The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Aug. 10, 1999
Filed:
Jan. 21, 1997
N Deepak Swamy, Austin, TX (US);
Robert L McMahan, Cedar Park, TX (US);
Dell USA, L.P., Round Rock, TX (US);
Abstract
The present invention provides a personal computer system for receiving and retaining data and capable of securing data retained within the system against unauthorized access. More particularly, the system includes a computer including a processor and a detachable input/output (I/O) device that functions as a conventional computer interface when docked to the computer and wherein the computer system enters a suspend mode when the detachable I/O device is detached from the computer whereby the system data is secured against unauthorized access. A security module controls access to at least certain levels of data retained within the system by distinguishing between the detachable I/O device docked to the computer and the detachable I/O device detached from the computer. A docking station is coupled to the processor and is detachably coupled to the detachable I/O device. The detachable I/O device is, for example, a detachable trackpad or trackball I/O device and the docking station includes a sensor for detecting when the detachable I/O device is docked to the computer.