WO2014127194A2

WO2014127194A2 - Computer access control apparatus and method

Info

Publication number: WO2014127194A2
Application number: PCT/US2014/016386
Authority: WO
Inventors: Yechiel ROSENBLATT; Erol Searfoss; Paul Dowd; Allan HOCHSTER; Menachem LEVORITZ
Original assignee: Rosenblatt Yechiel; Erol Searfoss; Paul Dowd; Hochster Allan; Levoritz Menachem
Priority date: 2013-02-15
Filing date: 2014-02-14
Publication date: 2014-08-21
Also published as: WO2014127194A3

Abstract

The invention is a security apparatus and method for physically controlling access to a computer. The inventive computer access control apparatus may be configured as a display access control or as a safe box. The display access control has a primary section with a shade that extends and locks with a secondary section. The safe box has a housing with a base and a lid that lock together and may include power distribution for charging computers stowed therein.

Description

TITLE OF THE INVENTION

COMPUTER ACCESS CONTROL APPARATUS AND METHOD

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention disclosed herein generally relates to a security apparatus and method for physically controlling access to a computer. One exemplary configuration of the inventive computer access control apparatus is a display access control with a shade capabl e of being locked i n place over the computer monitor's screen so as to physically prevent visual use of the computer monitor output. Another exemplary configuration of the inventive computer access control apparatus is a safe bo that secures one or more entire computers within it.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In this day and age, a computer is largely used as a porta! onto the internet. The drawing power of the internet comes from its incredible ability to connect people with others and provide information and ideas from all over the world in a quick and efficient manner. In other words, the internet is like a super open bazaar market and town square where legitimate socialization, business and recreation can take place in ways and at levels that were impossible before the advent of such a fast and pervasive level of computer data communication. However, the internet's openness also makes it dangerous for young people to traverse, particularly on thei own without adult supervision, because the internet's openness also allows for easy access to illegitimate socialization, business and recreation, images and ideas from, and direct communication with, the fringes of society (or even, unfortunately, somewhat mainstream society) that promote immoral and unhealthy practices that were previously easy for a parent to prevent a child from being exposed to, based upon physically limiting a child's location, are instantly eradicated by access to the internet. Even though the internet can be so dangerous for children, computers with internet access, especially high speed access to the internet, have become common and necessary in many homes due to their very useful nature in everyday business and personal activities. Therefore, there is a great need for way to limit a child's ability t access the inappropriate internet content.

One way to prevent children from being exposed to inappropri te content on the internet is through special filter and parental control programs. Unfortunately, these filter and parental control programs often prove ineffective because they are implemented in a manner that is often too restrictive for a parent to use or they are too complex to implement and set properly or because the inappropriate content is disguised or not targeted by the filter and/or parental control program. Moreover, older children that are often more motivated to overcome limited internet access can often hack their way around the software protection. Thus, the filter and parental control programs are not sufficient to protect children from inappropriate internet content.

Another way to prevent children from being exposed to inappropriate content on the internet is by physically preventing thera from accessing or turning on the computer in the first place. This may be done by locking the room where the computer is located when an adult is not aroimd. In U.S. Patent No. 7 J 67,987 a system is disclosed of restricting both physical and logical access to various pails of a computer system by using biometric data of the user. However, the ' 87 system is directed to securing individual components of a single large computer system, which is more akin to issues arising in a corporate setting, and does not address various issues that arise with securing computers by private individuals where a computer is generally located on an open desk, particularly the monitor and keyboard portions and does not address various issues that arise with securing portable computers such as laptops, smartphones, tablets or other portable computers. Alternatively, the signals from the computer to the keyboard or monitor may be cutoff as is disclosed in U.S. Patent Application No. 1 1/224,565. However, this system only limits the time of day and amount of time any user can access the system; it does not restrict particular users but rather all users during particular time periods from accessing the computer system. Moreover, such a system cannot be implemented with laptop, handheld and tablet computers where the main user interfaces are generally intimately integrated with the computers. Thus, there is a need for a system that is convenient for people to use that physically restricts access to a computer system, allows authorized adults unfettered access, and is less prone to Slacking by motivated and tech savvy children.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention discloses an apparatus and method to physically control access to a computer or computer monitor. This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application 61/765,1 52 entitled "Computer Access Control Apparatus and Method" filed on February 15, 2013, which is hereby incorporated by reference.

In a first exemplary embodiment, there is a primary section and a secondary section that are mounted on opposing first and second sides of the computer monitor. A shade affixed to the primary section may be locked via a biometric locking system to the secondary section when the shade is in an extended position. When the shade is locked in the extended position the shade covers a display area of the computer display and, thereby, prevents viewing of the display area. in a second exemplary embodiment, the apparatus further includes a side bar that extends along a third side of the computer display between the primary housing and the secondary housing. The side bar may overhang the computer monitor, thereby together forming a guide way for an edge of the shade.

In a. third exemplary embodiment, an access control apparatus is configured as a visual display access control apparatus for a computer monitor and may include: a primary section, a secondary section, a shade and a biometric locking system. The primary section is configured to mount on or proximate to a first side of the computer monitor. The secondary section is configured to mount to a second side of the computer monitor opposing the first side of the computer monitor. The shade is mounted to the primary section in such manner that the shade can move back and forth between an extended position where the shade prevents viewing of a display area of the compister monitor and a retracted position where the shade allows viewing of the display area. The biometric locking system can lock the shade to the secondary section when the shade is in the extended position. To unlock the shade from the secondary section requires authorized biometric input be provided to the biometric locking system.

The third exemplary¹ embodiment, or another access control apparatus thai is configured as a visual display access control apparatus, ma further include a mechanical lock override mechanism thai allows for unlocking the shade from the secondary section without requiring the authorized biometric input to the biometric locking system.

The third exemplary¹ embodiment, or another access control apparatus thai is configured as a visual display access control apparatus, may further include a monitoring system that detects whether the shade is locked to the secondary section and periodically sounds an alert when the shade is not Socked to the secondar section.

The third exemplary embodiment, or another access control apparatus that is configured as a visual display access control apparatus, ma further include a modular portion on the secondary section that includes the biometric locking system and the mechanical lock override mechanism and is removable from the secondary section by unlocking the mechanical lock override mechanism. The third exemplary embodiment, or another access control apparatus that is configured as a visual display access control apparatus, may further include a sensor that detects tampering of the shade and an alarm system that is connected to the sensor and sounds an alert when the sensor indicates the shade has been tampered with. m addition, the third exemplary' embodiment, or another access control apparatus that is

configured as a visual display access control apparatus, may be arranged in such manner that the primary secti on is mounted on the first side of the computer monitor and on a front and/or a rear of the computer monitor proximate to the first side and the secondary section is mounted on the second side of the computer monitor and on the front and/or the rear of the computer monitor proximate to the second side.

In addition, the third exemplary embodiment, or another access control apparatus that i configured as a visual display access coiitrol apparatus, may be arranged in such manner that the first side and second side are horizontal sides of the computer monitor or .alternatively, the vertical sides of the computer monitor.

The third exemplary embodiment, or another access control apparatus that is configured as a visual display access control apparatus, may further include a high-strength bonding tape, epoxy or other adhering material that is used to mount the primary and secondary section housing's to the computer monitor. The high-strength bonding tape, epoxy or other adhering material form such a high strength bond that the housings would break before the high strength bond between the computer monitor and the housings would break if force is applied to remove the housings from the computer monitor. The housings may be constructed with perforations t at will cause the housings to tear if force is applied to remove them. Alternatively, or in addition, the high- strength bonding tape, epoxy or other adhering material may form such a high strength bond that paint or coating on the computer monitor would be stripped off the computer monitor before the high strength bond between the computer monitor and the housings would break.

The third exemplary embodiment, or another access control apparatus that is configured as a visual display access control apparatus, may further include a side bar extending along a third side of the computer monitor. Such an embodiment may further include a second side bar extending along a fourth side of the computer monitor. The side bar and/or the second side bar may be configured to form a guide way for an edge of the shade. In a fourth exemplar embodiment, an access control apparatus is configured as a visual display- access control apparatus for a computer monitor may include: a primary section, a side bar, a shade and a locking mechanism. The primary section is configured to mount to a first side of the compuier monitor or to a front or a rear of the computer monitor proximate to the first side. The side bar is configured to mount to a third side of the computer monitor that is adjacent to the first side of the computer monitor or to the front or the rear of the computer monitor proximate to the third side. The shade is mounted to the primary section in such manner so as to allo the shade to move back and forth between an extended position across the computer monitor that the shade prevents viewing of a display area of the computer monitor and a retracted position where the shade allows viewing of the display area. The locking mechanism locks the shade to the side bar.

The fourth exemplary embodiment may further include a second side bar configured to mount on a fourth side of the computer monitor opposing the third side of the computer monitor, in such an embodiment the Socking mechanism may also lock the shade to the second side bar. The fourth exemplary embodiment may also be configured where the side bar and/or the second side bar form a guide way for an edge of the shade. in a fifth exemplary embodiment, an access control apparatus is configured as a visual display access control apparatus for a computer monitor may include: a primary section, a secondary section, a shade, a biometric locking system, a mechanical lock override mechanism, a sensor and a monitoring system. The primary section is configured to mount to a first side of the computer monitor. The secondary section is configured to mount to a second side of the computer monitor opposing the first side of the computer monitor. The shade is mounted to the primary section and i clude a retraction biased return mechanism . The shade can move back and forth between a extended position across the computer monitor such that the shade prevents viewing of a display area of the computer monitor and a retracted position where the shade allows viewing of the display area. The biometric locking system is configured to allow for passively locking the shade to the secondary section when the shade is in the extended position, and requires authorized biometric input to unlock the shade from the secondary section. The mechanical lock override mechanism is configured to the shade from the secondary section without requiring the authorized biometric input to the biometric locking system. The sensor detects tampering with the shade. The monitoring system detects whether the shade is locked to the secondary section and periodically sounds an alert when the shade is not locked to the secondary section and receives the output signal of the sensor and sounds an alert when the shade has been tampered with. in a sixth exemplary embodiment, an access control apparatus is configured as a visual display access control apparatus for a computer monitor may include: a computer monitor, a primary section, a secondary section, a shade, a biometric locking system, a mechanical Sock override mechanism, a sensor and monitoring system. The primary section is mounted to a first side of the computer monitor. The secondary section is mounted to a second side of the computer monitor opposing the first side of the computer monitor. The shade has a latch proximate to a bottom edge of the shade and a retraction biased return mechanism. The shade is mounted to the primary section in such manner so as to allow the shade to move back and forth between an extended position across the computer monitor to prevent viewing of a display area of the computer monitor and a retracted position to allow viewing of the display area. The biometric locking system is configured to lock the shade to the secondary section and requires authorized biometric input to be unlocked. The mechanical lock override mechanism allows for unlocking the shade from the secondary section without requiring the authorized biometric input to the biometric locking system. The sensor provides an output signal indicating whether the shade is locked to the secondary section. The monitoring system receives the output signal of the sensor and periodically sounds an alert when the shade is not locked to the secondary section.

Embodiments of the present invention may include a mechanical lock with a key trapping mechanism. The key trapping mechanism prevents removal of a key from the mechani cal l ock and/or prevents return of the mechanical lock back to a locked state after the key is inserted into the mechanical lock and unlocks the mechanical lock. in embodiments of the present inventi n that have a biometric locking system, the biometric locking system may be designed to iraplenient a method to only run one time a routine for setting authorized biometric input that will unlock the biometric locking system. Such a method may be implemented electronicall in the biometric locking system circuit design or in an embedded program. Alternatively, the method may be implemented mechanically by physically impeding access to a swiich that initiates the routine for setting authorized biometric input even when the computer access control apparatus is unlocked. This may be done upon installation of the portion of the access control apparatus that includes the swiich that initiates the routine for setting authorized biometric input or upon installation of a piece over the switch that initiates the routine for setting authorized biometric input. Alternatively, the switch itself may be configured to work only once, such as by physically breaking a circuit connection. In one exemplary embodiment, the physical breaking of the circuit triggers the routine for setting authorized biometric input or in anoiher the switch first closes a circuit connection upon actuation and then physically breaks a circuit connection, thereby preventing subsequent closure of the circuit connection.

In a seventh exemplary embodiment, an acces control apparatus is configured as a visual display access control apparatus for a computer monitor and includes: a primary section, a secondary section, a shade, and a biometric locking system. The primary section is configured to mount to a first side of the computer monitor and/or to a front of the computer monitor proxi mate to the first side and/or a rear of the computer monitor proximate to the first side. The secondary section is configured to mount to a second side of the computer monitor opposing the first side of the computer monitor and/or to the front of the computer monitor proximate to the second side and or the rear of the computer monitor proximate to the second side. The shade i s mounted to the primar section in such manner so as to allow the shade to move back and for h between an extended position across the computer monitor such that the shade prevents viewing of a display area of the computer monitor and a retracted position where the shade allows viewing of the display area. The biometric locking system is configured to permit passively locking the shade to the secondary section but requires authorized biometric input to unlock the shade from the secondary section. h embodiments of the present inventi n that are configured as a visual access display control an exemplary method of controlling access to a computer apparatus is disclosed. The method includes the steps of extending the shade from the primary section and locking the shade to the secondary section via the biometric locking system or other lock mechanism on the secondary section.

I an eighth exemplary embodiment, an access control apparatus is configured as a visual display access control apparatus for a computer monitor and includes: a primary section, a secondary section, a shade, and a lock. The primary section is configured to mount to a first side of the computer monitor or to a front or rear of the computer monitor proximate to the first side. The secondary section is configured to mount to a second side of the computer monitor opposing the first side of the computer monitor or t the front or the rear of the computer monitor proximate to the second side. The shade is mounted to the primary section. The shade can move back and forth between an extended position across the computer monitor that prevents viewing of a display are of the computer monitor and a retracted position which allows viewing of the display area. The lock secures the shade to the secondary section. Tn one alternative configuration of the eighth exemplary embodiment, the lock includes a biometric locking system. In such an alternative embodiment, the biometric locking system may be configured to require authorized biometric input to unlock the shade from the secondary section. The biometric locking system may also be configured to allow only an initial programming stage thai .runs once for setting the authorized biometric input. The lock of the eighth exemplary embodiment may additionally or alternatively include a mechanical lock that requires a correctly coded mechanical key to unlock the shade from the secondary section. The mechanical Sock may be configured to only unlock once and once unlocked not return to the unlocked position. The lock may form a replaceable modular portion of the secondary section. in a ninth exemplary embodiment, an access control apparatus is configured as a safe box and includes; a housing, an electric power distributor, a switching actuator and a locking unit. The housing has a closable access opening and is configured to all ow pl acement of a computer in the housing. Direct physical operation of the computer is impeded or completely inhibited when the closable access opening is closed. The electric power distributor configured to connect to the computer placed in the housing so as to allow for charging of the computer^'s battery. The switching actuator is configured to stop power distribution by the electric power distributor to the computer when the closabl e access opening of the housing is open and/or start power distribution by the electric power distributor to the computer upon closure of the housing. The locking unit mounted on the housing locks the closable access opening of the housing.

In. one alternative confi uration of the ninth exemplary embodiment, the locking unit includes a biometric locking system. The biometric locking system may be configured to passively lock the closable acces opening when the closable access opening is cl sed, i.e. when a user shuts the opening the biometric locking system locks without any need to unlock or open the biometric locking system. However, the biometric locking system requires authorized biometric input to unlock and open the closable access opening. In such a configurati n where the locking unit Includes a biometric locking system, the ninth exemplary embodiment may further include a lock override mechanism that allows for unlocking the closable access opening without requiring the authorized biometric input to the biometric locking system. The lock override mechanism may be configured to only unlock once and not be able to return t the unlocked position The ninth exemplary embodiment ma further include an alarm system that senses and periodically sounds an alert, when the closable access opening is not locked closed. In the ninth exemplary embodiment, the locking unit may he configured as a replaceable modular portion of the housing. In such a configuration, the ninth exemplary embodiment may further include a lock override mechanism. The lock override mechanism may in addition to being capable of unlocking the ciosable access opening without requiring the authorized biometric input to the biometric locking system also be capable of dismounting the locking unit from the housing.

In such configurations of the computer access control apparatus according to the present invention that include a biometric or other electronic locking system, the computer access control apparatus may further include an external battery port configured to allow for temporary external battery power to be provided to the biometric or other electronic l cking system.

In a tenth exemplary embodiment, an access control apparatus is configured as a safe box and includes', a housing, a switch, and a lock. The housing has a ciosable access opening and the housing is sized and configured to accept a computer inside the housing and impede direct physical operation of the computer when the ciosable access opening is closed. The housing is also sized and configured to accommodate a power di tributor and the housing has a power connection access opening to allo the power distributor to connect to an external pcnver source. The switch actuator turns on the power distributor when the ciosable access opening is closed and/or turns off the power distributor when the ciosable access opening is open. The l ock is configured to lock the ciosable access opening of the housing.

In an eleventh exemplary embodiment, an access control apparatus has: a housing, a switch, and a lock. The housing has a ciosable access opening and the housing is sized and configured to accept a computer inside the housing and impede direct physi cal operation of the computer when the ciosable access opening is closed. The housing is also sized and configured to accommodate a power distributor and the housing has a power connection access opening to allow the power distributor to connect to an external power source. The switch actuator turns on the power distributor when the ciosable access opening is closed and/or turns off the power distributor when the ciosable access opening is open. The iock is configured to lock the ciosable access opening of the housing.

A first exemplary lock for a computer access control apparatus is disclosed. The first exemplary lock includes a biometric locking system; and a mechanical lock. The biometric locking system and the mechanical lock form a modular locking unit that can secure the computer access control apparatus in a closed state. The biometric locking system and/or the mechanical lock are configured to unlock the modular locking unit to unsecure, i.e. open, the computer control apparatus. The modular locking unit may, in one embodiment, be configured to lock or mount on to the computer access control apparatus. In such an embodiment the biometric locking system or mechanical lock may be configured to unlock or dismount the modular locking unit from the computer control access control apparatus. Embodiments of the fi rst exemplary lock, and other Sock embodiments according to the present invention that include a biometric or other electronic locking system may further incl de an external battery port configured to allow for temporary external battery power to be provided to the biometric or other electronic locking system.

A second exemplary lock for a computer access control apparatus is disclosed. The second exemplary lock includes a biometric locking system with an i itial programming stage switch. The initial programming stage switch is configured such that upon actuation the biometric locking system executes a procedure to set authorized biometric input thai will unlock the biometric locking system. The biometric locking system is configured to control locking and unlocking of the computer access control apparatus and to mate with the computer access control apparatus in such manner that physical access to the initial programming stage switch will be impeded upon mating the biometric locking system to the computer access control apparatus or upon installation of the computer access control apparatus on a computer display or other device.

A third exemplary lock for a computer access control apparatus is disclosed The third exemplar}' lock is mechanical lock configured to open with correctly coded or bitted mechanical key. The third exemplary lock may be configured with key trapping so as to allow only one use to unlock the lock and/or prevent removal of the key. The third exemplary lock may be configured with a pin tumbler lock mechanism that has a trapping pin and a lock core with a recess into which the trapping pin extends upon unlocking of the third exemplary lock, thereby preventing rotation back to an unlocked position and possibly trapping the mechanical key. The recess may also have an additional step down to further restrict rotation of the lock- core once the rotational position where the third exemplary lock is unlocked.

The first, second or third exemplary locks may be integrated into an eleventh exemplary embodiment of a computer access control apparatus. The eleventh exemplary embodiment is configured as a visual display access control apparatus for a computer monitor that includes^', a primary section, a secondary section, and a shade. The primary section is configured to mount to a first side of the computer monitor or to a front or a rear of the computer monitor proximate to the first side. The secondary section is configured to mount to a second side of the computer monitor opposing the first side of the computer monitor or to the front or the rear of the computer monitor proximate to the second side. The shade is mounted to the primary section in such manner so as to allow the shade to move back and forth between an extended position across the computer monitor that prevents viewing of a display area of the computer monitor and a retracted position that allows viewing of the di splay area. The lock is provided in such manner that it can secure the shade to the secondary section.

The first, second or third exemplary locks may be integrated into a twelfth exemplary embodiment of a computer access control apparatus. The twelfth exemplary embodiment has a housing with a ciosable access opening. The ciosable access opening is configured to allow placement of a computer in the housing. The housing is constructed so as to impede or completely inhibit direct physical operation of the computer when the ciosable access opening is closed. The locking unit is configured and positioned so as to be able to lock the ciosable access opening of the housing. The twelfth exemplary embodiment of a computer access control apparatus may further include an electric power distributor configured to connect to a computer placed in the housing s as to allow the computer to charge its battery. in such a configuration with the electric power distributor, the twelfth exemplary embodiment may further include a switching actuator that stops power distribution by the electric power distributor to the computer when the ciosable access opening of the housing is open and/or starts power distribution by the electric power distributor to the computer when the ciosable access opening of the housing is closed.

A. first exemplary kit for visual display access control of a computer monitor is disclosed. The first exemplary kit includes: a primary section, a secondary section, a shade and a biometric locking system. The primary section is configured to mount to the computer monitor on or proximate to a first side of the computer monitor. The secondary section is configured to the computer monitor on or proximate t a second side of the computer monitor opposing the first side of the computer monitor. The shade Is mounted or configured to mount to the primary section in such manner so as to allow the shade to move back and forth between an extended position across the com uter monitor to prevent viewing of display area of the computer monitor and a retracted position where the shade allows viewing of the display area. The biometric locking system allows for locking the shade to the secondary section when the shade is in the extended position, and requires authorized biometric input to unlock the shade from the secondary section.

A second exemplary kit for visual display access control of a computer monitor is disclosed. The second exemplary kit includes: a housing, an electric power distributor, a switching actuator and a locking unit. The housing is configured with a closable access opening so as to allow placement of a computer in the housing and direct physical operation of the computer is impeded or completely inhibited when the closable access opening is closed. The electric power distributor is configured to be placed in the housing and connect to the computer placed in the housing so as to allow the computer to charge its battery. The switching actuator is mounted or configured to he mounted on the housing and/or the electric power distributor. The switching actuator stops power distribution by the electric power distributor to the computer when the ciosable access opening of the housing is open and/or starts power distribution by the electric power distributor to the computer upon closure of the housing. The locking unit, is mounted or configured to he mounted on the housing that l ocks the closable access opening of the housing.

Another exemplary embodiment of an acces s control apparatus configured as a safe box includes: a housing, an electric power distributor, and a locking unit. The housing has a ciosable access opening, configured so as to allow placement of a computer in the housing and direct physical operation of the computer is impeded or compl etely inhibited when the ciosable access opening is closed. The electric power distributor is configured to connect to the computer placed in the housing. The locking unit is mounted on the housing and is capable of locking the closable access opening of the housing and starts power distribution by the electric power distributor to the computer when it is locked and/or stops power distribution by the electric power distributor to the computer when it is unlocked. Inside the housing there may be one or more shelves that are truncated in width and/or length relative to a width and/or length of the housing. The housing may have an accessway covered by an access panel that is secured to the housing. The access panel may be secured to the housing by screws configured with varying non-standard head or drive types. A second locking unit may additionally be provided. The second locking unit may be hingeably mounted to the housing as a lockable hatch over the locking unit. In such a configuration, the locking unit may be recessed on the housing and may be sufficiently recessed to allow for a key to remain in the locking unit when the second locking unit is in a closed position. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure I is a first perspective view illustrati ng a front, right-hand si de and upper-side of a compiiier monitor with a first exemplary embodiment of a computer access control apparatus according to the present invention in art open state;

Figure 2 is a second perspective view illustrating the front, right-hand side and upper-side of the computer monitor with the first exemplary embodiment of the computer access control apparatus according to the present invention in an open state;

Figure 3 is a third perspective view illustrating the front, right-hand side and upper-side of the computer monitor with the first exemplary embodiment of the computer access control apparatus according to the present invention in an open state;

Figure 4 is a top view of the computer monitor with the first exemplary embodiment of the compiiier access control apparatus according to the present invention in an open state;

Figure 5 is a front view of the computer monitor with the first exemplary embodiment of the computer access control apparatus according t the present invention in an open state;

Figure 6 is a bottom view of the computer monitor with the first exemplary embodiment of the computer access control apparatus according to the present invention in an open state;

Figure 7 is side view of the computer monitor with the first exemplary embodiment of the computer access control apparatus according to the present invention in an open state;

Figure 8 is a fourth perspective view illustrating the front, right-hand side and lower-side of the computer monitor with the first exemplary embodiment of the computer access control apparatus according to the present invention in an open state;

Figure 9 is a first perspective vie illustrating the front, right-hand side and upper-side of the computer monitor with the first exemplar embodiment of the computer access control apparatus according to the present invention in a cl sed state;

Figure 10 is a second perspective view illustrating the front, right-hand side and upper-side of the computer monitor with the first exemplary embodiment of the computer access control apparatus according to the present invention in a closed state;

Figure ϊ I is a third perspective vie illustrating the front, right-hand side and upper-side of the computer monitor with the first exemplary embodiment of the computer access control apparatus according to the present invention in a closed state;

Figure 12 is a top view of the computer monitor with the first exemplary embodiment of the computer access control apparatus according to the present invention in a closed state;

Figure 13 is a front view of the computer monitor with the first exemplary embodiment of the computer access control apparatus according to the present invention in a closed state, Figure 14 is a bottom view of the computer monitor with the first exemplary embodiment of the computer access control apparatus according to the present invention in a closed state;

Figure 15 is side view of the computer monitor with the first exemplary embodime t of the computer access control apparatus according to the present invention in a closed state;

Figure 16 is a fourth perspective view illustrating the front, right-hand side and lower-side of the computer monitor with the first exemplary embodiment of the computer access control apparatus according to the present invention in a closed state;

Figure 17 is a fifth perspective view illustrating the front, left-hand side and upper-side of the computer monitor with the first exemplary embodiment of the computer access control apparatus according to the present invention in an open state with a partial cut-away showing internal portions of a primary housing;

Figure 18 is a first perspective view illustrating the front, left-hand side and upper-side of the computer monitor with a second exemplary- embodiment of the computer access control apparatus according to the present invention in an open state;

Figure 19 is a side view of the computer monitor with the second exemplary embodiment of the computer access control apparatus according to the present invention in a closed state;

Figure 20 is a first perspective view' illustrating the front, left-hand side and upper-side of a third exemplar}' embodiment of the computer access control apparatus a ccording to the present invention in an closed state;

Fi gure 21 is a first perspective view illustrating the front, l eft-hand side and upper-side of the computer monitor with a fourth exemplary embodiment of the computer access control apparatus according to the present invention in an open state;

Figure 22 is a perspective view illustrating an exemplary primary section with an exemplary roller shade partially extended therefrom;

Figure 23(a) is a perspective view of a lower left-hand side portion of the computer monitor with the fourth exemplary embodiment of the computer access control apparatus according to the present invention;

Figure 23(b) is side cross- sectional view of an exemplary- locking mechanism in the fourth exemplary embodiment of the computer access control apparatus according to the present invention,

Figure 24 is a perspective view illustrating the front, left-hand side and upper-side of the computer monitor with a thirteenth exemplary embodiment of the computer access control apparatus according to the present invention; Figure 25 is a first perspecti ve view illustrating a front, right-hand side and upper- side of a computer monitor with a fifth exemplary embodiment of a computer access control apparatus according to the present invention in an open state;

Figure 26 is a second perspective view illustrating the front, right-hand side and upper-side of the computer monitor with the fifth exemplary embodiment of the computer access control apparatus according to the present invention in an open state;

Figure 27 is a third perspective view illustrating the from, right-hand side and upper-side of the computer monitor with the fifth exemplars' embodiment of the computer access control apparatus according to the present invention in an open state;

Figure 28 is a top view of the computer monitor with the fifth exemplary embodiment of the computer access control apparatus according to the present invention in an open state;

Figure 29 is a front view of the computer monitor with the fifth exemplary embodiment of the computer access control apparatus according to the present invention in an open state;

Figure 30 is a bottom view of the computer monitor with the fifth exemplary embodiment of the computer access control apparatus according to the present invention in an open state;

Figure 31 is side view of the computer monitor with the fifth exemplary embodiment of the computer access control apparatus according to the present invention in an open state;

Figure 32 is a fourth perspective view illustrating the front, right-hand side and lower-side of the computer monitor with the fifth exemplary embodiment of the computer access control apparatus according to the present invention in an ope state;

Figure 33 is a first perspective view illustrating the front, right-hand side and upper-side of the computer monitor with the fifth exemplary embodiment of the computer access control apparatus according to the present invention in a closed state;

Figure 34 is a second perspective view illustrating the front, right-hand side and upper-side of the computer .monitor with the fifth exemplary embodiment of the computer access control apparatus according to the present invention in a closed state;

Figure 35 is a third perspective view illustrating the front, right-hand side and upper-side of the computer monitor with the fifth exemplary embodiment of the computer access control apparatus according to the present invention in a closed state;

Figure 36 is a top view of the computer monitor with the fifth exemplary embodiment of the computer access control apparatus according to the present invention in a closed state;

Figure 37 is a front, view of the computer monitor with the fifth exemplary embodiment of the computer access control apparatus according to the present invention in a closed state;

Figure 38 is a bottom view of the computer monitor with the fifth exemplary embodiment of the computer access control apparatus according to the present invention in a closed state; Figure 39 is side view of the computer monitor with the fifth exemplary embodiment of the computer access control apparatus according to the present invention in a closed state;

Figure 40 is a fourth perspective view illustrating the front, right-hand side and lower-side of the compuier monitor with the fifth exemplary embodiment of the computer access control apparatus according to the present invention in a closed state;

Figure 41 is a first perspecti ve view illustrati ng a front, right-hand side and upper-side of a computer monitor with a sixth exemplary embodiment of a computer access control apparatus according to the present invention in a partially open state;

Figure 42 is a second perspective view illustrating the front, right-hand side and upper-side of the computer monitor with the sixth exemplary embodiment of the computer access control apparatus according to the present invention in a partially open state;

Figure 43 is a third perspective view illustrating the front, right-hand side and upper-side of the computer monitor with the sixth exemplary embodiment of the computer access control apparatus according to the present invention in a partially open state;

Figure 44 is a top view of the computer monitor with the sixth exemplar)' embodiment of the computer access control apparatus according to the present invention in a partially open state; Figure 45 i s a front view of the computer monitor with the sixth exemplary embodiment of the computer access control apparatus according to the present invention in a partially open state; Figure 46 is a bottom view of the computer monitor with the sixth exemplary¹ embodiment of the computer access control apparatus according to the present invention in a partially open state; Figure 47 is side view of the computer monitor with the sixth exemplary embodiment of the computer access control apparatus according to the present invention in a partially open state; Figure 48 is a fourth perspective view illustrating the front, right-hand side and lower-side of the computer monitor with the sixth exemplary¹ embodiment of the computer access control apparatus according to the present invention in a partially open state;

Figure 49 i s a first perspective view illustrating the front, right-hand side and upper-si de of the computer monitor with a seventh exemplary embodiment of the computer access control apparatus according to the present invention in an open state and with a locking unit partially dismounted from a secondary section;

Figure 50 is a top view of the computer monitor with the seventh exemplary embodiment of the computer access control apparatus according to the present invention in an open state and with the locking unit partially dismounted from the secondary section,

Figure 51 is a front view of the computer monitor with the seventh exemplary embodiment of the computer access control apparatus according to the present invention in an open state and with the locking unit partially dismounted from the secondary section; Figure 52 is a bottom view of the computer monitor with the seventh, exempl ry embodiment of the computer access control apparatus according to the present invention i n an open state and with the locking unit partially dismounted from th secondary section;

Figure 53 is side view of the computer monitor with the seventh exemplary embodiment of the computer access control apparatus according to the present invention in an open state and with the locking unit partially dismounted from the secondary section;

Figure 54 is a fourth perspective view illustrating the front, right-hand side and lower-side of the computer monitor with the seventh exempl ary em bodiment of the computer access control apparatus according to the present invention in an open state and with the locking unit partially dismounted from the secondary section;

Figure 55 is a first perspective view illustrating the front, right-hand side and upper-side of the computer monitor with the seventh exemplary embodiment of the computer access control apparatus according to the present invention in a closed state;

Figure 56 is a perspective view illustrating the front, right-hand side and upper-side of the computer monitor with the eighth exemplary embodiment of the computer access control apparatus according to the present invention in an open state;

Figure 57 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the front, right-hand side and upper-side of the computer monitor with the eighth exemplary embodiment of the computer access control apparatus according to the present invention in an open state;

Figure 58 is a first perspecti ve view ill ustrati ng the front, right-hand si de and upper-side of the computer monitor with the ninth exemplary embodiment of the computer access control apparatus according to the present invention in an open state;

Figure 59 is a second perspective view illustrating the front, right-hand side and upper-side of the computer monitor with the ninth exemplary embodiment of the computer access control apparatus according to the present invention with a shade in a partially extended position;

Figure 60 i s a thi rd perspecti ve view illustrating the front, right-hand side and upper-side of the computer monitor with the ninth exemplary embodiment of the computer access control apparatus according to the present invention in a closed state;

Figure 61 is a first perspecti ve view illustrating the front, ri ght-hand si de and upper-side of the computer monitor with a tenth exemplan' embodiment of the computer access control apparatus according to the present invention in an open state;

Figure 62 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the front, right-hand side and upper-side of the computer monitor with the tenth exemplary embodiment of the computer access control apparatus according to the present invention; Figure 63 is illustrating the front, left-hand side and lower-side of the computer monitor with an eleventh exemplary embodiment of the computer access control apparatus according to the present invention in an open state;

Figure 64 shows an exemplary method implemented by a biometric locking system according to the present invention and

Figure 65 is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary monitoring system configuration for a computer access control apparatus according to the present invention, .

Figure 66 is a first perspective view illustrating a front, right-hand side and upper-side of a computer monitor with the fifth exemplary embodiment of a computer access control apparatus according to the present invention in a partially open state;

Figure 67 is a second perspective view illustrating the front, right-hand side and upper-side of the computer monitor with the fifth exemplary embodiment of the computer access control apparatus according to the present invention in a partially open state;

Figure 68 is a third perspective view illustrating the front, right-hand side and upper-side of the computer monitor w it the fifth exemplary embodiment of the computer access control apparatus according to the present invention in a partially open state;

Figure 69 is a top view of the computer monitor with the fifth exemplar)' embodiment of the computer access control apparatus according to the present invention in a partially open state; Figure 70 is a front view of the computer monitor with the fifth exemplary embodiment of the computer access control apparatus according to the present invention in a partially open state; Figure 71. is a bottom view of the computer monitor with the fifth exemplary embodiment of the computer access control apparatus according to the present invention in a partially open state; Figure 72 is side view of the computer moni or with the fifth exemplary embodiment of the computer access control apparatus according to the present invention in a partially open state; Figure 73 is a fourth perspective view illustrating the front, right-hand side and lower-side of the computer monitor with the fift exemplary embodiment of the computer access control apparatus according to the present invention in a partially open state;

Figure 74 is a first perspective view illustrating the front, right-hand side and upper-side of the computer monitor with a twelfth exemplary embodiment of the computer access control apparatus according to the present invention in a closed stale;

Figure 75 is a second perspective view illustrating the front, right-hand side and upper-side of the computer monitor with the twelfth exemplary embodiment of the computer access control apparatus according to the present invention in a closed state; Figure 76 is a third perspective view illustrating the front, right-hand side and upper-side of the computer monitor w th the twelfth exemplary embodiment of the computer access control apparatus according to the present invention in a closed state;

Figure 77 is a top view of the computer monitor with the twelfth exem lary embodiment of the computer access control apparatus according to the present invention in a closed state;

Fi gure 78 is a front vi ew of the computer m onitor with the twelfth exemplary embodiment of the computer access control apparatus according to the present invention in a closed state;

Figure 79 is a bottom view of the computer monitor with the twelfth exemplary embodiment of the computer access control apparatus according to the present invention in a closed state;

Figure 80 is side view of the computer mon tor with the twelfth exemplary embodiment of the computer access control apparatus according to the present invention in a closed state;

Figure 81 is a fourth perspective vie illustrating the front, right-hand side and lower-side of the computer monitor with the twelfth exemplary embodiment of the computer access control apparatus according to the present invention In a closed state;

Figure 82 is first cross-sectional view of an exemplary key lock in a first position where a key is inserted in a keyway in lock core that is in an aligned position with a bible that has a trapping pin; Figure 83 i s second cross-sectional view of an exemplary key l ock in a second position where the lock core has been rotated so that the keyway has passed the aligned position with the bible and the trapping pin has engaged a recess;

Figure 84 is third cross-sectional view of an exemplary key lock in a third position where the lock core lias been rotated so that the key lock is unlocked and the trapping pin has engaged an additional step down in the recess;

Figure 85 is a schematic view illustrating an exemplary configuration of a secondary section mounted to a monitor via an adhesive;

Figure 86 is a schematic view illustrating an exemplary configuration of a secondary section mounted to a monitor via an adhesive with a perforation on the secondary section;

Figure 87 is a first perspective of a fourteenth exemplary embodiment of a computer access control apparatus configured as a safe box according to the present invention in an open state with several computers provided therein;

Figure 88 is a second perspective of the fourteenth exemplary embodiment of the computer access control apparatus configured as a safe box according to the present invention in an open state with several computers provided therein;

Figure 89 is a third perspective view of the fourteenth exemplary embodiment of the computer access control apparatus configured as a safe box according to the present invention in an open state with several computers provided therein; Figure 90 is a top view of the of the fourteenth exem lary embodiment of the computer access control apparatus configured as a safe box according to the present invention in an open state with several computers provided therein;

Figure 91 is a front view of the fourteenth exemplary embodiment of the computer access control apparatus configured as a safe bo according to the present invention in an open state with several computers provided therein;

Figure 92 is a si de view of the fourteenth exempiary embodi ment of the computer access control apparatus configured as a safe bo according to the present invention in an open state with several computers provided therein;

Figure 93 is a first perspective of the fourteenth exemplary embodiment of a computer access control apparatus configured as a safe box according to the present invention in an open state with no computers provided therein;

Figure 94 is a second perspective of the fourteenth exemplary embodiment of the computer access control apparatus configured as a safe box according to the present invention in an open state with no computers provided therein;

Figure 95 is a third perspective view of the fourteenth exemplary embodiment of the computer access control apparatus configured as a safe box according to the present invention in an open state with no computers provided therein;

Figure 96 is a top view of the of the fourteenth exemplary embodiment of the computer access control apparatus configured as a safe box according to the present invention in an ope state with no computers provided therein;

Figure 97 i s a front view of the fourteenth exemplary embodiment of the computer access control apparatus configured as a safe box according to the present invention in an open state with no computers provided therein;

Figure 98 is a side view of the fourteenth exemplary embodiment of the computer access control apparatus configured as a safe bo according to the present invention in an open state with no computers provided therein;

Figure 98(a) is a front view of an exemplary configuration of a back side wall of the fourteenth exemplary embodiment of the computer access control apparatus configured as safe box according to the present invention with an access panel;

Figure 99 i s a perspective of a fifteenth exemplary embodiment of a computer access control apparatus configured as a safe box according to the present invention in partially open state with no computers provided therein; Figure 100 is a perspective view of the fifteenth exemplary embodiment of the computer access control apparatus configured as a safe box according to the present invention in an open state with several computers provided therein;

Figure 101 is an exploded perspective view of the fifteenth exemplary embodiment of the computer access control apparatus configured as a safe box according to the present invention; Figure 102 is a perspective view of the fifteenth exemplary embodiment of the computer access control apparatus configured as a safe box according to the present invention in a closed state; Figure 103 is a side view of an exemplary mechanical switching unit for a computer access control apparatus configured as a safe box according to the present i vention when the computer access control apparatus configured as a safe box is in an open state; and

Figure 104 is a side view of the exemplary mechanical switching unit for a computer access control apparatus configured as a safe box according to the present invention when the computer access control apparatus configured as a safe box is in a closed state;

Figure 105 is a perspective view of an sixteenth exemplary embodiment of the computer access control apparatus configured as a safe box according to the present invention in an open state; Figure 106 is a perspective view of a seventeenth exemplary embodiment of the computer access control apparatus configured as a safe box according to the present invention in an open state; Figure 107 is a perspective view of an eighteenth exemplary embodiment of the computer access control apparatus configured as a safe box according to the present invention in an open state; Figure 108 is a first perspective view of an alternative exemplary housing for a computer access control apparatus configured as a safe box accordi g to the present invention in a closed position;

Figure 109 is a second perspective view of the alternative exemplary housing shown in Figure 108 In an open position;

Figure 1 10 is a perspective view of another alternative exemplary housing for a computer access control apparatus configured as a safe box according to the present invention;

Figure i 1 1 is a perspective view of another alternative exemplary housing for a computer access control apparatus configured as a safe box according to the present invention;

Figure 1 12 is a. perspective view of another alternative exemplar}' housing for a computer access control apparatus confi ured as a safe box according to the present invention;

Figure 1 13 is a perspective view of another alternative exemplary embodiment of a computer access control apparatus configured as a safe box according to the present invention;

Figure 1 14 shows a front view of an external side of the lid front wall of the computer access control apparatus shown in Figure 1 1.3; and Figure 1 15 shows a front view of an interna! side of the lid front wall of the computer access control apparatus shown in Figure 1 13.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE IN VENTION

Figures 1. to 3 show various perspective views of a first exemplary embodiment 101 of a computer access control apparatus according to the present invention looking toward a front side 5, a right-hand side 3 and an upper-side 7 of a computer monitor 6 with a monitor base stand 16. The first exemplary embodiment 101 is configured as a display access control . In these figures, the first exemplary embodiment 101 is illustrated in an open state as a display area 8 of the computer monitor 6 is visible. Figures 4 through 8 show, respectively: top, front, bottom, right and lower-right-perspective views of the first exemplary embodiment 101. also in an open state on the computer monitor 6. A left view of the first exemplary embodiment 101 on the computer monitor 6, which is not illustrated, is a mirror image of the right view shown in Figure 7.

In the first exemplary embodiment 101 , a primary section 2 is mounted horizontally on an upper side 7 of the computer monitor 6 and a secondary section 4 is mounted horizontally on an opposing lower side 9 of the computer monitor 6. A twelfth exemplary embodiment 1 12, as illustrated in Figures 74-81, which is also configured as a display access control, has a similar mounting configuration as the first exemplary embodiment 101. Alternatively, as may be seen in a fifth alternative exemplary embodiment 105, shown in Figures 25-40 and Figures 66-73, also configured as a display access control the primary and secondary sections 2, 4 may be mounted on the front side 5 of the computer monitor 6 proximate to the upper side 7 and lower side 9, respectively. It is also possible to have the primary and secondary sections 2, 4 mounted on a rear side 13 of the computer monitor 6 proximate to the upper side 7 and lower side 9,

respectively, or, as shown in a second exemplary embodiment 102 in Figures 18-19, primary and secondary sections 2, 4 may be mounted on the upper side 7 and lower side 9, respectively., of the computer monitor 6 and the primary section 2 extends over to the rear side 13 of the computer monitor 6. Similarly, the primary and secondary sections 2, 4 may be mounted on the upper side 7 and lower side 9, respectively, of the computer monitor 6 and extend over to the front side 5 of the computer monitor 6. Alternatively, the primary section 2 may extend over the front side 5 of the computer monitor 6. As a further alternative, the secondary mounding section 4 can extend over the back side 13 of the computer monitor 6, or over the front side 5 of the computer monitor 6, Moreover, the primary section 2 and the secondary section 4 may be mounted asymmetrically. So, for example, the primary section 2 may be mounted on the front side 5 or on the upper side 7 or on the upper side 7 while extending over the front side 5 or on the upper side 7 while extending over the rear side 13 while the secondary section 4 may be mounted on the rear side 13. Alternatively, the primar section 2 may be mounted on the rear side 13 or on the upper side 7 or on the upper side 7 while extending over the front side 5 or on the upper side 7 while extending over the rear side 13 while the secondary section 4 may be mounted on the front side 5. Alternatively, the primary section 2 may he mounted on the front side 5 or on the rear side 13 or on the upper side 7 while extending over the front side 5 or on the upper side 7 while extending over the rear side 13 while the secondary section 4 may be mounted on the lower side 9. Alternatively, the primary section 2 may be mounted on the front side 5 or on the rear side 13 or on the upper side 7 or on the upper side 7 while extending over the front side 5 while the secondary section 4 ma be mounted on the lower side 9 extending over the rear side 13 , Alternatively, the primary section 2 may be mounted on the front side 5 or on the rear side 13 or on the upper side 7 or on the upper side 7 while extending over the rear side 13 while the secondary section 4 ma be mounted on the lower side 9 extending over the front side 5. Also note the primary and secondary sections 2, 4 may extend be mounted on the upper side 7 and lower side 9, respectively, and may extend over both the front side 5 and the rear side 13. Further note that the primary section 2 and the secondary section 4 can be mounted in a reverse configuration so that the primary section 2 is mounted on the l wer side 9 and the secondary section 4 is mounted on the upper side 7. Moreover, an embodiment of the invention may be configured in the mirror image of any of these arrangements, thus the primary section and the secondary section in any of the exemplary embodiments may be switched top for bottom.

Also, as shown in a sixth exemplary embodiment 106, in Figures 41 -48, which is also configured as a display access control, the primary section 2 may be mounted vertically on the front side 5 proximate to the right-hand side 3 and the secondary section 4 may be mounted vertically on the front side 5 proximate to the left-hand side 1 1. Alternatively, the primary¹ section 2 may be mounted on the right-hand side 3 or on the rear side 13 proximate to the right- hand side 3 or on the right-hand side 3 extending over the rear side 13 or on the right-hand side 3 extending over the front side 5, or on the right-hand side 3 extending over both the rear side 13 and the front side 5. Furthermore, the secondary section 4 may be mounted on the left-hand side 1 1, or on the rear side 13 proximate to the left-hand side 1 1, or on the front side 5 proximate to the left-hand side 1 1, or on the left-hand side 1 1 extending over the rear side 13, or on the left- hand side 1 1 extending over the front side 5, or on the left-hand side 11 extending over both the rear side 13 and the front side 5. Moreover, an embodiment of the invention ma be configured in the mirror image of any of these arrangements, thus the left-hand side and right hand side configurations in any of the exemplar embodiments may be switched left for right. The primary and secondar section 2, 4 housings may be made of thick walled

acrylonittiSe butadiene styrene (ABS), polycarbonate, or other durable plastic, metal or other suitable material. As schematically illustrated in ^'Figure 85 as applied to secondary section 4, but which may also be implemented with regard to mounting the primary section 2, a high-strength bonding tape or epoxy 44 that surpasses the strength of a paint or coati ng on the computer monitor 6 i s used to joi n the primary and secondary sections 2, 4 to the computer monitor 6. In one alternative configuration, the high-strength bonding tape or epoxy 44 surpasses the strength of the primary and secondary 2, 4 housings. In this instance, as schematically illustrated in

Figure 86 as applied to secondary section 4, but which may also be implemented with regard to mounting the primary section 2, the housi ngs of the primary and secondary sections 2, 4 may include perforations 45 that ensure that the strength of the high-strength bonding tape or epoxy 44 surpasses the strength of the primary and secondary sections 2, 4. instead of the primary and secondary sections 2, 4 being separate pieces that are attached to the computer monitor 6, the primary and secondary sections 2, 4 may be formed as integral parts of a housing portion of the computer monitor 6.

The primary and secondary sections 2, 4 may be provided in a kit for self-installation by consumer. In this instance, the primary and secondary sections 2, 4 may come with the high- strength bonding tape already on the appropriate external portions of the primary and secondary sections 2, 4 and with a removable covering on the outward facing side of the high strength bonding tape. The consumer may then remove the covering to mount the primary and secondary sections 2, 4 onto the computer monitor 6.

Figures 9 to 16 correspond to the views in Figures 1 to 8, with the first exemplary embodiment 101 in a closed state. Housed in the primary section 2 is a shade 20. As shown in Figures 9 to 16, when the first exemplary embodiment 101 is in a closed state with the shade 20 in an extended position coupled to the secondary section 4, the shade 20 covers the display are 8.

Figure 17 shows the first exemplary embodiment 101 with a partial cutaway view of the primary section 2 showing an exemplary configuration of a roller shade mechanism 33 , As illustrated, the shade 20 may be configured as part of the roller shade mechanism 33 with roller tube 21 upon which the shade 20 is rollably mounted and with a torsion spring return system 31. The roller shade mechanism 33 may further include a position holding mechanism 32. The position holding mechanism 32 may be configured as a reverse ratchet mechanism that locks the shade 20 so as to prevent further extension until returned to a retracted position. The position holding mechanism 32 may alternatively be configured as a spooling wheel that locks rotation of the roller tube 21 when the shade 20 is locked into a biometiic locking system 10 or other lock, discussed below, thereby preventing further extension and retraction of the shade 20. The position holding mechanism 32 in such a configuration may receive signal through either an electronic or a mechanical communication connection indicating whether the shade 20 is coupled with the biometric locking system 10 or other lock. The signal may be routed through either a wire in the shade 20 or a wire or mechanical connection in a side bar as discussed below or through a wireless communication system or some other manner. The shade 20 may he made of a rigid or semi-rigid material, such as rigid or semi-rigid slats that are rotatably connected such that only when they are retracted can they rotate with respect to each other, or configured so as to form rigid or semi-rigid sides when the shade 20 is in the extended position, and/or have a rigid slat at or proximate to a bottom edge of the shade 20 to prevent visual access to the display area 8. The shade 20 may include sensors 24, as Illustrated in Figure I I , such as aluminum security foil connected to a monitoring system 34, as shown in Figure 65. which can act as an alarm system to detect tampering with the shade 20, i .e. cutting or bending of the shade 20. The sensors 24 may alternatively or in addition be provided on the primary and/or secondary sections 2, 4 or the computer monitor 6 and the sensors may alternatively or in addition detect tampering by movement or vibration. The monitoring system 34 may output a tampering alarm as an audible alert via a speaker 35 if tampering occurs and/or as a text message or email, to another device via a communication system and/or as a visual alert with a light indicator. In this first exemplar}' embodiment 101, the tampering alarm is only triggered if the shade 20 is locked to the secondary section 2. However, alternative embodiments may be configured in which the tampering alarm is triggered even when the shade 20 i not Socked to the secondary section 2. An alert switch may be provided that allows for selectively turning the periodic alert on and off. The alert switch may require a mechanical key or some other security mechanism to actuate it so as to prevent actuation by unauthorized users.

In a third exemplary embodiment 103, illustrated in Figure 20, also configured as a display access control, a side bar 22 extends along a side, in this instance, the right-hand side 3 of the computer .monitor 6, not shown in Figure 20, connecting the primary section 2 and the secondary section 4. Alternatively, the side bar 22 may be completely separate and unattached to the primary housing 2 and the secondary housing 4 or attached to only one of the pri mary housing 2 or the secondary housing 4. The side bar 22 may attach to the computer monitor 6 indirectly through the primary housing 2 and/or the secondary housing 4 and/or the side bar 22 may be directly mounted on the right-hand side 3 and/or on the front side 5 proximate to the right-hand side 3 and/or on the rear side 13 proximate to the right-hand side 3. The side bar 22 may overhang the front side 5 of the computer .monitor 6, thereby together forming a guide way for an edge of the shade 20. A thirteenth exemplary embodiment 1 13, as shown in Figure 24, also configured as a display access control, further includes a second side bar 23 extending along the left-hand side 1 1 of the computer monitor 6, and the above discussed configuration options may also be provided. Moreover, where the side bar 22 and a second side bar 23 are provided, as shown in the thirteenth exemplary embodiment 113, the secondary section 4 need not be provided.

Figure 21 shows a fourth exemplary embodiment of a visual access control apparatus

104, also configured as a display access control. Figure 22 shows an exemplary configuration of the primary section 2 of the fourth exemplary embodiment of a visual access control apparatus 104 with the shade 20 partially extended therefrom. As shown in Figure 22, proximate to a center of the bottom edge of the shade 20 is a latch 18. Figure 23(a) shows an exemplary configuration of a lower left-hand side portion of the fourth exemplary embodiment of a visual access control apparatus 104. The latch 18 on the shade 20 is configured to mate with the secondary section 4 through insertion into a latch cavity 1 on a latch portion 1.4A and secured via a biometric locking system 10 to the secondary section 4, thereby preventing decoupling of the shade 20 from the secondary section 4 and preventing viewing of the display area 8. Figure 23(b) illustrates an exemplary configuration of the latch 18 mating with the biometric locking system 10. The latch 18 pivots around and into the latch cavity 14 and has a clip protaision 19 that engages a clasp 17 in the biometric locking system 1.0. Alternatively, the biometric locking system 10 may be provided on the shade 20 and lock onto the secondary secti n 4. In another alternative, the latch portion 1.4 A may be provided on the shade 20, and the latch 18 may be provided on the secondary section 4.

As illustrated in the first exemplary embodiment 101 , as well as in most of the other exemplary embodiments also configured as a display access control, the latch 18 and the latch cavity 1 are located on or proximate to a center of the bottom edge of the shade 20 and the secondary section 4, respectively. However, as illustrated in the third exemplary embodiment 103, one or more additional latches 1.5 on the bottom edge of the shade 20 proximate to the left- hand side i 1 and/or right-hand side 3 may als mate with the secondary section 4.

Alternatively, only one or more of the additional latches 15 may be provided, without the latch 18 that is proximate to the middle of the shade 20, to secure the shade 20 to the secondary section 4. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 24, in such embodiments as the thirteenth exemplary embodiment 1 13 that have the side bar 22 and/or the second side bar 23, the additional latches 15 may be provided on the shade 20 to mate with the side bar 22 and/or the second side bar 23 in addition to or without the latch I 8, In such embodiments where the shade 20 mates with the side bar 22 and/or the second side bar 23, the biometric locking system 10 may be provided in or on the side bar 22 and/or the second side bar 23.

The shade 20 may be unlocked by providing proper input to the biometric locking system 10. The biometric locking system 10 may use fingerprint, iris, face or any other type of biometric data. As shown in Figure 65, the biometric locking system 10 is connected to the monitoring system 34, which monitors the status of the biometric locking system 10, i.e. whether it is locked or unlocked, and periodically sounds an alert, e.g. once every hour or two, such as via a speaker 35 when the shade 20 i s not locked to the secondary section 4.

Figures 49 through 55 show a seventh exempl ary embodiment 107 of the computer access control apparatus also configured as a display access control. Figures 56 and 57 show an eighth exemplary embodiment 108 of the coraputer access control apparatus al so configured as a display access control. Figure 63 shows an eleventh exemplary embodiment 1 1 1 of computer access control apparatus, also configured as a display a.ccess control, which is similar to the seventh exemplary embodiment 107 except that i the eleventh exemplary embodiment 1 1 1, the biometric locking system 10 is on a front-side face of the secondary section 4 rather than on a top-side face of the secondary section 4. As shown in the seventh, eight and eleventh exemplary embodiments 107, 108, 1 1 1 , embodiments of the invention may include a ke lock 12 as a second way to unlock the shade 20 from the secondary section 4 with the use of a mechanical key 36 that is considered authorized by being correctly coded or bitted as an alternative to or in addition to the biometric locking system 10. Alternatively, an embodiment of the invention may be configured with the key lock 12 alone to secure the shade 20 to the secondary section 4 without including the biometric locking system 10. As shown in Figure 65, the monitoring system 34 may also monitor whether the key lock 12 is locked or unlocked, and periodically sounds the alert, e.g. once every hour or two, such as via the speaker 5 when the shade 20 is not locked to the secondary section 4.

The key lock 12 may, alternatively, be configured as a one-time override lock system to allow unlocking the shade 20 onl once and then require replacement of a locking unit 29, which may include the biometric locking system 10 and the key lock 2. In this instance, the key lock 12 may be configured to provide key trapping functionality, i .e. prevent removal of the mechanical key 36 and/or rotation of the key lock 12 back to a locked position, after the key lock 12 is unlocked.

Figures 82-84 are cross-sectional views of the key lock 12 with an exemplary key trapping system, illustrating operation of the key l ock 12 with the exemplary key trapping system. A key trapping system with a pin tumbler lock mechanism is described in U.S. Patent no. 5,970,761 ("Eden, Jr."), and is hereby incorporated by reference. Here, in contrast to Eden, Jr., the exemplary key trapping system is implemented in the key lock 12 where the mechanical key 36 is an authorized key, i.e. is supposed to he used to unlock the key lock 12, and the mechanical key 36 is trapped in the key lock 12, i.e. it cannot be removed, but can rotate a lock core 37 of the key lock 12 to unlock the key lock 12 by retracting a locking bolt of the key lock 12. As shown in Figure 82, the mechanical key 36 has been inserted in a keyway in the lock core 37, When the mechanical, key 36 is inserted, one or more key pins, including key pin 4.1 , are pushed radially outward, relative to a center of the lock core 37, by a top grooved edge of the mechanical ke 36. Since the mechanical key 36 is correctly coded or bitted, this results in outer edges, relative to a center of the lock core 37, of the key pins, including key pin 41, being positioned just along a shear line between a. shell 39 and the lock core 37. The key pins, including key pin 41 , push up with their outer edges against inner edges of driving pins, including a trapping pin 38. The driving pins, including the trapping pin 38, are biased radially inward, relative to center of the lock core 37. The driving pins, including the trapping pin 38 are retracted into a bible or array of driving pin shafts 42 and meet the key pins, including the key pin 41 , right at the shear line of the lock core 37, thereb allowing the lock core 37 to rotate.

As shown in Figure 83, when the lock core 37 is first rotated to start unlocking the key lock 12, the trapping pin 38 engages a recess 40 in the lock core 37 after the mechanical key 36 is rotated past the bible or array of dri ving pin shafts 42 that extends radial ly outward from the shell 39. The recess 40 is configured as an elongated trough that extends partially around a circumference of the lock core 37, thereby allowing rotation of the lock core 37 even as the trapping pin 38 straddles the shear line between the shell 39 and the lock core 37 while also preventing realignment of the lock core 37 with, the bible or arra of driving pin shafts 42. This prevents removal of the mechanical key 36 because the key pins, including key pin 41 , are immobilized in the lock core 37 when the lock core 37 is not aligned with the bible or array of driving pin shafts 42. One or more of the key pins impede removal of the mechanical key 36 when they are immobilized because the key pins, including key pin 1 , cannot move above the shear line to accommodate for the movement of rising edges of the mechanical key 36 out of the

Figure 84, show the key Sock 12 when the lock core 37 is rotated to a point where the key lock 12 is unlocked or just after that point. The recess 40, as shown, may also have an additional step down 43 that extends radially inward towards the core center, into which the trapping pin 38 will additionally descend when the lock core 37 is rotated further. Thus, rotation of the lock core 37 is further restricted once the key l ock 12 is unlocked.

In the seventh and eight exemplary embodiments 107, 108, as illustrated in Figures 49 and 57, the locking unit 29 forms a replaceable modular portion of the secondary section 4. in this instance, the key Jock 12 may alternatively to or in addition to functioning as a way to unlock the shade may be configured to also unlock the locking unit 29 from the secondary section 4 so thai the locking unit 29 may be replaced.

The biometric locking system 10 may be designed to allow only an initial programming stage that runs once for setting authorized biometric input that will unlock the biometric locking system 10 and then require replacement of the locking unit 29 to modify authorized biometric input. Figure 64 shows an exemplary method 640 that may be implemented by the biometric locking system 0. In a first step 641, the biometric locking system 10 receives initial authorization data. Then the biometric locking system 10, in step 642, receives an unlock request with the inputting of biometric data for verification. hi step 643, the biometric locking system 10 verifies the input biometric dat by co aring it to the one or more entries in the initial authorization data. Finally, if the input data is verified, the biometric locking system 10 then opens the lock and returns to step 642 and waits to receive another unlock request with the inputting of biometric data for verification . Otherwise, it simply returns to step 642 and waits to receive another unlock request with the inputting of biometric data for verification. Thus, the biometric locking system 10 is configured so that the system cannot return to step 641 to reinitialize the authorization data.

This method may be implemented electronically via software programming and/or circuit configuration of the biometric locking system 10, or, alternatively, may be implemented mechanically by physically impeding access to an initial programming stage button or switch on the biometric locking system 10 that initiates the initial programming stage, even when the biometric Socking system 10 is unlocked and the shade 20 is opened. Thus, if the method 640 is implemented mechanically, then the method for example may entail running the initial

programming stage, initiated via the initial programming stage button or switch, and then installing the portion of the computer monitor visual access control apparatus with the biometric iocking system 10 on the computer monitor 6 so as to prevent physical access to the initial programming stage button or switch. For example, the initial programming stage button or switch may be located on a mounting wall of the housing of the secondary section 4, so that after the secondary section 4 is mounted to the computer monitor 6, the initial programming stage button or switch is inaccessible. Alternatively, on the portion of the computer monitor visual access control apparatus with the biometric locking system 10 is an access way to the initial programming stage button or switch over which a access way cover may be permanently installed in such a manner as to prevent access to the initial programming stage button or switch and such that it cannot be readily removed without breaking the housing of the portion of the computer monitor visual access control apparatus on which the biometric iocking system 10 is installed. Alternatively, for example, if the biometric Iocking system 10 forms part of a modular porti on such as locking unit 29, then the switch may be provided on a portion of a housing of the iocking unit 29 that is inaccessible after it is installed on the secondary section 4.

The shade 20 may form a part of replaceable shade modular portion of the primary section 2. Similar to the locking unit 29, the shade modular portion may be provided with a second key lock 26, as illustrated in the seventh and eighth exemplary embodiments 107, 108, and the shade 20 may be removed by unlocking the second key lock 26, As with the key lock 12, the second key l ock 26 may also be configured for one time use by preventing removal of the key and/or rotation of the second key lock 26 back to an unlocked position after it is unlocked.

In the first four exemplary embodiments 101 , 102, 103, 104, the biometric locking system 10 may be powered by a power source internal to the biometric iocking system 10. Alternatively, in these exemplary embodiments, the biometric locking system 10 may be powered by an internal battery housed inside the secondary section 4. In another alternative, as illustrated in the fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth embodiments, 105, 106, 107, 108, the biometric locking system 10 may be connected to the mains power via a power connection 25. In this instance, the secondary section 4 may als house an internal batter}' as the primary or backup power for the biometric locking system 10. Additionally, as shown in seventh and eighth exemplary embodiments 1.07, 108, an external battery port 27 may also be provided so as to provide tem orary external battery power from an external battery 28 to the biometric locking system 10. The external battery port 27 may be configured so as not to provide mounting accommodations for the battery 28 so that the battery 28 will need to be held in place by a separate external support to maintain the power connection. Also, the use of the mains power may be substituted or supplemented, as a primary or backup power source, by a USB power connection to a computer port or the equi alent. In the ninth and tenth exemplary embodiments 109, 1 1.0, the Socking unit 29 is provided askew to one side of the secondary section 4. And as may be seen in the exploded view of the tenth embodiment 1 10 in Figure 62, this allows for a larger internal cavity in the secondary section 4 to house batteries 30.

Figures 87 through 89 show a fourteenth exemplary embodiment 1 1 of a computer access control apparatus from various perspective views. The fourteenth exemplary embodiment 1 14 is configured as a safe box. As shown in these figures, the fourteenth exemplary embodiment 1 14 is open and has several laptop computers 69 and handheld computers 70 stowed therein. Figures 90 through 92 sho the fourteenth exemplary embodiment 1 14, open and with laptop computers 69 and handheld computers 70 stowed therein, from a top, front and side view, respectively. Figures 93 through 98 also show the fourteenth exemplary embodiment 1 14 in an open position, from the same corresponding view points as Figures 87 through 92, but without the laptop computers 69 and handheld computers 70 stowed therein.

The fourteenth exemplary embodiment 1 14 has a housing 76 with a c!am shell configuration with a base 51 and a lid 52 that form an internal storage cavity 76a. The base 5 1 and ltd 52 are rotatably connected via a hinge 53, which is configured as a piano hinge formed from integral portions of the base 51 and lid 52. The hinge 53 extends laterally along a top of a back wall 5 1 a of the base 51 from a first base side S i c to a second base side 51 d and a back of a top wall 52a of the !id 52 from a first ltd side 52c to a second lid side 52d. Alternatively, other types of hinge configurations known in the art. may be used instead of a piano hinge, such as a barrel hinge. The hinge 53 may configured as a frictional hinge or other hinge configuration that provides resistive torque against the closing of the lid 53 such as a spring hinge mechanism or with a pneumatic hinge mechanism. As shown in Figures 87 through 92, the housing 76 is open, allowing access t the internal storage cavity 76a. Along the top wall 52a are several vents 54 that allow heat to escape from the internal storage cavity 76a when the housing 76 is closed. However, the vents 54 are preferably configured to prevent using the vents 54 to view and/or physically tamper with any devices placed in the internal storage cavity 76a. Alternatively, vents may be provided on other parts of the housing 76. in one alternative exemplary configuration, the vents 54 are not provided on the top wall 52a but vents are provided on the back wall 51a and/or the first base side 51c and/or the second base side 51 d and/or the lid front wall 52b and/or the first lid side 52c and/or the second hd side 52d and/or floor 5 Ϊ b.

Mounted on a Hd front wall 52b, proximate to a bottom edge of the lid .front wall 52b and close to the second Sid side 52d, is a biometnc locking system 57 that is capable of locking the housing 76 in a closed position preventing access to the internal storage cavity 76a. The biometric locking system 57, similar to the biometnc locking system 10, may use fingerprint, iris, face or an other type of biometric data. Likewise, the biometric locking system 57 may be connected to a monitoring system, similar to the monitoring system 34 for the biometric locking system 10, which monitors the status of the biometric locking system 57, i.e. whether it is locked or unlocked, and periodicall sounds an alert, e.g. once ever hour or two, such as via a speaker when the lid 52 and is not locked to the base 51. An alert switch may be provided that allows for selectively turning the periodic alert on and off. The alert switch may require a mechanical key or some other security mechanism to actuate it so as to prevent actuation by unauthorized users.

The biometric locking system 57 may be configured so that it automatically locks when the housing 76 is closed, but will only unlock when authorized biometric input is provided. The biometric locking system 57 may lock the housing 76 by latching onto the second base side 5 id, or a floor 5 ib of the base 5 1 or some other part of the base 51. The biometric locking system 57 may alternatively, or in addition to latching itself, communicate with distal latching mechanisms that latch the base 51 and lid 52 together to lock the housing 76.

In the base 5 are several shelves 55 that are sized and configured to support the laptop computers 69. One laptop computer 69 ma also be placed, as shown, on the floor Si b of the base 51 , Above the shelves 55, is a top shelf 56 where the several handheld computers 70 or other electronic devices may be placed, in alternative configurations of the invention, there may be no shelves 55 but the top shelf 56 in the base 51 or no shelves 55 and no top shelf 56 in the base 51 . The top shelf 56, as shown, may be configured so as not to extend as far toward the lid front wall 51b as the shelves 55.

A electric power distributor 64 is provided on the top shelf 56 of the fourteenth exemplary embodiment 1 14. An aperture 5 l.e in the second base side 5 Id provides an access port through which an electric cord 66 of the electric power distributor 64 extends so that the electric cord 66 can be connected to an external electric power source. As shown, the electric power distributor 64 may be a multiple electric outlet surge protector device that has a toggle power switch 65 proximate to a fi st end of the electric power distributor 64, that turns on and off the power distribution by the electric power distributor 64, and several standard electric outlets 64a extending in a Sine therefrom. The electric power distributor 64 may alternatively have other types of electric distribution connections such as a standard USB port as well as an alternative power switch type such as a push button switch configuration. The electric power distributor 64 may be freely moveable on the top shelf 56 or held in place by a raised guide on the surface of the top shelf 56 or by temporary or permanent fastening method. The fourteenth exemplar embodiment 1 14 may be provided and configured without the electric power distributor 64 to allow a user to install their own electric power distributor 64. The top shelf 56 and the shelves 55 have corresponding cutouts 75 that allow power cables to extend from the laptops computers 69 on the shelves 55 to the electric power distributor 64 on the top shelf 56. Alternatively, instead of the cutouts 75 in the top shelf 56 and the shelves 55, the top shelf 56 and the shel ves 55 may be truncated in their width relative to a width of the base 51 , i.e. the distance from the first base side 51c to the second base side 5 id, and/or the top shelf 56 and the shelves 55 may be truncated in length relative to the length of the housing 76, i.e. the distance from the back wall 1 a to the lid front wall 52b when the housing 76 is closed. An open space is thereby formed that extends from the floor 51 through the top shelf 56 that is proximate to the first base side 51c or the second base side 5 I d, where the shelves 55 have a truncated width and/or proximate to the lid front wail 52b. where the shelves 55 have a truncated length. The open space may be sized t allow transformers from the laptop computers 69 on the shelves 55 to be stowed on the floor 5 lb and electrical connections to extend from the laptop computers 69 to their transformers on the floor 51b and electrical connections to extend from the transformers to the electric power distributor 64 on the top shelf 56. The housing 76 and the shelves 55 may be sized to allow the laptop computers 69 t be stowed in a widthwise orientation, i.e. width of the laptop computers 69 is parallel to the base 51 , and/or in a lengthwise orientation, i.e. the width of the laptop com uters 69 is perpendicular to the base 51 , such as in the manner the laptop computers 69 are stowed in Figure 9.1.

Mounted to the lid 52 is a switching actuator 72 that can mechanicall move the toggle power switch 65 to an "on" position, allowing electric power to flow through the electric power distributor 64 when the lid 52 is closed. The switching actuator 72 may be moveable and/or provided separately in a kit, possibly with several different configurations of the switching actuator 72 of various heights and widths with the fourteenth exemplary embodiment 1 14 for mounti g by the user to accommodate differi g arrangements on various surge protector model that may be used for the electric power distributor 64. Mounted to the housing 76 or the power distributor 64 is a switch controller 71 that can

mechanically move the toggle power switch 65 to an "off' position, cutting off electric power to flow through the electric power distributor 64 when the lid 52 is open. An exemplary

configuration of the switch controller 71 is illustrated in Figures 103 and 104. The switch controller 71 includes a lever 73 and a spring 74. The lever 73 is rotatable around a fulcrum point and is situated so that when the lever 73 is in a first position a first side of the lever forces the toggle power switch 65 into the "on" position and when the lever 73 is in a second position a second side of the lever 73 forces the toggle switch 65 into the "off' position. The spring 74 biases the lever 73 to the second position by forcing the first side of the lever 73 away from the toggle power switch 65. In figure 104, the lid 5:2 is closed and the switching actuator 72 pushes down on the lever 73, thereby pushing the toggle power switch 65 to the "on" position. In Figure 103, when the switching actuator 72 is raised with the lid 52, the lever 73 is biased by the spring 74 to move to the second position and, thereby, moves the toggle power switch 65 to the "off' position. Alternatively, instead of the switching actuator 72 and the switch controller 7L the monitoring system, as discussed above that is similar to the monitoring system 34, may be configured to control the flow of power through the electric power distributor 64. The monitoring system in such an embodiment may be configured to control the electric power distributor 64 so that the power flow would automatically be turned on when the housing 76 is closed or when the biometric Sock 57 is engaged, locking the housing 76, and/or automatically turned off when the housing 76 is open or when the biometric lock 57 is disengaged, so that the housing 76 is unlocked.

The housing 76 may include an emergency accessway. Figure 98(a) shows an exemplary configuration of the back wall 51 a with an exemplary emergency accessway covered by an access panel 5 If. The access pane! 5 If may be removed or opened to allow for removal of the laptop computers 69 and/or removal of the handheld computers 70 and/or resetting of the biometric Sock 57 and/or mechanical disengagement of the biometric lock 57 through the emergency accessway. The access panel 5 If is secured to the housing 76 with one or more screws S l g, that may have non-standard head or drive types that cannot be removed with standard Oat head or philUps screwdrivers. The screws S lg may also are configured with varying non-standard head or drive types from each oilier so that multiple screwdrivers of differing configurations are needed to remove the screws 51g. The screws Slg may be made of material that is soft enough to show evidence of removal or attempted removal of the screws Sl g and/or the screws Slg may be covered with a paint coating that will show evidence of removal or tampering with the screws Slg. The access panel 51 f may be completely detachable from the housing 76. or alternatively, it may be hingeably attached to the back wall 5 la of the housing The access panel 51f may alternatively be provided on another side of the housing 76.

Figures 99 through 102 show a fifteenth exemplary embodiment 1 I 5 according to the present invention, which is also configured as a safe box. The fifteenth exemplary embodiment 1 15 has a housing 76b that is comparable to the housing 76 of the fourteenth exemplary embodiment 1 14. The housing 76b has a clam shell conf guration with a base 51 and a lid 52 that form an internal storage cavity 76a. The configuration of the fifteenth exemplary embodiment 115 is similar in many respects to thai of the fourteenth exemplar}' embodiment 1 14. Thus, the same element numbers from fourteenth exemplary embodiment I 1 are used for the comparable elements in the fifteenth exemplary embodiment 1 15. However, the biometric locking system 57 in this embodiment is shown to mate with a housina latch 60 on the base 51 to lock the housing 76.

The fifteenth exemplary embodiment 1 15 has a key lock 59 as a second way to unlock the lid 52 from the base 51. The key lock 59 may be unlocked with a mechanical key that is correctly coded or bitted. The key Sock 59 may possibly be used as an alternative way to unlock the lid 52 from the base 51 by itself. Alternativel , the key lock 59 in addition to the biometric locking system 57 ma need to be unlocked to unlock the lid 52 from the base 5 1 . Alternatively, an embodiment of the invention may be configured with the key lock 59 alone to secure the lid 52 to the base 51 to prevent opening of the housing 76b, without including the biometric locking system 57, Alternatively, the key lock 59 may be provided so thai the key lock 59 secures the lid 52 to the base 51 to prevent opening of the housing 76, and not the biometric locking system 57. However, the biometric locking system 57 is provided in such manner thai it restricts access to the key lock 59, such as by the biometric locking system 57 locking a hatch that covers the key lock 59. In such a configuration, the hatch may be configured to allow for a key to be left in the key lock 59 when the hatch is closed.

The key lock 59 may, alternatively, be configured as a one-time override lock system similar to key lock 12 discussed above, to allo unlocking the lid 52 only once and then require replacement of a locking unit 77. The locking unit 77 may include the biometric locking system 57 and the key lock 59. Similar to key lock 12, the key lock 59 may be configured to provide key trapping functionality, i .e. prevent removal of the mechanical key and/or rotation of the key Sock 59 back to a locked position, after the key lock 59 is unlocked. Thus, a key trapping system such as the one discussed above by key lock 12 may be implemented in the key lock 59. As shown in the fifteenth exemplary embodiment 1 1 5, the locking unit 77 may form a replaceable modular portion on the lid 52. In this instance, the key lock 59, alternatively to or in addition to functioning as a way to unlock the lid 52, may be configured to also unlock the locking unit 77 from the lid 52 by disengaging a latch 62 (shown in Figure 101) from a keeper or strike (not shown) on the lid 52 so that the locking unit 77 may be replaced. In certain instances one may want to replace the locking unit 77, such as to upgrade the biometric locking system 57, possibly to a stronger technology, or to add additional authorized users.

The biometric locking system 57, just as discussed above by the biometric locking system 10, may be designed to allow only an initial programming stage thai runs once for setting authorized biometric input that will unlock the biometric locking system 57 and then require replacement of the locking unit 77 to modify authorized biometric input. Thus, biometric locking system 57 may also implement exemplary method 640 shown in Figure 64. The method 640 may, for example, be implemented electronically with program or circuit design i the biometric locking system 57. Alternatively, the method 640 may be implemented mechanically, the initial programming stage may, for example, entail providing the locking unit 77 initially as a separate piece with an initial programming switch on a side of the locking unit 77 that is inaccessible after it is installed on the housing 76. Prior t mounting the locking unit 77, the initial programming stage may be run, initiated via the initial programming switch, and then the locking unit 77 may be installed on the housing 76. Alternatively, an access way to the initial programming stage switch may initially be open and an access way cover may be permanently installed after running the initial programming stage. The access way cover mounting in such a manner so as to prevent access to the initial programming stage button or switch and such that the access way cover cannot be readi ly removed without breaking part of the housing 76 or the Socking unit 77.

In the fourteenth exemplary embodiment 1 14 the biometric locking system 57 may be powered by a power source internal to itself. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 1 1, in the fifteenth exemplary embodiment 1 15, the biometric locking system 57 may be powered by internal batteries 67 housed behind a panel 68 on the back wall 51a or on some other part of the housing 76 or in the internal cavity 76a. In another alternative, the biometric locking system 57 may be connected to the mains power via the electric power distributor 64. In this instance, the mains power may be used as a primary power source with an internal battery backup.

Additionally, as shown in the fifteenth exemplary embodiment 1 15, an external battery port 58 may also be provided so as to provide temporary external battery power from an external battery (not shown) to the biometric locking system 57. The external battery port 58 may be configured so as not to provide mounting accommodations for the battery so that the battery will need to be held in place by a separate external support to maintain the power connection. A! so, the use of the mains power may be substituted or supplemented, as a primary or backup power source, by a USB power connection to a computer port or tbe equivalent.

Figure 105 shows a sixteenth exemplary embodiment 1 16 according to the present invention, which is also configured as a safe box. The configuration of the sixteenth exemplary embodiment 1 16 is similar in many respects to that of the fourteenth exemplary embodiment 1 14 and the fifteenth exemplary embodiment 1 15 Thus, the same element numbers from fourteenth exemplary embodiment 1 14 and the fifteenth exemplary embodiment 1 15 are used for the comparable elements in the sixteenth exemplary embodiment 1 16. However, in the sixteenth exemplary embodiment 1 1 the biometric locking system 57 and the housing latch 60 are provided proximate to a center of the l td 52 rather than to a. side, the power distributor 64 is oriented with the outlets 64a facing a l id front wall 52b of the housing 76 rather than the top w all 52a and side edges of the lid 52 and base 51 that meet each other are concave and convex, respectively.

Figure 106 shows a seventeenth exemplary¹ embodiment 1 17 according to the present invention, which is also configured as a safe box. The seventeenth exemplary embodiment 1 17 instead of having a clam shell configuration, as in the fourteenth, fifteenth and sixteenth exemplar}' embodiments 1 1 , 1 15, 1 16, has an access opening 78 on a top side. A lid 79 primarily forms a top-side of housing 80 and is hingeabJy connected to a back wall 8.1 of a base 82. Internally, vertical partitions 83 are provided to keep larger computers, such as laptops and tablets, in place. On an internal surface 84 of the lid 79 are holders 85 for smaller handheld computers, such as smartphones and rap3 players. The holders 85 may be configured as elastic bands or pockets or some other holder configuration known in the art. A biometric locking system 86 that is proximate to a middle of a top edge 87 of the base 82 mates with a housing latch 92 on the lid 79. A power distributor 88 is mounted on an internal side wall of the base 82.

Figure 107 shows an eighteenth exemplary embodiment 1 18 according to the present invention, which is also configured as a safe box. The eighteenth exemplary embodiment 1 I S is similar to the seventeenth exemplar}' embodiment i 17. Thus, the same element numbers from seventeenth exemplary embodiment 1 1.7 are used for the comparable elements in the ei hteenth exemplary embodiment 1 I S. However, in the seventeenth exemplary embodiment 1 1 7 there are no partitions 83 and larger computers 89 are stowed on top or next to each other. On a back wall 81 of the housing 80 is a cable accessway 90 to directly connect power or other cables primarily to the larger computers 89. One or more such accessways may be provided on other parts of the housing 80. Biometric locking system locking portions 86a, 86b, and 86c are provided proximate to a middle of a top edge 87 of the base 82 and mate with housing latches 86d, 86e, and 86f on the lid 79. A biometric locking system input portion 92, where biometric

information can be input, is provided on an external surface of the back wall 81. A power distributor 88 is provided on the lid 79 as well as a small computer holder bracket 91 with several extended arms for securing a small computer.

Figures 108 and 109 show an alternative housing 1 1 for a computer access control apparatus configured as a safe box according to the present invention. A iid 93 forms a front side 93a and a top 93b. The top 93b is hingeably connected via a hinge 94b to a back wall 95a of a. base 95 and the top 93b is also hingeably connected via a hinge 94a to the front side 93a. The base 95 also forms base lateral walls 95b, 95c, a bottom wall 95d and has several shelves 96.

Figure 1 10 shows another alternative housing 120 for a computer access control apparatus configured as a safe box according to the present invention. The lid 97 forms a front side 97a, a top 97b, and a lid back 97e, as well as a first lid lateral side 97c and an opposing second lid l ateral side, not shown, to the first lid lateral side 97c, that is a mirror image of the first lid lateral side 97c. A base 98 forms a back wall 98a as well as base lateral sides 98b, 98c, a bottom wall 98d, and has several shelves 99. The base lateral sides 98c, 98b are covered by the first lid lateral side 97c and the second lid lateral side, respectively, when the housing 120 is closed. A height extension support 100 is hingeably connected at a first end via a hinge 101 to the back wall 98a. The height extension support 100 is slidably connected to the Hd 97 at a second end via a first slide track 102 on the first lid lateral side 97c and an opposing second slide track, not shown, that is a mirror image of the first slide track 102, on the second lid lateral side so that the second side of the height extension support 100 slides forward to the lid 97 front side 97a as the lid 97 moves down to close the housing 120. The top 97b is hingeably connected via a hinge 103b to the lid back 97e and the top 97b is also hingeably connected via a hinge 103a to the front side 97a.

Figure 1 1 1 shows another alternative housing 121 for a computer access control

apparatus configured as a safe box according to the present invention. A lid 104 forms a front side 104a, a top 104b, as well as lid lateral sides 104c, i (J4d. A base 105 forms a back wall 105a as well as a bottom wall 105b. The top 104b is hingeabiy connected to the back wall 105a of the base 105.

Figure 1 12 shows another alternative housing 122 for a computer access control apparatus configured as a safe box according to the present invention. A lid 106 has vents 107. The iid 106 is hingeabiy connected via a hinge 108 to a back wall 109a of a base 109. The base also forms a front side i 09b, lateral sides 09c, 109d, as well as a bottom wall 109e. The front side 109b is hingeabiy connected via a hinge 1 10 to the bottom wall 109e and locks with the lid 106 with a lock 1 13C to close the housing 122. The base 109 includes several shelves 1 1 1 and the lateral sides 109c, 109d and the lid have vents 112.

Figure 1 13 shows another exemplary embodiment 123 of a computer access control apparatus configured as a safe bo according to the present invention. The configuration of the exemplary embodiment 123 is similar in many respects to that of the fourteenth exemplary embodiment 1 14. Thus, the same element numbers from fourteenth exemplary embodiment 1 14 are used for the comparable elements in the exemplary embodiment 123. The exemplary embodiment 123 has a housing 76c that is similar to the housing 76 of the fourteenth exemplary embodiment i 1 . The housing 76c has a clam shell confi uration with a base 51 and a lid 52 that form an internal storage cavity 76a. In contrast to the fourteenth exemplary embodiment 1 14, the exemplary embodiment 123 does not have vents on the lid 52 but rather vents 54a on the back wall 51 a. Also, in the exemplary embodiment 123, instead of a biometiic locking system, a mechanical keypad lock 57a is hingeabiy mounted on the lid 52 to act as a lockable hatch to access a recessed key lock. 59a, Alternatively, the mechanical keypad lock S7a and the hatch may be separate elements. In figure 1 13, the mechanical keypad lock 57a is shown in an open position, in Figure 1 14, an external side of the lid front wall 52b is shown wit the mechanical keypad lock 57a in a closed position. The recessed key lock 59a latches with a housing latch 60a. The recessed key lock 59a is configured as an electronic switching actuator that

automatically turns on the electric power distributor 64 when the recessed key lock 59a is locked and automatically turns off the electric power distributor 64 when the recessed key lock 59a is open The recessed key lock 59a may be sufficiently recessed to allow for a key to be left in the recessed key lock 59a when the mechanical keypad lock 57a is in the closed position. The housing 76c may include an emergency accessway covered by an access panel such as the exemplary configuration discussed above and shown in Figure 98(a). in configurations of the housing 76c that include an emergency accessway, the recessed key lock 59a may be configured to be removable without unlocking the housing 76c. Figure 1 15 shows a front view of an internal side of the lid front wall 52b. As shown in Figure 1 15, the recessed key Sock 59a may be mounted with one or more screws 59c to one or more brackets 59b on the interna! side of the lid front wall 52b. The screws S9c may have non-standard head or drive types that cannot be removed with standard flat head or phi! lips screwdrivers. The screws 59c may also use varying non-standard head or drive types from each other so that multiple screwdrivers of differing configurations are needed to remove the screws 59c. The screws 59c may be made of material that is soft enough to show evidence of removal or attempted removal of the screws 59c and/or the screws 59c may be covered with a paint coating that wil l show evidence of removal or tampering with the screws 59c, The recessed ke lock 59a latches with the housing latch 60a via a bolt 59d. In the exemplary configuration illustrated in Figure 1.15, the housing 76c may be opened with removal of the recessed key lock 59a by removal of the screws 59c without the necessity of unlocking the recessed key lock 59a.

The top shelf 56a and the shelves 55a are truncated in their width relative to a width of the base 51 , i.e. the distance from the first base side 5 lc to the second base side 5 I d. An open space 75a, proximate to the first base side 51c, is thereby formed that extends from the floor 51b through the top shelf 56a. As illustrated in Figure 1 3, transformers 69a for the laptop computers 69 on the shel ves 55 are stowed on the floor 51 b and electrical connections 69b extend front the laptop computers 69 to their transformers 69a and electrical connections 69c extend from the transformers 69a to the el ectric power distributor 64 on the top shelf 56. The housing 76c and the shelves 55a are sized to allow the laptop computers 69 to be stowed in a widttrwise orientation, i.e. a width of the laptop computers 69 is parallel to the base 51.

The embodiments of the invention described herein are exem lary i n nature, and ^■therefore, the spirit and the scope of the invention are by no means restricted to what is described above or intended to represent every possibl e embodiment of the invention. For example, wherever particular lock actuation mechanisms are specified, other lock actuation mechanisms known in the art such as electronic i.d. cards or mechanical or electronic keypads may be implemented. Also, wherever computer monitor or display is mentioned, it should be understood that h also applies to other video devices such as TVs and standalone monitors. In addition, relevant structural details of one exemplary embodiment may be applied to other exemplary embodiments, particularly structural details in one exemplar embodiment configured as a display control may be applied to other exemplary' embodiments configured as a display control and details in one exem lary embodiment configured as a safe box may be applied to other exemplary embodiments configured as a box. Furthermore, in exemplary embodiment configured as a display control primar and secondary mounting sections may be provided in various sizes or in adjustable sizes to fit different sized monitors and in exemplary embodiment configured as a safe box the housing may be provided in various sizes to fit different sized computers or to ailow for additional storage.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A visual display access control apparatus for a computer monitor, comprising:

a. a primary section configured to mount to the computer monitor on or proximate to a first side of the computer monitor;

b. a secondary section configured to mount to the computer monitor on or proximate to a second side of the computer monitor opposing the first side of the computer monitor;

c. a shade mounted to the priman' section in such manner so as to allow the shade to move hack and forth between an extended position across the computer monitor such that the shade prevents viewing of a di splay area of the computer monitor and a retracted position where the shade allows viewing of the display area; and d. a biometric locking system that allows for locking the shade to the secondary section when the shade is in the extended position, and requires authorized biometric input to unlock the shade from the secondary section.

The visual display access control apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:

a. a mechanical lock override mechanism that allows for unlocking the shade from the secondary section without requiring the authorized biometric input to the biometric locking system.

The visual display access control apparatus of claim 1 or 2, further comprising:

b. a monitoring system that detects whether the shade is locked to the secondary section and periodically sounds an alert when the shade is not l cked to the secondary section.

4. The visual display access control apparatus of claim 2, further comprising a modular portion on the secondary section that includes the biometric locking system and the mechanical lock override mechanism and is removable from the secondary' section by unlocki a the .mechanical lock override mechanism.

5. The visual display access control apparatus of claims I -4, further comprising:

a. a sensor that detects tampering of the shade; and b. an alarm system that is connected to the sensor and sounds an a!ert when the sensor indicates the shade has been tampered with.

6. The visual display access control apparatus of claims 1-5, wherein the primary section is mounted on the first side and on a front and/or a rear of the computer monitor proximate to the first side of the computer monitor and the secondary section is mounted on the second side of the computer monitor and on the front and/or the rear of the computer monitor proximate to the second side of the computer monitor.

7. The visual display access control apparatus of claims 1-6, wherein the first side and

second side are horizontal sides of the computer monitor,

8. The visual di splay access control apparatus of claims 1 -6, wherei n the first side and the second side are vertical sides of the computer monitor.

9. The visual display access control apparatus of claims I -8, further comprising a high- strength bonding tape, epoxy, or other adherent that surpasses the strength of a housing of each of the primary and secondary sections adhering the housing of each of the primary and secondary sections to the computer monitor.

10. The visual display access control apparatus of claims 1-8, further comprising high- strength bonding tape, epoxy, or other adherent that surpasses the strength of a paint or coating on the computer monitor, the high-strength bonding tape, epoxy, or other adherent adhering a housing of each of the primary and secondary sections to the com puter monitor.

1 1 . The visual display access control apparatus of claims 1-8, wherein the primary and

secondary sections are adhered to the computer monitor and each have perforations that will cause the primary and secondary sections to tear if force is applied to remove them from the computer monitor.

12. The visual display access control apparatus of claims 1-1 1 , further comprising a side bar extending along a third side of the computer monitor.

13. The visual display access control apparatus of claim 12, wherein the side bar forms a guide way for an edge of the shade.

14. The visual display access control apparatus of claim 12 or 13, further comprising a

second side bar extending along a fourth side of the computer monitor.

15. The visual display access control apparatus of claim 12, wherein the second side bar forms a second guide way for a second edge of the shade.

16. A. visual display access control apparatus for a computer monitor, comprising:

a. a primary section configured to mount to a first side of the computer monitor or to a front or a rear of the computer monitor proximate to the first side;

b. a side bar configured to mount to a third side of the computer monitor adjacent to the first side of the computer monitor or to the front or the rear of the computer monitor proximate to the third side;

c. a shade mounted t the primary section in such manner so as to allow the shade to move back and forth between an extended position across the computer monitor such that the shade prevents viewing of a display area of the computer monitor and a retracted position where the shade allows viewing of the display area; and d. a locking mechanism that locks the shade to the side bar.

17. The visual display access control apparatus of claim 16, further comprising a second side bar configured to mount on a fourth side of the computer monitor opposing the third side of the computer monitor.

18. The visual display access control apparatus of claim 11, wherein the locking mechanism locks the shade to the second side bar.

19. The visual displa access control apparatus of claims 16-18, wherein the side bar and/or the second side bar form a guide way for an edge of the shade.

20. A visual display access control apparatus for a computer monitor, comprising:

a. a primai^'y section configured t mount t a first side of the computer monitor; b. a secondary section configured to mount to a second side of the computer monitor opposing the first side of the computer monitor; c. a shade with retraction biased return mechanism mounted to the primary section in such manner so as to allow the shade to move back and forth between an extended position across the computer monitor such that the shade prevents viewing of a display area of the computer monitor and a retracted position where the shade allows viewing of the display area;

d. a biometrie locking system that aiiows for passively locking the shade to the secondary section when the shade is in the extended position, and requires authorized biometrie input to unlock the shade from the secondary section;

e. a mechanical lock override mechanism that allows for unlocking the shade from the secondary section without requiring the authorized biometrie input to the biometrie Socking system;

f. a sensor that detects whether the shade has been tampered with; and

g. a monitoring system that detects whether the shade is locked to the secondary section and periodically sounds an alert when the shade is not locked to the secondary section and receives the output signal of the sensor and sounds an alert when the shade has been tampered with.

21. A visual display access control system, comprising:

a. a computer monitor

b. a primary section mounted to a first side of the computet^" monitor;

c. a secondary section mounted to a second side of the computer monitor opposing the first side of the computer monitor;

d. a shade with a latch proximate to a bottom edge of the shade and a retraction biased return mechanism portion mounted to the primary secti n in such manner so as to allow the shade to move back and forth between an extended position across the computer monitor such that the shade prevents viewing of a display- area of the computer monitor and a retracted position where the shade allows viewing of the display area;

e. a biometrie locking system that requires authorized biometrie input to unlock the shade from the secondary section;

f. a mechanical lock override mechanism that allows for unlocking the shade from the secondary section without requiring the authorized biometrie input to the biometrie locking system;

g a sensor that provides an output signal indicating whether the shade is locked to the secondary section; and h. a monitoring system that receives the output signal of the sensor and periodically sounds an alert when the shade is not locked to the secondary section.

22. The visual display access control apparatus of claims 2, 4, 21 wherein the mechanical lock has key trapping mechanism that prevents removal of a key from the mechanical lock and/or return of the mechanical iock back to a locked state after the key is inserted into the mechanical lock and unlocks the mechanical lock.

23. The visual display access control apparatus of claims 1-15, 21 wherein a method is

implemented such thai the biometric locking system allows only an initial programming stage that mm once for setting authorized biometric input that will unl ck the biometric locking system.

24. A visual display access control apparatus for a. computer monitor, comprising:

a. a primary section configured to mount to a first side of the computer monitor and/or t a front of the computer monitor proximate to the first side and/or a rear of the computer monitor proximate to the fi rst side;

b. a secondary section configured to mount t second side of the computer monitor opposing the first side of the computer monitor and/or to the front of the computer monitor proximate to the second side and/or the rear of the computer monitor proximate to the second side;

c. a shade mounted to the primary section in such manner so as to allow the shade to move back and forth between an extended position across the computer monitor such that the shade prevents viewing of a display area of the computer monitor and a retracted position where the shade allows viewing of the display area; and d. a biometric locking system that allows for passively locking the shade to the

secondary section when the shade is in the extended position, and requires authorized biometric input to unlock the shade from the secondary section.

25. The visual display access control apparatus of claim 23, wherein the method is

implemented in the biometric locking system as a program or circuit design.

26. The visual display access control apparatus of claim 23, wherein the method is

implemented in the configuration of the biometric locking system such thai an initial programming button is made inaccessible upon installation of the biometric locking system or another portion of the visual display access control apparatus upon installation on a visual display.

27. A method of controlling access to a computer with the vi ual access display control apparatus of claims 1-26, comprising:

a. extending the shade from the primary section; and

b. locking the shade to the secondary section via the biometric locking system.

28. A lock for computer access control apparatus, comprising:

a. a biometric locking system; and

b. a mechanical lock,

i. wherein the biometric locking system and the mechanical lock form a modular locking unit that can secure the computet access control apparatus in a closed state and the biometric locking system and/or the mechanical lock can unlock the modular locking unit to unsecure the computer control apparatus.

29. A visual display access control apparatus for computer monitor, comprising:

b a secondary section configured to mount to a second side of the computer monitor opposing the first side of the computer monitor or to the front or the rear of the computer monitor proximate to the second side;

c. a shade mounted to the primary section in such manner so as to allow the shade to move back and forth between an extended position across the computer monitor such that the shade prevents viewing of a di splay area of the computer monitor and a retracted position where the shade allows viewing of the display area; and d. a lock that secures the shade to the secondary section.

30. The visual display access control apparatus of claim 29, wherein the lock is comprised of a biometric locking system that requires authorized biometric input to unlock the shade .from the secondary section.

31. The visual display access control apparatus of claim 28 or 29, wherein the lock is comprised or further comprised of a mechanical lock that requires a correctly coded mechanical key to unlock the shade from the secondary section.

32. The visual display access control apparatus of claim 30, wherein the mechanical lock only unlocks once and cannot return to the unlocked position.

33. The visual display access control apparatus of claims 30 or 31, wherein the lock form s a replaceable modular portion of the secondary section.

34. The visual display access control apparatus of claim 29 or 30, wherein the biometnc locking system allows only an initial programming stage that runs once for setting the authorized biometric input.

35. The lock for a computer access control apparatus of claim 28, wherein the modular

locking unit is configured to lock on to the computer access control apparatus and the mechanical lock can unlock the modular locking unit from the computer control access control apparatus.

36. A lock for a computer access control apparatus, comprising a biometric locking system with an initial programming stage switch that upon actuation executes a procedure in which the biometric locking system receives authorization for setting authorized biometric input that will unlock the biometric locking system, the biometric locking system configured to control Socking and unlocking of the computer access control apparatus and to mate with the computer access control apparatus in such manner that physical access to the initial programming stage switch will he impeded upon mating the biometric locking system to the computer access control apparatus or upon installation of the computer access control apparatus on a computer display or other device.

37. The lock for a computer access control apparatus of claim 28 or 35, further comprising an external battery port configured so as to allow for temporary external battery power to be provided to the biometric locking system.

38. A visual display access control apparatus for a computer monitor with the lock of claim 28, 35, or 37, further comprising:

a. a primary section configured to mount to a fi st side of the computer monitor or to a front or a rear of the computer monitor proximate to the first side;

b. a secondary section configured to mount to second side of the computer monitor opposing the first si de of the computer monitor or to the front or the rear of the computer monitor proximate to the second side; and

c. a shade mounted to the primary section in such manner so as to allow the shade to move back and forth between an extended position across the computer monitor such that the shade prevents viewing of a display area of the computer monitor and a retracted position where the shade allows viewing of the display area,

ii. wherein the iock secures the shade to the secondary section.

39. A computer access control apparatus, comprising:

a. a housing with a closable access opening, configured so as to allow placement of a computer in the housing and direct physical operation of the computer is impeded or completely inhibited when the closable access opening is closed; b. an electric power distributor configured to connect to the computer placed in the housi g;

e. a switching actuator that stops power distribution by the electric power distributor to the computer when the closable access opening of the housing is open and or starts power distribution by the electric power distributor to the computer upon closure of the housing; and

d. a locking unit mounted on the housing that locks the closable access opening of the housing.

40. The computer access control apparatus of claim 39, wherein the switching actuator turns on the power distribution by the electric power distributor upon closure of the housing.

41. The computer access control apparatus of claim 39 or 40, wherein the locking unit is comprised of a biometric locking system that passively locks the closable access opening when the closable access opening is closed, and requires authorized biometric input to unlock and open the closable access opening.

42. The computer access control apparatus of claim 41, wherein the locking unit is further comprised of a lock override raechani sm that allows for unlocking the ciosable access opening without requiring the authorized biometric input to the biomeiric locking system.

43. The computer access control apparaius of claim 39, 40, 41 or 42, further comprising an alarm system that senses and periodically sounds an alert when the ciosable access opening is not locked closed.

44. The computer access control apparaius of claim 42, wherein the lock override mechanism only unlocks once and cannot return to the unlocked position.

45. The computer access control apparatus of claims 39, 40, 41 or 43, wherein the locking unit is a replaceable modular portion of the housing.

46. The computer access control apparaius of claims 42 or 44, wherein the lock override dismounts the locking unit from the housing.

47. The computer access control apparatus of claims 41 , 42, 43, 44, 45 or 46, wherein the biometric locking system allows only an initial programming stage that runs only once for setting the authorized biometric input.

48. The computer access control apparatus of claims 41 , 42, 43, 44, 45, 46 or 47, the locking unit is further comprised of an external power input port through which power may be externally supplied to the biometric locking system .

49. A computer access control apparatus, comprising:

a. a housing with a ciosable access opening, the housing sized and configured to accept a computer inside the housing and impede direct physical operation of the computer when the ciosable access opening is closed and the housing sized and configured to accommodate a power distributor and the housing having power connection access opening to allow the power distributor to connect to an external power source;

b. a switch, actuator that turns on the power distributor when the ciosable access opening is closed a d/or turns off the electric power distributor to the computer when the ciosable access openin of the housing is open; and

c. a lock thai locks the ciosable access opening of the housing.

50. A computer access control apparatus with the lock of claim 28, 35, or 37, further comprising a housing with a closable access opening, configured so as to allow placement of a computer in the housing and direct physical operation of the computer is impeded or completely inhibited when the closable access opening is closed, wherein the locking unit locks the closable access opening of the housing.

51. The computer access control apparatus of claim 50, further comprising an electric power distributor configured to connect to the computer placed in the housing.

52. The computer access control apparatus of claim 51, further comprising a switching

actuator that stops power distribution by the electric power distributor t the computer when the closable access opening of the housing is open and/or starts power distribution by the electric power distributor t the computer upon closure of the housi ng.

53. A computer access control apparatus, comprising:

a. a housing with a closable access opening, configured so as to allow placement in the housing of a computer and an electric power distributor that is configured to connect to the computer, and direct physical operation of the computer is impeded or completely inhibited when the closable access opening is closed;

b. a. switching actuator that starts power distribution by the electric power distributor to the computer when the closable access opening of the housing is closed ; and c. a locking unit mounted on the housing that locks the closable access opening of the housing.

54. A computer access control apparatus, comprising:

a. a housing configured as a safe box with a closable access opening, configured so as to allow placement of a computer in the housing and direct physical operation of the computer is im eded or completely inhibited when the closable access opening is closed;

b. an electric power distributor configured to connect to the computer placed in the housing;

c. a switching actuator that stops power distribution by the electric power distributor to the computer when the closable access opening of the housing is open and/or starts power distribution by the electric power distributor to the computer upon closure of the housing; and

d. a locking unit mounted on the housing that locks the ciosable access opening of the housing.

55. A kit for visual display access control of a computer monitor, comprising:

a. a primary section configured to mount to the computer monitor on or proxiniate to a first side of the computer monitor;

b. a secondary section configured to the computer monitor on or proximate to a second side of the computer monitor opposing the first side of the computer monitor;

c. a shade mounted or configured to mount to the primary section in such manner so as to allow the shade t move back and forth between an extended position across the computer monitor such that the shade prevents viewing of display area of the computer monitor and a retracted position where the shade allows viewing of the display area; and

d. a biometnc locking system mounted or configured to mount to the secondary section or the shade that allows for locking the shade to the secondary section when the shade is in the extended position, and requires authorized biometnc input to unlock the shade from the secondary section.

56. A kit comprising:

a. co puter access con trol apparatus, com pri si ng :

b. a housing configured with a ciosable access opening so as to allow placement of a computer in the housing and direct physical operation of the computer is impeded or completely inhibited when the ciosable access opening is closed, c. an electric power distributor configured to connect to the computer placed in the housing;

d. a switching actuator that stops power distribution by the electric power distributor to the computer when the ciosable access opening of the housing i open and/or starts power distribution by the electric power distributor to the computer upon closure of the housing; and

e. a locking unit mounted on the housing that locks the ciosable access opening of the housing.

57. A computer access control apparatus, comprising: a. a housing confmured as a safe box with a closable access opening configured so as to allow placement of a computer in the housing and direct physical operation of the computer is Impeded or completely inhibited when the closable access opening is closed;

c. switching controller positioned and configured so as to stop power distribution by the electric power distributor to the computer when the closable access opening of the housing is open;

d. a switching actuator mounted to the housing and positioned so as to turn on power distribution by the electric power distributor when the closable access opening of the housing is closed; and

e. a locking unit mounted on the housing that locks the closable access opening of the housing.

58. The computer access control apparatus of claim 57, wherein the switching controller is comprised of a lever and a spring, the lever being rotatable around a fulcrum point and the lever situated so that when in a second position a second side of the lever stops power distribution by the electric power distributor.

59. A computer access control apparatus, comprising:

a. housing with a closable access opening, configured so as to allow placement of computer in the housing and direct physical operation of the computer is impeded or completely inhibited when the closable access opening is closed; b. an electric power distributor configured to connect to the computer placed in the housing, and

c. a locking unit mounted on the housing that locks the closable access opening of the housing and that starts power distribution by the electric power distributor to the computer when the locking unit is locked and/or stops power distribution by the electric power distributor to the computer when the locking unit is unlocked.

60. The computer access control apparatus of claim 59, further comprising a shelf in the housing tamcated in width and/or length relative to a width and/or l ength of the housing.

61. The computer access control apparatus of claims 59 or 60, further comprising an access panel, wherein the housing is configured with an accessway and the access panel is secured to the housing over the accessway .

62. The computer access control apparatus of claim 61, further comprising screws thai secure the access panel to the housing wherein the screws are configured with varying nonstandard head or drive t es.

63. The computer access control apparatus of claims 59, 60, 1 or 62, further comprising a second locking unit hingeably mounted to the housing, wherein the locking unit is recessed on the housing and the second locking unit is configured as a lockahle hatch over the locking unit.

64. The computer access control apparatus of claim 64, wherein the locking unit is

sufficiently recessed to allow for a key to remain in the locking unit when the second locking unit is in a closed position.