GB2478002A

GB2478002A - Computer peripheral device with lockable attachment mechanism

Info

Publication number: GB2478002A
Application number: GB1003025A
Authority: GB
Inventors: David Rimer
Original assignee: NUMBER 8 TECHNOLOGY Ltd
Current assignee: NUMBER 8 TECHNOLOGY Ltd
Priority date: 2010-02-23
Filing date: 2010-02-23
Publication date: 2011-08-24
Also published as: GB201003025D0

Abstract

An electronic peripheral device 10 comprises a lockable attachment mechanism 11, for securing the device externally to a computer (1, fig. 3B), and a data connection 20, preferably not part of the attachment mechanism, for connecting the device to a data connection (5, fig. 3B) of computer 1. The data connection may be USB or wireless, for example. The attachment mechanism is attachable to and detachable from an external attachment structure (2, fig. 3B) of the computer and the computer's data connection does not form part of its attachment structure. The attachment structure may comprise a security aperture (3, fig. 3B) extending through an external wall (4, fig. 3B) of computer 1 — perhaps a standard-sized security slot — and the attachment mechanism may include an attachment portion 12 that extends outwardly from the body of the device for secure insertion into the aperture. The device may include an internal power source 30 and/or a solid-state memory 31 and may, for example, be a wireless communications device, a software "dongle" or a card reader.

Description

Computer peripheral device This invention relates to peripheral devices for use with computers.

In this specification, a computer is any programmed electronic device, including laptop computers, cellular telephones, gaming devices, personal digital assistants and the like, and a peripheral device is any electronic device that is physically separable from the computer and interacts with the computer via a hardwire or wireless data link.

Peripheral devices are used alongside a computer to perform a diverse range of functions, including for example connecting the computer to a cellular or other communications network, authenticating data transmissions to or from the computer, or enabling the operation of proprietory software stored on the computer. A dongle or other peripheral device may be supplied to a user, for example, by a telecommunications company to enable access to its cellular network, by a software vendor in order to authonse use of its software, by an organisation to authorise access to its extranet or intranet, or by a banking institution to authenticate the user's credit card or other financial data. A user may also obtain a peripheral device, for example, a USB flash drive for use as a portable, external memory for safeguarding or transporting valuable data.

One problem associated with such peripheral devices is that, although they may contain data of high value, they are typically very small and so are easily lost or stolen.

Another problem is that such devices typically include a hardwire data connection comprising a USB connector which is inserted into a USB port in the computer body, so that the device is attached to the computer by its USB connector and protrudes from the computer body in use. Alternatively, the device may be attached to the computer port via a short lead. Such devices are often used with laptop computers, which in turn are often used in public places. It is therefore relatively easy to steal such a device by pulling it out of the computer. It is also relatively easy to detach the device or to damage the USB port in the computer, or the USB connector on the device, if the device is inadvertently knocked or wrenched while attached to the computer. In time, mechanical forces applied to the USB port can result in a loose and faulty connection.

It is the object of the present invention to provide a peripheral device for a computer which addresses these problems.

In accordance with the present invention there is provided an electronic peripheral device as defined in the claims.

Advantageously, the device may be securely locked to the computer so that it is convenient for use while being protected against loss or theft. This is particularly helpful where the device is essential to the function being carried out by the computer; for example, where it is necessary to log on to an extranet or to authenticate software or data transmissions. This makes it possible, for example, for an employer to provide an authentication or security dongle to an employee so as to enable him to access the employer's extranet from his laptop; the dongle must necessarily be separable from the computer, and yet can be secured against loss or theft, if necessary by a key which is retained by the employer.

At the same time, the wireless or hardwire data connection of the device preferably does not form part of the attachment mechanism; so that the data connection hardware in.the computer and in the device is not damaged by mechanical forces applied to the device.

The peripheral device may comprise, for example, one or more of a microphone, a webcam, a fingerprint scanner, a card reader for a memory or smartcard, a security code generator, a cellular or other wireless network communications device, a memory unit, particularly a solid state memory unit such as a USB flash drive, or a dongle comprising a chip based smart card or a smart key such as the iLok (TM) or other data authentication or protection device or the like, e.g. for use with licensed proprietory software installed on the computer.

The peripheral device may be adapted to receive one or more complementary peripheral devices, such as credit cards, smart cards, memory cards or modules, SIM cards, or the like.

The peripheral device may may have an internal power supply, a clock, and/or a microprocessor. It may include a security code generating device, which generates a continuously changing security code which must be input into the computer, for example, in order to log on to an extranet. A security code generating device may be combined with another device, such as a card reader for reading a credit card and outputting a security code which must be input into the computer in order to make an online transaction.

The peripheral device may interact directly with the computer via a hardwire data and/or power connection, and/or via a wireless link, e.g. a bluetooth (RTM), infra red or other short range wireless technology.

In one preferred embodiment, the peripheral device is a USB flash drive or other solid state memory device.

In another preferred embodiment, the peripheral device is a cellular or other wireless communications device.

In yet another preferred embodiment, the peripheral device is a security dongle, for example, for enabling access to a secure extranet or intranet or for authenticating licensed software stored on the computer. Such a dongle may contain non-volatile memory, a microprocessor such as a secure cryptoprocessor, a code porting function for importing computer code from the protected software, a clock powered by an internal battery, and/or other features as known in the art.

The peripheral device may combine several functions; for example, a cellular communications device may include a non-volatile memory holding secure codes for authenticating or enabling software stored on the computer, as well as a security code generator for authenticating data transmitted to and from the computer to an external network, so that the device can establish a secure connection to an extranet.

The body of the device may include a standard security aperture or other external attachment structure, similar to that of the computer, so that the computer can be secured to an external object by means of a conventional security locking accessory which is locked to the device. Alternatively, the device may include a fixed or detachable cable, or a lockable aperture or other structure to which a cable may be releasably secured, by which means the device attached to the computer, and hence the computer itself, may be secured to an external object.

Other features and advantages will be evident from the various illustrative embodiments of the invention which will now be described, purely by way of example and without limitation to the scope of the invention, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figs. 1 and 2 show electronic peripheral devices in accordance with first and second embodiments; Figs. 3A and 3B show an electronic peripheral device in accordance with a third embodiment, respectively in end view and detached from, and in side view and attached to, a laptop computer; and Figs. 4A and 4B show an electronic peripheral device in accordance with a fourth embodiment, respectively in side and plan view.

Corresponding parts are indicated by the same reference numerals in each of the figures.

Referring to the Figs. 1, 2, 3A and 3B, an electronic peripheral device comprises a body 10 with an attachment mechanism 11, which is attachable to and detachable from an external attachment structure 2 of a laptop computer 1. The attachment structure 2 of the computer comprises a small security aperture 3 of standard dimensions, having a length of not more than 10mm, typically about 7mm, and a width of not more than 5mm, typically about 3mm, which extends through an external wall 4 of the casing of the computer. Such security apertures are ubiquitous in small computers, particularly laptop computers.

The attachment mechanism is generally as described in GB 2 452 351 A to the present applicant, and comprises an attachment portion 12 which extends outwardly from the body 10 of the device and is insertable into the aperture 3 and operable by rotation of a key 13 in a lock 14 to secure the attachment portion in the aperture.

The attachment portion comprises a projecting tongue 15 which is axially retractable into a flat sided outer casing 16, which may be. either fixed or rotatable with respect to the tongue. A pair of spring steel strips 17 are slidably mounted in an elongate cavity in the tongue. The tongue is inserted into the security slot 3 by pushing the lock into the casing, and then locked in place by rotating the lock so as to advance the strips axially through the security slot within the tongue. The distal ends of the strips are deflected progressively outwardly via lateral apertures at the distal end of the tongue by sliding engagement with a wedge formed at the distal end of the tongue so that they engage the laptop casing 4 at the periphery of the aperture 3 at an oblique angle so. as to secure the device externally to the computer as shown in Fig. 3B.

The computer 1 includes a data connection comprising a USB port 5, an infra red transmitter/receiver unit 6 and a wireless link 7, which are located proximate the attachment structure 2 but do not form part of it. The device includes a data connection for connecting the device to the data connection of the computer.

In the device of Fig. 1, the data connection of the device comprises a USB port 20 for receiving one end of a conventional USB flexible hardwire conductor (i.e. one or more conductors forming a flexible connection), the other end of which is connected to the port 5, and a short range, e.g. bluetooth (RTM) wireless data connection 22 which communicates with the wireless link 7. Either data connection may be used.

In the device of Fig. 2, the data connection of the device comprises a flexible conductor 23 in the form of an elastically retractable, curly lead, which is extended as far as necessary for its USB connector 24 to be inserted into the port 5. A wireless data connection is also provided, comprising an infra red device 25 which communicates with the unit 6.

In the device of Figs. 3A and 3B, the data connection of the device comprises a flexible conductor 26 terminating in a USB connector 27. The conductor 26 comprises a concertina folded, flat plastics strip with multiple foil conductors which is housed in an elastic bellows-type sleeve 28, so that it retracts to the rest position (Fig. 3A) when detached from the computer, and can be extended as far as necessary between the body of the device and the computer to insert the connector 27 into the port 5. The sleeve is conveniently located close to the surface of the computer casing so that it is unlikely to be snagged in use.

In alternative embodiments, the conductor may comprise a telescopic hard casing, a series of pivotable segments, or the like.

The device of Fig. 1 includes an internal power source 30 and a solid state internal memory 31, such as a flash drive.

The device of Fig. 2 includes a card reader 32 for receiving a smart card or memory storage device, and is configurable by rotating the key in the lock 14 to engage.a locking element 33 which mechanically secures the smart card or memory storage device in the reader 32 so as to prevent it from being removed. A display 34 is also provided. An internal processor, non-volatile memory, clock and power supply unit 35 communicates with the inserted smart card and, optionally, generates a time dependent security code which is displayed on the display 34 or transmitted via the, conductor 23 or device 25 to the computer, for example, to enable or authenticate software stored on the computer or data transmitted to a secure network.

The device of Figs. 3A and 3B includes a wireless communications device 36 for connecting the computer 1 to an external network, a non-volatile memory 37 for authenticating the transmission, and a card reader 38 for receiving a solid state memory card 39. When the card is inserted into the reader, the device may be configured to prevent its removal, simply by locking the device to the computer, so that the card reader 38 is obstructed by the wall 4.

The device of Fig. 1 also includes a security attachment means comprising a steel cable 40, whereby, when the device is secured to the computer, the device may also be secured to an external object. This enables the computer also to be secured to the external object.

Instead of a cable, the device of Fig. 2 has an aperture 41 into which a swaged termination 42 at the end of a separate steel cable 43 can be inserted; the termination is locked in the aperture by a locking element 44 that is engaged by turning the key 13 in the lock 14. It also has a standard security slot 3, into which a security locking device may be inserted.

Referring to Figs. 4A and 4B, the fourth device comprises a flash drive or other solid state memory and has an attachment mechanism 11' comprising a spindle with a T-shaped cross bar as known in the art, which is engaged by rotating a tubular key in the lock 14'. A USB connector 27 is mounted at the distal end of a telescopic hard casing 50 having a rotary joint 51. The body 10' of the device has a low profile so that it lies close to the outer casing of the computer in use, and is rotatable about the axis of the attachment mechanism 11' as indicated by the arrows.

In summary, a preferred computer peripheral device includes a wireless or hardwire data connection and a separate attachment mechanism that can be locked to a standard security aperture, for example, in a laptop computer. The device may comprise a solid state memory, a cellular communications transceiver, a security or authentication dongle, a card reader, or the like.

The lock may comprise a rotary or non-rotary key operated lock, a magnetically operated lock, a combination lock, an electromechanical lock operated for example by an input via the computer keyboard, or anyother suitable lock.

Instead of a laptop computer, the computer may be any programmed electronic device, and the attachment mechanism may be any suitable mechanism for engaging in a standard security aperture, including for example a spindle with a T-shaped cross bar as disclosed in W096115347, or an elastomenc element which is inserted through the security slot and then compressed so as to expand it behind the front wall, as disclosed in W02006/058321. In alternative embodiments, the attachment mechanism may be adapted for attachment to an external attachment structure comprising an aperture, a keyway, an external lug or any other physical feature provided for that purpose.

Many other adaptations falling within the scope of the claims will be evident to those skilled in the art on reading the foregoing description.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An electronic peripheral device for use with a computer, the computer including an external attachment structure and a data connection, the data connection not forming part of the attachment structure; the device having a body and a data connection for connecting the device to the data connection of the computer; characterised in that the device includes an attachment mechanism, the attachment mechanism being attachable to and detachable from the attachment structure of the computer, and a lock for locking the attachment mechanism so as to secure the device externally to the computer.
2. A device according to claim 1, characterised in that the external attachment structure comprises a security aperture extending through an external wall of the computer, and the attachment mechanism includes an attachment portion extending outwardly from the body of the device, the attachment portion being insertable into the aperture, the mechanism being operable to secure the attachment portion in the aperture.
3. A device according to claim 2, characterised in that the security aperture has a length of not more than 10mm and a width of not more than 5mm.
4. A device according to any of claims 1 -3, characterised in that the data connection of the device comprises a wireless data connection.
5. A device according to any of claims I -3, characterised in that the data connection of the device comprises a flexible conductor arranged between the body of the device and the computer.
6. A device according to claim 5, characterised in that the flexible conductor is elastically retractable.
7. A device according to any of claims 1 -3, characterised in that the device includes an internal power source.
8. A device according to any of claims 1 -3, characterised in that the device is a wireless communications device for connecting the computer to an external network.
9. A device according to any of claims 1 3, charactensed in that the device authenticates or enables software stored on the computer.
10. A device according to any of claims 1 3, charactensed in that the device authenticates data transmitted by the computer.
11. A device according to any of claims 1 -3, characterised in that the device comprises a solid state memory.
12. A device according to any of claims 1 -3, characterised in that the device includes a reader for receiving a smart card or memory storage device.
13. A device according to claim 12, characterised in that the device is configurable to mechanically secure the smart card or memory storage device so as to prevent it from being removed from the reader.
14. A device according to any of claims 1 -3, characterised in that the device includes a security attachment means whereby, when the device is secured to the computer, the device may also be secured to an external object.
15. A device according to any of claims 1 -3, characterised in that the data connection of the device does not form part of the attachment mechanism.
16. A device substantially as described with reference to the accompanying drawings.