CA2211735C - Anti-theft apparatus and method for altering the display output of a stolen electronic device - Google Patents
Anti-theft apparatus and method for altering the display output of a stolen electronic device Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2211735C CA2211735C CA002211735A CA2211735A CA2211735C CA 2211735 C CA2211735 C CA 2211735C CA 002211735 A CA002211735 A CA 002211735A CA 2211735 A CA2211735 A CA 2211735A CA 2211735 C CA2211735 C CA 2211735C
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- output
- input
- signal
- electronic device
- communication
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Lifetime
Links
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims description 13
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 claims description 13
- 230000002401 inhibitory effect Effects 0.000 abstract 1
- 230000004913 activation Effects 0.000 description 4
- 238000005516 engineering process Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000005540 biological transmission Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000003247 decreasing effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000001419 dependent effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000004377 microelectronic Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000012544 monitoring process Methods 0.000 description 1
- KRTSDMXIXPKRQR-AATRIKPKSA-N monocrotophos Chemical compound CNC(=O)\C=C(/C)OP(=O)(OC)OC KRTSDMXIXPKRQR-AATRIKPKSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 230000011664 signaling Effects 0.000 description 1
- BGRJTUBHPOOWDU-UHFFFAOYSA-N sulpiride Chemical compound CCN1CCCC1CNC(=O)C1=CC(S(N)(=O)=O)=CC=C1OC BGRJTUBHPOOWDU-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 238000013022 venting Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000000007 visual effect Effects 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G08—SIGNALLING
- G08B—SIGNALLING OR CALLING SYSTEMS; ORDER TELEGRAPHS; ALARM SYSTEMS
- G08B13/00—Burglar, theft or intruder alarms
- G08B13/02—Mechanical actuation
- G08B13/14—Mechanical actuation by lifting or attempted removal of hand-portable articles
- G08B13/1409—Mechanical actuation by lifting or attempted removal of hand-portable articles for removal detection of electrical appliances by detecting their physical disconnection from an electrical system, e.g. using a switch incorporated in the plug connector
- G08B13/1418—Removal detected by failure in electrical connection between the appliance and a control centre, home control panel or a power supply
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
- G06F21/00—Security arrangements for protecting computers, components thereof, programs or data against unauthorised activity
- G06F21/70—Protecting specific internal or peripheral components, in which the protection of a component leads to protection of the entire computer
- G06F21/82—Protecting input, output or interconnection devices
- G06F21/84—Protecting input, output or interconnection devices output devices, e.g. displays or monitors
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
- G06F21/00—Security arrangements for protecting computers, components thereof, programs or data against unauthorised activity
- G06F21/70—Protecting specific internal or peripheral components, in which the protection of a component leads to protection of the entire computer
- G06F21/88—Detecting or preventing theft or loss
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
- H04N9/00—Details of colour television systems
- H04N9/12—Picture reproducers
- H04N9/31—Projection devices for colour picture display, e.g. using electronic spatial light modulators [ESLM]
- H04N9/3191—Testing thereof
- H04N9/3194—Testing thereof including sensor feedback
Abstract
This application describes a means for inhibiting the theft of an electronic device. The electronic device generally comprises a processor unit and a display device for displaying operational output from the processor unit, and the invention resides in including within the electronic device a receiver unit adapted to receive remotely transmitted signals and capable of causing the processor unit to at least partially obscure or change the output on the display device after such a signal has been received. The electronic device can be any device that produces a visible output. In preferred forms of the invention, the obscuring of the display output is by overprinting a message informing you that the device is stolen, and more preferred versions include a unique identification code in that message. This enables the authorities to identify the true owner of the article. The receiver unit can be the receiver of a radio pager, for example. Thus, on noticing the theft of the device the owner alerts a service provider who activates the receiver unit.
Description
ANTI-THEFT APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR ALTERING THE DISPLAY
OUTPUT OF A STOLEN ELECTRONIC DEVICE
The 7_esent invention relates to a s2c::rlty devi ce, espec:al:v one intended for use in 'protec-_:ng e_ecz_onic devices.
Ccmruc=_s are used routinely in 3 very i,arce number of businesses and homes. The decrease i n the c~s z of compu'_::c : cwe: has fuei? ed this exoansion, and a= t: e same time adva:_c=s in micro electronics have mean_ t:at the ohysica_ s:c=_ and weight oJLr a powe_=u' co=u_e_ has decreased --c the point where even a desk top ccnpuc=_= car.
be ca=r'-_d r'-'-at;veiv easilv.
=tIS :-s 11e?P.t that the theft o= De='soI'_a_ cclIl=''ze=s, ?n Da=zic:j_a= IaDtoD comDuters, have become eYt=?neiv easv and is .~.cw a ser~-0lis orob1eIi1. T t :s esz_:1a~~~ zt3-z one qua= -.e= -= a_'_ commercial comDute= users in the u._ ted i{incdc:: ._a-. e cee:. ::ury led er robbed of ac _eas _ some of their cc. ~s= s --oc'.1. The value cf this eeu-zme::c szoien ln :JC 1 was C':er ---=~0 million. One dealer has e5tZ-1a~ed that 35% of his customers have been robbed; 25% of those have been robbed more than once, some as much as six or seven times.
The ease with which such thefts can be executed is illustrated by one example in which thieves entered the premises of a company at 9.57pm and in the following four minutes before the arrival of the police stole ~15,000 worth of equipment.
Once a computer is stolen, the hard disk can be re-formatted and the computer can then be sold easily. It is estimated that one particular case reaped ~3 million for the burglar.
Insurance companies who provide insurance against computer burglary now find that computer theft is dominating their time and causing severe losses. Often, insurance premiums increase significantly after a theft has taken place, or insurance is refused altogether. Insurers may often insist on improving security at business premises; the cost of this can be as much as ~6,000.
Methods exist to protect computers against theft;
these include physical means such as attaching security tags firmly to the computers or defacing the exterior surface of the computer to dissuade potential purchasers of the stolen goods; both of these are unsightly and the former is liable to incite damage of the computer by the thief in an attempt to remove it.
Computers can be provided with password locks, which ensure that the computer will not operate until the correct password is entered. However re-formatti-y o: --he hard disk is usually possible and this will erase a:' sof -Lware present, includ;ng the password lock.
US 5355414 discloses a system whereby =he ce_ _Dheral devices (e.c. the displav unit and keyboard) are disabled for aoredetarmined period of time if an incorrec' password is entered. Hcwever, this is a software-based s-.rstem and therefore inherently vulnerable.
US 5343524 discloses a computer with an additionai m'_crCDroc _ssor whlch must be Dresent in Or-ler " a:_cw the svste.rn to eperate. The contents of the m_c=cpr:.cessor are said to be =cr.-ccpyable. 1_ the microorocasscr _s =e:noved , then t he ccmputer will not operate. Hewe~r__, sh culd the system be stolen, the thieves will Dresumabl": also take the microtrocessor.
There _herefore exists a need -fcr a ze?ns for dissuad:ng or pr=_venting theJt of comDL't _rs a.z d t he like, at a cos =~ra:ca is i deal lv less than the ccst c= _.suring t he ezuicme nt .
According to the present invention there is provided an anti-theft apparatus for disabling, in response to an externally specified status encoded on a broadcast status signal, a system having a first input, a processor unit in communication with said first input, said processor unit generating a first output on the basis of said first input, and 3a a display unit in communication with said processor unit for display of said first output, said anti-theft apparatus comprising:
a second input operating independently of said first input, said second input receiving said broadcast status signal;
a decoder in communication with said second input, said decoder configured to identify said externally specified status encoded on said broadcast status signal; and a signal processor in communication with said decoder and with said display unit, said signal processor obscuring said first output with a second output in response to said externally specified status identified by said decoder, thereby disabling said system.
Preferably, the obscuring is by overprinting a message on top of the normal operational output. It may, of course be by replacing that ordinary operational output with a message, or the like.
Preferably, the receiver unit also causes the display of an identification code stored in the receiver unit.
This will preferably be unique to that piece of equipment and will enable identification of the true owner.
Preferably, the receiver unit includes a power source distinct from that of the processor unit thereby to enable continuous monitoring for incoming signals.
Those types of equipment which include a screen display can operate by obscuring the normal display of that screen. Those items of equipment which produce output in printed form can operate by superimposing a message on a printed output, or by replacing the output with the message. For example the electronic device can include computers, televisions, facsimile machines, photocopiers, video recorders, visual projection systems, or printers or any device capable of the above.
The receiver unit and remotely transmitted signals can be implemented by using similar technology to that employed by radio paging systems. This is an established remote signalling system in which a telephone call to the correct number (placed anywhere in the country) causes a signal to be sent to a portable receiver unit which is then activated. Such technology is well known and would need only simple modification to suit the present invention.
The present invention also relates to an upgrade kit, especially for installation in computers, which comprises the receiver device as defined above in conjunction with means for connecting the receiver unit with the remainder of the electronic device.
According to the present invention, there is also provided a method for disabling, in response to an externally specified status encoded on a broadcast status signal, a system having a first input, a processor unit in communication with said first input and generating a first output on the basis of said first input, and a display unit in communication with said processor unit for display of said first output, said method comprising the steps of:
receiving said broadcast status signal on a second input operating independently of said first input;
identifying said externally specified status encoded on said broadcast status signal; and on the basis of said externally specified status, obscuring said first output on said display unit, thereby disabling said system.
These methods can be applied to, for example, the above-described electronic devices in the manner described.
An embodiment of the present invention will now be described by way of example, with reference to the accompanying Figures in which:
Figure 1 is a perspective view of a computer incorporating the system;
Figure 2 is a view of a screen of a computer prior to activation of the system;
Figure 3 is a view of a screen of a computer after activation of the system;
Figure 4 is a flow chart showing the steps in the system;
Figure 5 shows the internal operation of the system in more detail.
Figure 1 shows on otherwise conventional personal computer 10 which has additional card 12 fitted to its mother board. That mother board comprises a receiver unit generally similar to that employed in a radio paging device. That is to say, it is adapted to listen on a particular radio frequency for signals sent by a central transmitter, and on receiving a signal identifies whether the signal contains a code unique to that receiver unit.
If so, the output of the receiver unit is activated.
Also present on the card 12 is a rechargeable battery independent of the main power source of the personal computer but adapted to recharge itself therefrom. Thus, the receiver unit of card 12 is able to listen on its allocated frequency continuously.
Also present on the card 12 is a signal processor for handling the signal produced by the PC 10 for onward transmission to a display unit 14. When an activation signal is received by the signal processor from the receiver unit, the signal processor from then onwards until reset superimposes on the normal output of the PC 10 a predetermined message. That message is, in this embodiment, large enough and prominent enough to obscure most of the normal output of PC 10.
Figure 2 shows the normal output of a personal computer. This PC is running under the Windowsm operating system and therefore is dependent on a graphical output for its operation. WindowsTM is a Trade Mark of Microsoft Corporation.
Figure 3 shows the same screen immediately after activation of the card 12. A message is clearly and prominently displayed on top of the normal output shown in Figure 2 and it is clear that the operation of this computer is significantly inhibited. Its value as a second-hand sale is therefore very low.
The displayed message also includes a code number 16 in the corner of the screen. That code number is unique to the signal processor within the card 12 and therefore should the computer 10 be retrieved by the police then this number can be used to identify the true owner.
Figure 4 shows the steps in the operation of the system. A customer purchases a computer 10, in this case a laptop, which is fitted with the system according to the invention, here designated by the Trade Mark ACCUPAGE. The customer contacts the system provider who arranges an airtime subscription to a paging service sub-let from the relevant telecommunications provider, in this case British Telecom. Then an identification file is created for that customer and an identification number 16 stored in that -computer is logged.
It is of course to be hoped that this particular customer never proceeds further along this flow chart.
However, should the computer be stolen (box 18), then the customer can call the service provider and identify their stock that has been stolen. The service provider then identifies (from the identification file previously created) the electronic addresses of the receiver units within the stolen computer 10, and sends a signal to activate those receiver units. This is then received by the receiver units, and the message appears on the screen, step 20. The thief is then likely to abandon the stock, whereupon it should fall into the hands of the police who can use the identification code 16 to return the equipment to its rightful owner.
Figure 5 shows some of the internal construction of the card 12. It can be seen that a receiver unit 22 provides a received signal to a decoder 24 which considers the signal and if appropriate to that computer 10 triggers the superimposition of a message by the signal processor 26.
It will be appreciated that the above described example is by way of illustration only and many variations are possible whilst remaining within the scope of the present invention.
OUTPUT OF A STOLEN ELECTRONIC DEVICE
The 7_esent invention relates to a s2c::rlty devi ce, espec:al:v one intended for use in 'protec-_:ng e_ecz_onic devices.
Ccmruc=_s are used routinely in 3 very i,arce number of businesses and homes. The decrease i n the c~s z of compu'_::c : cwe: has fuei? ed this exoansion, and a= t: e same time adva:_c=s in micro electronics have mean_ t:at the ohysica_ s:c=_ and weight oJLr a powe_=u' co=u_e_ has decreased --c the point where even a desk top ccnpuc=_= car.
be ca=r'-_d r'-'-at;veiv easilv.
=tIS :-s 11e?P.t that the theft o= De='soI'_a_ cclIl=''ze=s, ?n Da=zic:j_a= IaDtoD comDuters, have become eYt=?neiv easv and is .~.cw a ser~-0lis orob1eIi1. T t :s esz_:1a~~~ zt3-z one qua= -.e= -= a_'_ commercial comDute= users in the u._ ted i{incdc:: ._a-. e cee:. ::ury led er robbed of ac _eas _ some of their cc. ~s= s --oc'.1. The value cf this eeu-zme::c szoien ln :JC 1 was C':er ---=~0 million. One dealer has e5tZ-1a~ed that 35% of his customers have been robbed; 25% of those have been robbed more than once, some as much as six or seven times.
The ease with which such thefts can be executed is illustrated by one example in which thieves entered the premises of a company at 9.57pm and in the following four minutes before the arrival of the police stole ~15,000 worth of equipment.
Once a computer is stolen, the hard disk can be re-formatted and the computer can then be sold easily. It is estimated that one particular case reaped ~3 million for the burglar.
Insurance companies who provide insurance against computer burglary now find that computer theft is dominating their time and causing severe losses. Often, insurance premiums increase significantly after a theft has taken place, or insurance is refused altogether. Insurers may often insist on improving security at business premises; the cost of this can be as much as ~6,000.
Methods exist to protect computers against theft;
these include physical means such as attaching security tags firmly to the computers or defacing the exterior surface of the computer to dissuade potential purchasers of the stolen goods; both of these are unsightly and the former is liable to incite damage of the computer by the thief in an attempt to remove it.
Computers can be provided with password locks, which ensure that the computer will not operate until the correct password is entered. However re-formatti-y o: --he hard disk is usually possible and this will erase a:' sof -Lware present, includ;ng the password lock.
US 5355414 discloses a system whereby =he ce_ _Dheral devices (e.c. the displav unit and keyboard) are disabled for aoredetarmined period of time if an incorrec' password is entered. Hcwever, this is a software-based s-.rstem and therefore inherently vulnerable.
US 5343524 discloses a computer with an additionai m'_crCDroc _ssor whlch must be Dresent in Or-ler " a:_cw the svste.rn to eperate. The contents of the m_c=cpr:.cessor are said to be =cr.-ccpyable. 1_ the microorocasscr _s =e:noved , then t he ccmputer will not operate. Hewe~r__, sh culd the system be stolen, the thieves will Dresumabl": also take the microtrocessor.
There _herefore exists a need -fcr a ze?ns for dissuad:ng or pr=_venting theJt of comDL't _rs a.z d t he like, at a cos =~ra:ca is i deal lv less than the ccst c= _.suring t he ezuicme nt .
According to the present invention there is provided an anti-theft apparatus for disabling, in response to an externally specified status encoded on a broadcast status signal, a system having a first input, a processor unit in communication with said first input, said processor unit generating a first output on the basis of said first input, and 3a a display unit in communication with said processor unit for display of said first output, said anti-theft apparatus comprising:
a second input operating independently of said first input, said second input receiving said broadcast status signal;
a decoder in communication with said second input, said decoder configured to identify said externally specified status encoded on said broadcast status signal; and a signal processor in communication with said decoder and with said display unit, said signal processor obscuring said first output with a second output in response to said externally specified status identified by said decoder, thereby disabling said system.
Preferably, the obscuring is by overprinting a message on top of the normal operational output. It may, of course be by replacing that ordinary operational output with a message, or the like.
Preferably, the receiver unit also causes the display of an identification code stored in the receiver unit.
This will preferably be unique to that piece of equipment and will enable identification of the true owner.
Preferably, the receiver unit includes a power source distinct from that of the processor unit thereby to enable continuous monitoring for incoming signals.
Those types of equipment which include a screen display can operate by obscuring the normal display of that screen. Those items of equipment which produce output in printed form can operate by superimposing a message on a printed output, or by replacing the output with the message. For example the electronic device can include computers, televisions, facsimile machines, photocopiers, video recorders, visual projection systems, or printers or any device capable of the above.
The receiver unit and remotely transmitted signals can be implemented by using similar technology to that employed by radio paging systems. This is an established remote signalling system in which a telephone call to the correct number (placed anywhere in the country) causes a signal to be sent to a portable receiver unit which is then activated. Such technology is well known and would need only simple modification to suit the present invention.
The present invention also relates to an upgrade kit, especially for installation in computers, which comprises the receiver device as defined above in conjunction with means for connecting the receiver unit with the remainder of the electronic device.
According to the present invention, there is also provided a method for disabling, in response to an externally specified status encoded on a broadcast status signal, a system having a first input, a processor unit in communication with said first input and generating a first output on the basis of said first input, and a display unit in communication with said processor unit for display of said first output, said method comprising the steps of:
receiving said broadcast status signal on a second input operating independently of said first input;
identifying said externally specified status encoded on said broadcast status signal; and on the basis of said externally specified status, obscuring said first output on said display unit, thereby disabling said system.
These methods can be applied to, for example, the above-described electronic devices in the manner described.
An embodiment of the present invention will now be described by way of example, with reference to the accompanying Figures in which:
Figure 1 is a perspective view of a computer incorporating the system;
Figure 2 is a view of a screen of a computer prior to activation of the system;
Figure 3 is a view of a screen of a computer after activation of the system;
Figure 4 is a flow chart showing the steps in the system;
Figure 5 shows the internal operation of the system in more detail.
Figure 1 shows on otherwise conventional personal computer 10 which has additional card 12 fitted to its mother board. That mother board comprises a receiver unit generally similar to that employed in a radio paging device. That is to say, it is adapted to listen on a particular radio frequency for signals sent by a central transmitter, and on receiving a signal identifies whether the signal contains a code unique to that receiver unit.
If so, the output of the receiver unit is activated.
Also present on the card 12 is a rechargeable battery independent of the main power source of the personal computer but adapted to recharge itself therefrom. Thus, the receiver unit of card 12 is able to listen on its allocated frequency continuously.
Also present on the card 12 is a signal processor for handling the signal produced by the PC 10 for onward transmission to a display unit 14. When an activation signal is received by the signal processor from the receiver unit, the signal processor from then onwards until reset superimposes on the normal output of the PC 10 a predetermined message. That message is, in this embodiment, large enough and prominent enough to obscure most of the normal output of PC 10.
Figure 2 shows the normal output of a personal computer. This PC is running under the Windowsm operating system and therefore is dependent on a graphical output for its operation. WindowsTM is a Trade Mark of Microsoft Corporation.
Figure 3 shows the same screen immediately after activation of the card 12. A message is clearly and prominently displayed on top of the normal output shown in Figure 2 and it is clear that the operation of this computer is significantly inhibited. Its value as a second-hand sale is therefore very low.
The displayed message also includes a code number 16 in the corner of the screen. That code number is unique to the signal processor within the card 12 and therefore should the computer 10 be retrieved by the police then this number can be used to identify the true owner.
Figure 4 shows the steps in the operation of the system. A customer purchases a computer 10, in this case a laptop, which is fitted with the system according to the invention, here designated by the Trade Mark ACCUPAGE. The customer contacts the system provider who arranges an airtime subscription to a paging service sub-let from the relevant telecommunications provider, in this case British Telecom. Then an identification file is created for that customer and an identification number 16 stored in that -computer is logged.
It is of course to be hoped that this particular customer never proceeds further along this flow chart.
However, should the computer be stolen (box 18), then the customer can call the service provider and identify their stock that has been stolen. The service provider then identifies (from the identification file previously created) the electronic addresses of the receiver units within the stolen computer 10, and sends a signal to activate those receiver units. This is then received by the receiver units, and the message appears on the screen, step 20. The thief is then likely to abandon the stock, whereupon it should fall into the hands of the police who can use the identification code 16 to return the equipment to its rightful owner.
Figure 5 shows some of the internal construction of the card 12. It can be seen that a receiver unit 22 provides a received signal to a decoder 24 which considers the signal and if appropriate to that computer 10 triggers the superimposition of a message by the signal processor 26.
It will be appreciated that the above described example is by way of illustration only and many variations are possible whilst remaining within the scope of the present invention.
Claims (12)
1. An anti-theft apparatus for disabling, in response to an externally specified status encoded on a broadcast status signal, a system having a first input, a processor unit in communication with said first input, said processor unit generating a first output on the basis of said first input, and a display unit in communication with said processor unit for display of said first output, said anti-theft apparatus comprising:
a second input operating independently of said first input, said second input receiving said broadcast status signal;
a decoder in communication with said second input, said decoder configured to identify said externally specified status encoded on said broadcast status signal; and a signal processor in communication with said decoder and with said display unit, said signal processor obscuring said first output with a second output in response to said externally specified status identified by said decoder, thereby disabling said system.
a second input operating independently of said first input, said second input receiving said broadcast status signal;
a decoder in communication with said second input, said decoder configured to identify said externally specified status encoded on said broadcast status signal; and a signal processor in communication with said decoder and with said display unit, said signal processor obscuring said first output with a second output in response to said externally specified status identified by said decoder, thereby disabling said system.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said signal processor overprints said first output with said second output in response to said externally specified status identified by said decoder.
3. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising, in communication with said signal processor, means for storing an identification code to be included in said second output.
4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein said identification code is selected to uniquely identify said apparatus.
5. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a second power source for powering said apparatus, said second power source being separate from a first power source for powering said system.
6. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a visible indicator of the presence of said anti-theft device in said system.
7. A method for disabling, in response to an externally specified status encoded on a broadcast status signal, a system having a first input, a processor unit in communication with said first input and generating a first output on the basis of said first input, and a display unit in communication with said processor unit for display of said first output, said method comprising the steps of:
receiving said broadcast status signal on a second input operating independently of said first input;
identifying said externally specified status encoded on said broadcast status signal; and on the basis of said externally specified status, obscuring said first output on said display unit, thereby disabling said system.
receiving said broadcast status signal on a second input operating independently of said first input;
identifying said externally specified status encoded on said broadcast status signal; and on the basis of said externally specified status, obscuring said first output on said display unit, thereby disabling said system.
8. The method of claim 7, wherein said step of obscuring said first output comprises the steps of generating a second output in response to said broadcast status signal, and obscuring said first output with said second output.
9. The method of claim 8, wherein said step of generating said second output comprises the step of providing an identification code to be included in said second output.
10. The method of claim 9, wherein said step of providing an identification code comprises the step of selecting said identification code to uniquely identify said system.
11. The method of claim 7, further comprising the step of providing a second power source operating independently of a first power source for powering said system.
12. The method of claim 7, further comprising the step of providing a visible indicator of the association of an anti-theft apparatus with said system.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB9503846A GB2298302B (en) | 1995-02-25 | 1995-02-25 | Security device |
| GB9503846.9 | 1995-02-25 | ||
| PCT/GB1996/000403 WO1996027174A1 (en) | 1995-02-25 | 1996-02-23 | Security device |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2211735A1 CA2211735A1 (en) | 1996-09-06 |
| CA2211735C true CA2211735C (en) | 2008-04-08 |
Family
ID=10770275
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002211735A Expired - Lifetime CA2211735C (en) | 1995-02-25 | 1996-02-23 | Anti-theft apparatus and method for altering the display output of a stolen electronic device |
Country Status (10)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US6087937A (en) |
| EP (1) | EP0811215B1 (en) |
| JP (1) | JPH11501425A (en) |
| AT (1) | ATE179824T1 (en) |
| AU (1) | AU4727796A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2211735C (en) |
| DE (1) | DE69602356T2 (en) |
| ES (1) | ES2132888T3 (en) |
| GB (1) | GB2298302B (en) |
| WO (1) | WO1996027174A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (49)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JPH10124345A (en) * | 1996-10-09 | 1998-05-15 | Hewlett Packard Co <Hp> | Method for protecting remote computer |
| US6418533B2 (en) * | 1997-08-29 | 2002-07-09 | Compaq Information Technologies Group, L.P. | “J” system for securing a portable computer which optionally requires an entry of an invalid power on password (POP), by forcing an entry of a valid POP |
| US6480096B1 (en) | 1998-07-08 | 2002-11-12 | Motorola, Inc. | Method and apparatus for theft deterrence and secure data retrieval in a communication device |
| US6263440B1 (en) * | 1998-07-10 | 2001-07-17 | International Business Machines Corporation | Tracking and protection of display monitors by reporting their identity |
| US7093300B1 (en) * | 1998-07-27 | 2006-08-15 | Fujitsu Ten Limited | Electronic apparatus having security function |
| DE10037810A1 (en) * | 2000-08-03 | 2002-02-14 | Bosch Gmbh Robert | Display for electrical apparatus, shows graphic or picture information preset by an apparatus owner or graphic or picture information with text components |
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-
1995
- 1995-02-25 GB GB9503846A patent/GB2298302B/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
-
1996
- 1996-02-23 CA CA002211735A patent/CA2211735C/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1996-02-23 WO PCT/GB1996/000403 patent/WO1996027174A1/en active IP Right Grant
- 1996-02-23 EP EP96903132A patent/EP0811215B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1996-02-23 US US08/860,066 patent/US6087937A/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1996-02-23 JP JP8526085A patent/JPH11501425A/en active Pending
- 1996-02-23 AU AU47277/96A patent/AU4727796A/en not_active Abandoned
- 1996-02-23 DE DE69602356T patent/DE69602356T2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1996-02-23 ES ES96903132T patent/ES2132888T3/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1996-02-23 AT AT96903132T patent/ATE179824T1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| US6087937A (en) | 2000-07-11 |
| CA2211735A1 (en) | 1996-09-06 |
| WO1996027174A1 (en) | 1996-09-06 |
| GB2298302B (en) | 1998-04-01 |
| JPH11501425A (en) | 1999-02-02 |
| DE69602356T2 (en) | 1999-11-25 |
| ES2132888T3 (en) | 1999-08-16 |
| EP0811215B1 (en) | 1999-05-06 |
| EP0811215A1 (en) | 1997-12-10 |
| AU4727796A (en) | 1996-09-18 |
| GB9503846D0 (en) | 1995-04-19 |
| DE69602356D1 (en) | 1999-06-10 |
| ATE179824T1 (en) | 1999-05-15 |
| GB2298302A (en) | 1996-08-28 |
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| EEER | Examination request | ||
| MKEX | Expiry |
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