LOCATION-BASED RECOVERY DEVICE AND RISK MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FOR PORTABLE COMPUTING DEVICES AND DATA
A device and software utilizing Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) technologies for monitoring and recovering portable computing devices and, a method and system for acquiring such devices, protecting data on such devices, and for compensating owners of devices. A GPS mechanism of the invention provides real time tracking of missing devices that may be coordinated with security agencies to intercept and recover missing computing devices. When a stolen device is unrecoverable, the invention may receive a signal to initiate data recovery where a wireless network is available to recover data for the owner. Alternatively, the GPS mechanism instructs the device to encrypt or destroy stored data files to prevent commercial espionage or privacy violations. The invention discloses a software system and method for computing a purchase price of the GPS mechanism, computing compensation for loss of the device and lost data.
1 - 16 . (canceled)
17 . A system for protecting a portable computing device, the portable computing device having electronically stored records, comprising:
a global positioning satellite device for determining a location of the portable computing device having a signal reception and transmission assembly for communicating with one or more global positioning satellite arrays, and a circuit element in communication with the global positioning satellite transmitter and electronically stored records, the global positioning satellite device preventing the use of the electronically stored records in response to receipt of a signal indicative of the loss or theft of the portable computing device at the signal reception and transmission assembly.
18 . The system for protecting a portable computing device of claim 17 , wherein in response to receipt of the signal, the global positioning satellite device outputs a location signal corresponding to a location of the portable computing device, and transmits the location signal by the signal reception and transmission assembly.
19 . The system for protecting a portable computing device of claim 18 , wherein the global positioning satellite device continues outputting the location signal at predetermined time intervals.
20 . The system for protecting a portable computing device of claim 17 , wherein the global positioning device causes the electronically stored records to be eradicated in response to the signal.
21 . The system for protecting a portable computing device of claim 17 , wherein the global positioning device encrypts the electronically stored records in response to the signal.
22 . The system for protecting a portable computing device of claim 20 , wherein the global positioning satellite device determines that a predetermined time interval has lapsed from a receipt of the signal and eradicates the electronically stored records in response to the determination.
23 . The system for protecting a portable computing device of claim 17 , wherein the portable computing device is a laptop computer.
24 . The system for protecting a portable computing device of claim 21 , wherein the global positioning satellite device decrypts the encrypted electronically stored records in response to a key code received at the signal reception and transmission assembly.
25 . The system for protecting a portable computing device of claim 17 , wherein the global positioning satellite device, in response to the signal, transmits a second signal causing an insurance carrier to replace one of the portable computing device and the economic value of the portable computing device.
26 . The system for protecting a portable computing device of claim 20 , wherein the electronically stored records include at least one of data, software programs, and operating systems.
27 . The system for protecting a portable computing device of claim 21 , wherein the electronically stored records include at least one of data, software programs, and operating systems.