KR102417186B1 - Method for operating a notebook computer - Google Patents

Abstract

A method of operating a notebook computer according to an embodiment of the present invention includes the steps of entering a theft monitoring mode, detecting a preset theft event, and, when a theft event occurs, based on a current system state, By including the step of performing a predetermined operation corresponding to the state, it is possible to more effectively detect and respond to theft situation in consideration of the system state of the notebook computer.

Description

Method for operating a notebook computer

The present invention relates to a notebook computer and an operating method thereof, and more particularly, to a notebook computer capable of more effectively detecting and responding to a theft situation in consideration of the system state of the notebook computer, and an operating method thereof.

Portable notebook computers are used by many people because of their ease of use. Users can use a laptop computer to perform various tasks without time and space constraints.

A notebook computer can be conveniently used in various places while being carried by a user, but due to its portability, the possibility of theft and loss increases.

Accordingly, research on a system and method capable of preventing theft of a notebook computer continues.

An object of the present invention is to provide a notebook computer capable of detecting and preventing theft and an operating method thereof.

Meanwhile, another object of the present invention is to provide a notebook computer capable of more effectively detecting and responding to a theft situation in consideration of the system state of the notebook computer, and an operating method thereof.

In order to achieve the above object, the method of operating a notebook computer according to an embodiment of the present invention includes the steps of entering a theft monitoring mode, detecting a preset theft event, and when a theft event occurs, the current system By including the step of performing a predetermined operation corresponding to the system state based on the state, it is possible to more effectively detect and respond to theft situation in consideration of the system state of the notebook computer.

According to the present invention, it is possible to effectively detect and prevent theft of a notebook computer.

According to the present invention, in consideration of the system state of the notebook computer, it is possible to detect and respond to theft situation more effectively.

According to the present invention, even when the notebook computer is in the power saving mode, the hibernation mode, or the system is shut down, it is possible to detect and respond to theft situation.

1 is a block diagram of a notebook computer according to an embodiment of the present invention.
2 is an internal block diagram of a controller of a notebook computer according to an embodiment of the present invention.
3 is a flowchart illustrating a method of operating a notebook computer according to an embodiment of the present invention.
4 to 6 are diagrams referenced to explain examples of interface screens of a notebook computer according to embodiments of the present invention.
7 and 8 are diagrams referenced for explaining a method of operating a notebook computer based on a system state according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings.

The suffixes “module” and “part” for the components used in the following description are given simply in consideration of the ease of writing the present specification, and do not impart a particularly important meaning or role by themselves. Accordingly, the terms “module” and “unit” may be used interchangeably.

1 is a block diagram of a notebook computer according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is an internal block diagram of a controller of the notebook computer according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a notebook computer according to an embodiment of the present invention from the viewpoint of components according to functions is as follows.

Referring to FIG. 1 , a notebook computer 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a control unit 110 , a network interface unit 120 , an audio/video (A/V) input unit 130 , and a user input unit 135 . ), power supply unit 140, sensing unit 150, interface unit 160, display unit 171, audio output unit 172, embedded controller (EC) module 181, BIOS (BIOS) It may include a module 182 and a memory 190 . When these components are implemented in actual applications, two or more components may be combined into one component, or one component may be subdivided into two or more components as needed.

The network interface unit 120 refers to a module for wired/wireless Internet access, and may be built-in or external to the notebook computer 100 .

In addition, the network interface unit 120 may be connected to an external electronic device using a short-distance communication technology such as Bluetooth or Near Field Communication (NFC).

According to an embodiment of the present invention, when a theft situation occurs, the control unit 110 may control to access the Internet through the network interface unit 120 and transmit predetermined information to a preset e-mail address, a server, or the like.

The A/V (Audio/Video) input unit 130 is for inputting an audio signal or a video signal, and may include a camera to which a video signal is input, a microphone to which an audio signal is input, and the like.

The camera may process image frames such as still images or moving images obtained by the image sensor in the shooting mode. In addition, the processed image frame may be displayed on the display unit 171 .

The image frame processed by the camera may be stored in the memory 190 or transmitted to the outside through the network interface unit 120 .

For example, when a theft situation occurs, the controller 110 may take a still image or a moving image with a camera and control it to be transmitted to the outside through the network interface unit 120 .

The user input unit 135 generates power data by receiving a user command for controlling the operation of the notebook computer 100 by the user.

The user input unit 135 may include a keyboard, a mouse, various buttons, various keys, a touch pad, a switch, and the like.

The power supply unit 140 receives external power and internal power under the control of the control unit 110 to supply power required for operation of each component. The battery of the power supply unit 140 may be a built-in battery configured to be rechargeable, and may be detachably coupled to the body of the notebook computer 100 for charging or the like.

The sensing unit 150 detects the current state of the notebook computer 100 and generates a sensing signal for controlling the operation of the notebook computer 100 .

In addition, it may be responsible for sensing functions related to whether the power supply unit 140 is supplied with power, whether the interface unit 160 is coupled to an external device, and the like.

For example, the sensing unit 150 may sense a current state, such as an open/closed state of the cover LID of the notebook computer 100 , whether there is a user's contact, and transmit it to the controller 110 .

According to an embodiment, the sensing unit 150 may transmit a sensing signal to the embedded controller (EC) module 181 .

Meanwhile, the sensing unit 150 may include sensing means such as a gravity sensor, a geomagnetic sensor, a motion sensor, a gyroscope sensor, an acceleration sensor, an infrared sensor, a touch sensor, and a grip sensor.

The sensing unit 150 may sense the position or movement of the notebook computer 100 using an acceleration sensor, a gyro sensor, or the like.

The interface unit 160 functions as an interface with an external device connected to the notebook computer 100 . Examples of the external device connected to the notebook computer 100 include a wired/wireless headset, an external charger, a wired/wireless data port, a memory card, a SIM (Subscriber Identification Module) card, and a UIM (User Identity Module) card. There is a card socket, such as an audio I/O (Input/Output) terminal, a video I/O (Input/Output) terminal, and an earphone. The interface unit 160 may receive data or receive power from such an external device and transmit it to each component inside the notebook computer 100, and may allow data inside the notebook computer 100 to be transmitted to an external device. .

The display unit 171 displays and outputs information processed by the notebook computer 100 . Meanwhile, when the display unit 171 is configured as a touch screen, the display unit 171 may be used as an input device capable of inputting information by a user's touch in addition to an output device.

If the display unit 171 is configured as a touch screen, it may include a touch screen panel, a touch screen panel controller, and the like. In this case, the touch screen panel is a transparent panel attached to the outside, and may be connected to the internal bus of the notebook computer 100 . The touch screen panel watches the touch result, and sends corresponding signals to the touch screen panel controller when there is a touch input. The touch screen panel controller processes the signals and then transmits the corresponding data to the controller 110 so that the controller 110 can know whether there has been a touch input and which area of the touch screen has been touched.

On the other hand, the display unit 171 is a liquid crystal display (liquid crystal display), a thin film transistor-liquid crystal display (thin film transistor-liquid crystal display), an organic light-emitting diode (organic light-emitting diode), a flexible display (flexible display), three-dimensional At least one of a display (3D display) may be included.

The audio output unit 172 may output audio data received from the network interface unit 120 or stored in the memory 190 . Also, the audio output unit 172 outputs an audio signal related to a function performed in the notebook computer 100 . The audio output unit 172 may include a speaker, a buzzer, and the like.

The audio output unit 172 may output a signal for notifying the occurrence of an event in the notebook computer 100 .

Meanwhile, according to an embodiment, the notebook computer 100 may include a separate alarm unit that outputs a signal for notifying the occurrence of an event.

Embedded Controller (EC) module 181 is a device that controls devices such as PC power management, built-in keyboard input/output, touchpad, temperature management (battery temperature, fan temperature, etc.), LED (power button LED, etc.) As (CHIP), the constant power is applied.

The EC module 181 may receive power from the power supply unit 140 even when the notebook computer 100 is turned off. Accordingly, the EC module 181 may be maintained in the on state even when the system state of the notebook computer 100 is in the S5 (Soft Off) state.

If the power of the .EC module 181 is turned off, the power of the PC cannot be turned on.

The EC module 181 may include a RAM. A signal generated by each component included in the notebook computer 100 may be primarily stored in the RAM of the EC module 181 .

The EC module 181 may store the system state of the notebook computer 100 .

The BIOS (Basic Input/Output System: BIOS) module 182 may control basic input/output functions and operations of hardware and software mounted in the notebook computer 100 .

When the notebook computer 100 is turned on, the BIOS module 182 may check whether the main hardware is operating normally, and then load a file of the operating system stored in the memory 10 to start booting.

Meanwhile, although FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment in which the EC module 181 and the BIOS module 182 are separately provided, the present invention is not limited thereto.

For example, the EC module 181 and the BIOS module 182 may be implemented as the integrated module 180 .

The memory 190 may store programs or applications necessary for driving and functions of each component.

The memory 190 is a flash memory type, a hard disk type, a multimedia card micro type, a card type memory (eg, SD or XD memory, etc.), RAM , ROM may include at least one type of storage medium.

Meanwhile, the controller 110 may control the operation of each part of the notebook computer 100 to control the overall operation of the notebook computer 100 .

The control unit 110 may be a central processing unit (CPU). Alternatively, it may be implemented including a central processing unit (CPU) and a main chipset, or may further include other modules.

The central processing unit (CPU) may control the overall operation of the notebook computer 100 . The main chipset is a chipset provided on a main board, and may refer to a controller chip that connects and controls respective components.

Referring to FIG. 2 , the control unit 110 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a graphic user interface (GUI) module 111 , a background service module 112 , a system information collection module 113 , A transmission module 114 may be included.

The control unit 110 illustrated in FIG. 2 is exemplary, and the present invention is not limited thereto.

For example, at least one of the GUI module 111 , the background service module 112 , the system information collection module 113 , and the transmission module 114 may be separately provided in addition to the control unit 110 .

In addition, at least one of the GUI module 111 , the background service module 112 , the system information collection module 113 , and the transmission module 114 may be replaced with or included in the network interface unit 120 and the sensing unit 150 . have.

On the other hand, in the GUI module 111 according to an embodiment of the present invention, when the theft monitoring function is turned on by the user, the background service module 112 and the tray process are executed, and the user's keyboard and If there is no mouse input, the theft monitoring full screen can be displayed.

The background service module 112 according to an embodiment of the present invention, when entering the theft monitoring mode, transmits the theft monitoring mode bit to the EC module 181 and the BIOS module 182 through a firmware interface or the like. It can be set to 1.

Meanwhile, the firmware interface may be established to communicate with hardware (control through EC) and BIOS (BIOS) using an interface for management and instrumentation of the system and software.

Firmware interface is implemented in ACPI (Advanced Configuration and Power Interface) of BIOS so that data transfer and specific method can be performed between application software and BIOS, and WMI (Windows It can be mapped so that it can be accessed using ManagementInstrument).

On the other hand, the background service module 112, in the S3 (power saving mode) / S4 (hibernate mode) / S5 (off) state, when a theft event is detected, the EC module 181 and the BIOS through the firmware interface A user password for BIOS password lock and HDD password lock can be stored in the module 182 .

In addition, the background service module 112 registers and monitors an event handler for the AC power state and the lid (LID) state in the S0 (working) state, plays an alarm when theft is detected, and checks the sound volume so that the maximum value can be maintained.

In addition, the background service module 112 may execute the system information collection module 113 and the email transmission module 114 when a theft event is detected.

The system information collection module 113 and the e-mail transmission module 114 executed when the theft event is detected, send information such as the system camera capture photo, system location, system serial number, and network card MAC address to the registered user mail account. can be sent

Also, the e-mail transmission module 114 may periodically transmit an e-mail at a predetermined cycle, for example, 60 second intervals.

On the other hand, when the notebook computer system is switched to S3/S4/S5 after entering the theft monitoring mode, the EC module 181 monitors AC power cut off, lid (LID), and keyboard input, and when a change occurs, the system immediately resumes ( Resume) or booting.

Also, a warning alarm may be output from the BIOS module 182 until the operating system (OS) is loaded.

In addition, according to an embodiment, when the system is switched to S5 after entering the theft monitoring mode, BIOS password lock and/or HDD/SSD password lock may be performed.

3 is a flowchart illustrating a method of operating a notebook computer according to an embodiment of the present invention.

4 to 6 are diagrams referenced to explain examples of interface screens of a notebook computer according to embodiments of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 3 , first, the notebook computer may enter the theft monitoring mode (S310).

The user may set the theft monitoring function on/off, and may also set conditions for entering the theft monitoring mode.

That is, the user can not only immediately execute the theft monitoring function, but can also set it to automatically enter the theft monitoring mode when a predetermined time has elapsed based on the away time.

4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a GUI screen 400 for system setting displayed on the display unit 171 of the notebook computer 100 .

Referring to FIG. 4 , when a user executes a system setting program installed in the notebook computer 100 , a GUI screen 400 for setting the theft monitoring function may be displayed on the display unit 171 as shown in FIG. 4 .

The user may set the theft monitoring function to an on state through an on/off selection item included in the theft monitoring function setting window 410 of the GUI screen 400 .

In addition, in the away time setting window 420 of the GUI screen 400, an away time for entering the theft monitoring can be selected.

In addition, in the e-mail setting window 430 of the GUI screen 400, when a theft situation occurs, a mail address can be set so that predetermined information such as camera capture, system location information, serial number, and MAC address can be transmitted to the user e-mail.

On the other hand, according to the embodiment, the GUI screen 400 for setting the theft monitoring function further includes a setting menu for the BIOS password lock function when the system is terminated after the theft situation occurs, or the system is activated after the theft situation occurs. When finished, it may further include a setting menu that can password-lock the HDD/SSD.

On the other hand, when the theft monitoring function is turned on, a background process is executed.

Referring to FIG. 5 , when the theft monitoring function is turned on by the user, the background service module 112 executes a tray process, and enters the theft monitoring mode if there is no input for a predetermined time, etc. may be displayed on at least a part of the screen 500 for a predetermined time.

In addition, when the theft monitoring function is turned on, after a preset away time, that is, when entering the theft monitoring mode, a screen related to the theft monitoring function may be displayed on a full screen.

For example, if there is no input of the user's keyboard and mouse, as shown in FIG. 6 , the theft monitoring full screen 600 may be displayed.

Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 5 , by clicking on the menu to enter the theft monitoring mode immediately on the tray icon during the tray process, it can be switched to the theft monitoring state in the full screen mode immediately.

Meanwhile, the notebook computer 100 may detect and monitor a preset theft event as it enters the theft monitoring mode (S320).

Here, in the set theft event, the type and level of a situation concerned about theft of the notebook computer may be preset. For example, it may be determined based on data sensed by the sensing unit 150, such as AC disconnection, battery removal, lid status change, keyboard or power button input, removal of other connected external devices, acceleration sensor, etc. .

Meanwhile, the notebook computer 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention may perform a preset operation corresponding to the system state based on the current system state when a theft event occurs (S330) (S340). .

Meanwhile, according to an embodiment, the step of detecting the theft event ( S320 ) may also detect a theft event set according to the current system state.

Here, the system state may be at least one of a system shutdown state ( S5 ), a maximum power saving mode ( S4 ), a power saving mode ( S3 ), and a working state ( S0 ).

7 and 8 are diagrams referenced for explaining a method of operating a notebook computer based on a system state according to an embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 7, system states are classified into four states, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

Referring to FIG. 7 , if the system state of the notebook computer 100 is classified, it enters the theft monitoring mode, S0 (Working), a state in which all functions of the notebook computer 100 can be used, and the main power saving mode S3 (Sleeping) is a state in which power is supplied to the memory, S4 (hibernation) that cuts the power after writing all contents of the system memory to non-volatile memory as a hibernation mode, and S5 (Soft off) is a state in which the power is off ) can be classified as

Meanwhile, the BIOS module 182 may store a setting value for a corresponding operation according to the system state of the notebook computer 100 in the ROM area.

Referring to FIG. 8 , when the current system state is the system shutdown state (S5), when a theft event occurs, the system is forcibly booted, and a warning alarm is output from the BIOS module 182 can do.

In the system shutdown state S5, the available resources of the system are very limited. Accordingly, the theft event is detected using the means that can be detected by the EC module 181 . For example, it is possible to detect the occurrence of a theft event such as AC disconnection, lid (LID) state change, keyboard or power button input.

Meanwhile, when the system is booted, the background service module 112 may perform at least one of an alarm output, a warning screen output, and a system information email transmission.

That is, since the entire function of the audio output unit 172 cannot be used before system booting, the BIOS module 182 outputs a warning alarm of a mechanical sound, and then outputs various types of alarms after booting.

Here, the background service module 112 may reproduce an alarm and check the sound volume to maintain the maximum value. The background service module 112 may maintain the MAX and UnMute settings by checking the system volume at short intervals (short interval) while the alarm alarm is output. If an externally controlled sound volume change event occurs, the sound volume setting can be changed to MAX, and if it is in the mute state, it can be changed to UnMute.

In other words, it is possible to prevent the act of reducing the sound volume or muting the sound volume by using a hot key, etc. when outputting an alarm alarm. can be printed out.

Also, a warning screen may be output to the display unit 171 after booting.

Meanwhile, the controller 110 may control to send predetermined information by e-mail to a preset e-mail address through the network interface unit 120 .

The predetermined information may include at least one of a serial number of the notebook computer 100, a model name, a unique MAC address indicating an address of hardware connected to a network, a system location, and a captured picture, and is automatically sent to a user email at a specific period. can be transmitted.

Also, if at least one of a BIOS lock function and a storage medium lock function is set, the set lock function may be performed. In this case, it is impossible to boot the operating system (OS).

On the other hand, according to an embodiment, when at least one of a BIOS lock and a storage medium lock function is set, according to the theft monitoring mode entry ( S310 ), through a firmware interface, a lock function The password for . may be stored in the embedded controller module 181 and the BIOS module 182 .

On the other hand, when a theft event occurs, if the current system state is the hibernation mode (S4) or the power-saving mode (S3), the system is forcibly resumed, and an alarm is output and a warning from the background service module 112 At least one of screen output and system information e-mail transmission may be performed.

In addition, when a theft event occurs, when the current system state is a working state (S0), the background service module 112 performs at least one of an alarm output, a warning screen output, and a system information e-mail transmission. can be done

Meanwhile, according to the theft monitoring mode entry ( S310 ), the theft monitoring mode setting may be applied to the embedded controller (EC) module 181 and the BIOS module 182 .

Meanwhile, according to the setting of the user or the manufacturer, a predetermined deferred operation or time may be set in order to prevent an unintentional alarm alarm output.

For example, even if the user accidentally cuts off the AC power or changes the lid (LID) state while the theft monitoring mode is on, the previous state within a preset short time, for example, 5 seconds You can also set it to stop the theft alarm and re-enter the theft monitoring mode by returning it to .

According to embodiments of the present invention, according to the system state of the notebook computer 100, an event that can be detected as an available resource, AC power, lid (LID) state, keyboard, and theft situation are detected using an acceleration sensor. can do.

In addition, according to embodiments of the present invention, by controlling the current system state, more specifically, the power management state through the embedded controller module 181 and the BIOS (BIOS) module 182 . Theft alarm alarm and system information can be sent to the user's e-mail.

In addition, according to embodiments of the present invention, not only in the S0 state in which all system resources can be used, but also in the system shutdown state (S5), the hibernation mode (S4), and the power-saving mode (S3) state, the AC connection state, the cover (LID) It can detect status, keyboard input, etc. In addition, whether theft is detected may be transmitted to a service application through a firmware interface.

In addition, in the event of a theft situation, the serial number, model name, MAC address, system location, and captured photo may be transmitted to the user's e-mail.

Conventionally, it was possible to detect theft situation only in the S0 state of the system.

However, according to the present invention, it is possible to detect theft situation in S3, S4, and S5, and an alarm may sound even when the operating system (OS) is not booted. System information can be transmitted to the user.

The notebook computer and its operating method according to the present invention are not limited to the configuration and method of the described embodiments as described above, but all or part of each embodiment may be modified so that various modifications may be made. They may be selectively combined and configured.

Meanwhile, the method of operating a notebook computer according to an embodiment of the present invention can be implemented as processor-readable codes on a processor-readable recording medium provided in the notebook computer. The processor-readable recording medium includes all types of recording devices in which data readable by the processor is stored. Examples of the processor-readable recording medium include ROM, RAM, CD-ROM, magnetic tape, floppy disk, optical data storage device, etc., and also includes those implemented in the form of carrier waves such as transmission over the Internet . In addition, the processor-readable recording medium is distributed in a computer system connected through a network, so that the processor-readable code can be stored and executed in a distributed manner.

In addition, although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described above, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described above, and the technical field to which the present invention belongs without departing from the gist of the present invention as claimed in the claims In addition, various modifications are possible by those of ordinary skill in the art, and these modifications should not be individually understood from the technical spirit or perspective of the present invention.

Control: 110
Network interface unit: 120
User input: 135
Power supply: 140
Sensing unit: 150
Interface unit: 160
Display unit: 171
Audio output: 172
Embedded controller module: 181
BIOS module: 182
Memory: 190

Claims (10)

The theft monitoring function setting screen, including an on or off item for selecting the theft monitoring function, an away time setting window for setting the away time, and an email setting window for an email address for transmitting information in case of theft, is displayed on the display unit. displaying;
when the theft monitoring function is turned on, executing a tray processor to display a tray icon on a part of the screen;
When the tray process is executed and the set away time has elapsed, entering a theft monitoring mode and displaying a theft monitoring related screen in full screen;
detecting a preset theft event; and,
When a theft event occurs, based on the system state, performing a predetermined operation corresponding to the system state; Operating method of a notebook computer comprising a. According to claim 1,
The method of operating a notebook computer, characterized in that the system state is at least one of a system shutdown state, a hibernation mode, a power saving mode, and a working state. According to claim 1,
The detecting of the theft event includes detecting a theft event set according to the system state. According to claim 1,
The step of performing a preset operation corresponding to the system state,
When the system state is a system shutdown state, the system is forcibly booted and a warning alarm is outputted from a BIOS module. 5. The method of claim 4,
The step of performing a preset operation corresponding to the system state,
When the system is booted, at least one of an alarm output, a warning screen output, and a system information e-mail transmission is performed in a background service. 5. The method of claim 4,
The step of performing a preset operation corresponding to the system state,
A method of operating a notebook computer, characterized in that when at least one of a BIOS lock function and a storage medium lock function is set, the set lock function is performed. According to claim 1,
The step of performing a preset operation corresponding to the system state,
When the system state is the hibernation mode or the power saving mode, forcibly resuming the system and performing at least one of an alarm output, a warning screen output, and a system information e-mail transmission from a background service module How a laptop computer works. According to claim 1,
The step of performing a preset operation corresponding to the system state,
When the system state is a working state, the background service module performs at least one of an alarm output, a warning screen output, and a system information e-mail transmission. According to claim 1,
The method of operating a notebook computer further comprising the step of applying the theft monitoring mode setting to the embedded controller module and the BIOS module according to the entry into the theft monitoring mode. According to claim 1,
When at least one of the BIOS lock and the storage medium lock function is set, upon entering the theft monitoring mode, the password for the lock function is transmitted to the embedded controller module and the BIOS module through the firmware interface. The method of operating a notebook computer further comprising; storing.

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