Password protected modular computer method and device

Abstract

A method and device for securing a removable attached computer module (“ACM”) 10. ACM 10 inserts into a computer module Bay (“CMB”) 40 within a peripheral console to form a functional computer such as a desktop computer or portable computer. The present ACM 10 includes a locking system, which includes hardware and software 600, 700, to prevent accidental removal or theft of the ACM from the peripheral console. While ACM is in transit, further security is necessary against illegal or unauthorized use. If ACM contains confidential data, a high security method is needed to safeguard against theft.

Description

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of one embodiment of a computer system using the interface of the present invention. 542

FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram of the lines PCK and PD0 to PD3. These lines are unidirectional LVDS lines for transmitting signals from HIC 1300 to the PIC of FIG. 12. Another set of lines, namely PCKR and PDR0 to PDR3, are used to transmit clock signals and bits from the PIC to HIC 1300

The above embodiments are described generally in terms of hardware and software. It will be recognized, however, that the functionality of the hardware can be further combined or even separated. The functionality of the software can also be further combined or even separated. Hardware can be replaced, at times, with software. Software can be replaced, at times, with hardware. Accordingly, the present embodiments should not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims here. One of ordinary skill in the art would recognize other variations, modifications, and alternatives.

While the above is a full description of the specific embodiments, various modifications, alternative constructions and equivalents may be used. Therefore, the above description and illustrations should not be taken as limiting the scope of the present invention which is defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A computer module, said module comprising:

an enclosure, said enclosure being insertable into a console;

a central processing unit in said enclosure, said central processing unit comprising a microprocessor based integrated circuit chip;

a hard disk drive in said enclosure, said hard disk drive being coupled to said central processing unit; and

a programmable memory device in said enclosure, said programmable memory device being configurable to store a password for preventing a possibility of unauthorized use of said hard disk drive.

2. The computer module of claim 1 further comprising a host interface controller for providing a status of a locking device in said enclosure.

3. The computer module of claim 1 further comprising a mechanical locking device that is coupled to said programmable memory device.

4. The computer module of claim 1 further comprising a host interface controller coupled to a mechanical locking device, said host interface controller being coupled to said programmable memory device.

5. The computer module of claim 1 wherein said programmable memory device comprises a flash memory device.

6. The computer module of claim 1 wherein said programmable memory device comprises a flash memory device having at least 8 Mbits of cells and greater.

7. The computer module of claim 1 further comprising a security program in a main memory.

8. The computer module of claim 7 wherein said security program comprises a code for storing a password on said programmable memory device.

9. The computer module of claim 8 wherein said security program comprises a code for checking a time from said real-time clock circuit.

10. The computer module of claim 1 further comprising a host interface controller coupled to a solenoid that drives a mechanical lock in a first position to a second position.

11. The computer module of claim 10 wherein said solenoid also drives said mechanical lock from said second position to said first position.

12. The computer module of claim 1 further comprising a real-time clock circuit coupled to said central processing unit.

13. The computer module of claim 12 further comprising a battery coupled to a host interface controller that includes said real-time clock.

14. A method for operating a computer system, said method comprising:

inserting an attached computer module (“ACM”) into a bay of a modular computer system, said ACM comprising a microprocessor unit coupled to a mass memory storage device;

applying power to said computer system and said ACM to execute a security program, said security program being stored in said mass memory storage device; and

prompting for a user password from a user on a display.

15. The method of claim 14 wherein said ACM comprises an enclosure that houses said microprocessor unit and said mass memory storage device.

16. The method of claim 14 further comprising providing a user password to said security program.

17. The method of claim 14 further comprising a flash memory device for storing a desired password for said ACM.

18. The method of claim 17 wherein said flash memory device maintains said desired password when power is removed from said ACM.

19. The method of claim 18 wherein said flash memory device is coupled to a host interface controller that is coupled to said microprocessor based unit.

20. The method of claim 14 wherein said mass memory storage device comprises a code directed to comparing said user password with a desired password.

21. The method of claim 14 further comprising identifying a permanent password or user code on said attached computer module.

22. The method of claim 21 wherein said permanent password or user code is stored in said microprocessor unit.

23. The method of claim 21 wherein said permanent password or user code is stored in a flash memory device coupled to said microprocessor unit.

24. A computer system comprising:

a console comprising,

a primary power supply, and

a first low voltage differential signal (LVDS) channel comprising two unidirectional serial channels that transmit data in opposite directions; and

a computer module configured to be operational only upon insertion into said console and receiving power from said primary power supply, said computer module comprising,

an enclosure insertable into the console,

a central processing unit in said enclosure, said central processing unit comprising a microprocessor based integrated circuit chip,

a hard disk drive in said enclosure, said hard disk drive being coupled to said central processing unit,

a second low voltage differential signal (LVDS) channel comprising two unidirectional serial channels that transmit encoded data of peripheral component Interconnect (PCI) bus transaction, and

a programmable memory device in said enclosure, said programmable memory device being configurable to store a password for preventing a possibility of unauthorized use of said hard disk drive.

25. The computer system of claim 24 wherein the first LVDS channel couples to the second LVDS channel upon insertion.

26. A computer system comprising:

a console comprising,

a primary power supply, and

a first low voltage differential signal (LVDS) channel comprising two unidirectional serial channels that transmit encoded data of peripheral component Interconnect (PCI) bus transaction; and

a computer module configured to be operational only upon insertion into said console and receiving power from said primary power supply, said computer module comprising,

an enclosure insertable into the console,

a central processing unit in said enclosure, said central processing unit comprising a microprocessor based integrated circuit chip,

a hard disk drive in said enclosure, said hard disk drive being coupled to said central processing unit,

a second low voltage differential signal (LVDS) channel comprising two unidirectional serial channels that transmit data in opposite direction,

an interface controller coupled to the second LVDS channel, and

a programmable memory device in said enclosure, said programmable memory device being configurable to store a password for preventing a possibility of unauthorized use of said hard disk drive.

27. The computer system of claim 26 wherein the first LVDS channel couples to the second LVDS channel upon insertion.

28. A method for operating a computer system, said method comprising:

inserting an attached computer module (“ACM”) into a bay of a console of a modular computer system, the console comprising,

a primary power supply,

a lan communication device, and

a first low voltage differential signal (LVDS) channel comprising two unidirectional serial channels transmitting data in opposite direction,

said ACM configured to be operational only upon insertion into said console and receiving power from said primary power supply, said ACM comprising

a microprocessor unit coupled to a mass memory storage device, and

a second low voltage differential signal (LVDS) channel comprising two unidirectional serial channels transmitting encoded data of peripheral component Interconnect (PCI) bus transaction in opposite direction;

applying power to said computer system and said ACM to execute a security program, said security program being stored in said mass memory storage device; and prompting for a user password from a user on a display.

29. The method of claim 28 wherein the mass memory storage device comprises flash memory.

30. The method of claim 28 wherein the mass memory storage device comprises a hard disk drive.