US4462076A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Video game cartridge recognition and security system
Assignee: SMITH ENGINEERING A SOLE PROPRIETORSHIP
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Filing: 1982-06-04
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Granted: 1984-07-24
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Expires: 2002-06-04
Abstract
Abstract A security system for ascertaining the authenticity of removable video game cartridges adapted to interface with a video game system having a CPU. The system includes the comparison of the contents of predetermined addresses in the memory unit of the game cartridges with a security message stored in the CPU, and the rejection of the cartridge unless the contents of these predetermined memory locations are the same as the security message. The system further includes means for displaying a proprietary notice message to the operator of the video game system before substantive interfacing between the CPU and remote software unit occurs. Control over game operation will occur only if the CPU recognizes the cartridge as an authorized unit.
Inventors
- 👤 Jay Smith, III
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 05:33
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06F; G06F21/00; G06F21/30; G06F21/31; G06F21/70; G06F21/78; G06F21/79; G06F2221/00; G06F2221/21; G06F2221/2109
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 19
Claim 1
Independent Claim
197 words
In a video game system having means for displaying a game including a central processing unit (CPU); a display screen; means for accepting operator instructions in response to game play, and means for receiving remote software units storing one or more video games, the improvement comprising: a removable software unit including a first memory unit having a plurality of addressable memory locations, predetermined locations of the memory locations being encoded with a first set of specific information signals for displaying a proprietary visual display at separate discrete and independent locations on the display screen and other memory locations being encoded with specific information signals capable of operating the video game system for the visual display of the game; means for identifying the contents of said predetermined locations of said remote software unit and verifying said first set of information signals as acceptable to the CPU; means for requiring the proprietary visual display to be shown for a predetermined time period after acceptance by the CPU; and means for passing control of the video game system from the CPU to the removable software unit only after verification and display of the proprietary visual display on the display screen.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
197 words
In a video game system having means for displaying a game including a central processing unit (CPU); a display screen; means for accepting operator instructions in response to game play, and means for receiving remote software units storing one or more video games, the improvement comprising: a removable software unit including a first memory unit having a plurality of addressable memory locations, predetermined locations of the memory locations being encoded with a first set of specific information signals for displaying a proprietary visual display at separate discrete and independent locations on the display screen and other memory locations being encoded with specific information signals capable of operating the video game system for the visual display of the game; means for identifying the contents of said predetermined locations of said remote software unit and verifying said first set of information signals as acceptable to the CPU; means for requiring the proprietary visual display to be shown for a predetermined time period after acceptance by the CPU; and means for passing control of the video game system from the CPU to the removable software unit only after verification and display of the proprietary visual display on the display screen.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
16 words
The improvement of claim 1 wherein said removable software unit comprises a randomly accessible memory means.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
52 words
The improvement of claim 1 wherein said means for verifying said information signals as acceptable to the CPU includes a first set of security signals comprising a security message stored in a second memory unit, and means for comparing said first set of information signals with said security message to determine identity.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
21 words
The improvement of claim 3 wherein said proprietary visual display includes a copyright symbol, and the name of the copyright proprietor.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
25 words
The improvement of claim 2 wherein said CPU comprises microprocessor means, said randomly accessible memory means comprises a read only memory coupled to said CPU.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
97 words
A software security system, comprising: a central processing unit (CPU); a remote software unit, adapted to interface with said CPU and including a memory unit having a plurality of addressable memory locations; said CPU adapted to address predetermined locations of said remote software unit and compare the contents of said locations with a security message accessible to said CPU, said CPU adapted to recognize said remote software unit as authentic if said contents of said predetermined memory locations are identical with said security message, said CPU adapted to reject said remote software unit unless identity is recognized.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
97 words
A software security system, comprising: a central processing unit (CPU); a remote software unit, adapted to interface with said CPU and including a memory unit having a plurality of addressable memory locations; said CPU adapted to address predetermined locations of said remote software unit and compare the contents of said locations with a security message accessible to said CPU, said CPU adapted to recognize said remote software unit as authentic if said contents of said predetermined memory locations are identical with said security message, said CPU adapted to reject said remote software unit unless identity is recognized.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
31 words
The security system of claim 6 further comprising display means, said display means coupled to said CPU; and adapted to display in decoded form said contents of said predetermined memory locations.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
37 words
The security system of claim 7 wherein said CPU is adapted to display the contents of said memory locations only when said CPU recognizes identity between said security message and said contents of said predetermined memory locations.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
14 words
The security system of claim 8 wherein said security message represents a proprietary message.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
14 words
The security system of claim 9 wherein said proprietary message includes a copyright notice.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
19 words
The security system of claim 10 wherein said proprietary message further includes the identity of an authorized copyright proprietor.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
22 words
The security system of claim 11 wherein said remote software terminal comprises a randomly accessible memory means (RAM) disposed in a cartridge.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
27 words
The security system of claim 12 wherein said CPU comprises microprocessor means, and said RAM is adapted to be addressed over an address bus by said CPU.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
30 words
The security system of claim 6 wherein said CPU is adapted to pass control to said remote software unit only after said CPU recognizes said remote software unit as authentic.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
40 words
The security system of claim 14 wherein program instructions are stored in memory locations in said remote software unit, and said CPU is arranged to execute said program instructions only after said CPU recognizes said remote software unit as authentic.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
29 words
The security system of claim 15 wherein said CPU is arranged to display said contents for a predetermined time interval prior to passing control to said remote software unit.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
49 words
The security system of claim 6 wherein a plurality of security messages are accessible to said CPU, and said CPU is adapted to recognize said remote software unit as authentic if said content and said predetermined memory locations are identical with any one of said plurality of security messages.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US4120030A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1987-07-24 | 1988-01-23 | 1988-07-24 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1991-07-24 | 1992-01-23 | 1992-07-24 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1995-07-24 | 1996-01-23 | 1996-07-24 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |