Scheme for blocking the use of lost or stolen network-connectable computer systems
US6925562B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 15, 2000 |
| Grant date | Aug 2, 2005 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 28, 2024 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04L63/108
- WIPO fieldDigital communication
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Scheme for switching a computer system (21), which is connectable via a communication interface and a network (22) to a server module (23), into a special mode of operation. The computer system (21) comprises a software component (26) for sending an identifier (w) assigned to the computer system (21) via the communication interface and the network (22) to the server module (23). In response, the software component (26) receives a token (S), issued by the server module (23), whereby the token (S) comprises a credit (C). In addition, the computer system (21) comprises a trusted hardware component (25) storing the identifier (w) and comprising a credit counter (44) with a credit which is automatically exhaustible step-by-step, and which is updateable with the credit (C) received from the server module (23). The computer system (21) has a trigger unit for switching the computer system (21) into the special mode of operation, e.g. a mode where the computer system (21) is of limited use to a user, if the credit of the credit counter is exhausted.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.