GB2304810A

GB2304810A - Computer Security Module

Info

Publication number: GB2304810A
Application number: GB9518391A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Colin Mclean
Original assignee: WESTCOAST MANAGEMENT Ltd
Current assignee: WESTCOAST MANAGEMENT Ltd
Priority date: 1995-09-08
Filing date: 1995-09-08
Publication date: 1997-03-26
Also published as: GB9518391D0

Abstract

A security alarm unit for fitting within an expansion slot of a personal computer comprises a vibration sensor (17) and a light sensor (16) which respectively activate dye capsules (22) when the computer is moved, or when its housing is removed. The dye capsules (22) are connected to the circuit board of the unit via flexible electrical leads that enable the capsules (22) to be positioned over the particularly valuable components within the computer. Upon activation, the alarm (15) is sounded, the capsules (22) rupture and the dye contained within them is sprayed over the adjacent components thereby making them less attractive to steal.

Description

Computer security arranaement This invention relates to a security arrangement particularly but not solely for a personal computer.

A number of different arrangements have been proposed for safeguarding personal computers against theft, either of the entire machine or of internal parts. These arrangements have achieved limited degrees of success. We have now devised a security arrangement which achieves a high degree of protection.

In accordance with this invention, there is provided a security alarm unit which comprises one or more sensors for detecting predetermined conditions, and at least one capsule containing dye, the or each capsule being arranged to rupture upon receipt of an electrical signal, and spray its contents outwardly.

Dye capsules are commercially available, which respond to an electrical current to explode and spray their contents.

By using these in the present invention, components adjacent the capsules will become covered in dye, and it will then be impossible to conceal the fact that those components have been obtained in an unauthorised manner.

Conveniently therefore, the security alarm unit of this invention can be installed internally of a computer or other item of equipment: when the computer etc. is disturbed by an unauthorised person, the security alarm unit is activated and the dye capsule sprays the adjacent internal components of the computer etc.

Preferably the dye capsules are connected to the unit by means of flexible electrical leads, so that the dye capsules can be positioned where desired within the computer etc.

Preferably the unit includes an audible alarm or sounder which is also activated when the computer etc. is disturbed.

Preferably the unit includes a vibration or movement sensor, and/or a light sensor. Accordingly, the unit will be activated in response to unauthorised movement, and/or if its housing is opened and the unit is thus subjected to an increased level of light.

An embodiment of this invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawing, the single figure of which is a schematic diagram of a security alarm unit for installation within a personal computer.

Referring to the drawing, there is shown a unit which comprises an interface 10 for fitting into an expansion slot of the computer to be protected. The circuitry of the unit is arranged to be powered via the interface 10 when the computer is powered up, but alternatively by an on-board battery 12 when the computer is powered down: the battery 12 is of rechargeable type and is recharged via a regulator 11. A monitor 13 is arranged to detect a low charge condition of the battery, to activate an audible alarm or sounder 15 via a driver 14.

The unit further comprises a light sensor 16 and a vibration sensor 17. The trigger points of each of these are manually adjustable by means of a device 18. An output control circuit 20 is activated if the light sensor 16 is triggered and/or if the vibration sensor 17 is triggered and a predetermined number of vibrations are counted by a counter circuit 19. Upon activation of the output control circuit 20, the sounder 15 is activated via the driver 14: also, a number of dye capsules 22 are activated via driver 21.

Any desired number of the dye capsules 22 may be provided: these dye capsules are connected to the circuit board of the unit via flexible electrical leads of sufficient length that the capsule may be positioned as required within the computer housing: the dye capsules can thus be positioned over the particularly valuable components within the computer. Upon activation, the dye capsules rupture and the dye contained within them is sprayed rapidly over the adjacent components etc.

The unit which is shown further comprises an override 23 for use in arming/disarming the unit from the exterior of the computer.

The circuit 18 preferably includes a processor able to receive and act on data received via the interface 10, and/or able to transmit data via the interface 10 e.g. to or from another computer or a modem. In particular the processor may receive instructions for adjusting the trigger points of the sensors 16, 17. The processor may transmit a signal through the interface, if one or other of the sensors 16, 17 is activated. Similarly, if another computer (fitted with a similar alarm unit) is disturbed, the processor of the present computer alarm unit may receive a signal via the interface to activate its sounder 15 and dye capsules 22.

Claims

1) A security alarm unit which comprises one or more sensors for detecting predetermined conditions, and at least one capsule containing dye, the or each capsule being arranged to rupture upon receipt of an electrical signal, and spray its contents outwardly.

2) A security alarm unit as claimed in claim 1, in which the dye capsules are connected to the unit by means of flexible electrical leads.

3) A security alarm unit as claimed in claims 1 or 2, in which the unit includes an audible alarm or sounder.

4) A security alarm unit as claimed in any preceding claims, which includes a vibration sensor.

5) A security alarm unit as claimed in any of claims 1 to 3, which includes a movement sensor.

6) A security alarm unit as claimed in claims 4 or 5, in which includes a light sensor.

7) A security alarm unit as claimed in any preceding claim, comprising a rechargeable battery.

8) An item of equipment comprising a security alarm unit as claimed in any preceding claim mounted inside its housing.

9) A computer comprising a security alarm unit as claimed in any preceding claim mounted inside its housing.

10) A computer as claimed in claim 9, in which the security alarm unit is fitted into an expansion slot thereof.

11) A computer as claimed in claims 9 or 10, in which the unit comprises a processor able to receive and act on data received via an interface which connects the unit to the computer.

12) A security alarm unit substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawing.