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 laptop computer having electronically stored records comprising:
a signal reception and transmission assembly for sending and receiving wireless signals;
a circuit element in communication with the electronically stored records and the signal reception and transmission assembly, and upon receipt of a signal indicative of the loss or theft of the portable computing device outputting a second signal causing an insurance company instructing an insurance company to replace at least one of the laptop computer and the economic value of the laptop computer.
18 . The system for protecting a laptop computer of claim 17 , wherein the circuit element prevents the use of the electronically stored records in response to the receipt of the signal at the signal reception and transmission assembly.
19 . The system for protecting a laptop computer of claim 18 , wherein the circuit element prevents use of the electronically stored data by eradicating the electronically stored records in response to receipt of a signal.
20 . The system for protecting a laptop computer of claim 18 , wherein the circuit element encrypts the electronically stored records in response to the signal.
21 . The system for protecting a laptop computer of claim 19 , wherein the circuit element determines that a predetermined time interval has lapsed from receipt of the signal and eradicates the electronically stored record in response to the determination.
22 . The system for protecting a laptop computer of claim 20 , wherein the circuit element decrypts the encrypted electronically stored record in response to a key code received at the signal reception and transmission assembly.
23 . The system for protecting a laptop computer of claim 17 , further comprising a global positioning satellite device for determining a location of the laptop computer, the global positioning including the circuit element and the signal and reception and transmission assembly, the global position satellite determining a location of the laptop computer and transmitting a location signal for transmission by the signal reception and transmission assembly, in response to the signal.
24 . The system for protecting a laptop computer of claim 23 , wherein the global positioning satellite device continues broadcasting the location signal at predetermined intervals.
25 . The system for protecting a laptop computer of claim 19 , wherein the electronically stored records include at least one of data, software programs, and operating systems.
26 . The system for protecting a laptop computer of claim 20 , wherein the electronically stored records include at least one of data, software programs, and operating systems.