password.
`The process then passes to block 60. Block 60 illus-
`trates a comparison between the password entered
`by the user and the particular password stored by the
`user within nonvolatile memory during system set-up.
`If the appropriate password has not been entered, the
`process returns, in an iterative fashion, to block 56 to
`once again display the owner's name and address or
`other personal ownership indicia. However, in the
`event the appropriate password has been entered,
`the password passes to block 62. Block 62 illustrates
`the occurrence of normal processing in a manner well
`known to those having skill in this art. Thereafter, this
`process passes to block 64 and returns.
`Upon reference to the foregoing those skilled in
`the art will appreciate that the Applicants herein have
`provided a novel method and system whereby per-
`sonal ownership indicia may be stored within nonvo-
`latile memory within a portable computer device dur-
`ing system set-up or configuration and wherein the
`Power-On System Test (POST) process has been al-
`tered to retrieve this information and display the per-
`sonal ownership indicia automatically upon each ap-
`plication of electrical power to the portable computer
`device. This simple expedient provides a technique
`whereby the likelihood that a lost or misplaced per-
`sonal computer device will be returned to its owner
`has been greatly enhanced and whereby ownership
`of otherwise fungible devices may be easily deter-
`mined.
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`While the invention has been particularly shown
`and described with reference to a preferred embodi-
`ment, it will be understood by those skilled in the art
`that various changes in form and detail may be made
`therein without departing from the scope of the inven-
`tion.
`
`Claims
`
`1. A method for personalizing a portable computer
`device which includes a processor, a memory,
`multiple files stored within said memory, a video
`display device, a keyboard and means for apply-
`ing electrical power to said portable computer de-
`vice, said method comprising the steps of:
`electronically storing an indicia of personal
`ownership of said portable computer device with-
`in said memory; and
`automatically displaying said indicia of
`personal ownership within said video display in
`response to each application of electrical power
`to said portable computer device.
`
`2. The method for personalizing a portable comput-
`er device according to claim 1, further including
`the step of prompting a user to enter said indicia
`of personal ownership via said keyboard in re-
`sponse to an initial set-up of said portable com-
`puter device.
`
`3. The method for personalizing a portable comput-
`er device according to claim 2, further including
`the step of prompting a user to select a particular
`password to be utilized for access to said port-
`able computer device in response to an initial set-
`up of said portable computer device.
`
`4. The method for personalizing a portable comput-
`er device according to claim 3, further including
`the step of prompting a user to enter a password
`via said keyboard after automatically displaying
`said indicia of personal ownership within said vid-
`eo display device in response to each application
`of electrical power to said portable computer de-
`vice.
`
`5. The method for personalizing a portable comput-
`er device according to claim 4, further including
`the step of comparing said entered password with
`said particular password.
`
`6. The method for personalizing a portable comput-
`er device according to claim 5, further including
`the step of granting access to said multiple files
`stored within said memory only in response to an
`exact comparison between said entered pass-
`word and said particular password.
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`

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`EP 0 687 968 A2
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`8
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`to enter a password via said keyboard after auto-
`matically displaying said indicia of personal own-
`ership within said video display device in re-
`sponse to each application of electrical power to
`said processor.
`
`13. The portable computer device according to clam
`12, further including means for comparing said
`entered password with said particular password.
`
`14. The portable computer device according to claim
`1 3, further including means for granting access to
`said multiple files stored within said memory only
`in response to an exact comparison between said
`entered password and said particular password.
`
`1 5. The portable computer device according to any of
`claims 9 to 14, wherein said memory includes a
`nonvolatile memory device and wherein said in-
`dicia of personal ownership is stored within said
`nonvolatile memory device.
`
`1 6. The portable computer device according to any of
`claims 9 to 15, wherein said portable computer
`device includes a Power-On System Test process
`which is initiated in response to each application
`of electrical power to said portable computer de-
`vice and wherein said means for automatically
`displaying said indicia of personal ownership
`within said video display device in response to
`each application of electrical power to said proc-
`essor comprises means for accessing said indicia
`of personal ownership within said nonvolatile
`memory device and for displaying said indicia of
`personal ownership within said video display de-
`vice during said Power-On System Test process.
`
`7. The method for personalizing a portable comput-
`er device according to any preceding claim,
`wherein said memory includes nonvolatile mem-
`ory and wherein said step of electronically storing
`an indicia of personal ownership of said portable
`computer device within said memory comprises
`the step of storing said indicia of personal owner-
`ship of said portable computer device within said
`nonvolatile memory.
`
`8. The method for personalizing a portable comput-
`er device according to any preceding claim,
`wherein said computer device incudes a Power-
`On System Test process which is initiated in re-
`sponse to each application of electrical power to
`said portable computer device and wherein said
`step of automatically displaying said indicia of
`personal ownership within said video display de-
`vice in response to each application of electrical
`power to said portable computer device compris-
`es the step of accessing said indicia of personal
`ownership within said nonvolatile memory and
`displaying said indicia of personal ownership
`within said video display device during said Pow-
`er-On System Test process.
`
`9. A portable computer device, said portable com-
`puter device comprising:
`a processor;
`a memory coupled to said processor hav-
`ing indicia of personal ownership and multiple
`files stored therein;
`a video display device coupled to said
`processor;
`a keyboard coupled to said processor;
`a power switch for applying electrical pow-
`er to said processor in response to an operation
`thereof; and
`means for automatically displaying said in-
`dicia of personal ownership within said video dis-
`play device in response to each application of
`electrical power to said processor.
`
`10. The portable computer device according to claim
`9, further including means for prompting a user to
`enter said indicia personal ownership via said
`keyboard in response to an initial set-up of said
`portable computer device.
`
`11. The portable computer device according to claim
`10, further including means for prompting a user
`to select a particular password to be utilizing for
`access to said portable computer device in re-
`sponse to an initial set-up of said portable com-
`puter device.
`
`12. The portable computer device according to claim
`11, further including means for prompting a user
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`EP 0 687 968 A2
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`421 Elm
`
`Fort Worth, Tx
`
`917-555-1234
`
`
` This system belongs
`to: John Smith
`
`
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`Fig.
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`STORE NAME /
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