Detecting theft and disabling stolen equipment
US7786861B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 29, 2007 |
| Grant date | Aug 31, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 25, 2027 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F21/88
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Some implementations of the present invention provide methods and devices for detecting the theft of, and disabling, electronic devices such as computers and network devices. The devices may be disabled when a signal is not detected, e.g., for a predetermined period of time. For example, a radio frequency (“RF”) signal (e.g., a beacon), an Internet Protocol (“IP”) signal or the like may define a space within which the devices may be operated with complete functionality. Outside this space, the devices will be disabled, at least to some degree. The degree of disablement may depend on the length of time since the signal was last detected. Alternatively, the devices may be disabled when a signal is detected: some such implementations define “portals,” “choke points” or the like past which a device may not be transported without some degree of disablement.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.