EP0302710A2
Expired / Lapsed
EP
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
A method of controlling the use of computer programs
Assignee: International Business Machines Corp
•
Filing: 1988-08-03
•
Granted: —
•
Expires: 2008-08-03
Abstract
Abstract The copy protection of personal computer (PC) software distributed on diskettes is assisted by providing a unique identification (ID) stored in read only memory (ROM) of a personal computer in which software on a diskette is to be used. This ID is accessible to the user of the computer. A vendor who wishes to protect his diskette-distributed software from illegal copying or use provides a source ID on the diskette. The personal computer ID is used with the source ID on the distributed diskette to produce an encoded check word, using any available encryption modality. The check word is generated and written onto the distributed diskette during installation and copied onto all backup versions made by the user's personal computer. Prior to each use of the program, the software on the diskette uses the personal computer and the source IDs and check word to verify that the software is being used on the same personal computer on which it was installed.
Inventors
- 👤 Alan Hersh Karp
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
EP
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-28 20:15
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06F; G06F21/00; G06F21/10; G06F21/12; G06F21/121; G06F21/101; G06F2211/00; G06F2211/007; G06F2221/00; G06F2221/21; G06F2221/2129
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
155 words
A method of controlling the use and replication of diskette software contents and the like on unauthorized diskette-driven computing systems, said method comprising the steps of: placing a first ID code in a preselected computing system; associating a second ID code with a source of programming software for said computing system; placing said second ID number on a diskette bearing a program obtained from said source, said program including an execution non-compliance feature; deriving a first check number through encryption of one of said ID numbers by the other of said ID numbers; placing said check number on said diskette; and upon access of said diskette by any computing system, deriving a second check number through said encryption based upon said second ID number on said diskette and an ID number in said accessing computing system, comparing said second with said first check number, and bypassing the non-compliance feature in the event of a match.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
155 words
A method of controlling the use and replication of diskette software contents and the like on unauthorized diskette-driven computing systems, said method comprising the steps of: placing a first ID code in a preselected computing system; associating a second ID code with a source of programming software for said computing system; placing said second ID number on a diskette bearing a program obtained from said source, said program including an execution non-compliance feature; deriving a first check number through encryption of one of said ID numbers by the other of said ID numbers; placing said check number on said diskette; and upon access of said diskette by any computing system, deriving a second check number through said encryption based upon said second ID number on said diskette and an ID number in said accessing computing system, comparing said second with said first check number, and bypassing the non-compliance feature in the event of a match.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
30 words
A method as claimed in Claim 1 wherein said second ID and said first check number are placed in said diskette when said program is installed in said computing system.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
18 words
A method as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2 wherein said access includes execution of said program.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
19 words
A method as claimed in Claim 1 wherein said access includes copying of said program to a second diskette.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
60 words
A method as claimed in Claim 1 wherein said step of placing said check number includes writing said check number to a predetermined storage area on said diskette, said predetermined storage area including storage space for a plurality of check numbers, and said step of comparing includes comparing said second check number with a check number in said storage area.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
209 words
A data processing system for authorizing use of diskette software contents on authorized computing systems, comprising: a diskette for storing application programs; a first computing system for entering software on said diskette, and including a first ID code identifying said first, and a secure list of ID codes identifying CPUs authorized to execute said software; an encryption modality in said software for generating a first check number based upon an ID code from said list, said first check number being written onto said diskette with said software by said first computing system; a second computing system with a CPU for receiving said diskette and executing said software, said second computing system including a second ID code identifying its CPU; encryption means executable on said first and second computing systems for generating a first check number based upon public-key encryption of said first ID code and a second ID drawn from said list, said first check number being written onto said diskette with said software, and for generating a second check number based upon said public-key encryption of said second ID code; and means for comparing said first and second check numbers and preventing execution of said software by said second computing system based upon mismatch of said check numbers.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
209 words
A data processing system for authorizing use of diskette software contents on authorized computing systems, comprising: a diskette for storing application programs; a first computing system for entering software on said diskette, and including a first ID code identifying said first, and a secure list of ID codes identifying CPUs authorized to execute said software; an encryption modality in said software for generating a first check number based upon an ID code from said list, said first check number being written onto said diskette with said software by said first computing system; a second computing system with a CPU for receiving said diskette and executing said software, said second computing system including a second ID code identifying its CPU; encryption means executable on said first and second computing systems for generating a first check number based upon public-key encryption of said first ID code and a second ID drawn from said list, said first check number being written onto said diskette with said software, and for generating a second check number based upon said public-key encryption of said second ID code; and means for comparing said first and second check numbers and preventing execution of said software by said second computing system based upon mismatch of said check numbers.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
No citation records indexed.
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
Maintenance schedule is calculated for granted US utility patents.