阅读说明：本技术 计算系统中存在线缆锁单元 (Presence of cable lock unit in computing system ) 是由 郑佑威 C-W·丁 于 2019-02-22 设计创作，主要内容包括：计算系统中存在线缆锁单元。描述了具有用于线缆锁单元的锁端口的计算系统的示例。在示例中,计算系统包括控制单元、电耦合到控制单元的插座、用于接收线缆锁单元以将计算系统锁定在某个位置处的锁端口、锁接合构件、以及耦合到锁接合构件的插头。响应于在锁端口中接收线缆锁单元,锁接合构件和插头用于平移并在插头和插座之间形成电连接。响应于插头和插座之间的电连接的形成,控制单元用于确定锁端口中存在线缆锁单元。(A cable lock unit is present in the computing system. Examples of a computing system having a lock port for a cable lock unit are described. In an example, a computing system includes a control unit, a receptacle electrically coupled to the control unit, a lock port to receive a cable lock unit to lock the computing system at a location, a lock engagement member, and a plug coupled to the lock engagement member. In response to receiving the cable lock unit in the lock port, the lock engagement member and the plug are used to translate and form an electrical connection between the plug and the receptacle. In response to the formation of an electrical connection between the plug and the receptacle, the control unit is operable to determine the presence of the cable lock unit in the lock port.)

1. A computing system, comprising:

a control unit;

a socket electrically coupled to the control unit;

a lock port to receive a cable lock unit to lock a computing system at a location;

a lock-engaging member; and

a plug coupled to the lock engagement member, wherein

In response to receiving the cable lock unit in the lock port, the lock engagement member and the plug are used to translate and form an electrical connection between the plug and the receptacle, an

In response to the formation of an electrical connection between the plug and the receptacle, the control unit is operable to determine the presence of the cable lock unit in the lock port.

2. The computing system as recited in claim 1, wherein the lock engagement member and the plug are to translate and break an electrical connection between the plug and the receptacle in response to removal of the cable lock unit from the lock port, and wherein the control unit is to determine that the cable lock unit is not present in the lock port in response to a break in the electrical connection between the plug and the receptacle.

3. The computing system of claim 2, wherein the control unit is to operate the computing system in the first mode in response to determining that the cable lock unit is present in the lock port, and wherein the control unit is to operate the computing system in the second mode in response to determining that the cable lock unit is not present in the lock port.

4. The computing system as recited in claim 1, wherein the control unit is to periodically check an electrical connection between the plug and the receptacle to determine that a cable lock unit is present in the lock port.

5. The computing system of claim 1, wherein the control unit is to operate the computing system in a secure mode in response to determining that the cable lock unit is present in the lock port.

6. The computing system of claim 1, wherein, in response to determining that the cable lock unit is present in the lock port, the control unit is to provide a lock signal to a Basic Input Output System (BIOS) of the computing system, and wherein, in response to receiving the lock signal, the BIOS generates a user password request to boot the computing system.

7. The computing system of claim 1, wherein the control unit is to operate the computing system in the demonstration mode in response to determining that the cable lock unit is present in the lock port.

8. A computing system, comprising:

a control unit;

a jumper circuit unit coupled to the control unit;

a socket electrically coupled to the jumper circuit unit;

a lock port to receive a cable lock unit to lock a computing system at a location;

a lock-engaging member; and

a plug coupled to the lock engagement member, wherein

In response to receiving the cable lock unit in the lock port, the lock engagement member and the plug are used to translate and establish an electrical connection between the plug and the receptacle,

the jumper circuit unit is for providing a first signal to the control unit in response to an electrical connection between the plug and the receptacle, an

In response to receiving the first signal, the control unit is configured to determine that a cable lock unit is present in the lock port.

9. The computing system of claim 8, wherein

In response to removal of the cable lock unit from the lock port, the lock engagement member and the plug are used to translate and break an electrical connection between the plug and the receptacle,

the jumper circuit unit is used for providing a second signal to the control unit in response to the disconnection of the electrical connection between the plug and the socket, an

In response to receiving the second signal, the control unit is configured to determine that the cable lock unit is not present in the lock port.

10. The computing system of claim 9, further comprising a resilient element coupled to the lock-engaging member to retract the lock-engaging member and the plug and break an electrical connection between the plug and the receptacle.

11. The computing system of claim 9, wherein the control unit is to operate the computing system in the first mode in response to determining that the cable lock unit is present in the lock port, and wherein the control unit is to operate the computing system in the second mode in response to determining that the cable lock unit is not present in the lock port.

12. The computing system of claim 8, wherein the jumper circuit unit is to periodically check for electrical connection between the plug and the receptacle.

13. The computing system of claim 8, wherein the control unit is to provide a lock signal to a Basic Input Output System (BIOS) of the computing system, and wherein, in response to receiving the lock signal, the BIOS generates a user password request to boot the computing system.

14. A computing system, comprising:

a control unit;

a socket electrically coupled to the control unit;

a lock port to receive a cable lock unit to lock a computing system at a location;

a lock-engaging member; and

a plug coupled to the lock engagement member, wherein

In response to receiving the cable lock unit in the lock port, the lock engagement member and the plug are used to translate and establish an electrical connection between the plug and the receptacle to close an electrical circuit with the control unit, and

in response to the closing of the circuit, the control unit is to determine that a cable lock unit is present in the lock port, and in response, operate the computing system in a first mode.

15. The computing system of claim 14, wherein

In response to removal of the cable lock unit from the lock port, the lock engagement member and the plug are used to translate and break an electrical connection between the plug and the receptacle to open a circuit with the control unit, and

when the circuit is open, the control unit is to determine that a cable lock unit is not present in the lock port and operate the computing system in the second mode.

Background

Computing systems, such as laptop computers, tablet computers, and mobile phones, for example, at kiosks, offices, and the like, may be physically secured or locked to a rigid surface using a cable lock unit. A cable lock unit, such as a Kensington-type lock, coupled to a computing system may prevent theft of the computing system.

Drawings

The following detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a computing system, according to an example;

FIG. 2 illustrates the computing system of FIG. 1, wherein a plug slides into a receptacle when a cable lock unit is present in the lock port;

FIG. 3 illustrates the computing system of FIG. 1, wherein a plug is coming out of a receptacle when a cable lock unit is not present in the lock port;

FIG. 4 illustrates the computing system of FIG. 1 with a lock signal to a Basic Input Output System (BIOS), according to an example;

FIG. 5 illustrates a computing system, according to an example; and

FIG. 6 illustrates a computing system, according to an example.

Detailed Description

The computing system may include a lock port into which a cable lock unit, such as a Kensington-type lock, may be inserted to physically lock the computing system. The computing system may include a laptop computer, a tablet computer, a mobile phone, and the like. The lock port of the computing system may be a physical port to which one end of the cable lock unit is secured. The other end of the cable lock unit is attached to the rigid immovable surface such that when secured to the computing system, the cable lock unit tethers (tether) or locks the computing system to the rigid immovable surface. A cable lock unit coupled to the computing system protects or prevents theft of the computing system.

Although a physically locked computing system locked using a cable lock unit may not be stolen, an unauthorized user or a user with malicious intent (mala fide entry) may still be able to access the computing system, which may compromise the security of the computing system. An unauthorized user may access the computing system for illegal activity or for accessing or stealing data.

The present subject matter describes a computing system having a lock port for a cable lock unit, such as a Kensington-type lock. The lock port may receive a cable lock unit to lock the computing system at a location. In an example, a computing system of the present subject matter can include a control unit and a receptacle electrically coupled to the control unit. The computing system may also include a lock-engaging member and a plug coupled to the lock-engaging member. In response to receiving the cable lock unit in the lock port, the lock engagement member and the plug of the computing system may translate and form an electrical connection between the plug and the receptacle, and in response to the formation of the electrical connection between the plug and the receptacle, the control unit of the computing system may determine that the cable lock unit is present in the lock port. Further, in response to determining that the cable lock unit is present in the lock port, the control unit of the computing system may operate the computing system in the first mode. In an example, the first mode may be a secure mode, a presentation mode, a guest user mode, and so on, where the computing system may operate in a restricted environment such that no user may use the computing system for illegal activities or for accessing or stealing data.

The lock engagement member and the plug may translate and break an electrical connection between the plug and the receptacle in response to removing the cable lock unit from the lock port, and the control unit may determine that the cable lock unit is not present in the lock port in response to a break in the electrical connection between the plug and the receptacle. Further, the control unit may operate the computing system in the second mode in response to determining that the cable lock unit is not present in the lock port. In an example, the second mode may be a normal mode in which the computing system may work for any user accessing the computing system without limitation.

Determining the presence or absence of a cable lock unit in a lock port of a computing system, and operating the computing system in a first mode or a second mode in accordance with the determination of the presence or absence of the cable lock unit in the lock port, as described above, enhances the security and privacy of the computing system and the date (date) therein from an unauthorized user. Computing systems may be protected from physical theft, data theft, and unauthorized access simultaneously.

The following detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings and the following description to refer to the same or like parts. While several examples are described in the description, modifications, adaptations, and other implementations are possible. The following detailed description, therefore, does not limit the disclosed examples. Instead, the proper scope of the disclosed examples may be defined by the appended claims.

Fig. 1 illustrates a computing system 100 according to an example. Computing system 100 may include, but is not limited to, laptop computers, tablet computers, mobile phones, desktop computers, docking stations, and printers. As shown in fig. 1, computing system 100 includes lock port 102. The lock port 102 is to receive a cable lock unit 104 to lock the computing system 100 at a location 106 (such as a rigid non-movable surface). The cable lock unit 104 may be a Kensington type lock. The cable lock unit 104 has a cable 108 and a hook member 110. The cable 108 is rigidly fixed at one end to the location 106 and at the other end is connected to a hook element 110. The lock port 102 allows the hook element 110 of the cable lock unit 104 to be inserted into the lock port 102 to secure the computing system 100 to the location 106.

As shown in fig. 1, the computing system 100 includes a lock-engaging member 112 and a plug 114 coupled to the lock-engaging member 112. The lock-engaging member 112 may be a movable rod-like element. The lock engagement member 112 is positioned proximate to an opening of the lock port 102 through which the hook element 110 of the cable lock unit 104 is inserted. When the hook element 110 is inserted into the lock port 102, the hook element 110 of the cable lock unit 104 interacts with the lock engagement member 112. The plug 114 may be metallic. In an example, the plug 114 is a metal pin (pin). In response to receiving the cable lock unit 104 or the hook element 110 in the lock port 102, the lock engagement member 112 and the plug 114 together may translate, for example, in the direction indicated by arrow a.

As shown in fig. 1, computing system 100 also includes a control unit 116 and a receptacle 118 electrically coupled to control unit 116. The receptacle 118 may be metallic. In an example, the receptacle 118 may include a metal slot for receiving the plug 114. As described above, in response to receiving the cable lock unit 104 in the lock port 102, the lock engagement member 112 and the plug 114 translate and form an electrical connection between the plug 114 and the receptacle 118. Movement of the plug 114 in the direction indicated by arrow a causes the plug 114 to slide into the receptacle 118 to form an electrical connection. FIG. 2 illustrates the computing system 100 of FIG. 1, wherein the plug 114 slides into the receptacle 118 when the cable lock unit 104 is present in the lock port 102. In response to the formation of an electrical connection between the plug 114 and the receptacle 118, the control unit 116 is used to determine the presence of the cable lock unit 104 in the lock port 102. In an example, in response to determining that the cable lock unit 104 is present in the lock port 102, the control unit 116 may operate the computing system 100 in a secure mode, a demonstration mode, a guest user mode, and so on, wherein the computing system 100 may operate in a restricted environment that does not allow a user of the computing system 100 to access the computing system 100 for illegal activities or to access data.

In response to removal of the cable lock unit 104 from the lock port 102, the lock engagement member 112 and the plug 114 are used to translate in a direction opposite to the direction indicated by arrow a and break the electrical connection between the plug 114 and the receptacle 118. Thus, in response to a break in the electrical connection between the plug 114 and the receptacle 118, the control unit 116 is used to determine that the cable lock unit 104 is not present in the lock port 102. FIG. 3 illustrates the computing system 100 of FIG. 1 with the plug 114 coming out of the receptacle 118 when the cable lock unit 104 is removed from the lock port 102. As shown in fig. 3, the lock-engaging member 112 is coupled to a spring member 302. One end of the spring member 302 is coupled to the lock-engaging member 112 and the other end of the spring member 302 is coupled to a surface of the lock port 102. In response to receiving the cable lock unit 104 in the lock port 102, movement of the lock engagement member 112 in the direction indicated by arrow a compresses the spring member 302. When the cable lock unit 104 is removed from the lock port 102, the spring member 302 decompresses (decompresses) to move the lock engagement member 112 in a direction opposite to the direction indicated by arrow a and breaks the electrical connection between the plug 114 and the receptacle 118.

In an example, the control unit 116 can operate the computing system 100 in a particular mode depending on whether the cable lock unit 104 is present or absent in the lock port 102 of the computing system 100. In response to determining that the cable lock unit 104 is present in the lock port 102, the control unit 116 is configured to operate the computing system 100 in a first mode, and in response to determining that the cable lock unit 104 is not present in the lock port 102, the control unit 116 is configured to operate the computing system 100 in a second mode. The first mode may be a secure mode, a presentation mode, a guest user mode, etc., as described earlier. In an example, the second mode may be a normal mode in which the computing system 100 may work for any user accessing the computing system 100 without limitation.

Further, in an example, the control unit 116 may actively determine the presence or absence of the cable lock unit 104 in the lock port 102 of the computing system 100. For an active determination, the control unit 116 is used to periodically check the electrical connection between the plug 114 and the receptacle 118 to determine that the cable lock unit 104 is present in the lock port 102 of the computing system 100. In an example, the control unit 116 may periodically check for electrical connection between the plug 114 and the receptacle 118 after some period of time. The time period may be 1 second (sec), or 5 seconds, or 10 seconds, etc. In an example, the time period may be defined by a user.

Further, in an example, in response to determining that cable lock unit 104 is present in lock port 102, control unit 116 of computing system 100 is to provide a lock signal to a Basic Input Output System (BIOS) of computing system 100, and wherein, in response to receiving the lock signal, the BIOS generates a user password request to boot (boot) computing system 100. FIG. 4 illustrates the computing system 100 of FIG. 1 with a lock signal 402 to a BIOS 404 of the computing system 100, according to an example. The control unit 116 determines that the cable lock unit 104 is present in the lock port 102 and in response provides a lock signal 402 to the BIOS 404. In response to receiving the lock signal 402 from the control unit 116, the BIOS 404 generates a user password request to boot the computing system 100. As a result, the user is prompted to enter a user password before the computing system 100 can be started (boot up). In response to determining that the cable lock unit 104 is present in the lock port 102, a user password request to boot the computing system 100 prevents booting of the computing system 100 by an unauthorized user.

The control unit 116 may be implemented by any suitable combination of hardware and computer readable instructions. The control unit 116 may be implemented in a number of different ways to perform various functions for the purpose of determining that a cable lock unit is present in a lock port of the computing system 100 and thus operating the computing system 100 in a secure manner. For example, the computer-readable instructions for control unit 116 may be processor-executable instructions stored in a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, and the hardware for control unit 116 may include processing resources to execute such instructions for determining that a cable lock unit is present in a lock port of computing system 100 and thus operating computing system 100 in a secure manner. In some examples, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium may store instructions that, when executed by a processing resource, implement the control unit 116. The processing resources may be implemented as a microprocessor, microcomputer, microcontroller, digital signal processor, central processing unit, state machine, logic circuitry, or any device that manipulates signals based on operational instructions. The processing resource may fetch and execute computer-readable instructions stored in a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, among other capabilities. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium may include, for example, volatile memory (e.g., Random Access Memory (RAM)) or non-volatile memory (e.g., erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), flash memory, non-volatile random access memory (NVRAM), memristors, etc.). In an example, the control unit 116 may be implemented by an electronic circuit.

Fig. 5 illustrates a computing system 500 according to an example. Similar to computing system 100, computing system 500 may also include, but is not limited to, laptop computers, tablet computers, mobile phones, desktop computers, docking stations, and printers. As shown, the computing system 500 includes a control unit 502, a jumper circuit unit 504 coupled to the control unit 502, a receptacle 506 electrically coupled to the jumper circuit unit 504, a lock port 508 for receiving a cable lock unit (not shown in fig. 5) to lock the computing system 500 at a position, a lock-engaging member 510, and a plug 512 coupled to the lock-engaging member 510. The receptacle 506, lock port 508, lock engagement member 510, and plug 512 of the computing system 500 may be similar to those of the computing system 100.

In an example, in response to receiving the cable lock unit in the lock port 508, the lock engagement member 510 and the plug 512 translate, for example, in the direction indicated by arrow B, and an electrical connection is established between the plug 512 and the receptacle 506. In addition, the jumper circuit unit 504 provides a first signal 514 to the control unit 502 in response to an electrical connection between the plug 512 and the receptacle 506. Further, in response to receiving the first signal 514, the control unit 502 determines that a cable lock unit is present in the lock port 508.

In the computing system 500, in response to removal of the cable lock unit from the lock port 508, the lock engagement member 510 and the plug 512 are used to translate in a direction opposite to the direction indicated by arrow B and break the electrical connection between the plug 512 and the receptacle 506. The jumper circuit unit 504 is operable to provide a second signal (not shown in fig. 5) to the control unit 502 in response to a break in the electrical connection between the plug 512 and the receptacle 506. In response to receiving the second signal, the control unit 502 is configured to determine that a cable lock unit is not present in the lock port 508.

The computing system 500 includes a resilient element (not shown in fig. 5) coupled to the lock-engaging member 510 to retract the lock-engaging member 510 and the plug 512 and break the electrical connection between the plug 512 and the receptacle 506 when the cable lock unit is removed from the lock port 508 of the computing system 500. The resilient element may be similar to the spring member 302 shown in fig. 3. When the cable lock unit is inserted into the lock port 508, the resilient element is compressed. When the cable lock unit is removed from the lock port 508, the resilient element is decompressed.

Further, in response to determining that a cable lock unit is present in lock port 508, control unit 502 is to operate computing system 500 in a first mode, and in response to determining that a cable lock unit is not present in lock port 508, control unit 502 is to operate computing system 500 in a second mode. As described earlier, the first mode may be a secure mode, a presentation mode, a guest user mode, etc., wherein computing system 500 may operate in a restricted environment that does not allow a user of computing system 500 to access computing system 500 for illegal activities or for accessing or stealing data, and the second mode may be a normal mode wherein computing system 500 may operate without restriction for any user accessing computing system 500.

In an example, the jumper circuit unit 504 is used to periodically check for electrical connection between the plug 512 and the receptacle 506. In an example, the jumper circuit unit 504 may periodically check for electrical connection between the plug 512 and the receptacle 506 after some period of time. The time period may be 1 second (sec), or 5 seconds, or 10 seconds, etc. In an example, the time period may be defined by a user. In an example, control unit 502 is to provide a lock signal to a BIOS (not shown in fig. 5) of computing system 500. In response to receiving the lock signal, the BIOS generates a user password request to boot the computing system 500 in a manner similar to that described earlier with reference to fig. 3.

Fig. 6 illustrates a computing system 600 according to an example. Similar to computing systems 100 and 500, computing system 600 may also include, but is not limited to, laptop computers, tablet computers, mobile phones, desktop computers, docking stations, and printers. As shown in fig. 6, computing system 600 includes a control unit 602, a receptacle 604 electrically coupled to control unit 602, a lock port 606 for receiving a cable lock unit (not shown in fig. 6) to lock computing system 600 in a position, a lock engagement member 608, and a plug 610 coupled to lock engagement member 608. The receptacle 604, lock port 606, lock engagement member 608, and plug 610 of the computing system 600 may be similar to those of the computing systems 100 or 500.

In the computing system 600, in response to receiving the cable lock unit in the lock port 606, the lock engagement member 608 and the plug 610 are used to translate, e.g., in the direction indicated by arrow C, and establish an electrical connection between the plug 10 and the receptacle 604 to close the electrical circuit 612 with the control unit 602. Further, in response to the closing of the circuit 612, the control unit 602 is to determine that a cable lock unit is present in the lock port 606 and, in response, operate the computing system 600 in the first mode. As described earlier, the first mode may be a secure mode, a presentation mode, a guest user mode, etc., wherein the computing system 600 may operate in a restricted environment that does not allow a user of the computing system 600 to access the computing system 600 for illegal activities or for accessing or stealing data.

Further, in response to removal of the cable lock unit from the lock port 606, the lock engagement member 608 and the plug 610 are used to translate in a direction opposite to the direction indicated by arrow C and break an electrical connection between the plug 610 and the receptacle 604 to open a circuit 612 with the control unit 602. When the circuit 612 is open, the control unit 602 is operable to determine that a cable lock unit is not present in the lock port 606 and operate the computing system 600 in the second mode. As described earlier, the second mode may be a normal mode in which the computing system 600 may work for any user accessing the computing system 600 without restriction.

Although examples of the present disclosure have been described in language specific to structural features, it is to be understood that the appended claims are not limited to the specific features described herein. Rather, the specific features are disclosed and explained as examples of the disclosure.