EP0481770A2
Expired / Lapsed
EP
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Data storage medium access verification system
Assignee: Codemasters Ltd
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Filing: 1991-10-17
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Granted: —
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Expires: 2011-10-17
Abstract
Abstract A verification system is used to deny a data processing unit (C) unauthorised access to data stored in a data storage medium. The verification system includes a verification program (V) which causes the data processing unit to generate a first authentification code and an authorisation code, bearing a first predetermined relationship to the first authentification code. The verification program enables the data processing unit to access the data in the data storage medium provided a second authentification code, bearing a second predetermined relationship to the first authentification code is input to the data processing unit. A remote processor (P) derives the second authentification code from the authorisation code. The second authorisation code can be received from, and the authorisation code supplied to, the remote processor (P) over a telephone link.
Inventors
- 👤 Richard Darling
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
EP
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-26 15:19
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06F; G06F21/00; G06F21/10; G06F21/12; G06F21/121
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 16
Claim 1
Independent Claim
175 words
A verification system for denying a data processing unit unauthorised access to data stored in a data storage medium, comprising a verification means, provided in the data storage medium, for causing the data processing unit to generate a first authentification code and an authorisation code bearing a first predetermined relationship to the authentification code,either the first authentification code or the authorisation code being generated randomly or pseudo-randomly, and for enabling the data processing unit to access the data stored in the data storage medium provided a second authentification code, bearing a second predetermined relationship to the first authentification code, is input to the data processing unit, processing means, remote from the data processing unit, capable of deriving the second authentification code from the authorisation code, means enabling the authorisation code to be supplied to, and the corresponding second authentification code to be received from, the processing means whereby the second authentification code is made available for input to the data processing unit so that the data stored in the data storage medium can be accessed.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
22 words
A verification system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the verification means is a verification program stored in the data storage medium.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
25 words
A verification system as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the authorisation code is derived from the first authentification code or vica versa.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
37 words
A verification system as claimed in claim 3, wherein the authorisation code is an encryption of the first authentification code and the second authentification code, derived by the processing means, is the reverse-encryption of the authorisation code.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
38 words
A verification system as claimed in claim 3, wherein the first authentification code is an encryption of the authorisation code and the second authentification code, derived by the processing means, is the same encryption of the authorisation code.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
31 words
A verification system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the first and second authentification codes or the authorisation code and the first authentification code are identical.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
66 words
A verification system as claimed in claim 6, wherein the second authentification code, derived by the processing means, is an encryption of the authorisation code, and the verification program causes the data processing unit to derive the inverse-encryption of the second authentification input thereto and to compare the resultant code with the first authentification code whereby to determine whether or not the second predetermined relationship exists.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
66 words
A verification system as claimed in claim 6, wherein the second authentification code, derived by the processing means, is an encryption of the authorisation code, and the verification program causes the data processing unit to derive the inverse encryption of the first authentification code and to compare the resultant code and the second authentification code whereby to determine whether or not the second predetermined relationship exists.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
28 words
A verification system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the enabling means is arranged to monitor the supply and reception of the codes.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
18 words
A verification system as claimed in claim 9, wherein the enabling means is part of a telecommunications network.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
41 words
A verification system as claimed in claim 10, wherein the enabling means includes a telephone line by which the user of the data processing unit can transmit the authorisation code to, and receive the second authentification code from, the processing means.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
26 words
A verification system as claimed in claim 11, wherein the authorisation code is transmitted along the telephone line as a succession of tonal or pulsed signals.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
39 words
A verification system as claimed in any preceding claim for denying the data processing unit unauthorised access to data stored in the data storage medium if the stored data is a pirated copy of an original of the data.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
43 words
A verification system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein data processing unit is a games computer, the data storage medium is a games cassette, disc or cartridge and the data stored in the data storage medium is a computer game or games.
Claim 15
Independent Claim
104 words
A method for denying a data processing unit unauthorised access to data stored in a data storage medium, comprising the steps of generating a first authentification code, generating an authorisation code bearing a first predetermined relationship to the first authentification code, either the first authentification code or the authorisation code being generated randomly or pseudorandomly, enabling a second authentification code to be derived from the authorisation code remotely from the data processing unit, and denying the data processing unit access to the data stored in the data storage unit unless the second authentification code bears a second predetermined relationship to the first authentification code.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
32 words
A method as claimed in claim 15, wherein the enabling step includes supplying the authorisation code to, and receiving the second authentification code from a remote processing means via a telecommunications link.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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