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Method for enciphering and deciphering instructions in a microcomputer, and a microcomputer used for effecting same

Assignee: Fujitsu Ltd
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Filing: 1989-04-17
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Granted: 1990-02-27
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Expires: 2009-04-17
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Abstract

Abstract A method for enciphering and deciphering instructions in a microcomputer and a microcomputer for effecting the same, in which, an instruction is coded into at least two types of instruction codes and stored in a storage unit and in which, under the control of discriminating circuit for discriminating the coded format, each instruction code is decoded by one of at least two decoders in accordance with one of at least two decoding formats, so that the stored software is prevented from being learned by third persons.

Inventors

  • 👤 Haruhiko Nakamura

Bibliographic Details

Application Number —
Jurisdiction US
Data Source google_patents
Last Synchronized 2026-11-06 11:23
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06F; G06F21/00; G06F21/70; G06F21/71; G06F21/72; G06F21/10; G06F21/12; G06F21/121; G06F21/123; G06F9/00; G06F9/06; G06F9/30; G06F9/30145

Claims Analysis

Total Claims: 29
Claim 1
Independent Claim 208 words
A deciphering apparatus for a microcomputer, comprising: instruction receiving means for receiving at least two types of instruction codes, each type of instruction code being enciphered in accordance with a corresponding predetermined enciphering format, all instructions being enciphered and at least two types of instruction codes are enciphered in accordance with different enciphering formats; address signal generating means for generating addresses of said at least two type of instruction codes; discriminating means, operatively connected to said address-signal generating means, for discriminating the type of instruction code received by said instruction receiving means, in dependence on a value of a least significant bit in the addresses, to read said instruction code; at least two instruction decipherers, each decipherer deciphering said instruction codes in accordance with a corresponding predetermined deciphering format, each decipherer having a different deciphering format producing different deciphered results for the same instruction codes and said at least two decipherers deciphering the corresponding type instructions in a one to one correspondence; and selecting means, operatively connected to said discriminating means and between said instruction receiving means and said at least two instruction decipherers, for selectively supplying an instruction code to only one of said at least two instruction decipherers in response to discrimination by said discriminating means.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim 208 words
A deciphering apparatus for a microcomputer, comprising: instruction receiving means for receiving at least two types of instruction codes, each type of instruction code being enciphered in accordance with a corresponding predetermined enciphering format, all instructions being enciphered and at least two types of instruction codes are enciphered in accordance with different enciphering formats; address signal generating means for generating addresses of said at least two type of instruction codes; discriminating means, operatively connected to said address-signal generating means, for discriminating the type of instruction code received by said instruction receiving means, in dependence on a value of a least significant bit in the addresses, to read said instruction code; at least two instruction decipherers, each decipherer deciphering said instruction codes in accordance with a corresponding predetermined deciphering format, each decipherer having a different deciphering format producing different deciphered results for the same instruction codes and said at least two decipherers deciphering the corresponding type instructions in a one to one correspondence; and selecting means, operatively connected to said discriminating means and between said instruction receiving means and said at least two instruction decipherers, for selectively supplying an instruction code to only one of said at least two instruction decipherers in response to discrimination by said discriminating means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim 209 words
A deciphering apparatus for a microcomputer, comprising: instruction receiving means for receiving at least two types of instruction codes, each type of instruction code being enciphered in accordance with a corresponding predetermined enciphering format, all instructions being enciphered and at least two types of instructions are enciphered in accordance with different enciphering formats; address signal generating means for generating addresses of said at least two types of instruction codes; discriminating means, operatively connected to said address signal generating means, for dicriminating the type of instruction code received by said instruction receiving means, in dependence on a value of a least significant bit in the addresses, to read said instruction code; at least two instruction decipheres operatively connected to said instruction receiving means, each decipherer deciphering said instruction codes in accordance with a corresponding predetermined deciphering format, each decipherer having a different deciphering format producing different deciphering results for the same instruction codes and said at least two decipherers deciphering the corresponding type instructions in a one to one correspondence; and selecting means, operatively connected to said discriminating means and said at least two instruction decipherers, for selectively outputting the deciphered results from one of said at least two instruction decipherers in dependence upon the discrimination by said discrimination means.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim 209 words
A deciphering apparatus for a microcomputer, comprising: instruction receiving means for receiving at least two types of instruction codes, each type of instruction code being enciphered in accordance with a corresponding predetermined enciphering format, all instructions being enciphered and at least two types of instructions are enciphered in accordance with different enciphering formats; address signal generating means for generating addresses of said at least two types of instruction codes; discriminating means, operatively connected to said address signal generating means, for dicriminating the type of instruction code received by said instruction receiving means, in dependence on a value of a least significant bit in the addresses, to read said instruction code; at least two instruction decipheres operatively connected to said instruction receiving means, each decipherer deciphering said instruction codes in accordance with a corresponding predetermined deciphering format, each decipherer having a different deciphering format producing different deciphering results for the same instruction codes and said at least two decipherers deciphering the corresponding type instructions in a one to one correspondence; and selecting means, operatively connected to said discriminating means and said at least two instruction decipherers, for selectively outputting the deciphered results from one of said at least two instruction decipherers in dependence upon the discrimination by said discrimination means.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim 307 words
A deciphering apparatus for a microcomputer capable of executing a plurality of types of instructions, the microcomputer including: a read only memory for storing a program having instructions of an instruction set, the program being constructed from a combination of first type instruction codes enciphered by a first enciphering format and second type instruction codes enciphered by a second enciphering format; a data bus connected to said read only memory; an address bus connected to said read only memory; a program counter, connected to said address bus, for generating an address to access said read only memory; and a control unit for generating control signals to control the microcomputer and external circuits; and said apparatus comprising: a first instruction decipherer, connected to said control unit, for supplying a deciphered instruction code, and capable of deciphering all of the first type instruction codes corresponding to said plurality of types of instructions, in a one to one correspondence; a second instruction decipherer, connected to said control unit, for supplying the deciphered instruction codes, and capable of deciphering all of the first type instruction codes corresponding to said plurality of types of instructions, in a one to one correspondence; a selecting circuit, connected between said data bus and said first and second instruction decipherers, for selectively supplying the output of said read only memory to one of said first and second instruction decipherers; and a discriminating circuit, connected between said address bus and said selecting circuit, for controlling said selecting circuit in response to a least significant bit of the address to supply the first or the second type instruction code read from said read only memory to a corresponding one of said first and second instruction decipherers and whereby the program constructed from the combination of said first type instruction codes and said second type instruction codes is executed.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim 307 words
A deciphering apparatus for a microcomputer capable of executing a plurality of types of instructions, the microcomputer including: a read only memory for storing a program having instructions of an instruction set, the program being constructed from a combination of first type instruction codes enciphered by a first enciphering format and second type instruction codes enciphered by a second enciphering format; a data bus connected to said read only memory; an address bus connected to said read only memory; a program counter, connected to said address bus, for generating an address to access said read only memory; and a control unit for generating control signals to control the microcomputer and external circuits; and said apparatus comprising: a first instruction decipherer, connected to said control unit, for supplying a deciphered instruction code, and capable of deciphering all of the first type instruction codes corresponding to said plurality of types of instructions, in a one to one correspondence; a second instruction decipherer, connected to said control unit, for supplying the deciphered instruction codes, and capable of deciphering all of the first type instruction codes corresponding to said plurality of types of instructions, in a one to one correspondence; a selecting circuit, connected between said data bus and said first and second instruction decipherers, for selectively supplying the output of said read only memory to one of said first and second instruction decipherers; and a discriminating circuit, connected between said address bus and said selecting circuit, for controlling said selecting circuit in response to a least significant bit of the address to supply the first or the second type instruction code read from said read only memory to a corresponding one of said first and second instruction decipherers and whereby the program constructed from the combination of said first type instruction codes and said second type instruction codes is executed.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim 302 words
A deciphering apparatus for microcomputer capable of executing a plurality of types of instructions, said microcomputer including: a read only memory for storing a program having instructions of an instruction set, the program being contructed from a combination of first type instruction codes enciphered by a first enciphering format and second type instruction codes enciphered by a second enciphering format; a data bus connected to said read only memory; an address bus connected to said read only memory; a program counter, connected to said address bus, for generating an address to access said read only memory; and a control unit for generating control signals to control the microcomputer itself and external circuits; and said apparatus comprising: a first instruction decipherer, connected to said control unit, for supplying a deciphered instruction code, capable of deciphering all of the first type instruction codes corresponding to said plurality of types of instructions in a one to one correspondence; a second instruction decipherer, connected to said control unit, for supplying the deciphered instructions, capable of deciphering all of the second type instruction codes corresponding to said plurality of types of instructions in a one to one correspondence; a selecting circuit, connected between outputs of said first and second instruction decipherers and said control unit, for selectively outputting the deciphered results from one of said first and second instruction decipherers; and a discriminating circuit, connected between said address bus and said selecting circuit, for controlling said selecting circuit in response to a least significant bit of the address to supply the first or the second type instruction code read from said read only memory to a corresponding one of said first and second instruction decipherers; and whereby the program constructed from the combination of said first type instruction codes and said second type instruction codes is executed.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim 302 words
A deciphering apparatus for microcomputer capable of executing a plurality of types of instructions, said microcomputer including: a read only memory for storing a program having instructions of an instruction set, the program being contructed from a combination of first type instruction codes enciphered by a first enciphering format and second type instruction codes enciphered by a second enciphering format; a data bus connected to said read only memory; an address bus connected to said read only memory; a program counter, connected to said address bus, for generating an address to access said read only memory; and a control unit for generating control signals to control the microcomputer itself and external circuits; and said apparatus comprising: a first instruction decipherer, connected to said control unit, for supplying a deciphered instruction code, capable of deciphering all of the first type instruction codes corresponding to said plurality of types of instructions in a one to one correspondence; a second instruction decipherer, connected to said control unit, for supplying the deciphered instructions, capable of deciphering all of the second type instruction codes corresponding to said plurality of types of instructions in a one to one correspondence; a selecting circuit, connected between outputs of said first and second instruction decipherers and said control unit, for selectively outputting the deciphered results from one of said first and second instruction decipherers; and a discriminating circuit, connected between said address bus and said selecting circuit, for controlling said selecting circuit in response to a least significant bit of the address to supply the first or the second type instruction code read from said read only memory to a corresponding one of said first and second instruction decipherers; and whereby the program constructed from the combination of said first type instruction codes and said second type instruction codes is executed.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim 219 words
A deciphering apparatus for a microcomputer, comprising: instruction receiving means for receiving at least two types of instruction codes, each type of instruction code being enciphered in accordance with a corresponding predetermined enciphering format, all instructions being enciphered and at least two types of instruction codes are enciphered in accordance with different enciphering formats; address signal generating means for generating addresses of said at least two type of instruction codes; discriminating means, operatively connected to said address-signal generating means, for discriminating the type of instruction code received by said instruction receiving means, in dependence on a value of a predetermined bit in the addresses, selected from among a least significant bit through a most significant bit, to read said instruction code; at least two instruction decipherers, each decipherer deciphering said instruction codes in accordance with a corresponding predetermined deciphering format, each decipherer having a different deciphering format producing different deciphered results for the same instruction codes and said at least two decipherers deciphering the corresponding type instructions in a one to one correspondence; and selecting means, operatively connected to said discriminating means and between said instruction receiving means and said at least two instruction decipherers, for selectively supplying an instruction code to only one of said at least two instruction decipherers in response to discrimination by said discriminating means.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim 219 words
A deciphering apparatus for a microcomputer, comprising: instruction receiving means for receiving at least two types of instruction codes, each type of instruction code being enciphered in accordance with a corresponding predetermined enciphering format, all instructions being enciphered and at least two types of instruction codes are enciphered in accordance with different enciphering formats; address signal generating means for generating addresses of said at least two type of instruction codes; discriminating means, operatively connected to said address-signal generating means, for discriminating the type of instruction code received by said instruction receiving means, in dependence on a value of a predetermined bit in the addresses, selected from among a least significant bit through a most significant bit, to read said instruction code; at least two instruction decipherers, each decipherer deciphering said instruction codes in accordance with a corresponding predetermined deciphering format, each decipherer having a different deciphering format producing different deciphered results for the same instruction codes and said at least two decipherers deciphering the corresponding type instructions in a one to one correspondence; and selecting means, operatively connected to said discriminating means and between said instruction receiving means and said at least two instruction decipherers, for selectively supplying an instruction code to only one of said at least two instruction decipherers in response to discrimination by said discriminating means.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim 83 words
An apparatus as set forth in claim 5, wherein said discriminating means comprises means for generating a selecting signal from the predetermined bit of each one of the addresses, and said selecting means comprises gate means, operatively connected to said means for generating the selecting signal and said at least two instruction decipherers, for transferring an instruction code to one of said at least two instruction decipherers, said selecting signal being supplied to said gate means to open or close said gate means.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim 34 words
An apparatus as recited in claim 5, wherein the microcomputer includes an instruction set and each decipherer, when provided with the enciphered instruction set, produces each one of the instructions of the instruction set.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim 28 words
An apparatus as set forth in claim 5, wherein the deciphered results from said at least two instruction decipherers coincide with instructions to be performed by said microcomputer.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim 40 words
An apparatus as set forth in claim 6, wherein said means for generating the selecting signal comprises a signal line, operatively connected between said address signal generating means and siad gate means, transferring the least significant bit of each address.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim 50 words
An apparatus as set forth in claim 6, wherein said means for generating the selecting signal comprises a decoding circuit, operatively connected between said address signal generating means and said gate means, for decoding the least significant bit of each address signal and providing selection signals controlling said gate means.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim 220 words
A deciphering apparatus for a microcomputer, comprising: instruction receiving means for receiving at least two types of instruction codes, each type of instruction code being enciphered in accordance with a corresponding predetermined enciphering format, all instructions being enciphered and at least two types of instructions are encoded in accordance with different enciphering formats; address signal generating means for generating addresses of said at least two types of instruction codes; discriminating means, operatively connected to said address signal generating means, for discriminating the type of instruction code received by said instruction receiving means, in dependence on a value of a predetermined bit in the addresses, selected from among a least significant bit through a most significant bit, to read said instruction code; at least two instruction decipherers operatively connected to said instruction receiving means, each decipherer deciphering said instruction codes in accordance with a corresponding predetermined deciphering format, each decipherer having a different deciphering format producing different deciphering results for the same instruction codes and said at least two decipherers deciphering the corresponding type instructions in a one to one correspondence; and selecting means, operatively connected to said discriminating means and said at least two instruction decipherers, for selectively outputting the deciphered results from one of said at least two instruction decipherers in dependence upon the discrimination by said discrimination means.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim 220 words
A deciphering apparatus for a microcomputer, comprising: instruction receiving means for receiving at least two types of instruction codes, each type of instruction code being enciphered in accordance with a corresponding predetermined enciphering format, all instructions being enciphered and at least two types of instructions are encoded in accordance with different enciphering formats; address signal generating means for generating addresses of said at least two types of instruction codes; discriminating means, operatively connected to said address signal generating means, for discriminating the type of instruction code received by said instruction receiving means, in dependence on a value of a predetermined bit in the addresses, selected from among a least significant bit through a most significant bit, to read said instruction code; at least two instruction decipherers operatively connected to said instruction receiving means, each decipherer deciphering said instruction codes in accordance with a corresponding predetermined deciphering format, each decipherer having a different deciphering format producing different deciphering results for the same instruction codes and said at least two decipherers deciphering the corresponding type instructions in a one to one correspondence; and selecting means, operatively connected to said discriminating means and said at least two instruction decipherers, for selectively outputting the deciphered results from one of said at least two instruction decipherers in dependence upon the discrimination by said discrimination means.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim 55 words
An apparatus as recited in claim 11, wherein said at least two instruction decipherers include first and second decipherers, said addresses include odd and even addresses respectively, and said first decipherer deciphers odd address location instructions and said second decipherer deciphers even address location instructions in accordance with the least significant bit in the addresses.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim 34 words
An apparatus as recited in claim 11, wherein the microcomputer includes an instruction set and each decipherer, when provided with the enciphered instruction set, produces each one of the instructions of the instruction set.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim 318 words
A deciphering apparatus for a microcomputer capable of executing a plurality of types of instructions, the microcomputer including: a read only memory for storing a program having instructions of an instruction set, the program being constructed from a combination of first type instruction codes enciphered by a first enciphering format and second type instruction codes enciphered by a second enciphering format; a data bus connected to said read only memory; an address bus connected to said read only memory; a program counter, connected to said address bus, for generating an address to access said read only memory; and a control unit for generating control signals to control the microcomputer and external circuits; and said apparatus comprising: a first instruction decipherer, connected to said control unit, for supplying a deciphered instruction code, and capable of deciphering all of the first type instruction codes corresponding to said plurality of types of instructions, in a one to one correspondence; a second instruction decipherer, connected to said control unit, for supplying the deciphered instruction codes, and capable of deciphering all of the second type instruction codes correponding to said plurality of types of instructions in a one to one correspondence; a selecting circuit, connected between said data bus and said first and second instruction decipherers, for selectively supplying the output of said read only memory to one of said first and second instruction decipherers; and a discriminating circuit, connected between said address bus and said selecting circuit, for controlling said selecting circuit in response to a predetermined bit of the address, selected from among a least significant bit through a most significant bit, to supply the first or the second type instruction code read from said read only memory to a corresponding one of said first and second instruction decipherers; and whereby the program contructed from the combination of said first type instruction codes and said second type instruction codes is executed.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim 318 words
A deciphering apparatus for a microcomputer capable of executing a plurality of types of instructions, the microcomputer including: a read only memory for storing a program having instructions of an instruction set, the program being constructed from a combination of first type instruction codes enciphered by a first enciphering format and second type instruction codes enciphered by a second enciphering format; a data bus connected to said read only memory; an address bus connected to said read only memory; a program counter, connected to said address bus, for generating an address to access said read only memory; and a control unit for generating control signals to control the microcomputer and external circuits; and said apparatus comprising: a first instruction decipherer, connected to said control unit, for supplying a deciphered instruction code, and capable of deciphering all of the first type instruction codes corresponding to said plurality of types of instructions, in a one to one correspondence; a second instruction decipherer, connected to said control unit, for supplying the deciphered instruction codes, and capable of deciphering all of the second type instruction codes correponding to said plurality of types of instructions in a one to one correspondence; a selecting circuit, connected between said data bus and said first and second instruction decipherers, for selectively supplying the output of said read only memory to one of said first and second instruction decipherers; and a discriminating circuit, connected between said address bus and said selecting circuit, for controlling said selecting circuit in response to a predetermined bit of the address, selected from among a least significant bit through a most significant bit, to supply the first or the second type instruction code read from said read only memory to a corresponding one of said first and second instruction decipherers; and whereby the program contructed from the combination of said first type instruction codes and said second type instruction codes is executed.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim 80 words
A microcomputer as set forth in claim 14, wherein said discriminating circuit comprises means for generating a selecting signal from the predetermined bit of the address, and said selecting circuit comprises gate means, operatively connected to said means for generating the selecting signal and said first and second instruction decipherers, for transferring an instruction code to one of said first and second instruction decipherers, said selecting signal being supplied to said gate means to open or close said gate means.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim 32 words
A microcomputer as set forth in claim 14, wherein the deciphered results from said first and second instruction decipherers coincide with instructions of the instruction set to be performed by said microcomputer.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim 38 words
A microcomputer as set forth in claim 15, wherein said means for generating the selecting signal comprises a signal line, operatively connected between said program counter and said gate means, transferring the least significant bit of the address.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim 49 words
A microcomputer as set forth in claim 15, wherein said means for generating the selecting signal comprises a decoding circuit, operatively connected between said program counter and said gate means, for decoding the least significant bit of the address signal and providing a selection signal controlling said gate means.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim 34 words
An apparatus as recited in claim 14, wherein the microcomputer includes an instruction set and each decipherer, when provided with the enciphered instruction set, produces each one of the instructions of the instruction set.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim 314 words
A deciphering apparatus for a microcomputer capable of executing a plurality of types of instructions, said microcomputer including: a read only memory for storing a program having instructions of an instruction set, the program being constructed from a combination of first type instruction codes enciphered by a first enciphering format and second type instruction codes enciphered by a second enciphering format; a data bus connected to said read only memory; an address bus connected to said read only memory; a program counter, connected to said address bus, for generating an address to access said read only memory; and a control unit for generating control signals to control the microcomputer itself and external circuits; and said apparatus comprising: a first instruction decipherer, connected to said control unit, for supplying a deciphered instruction code, capable of deciphering all of the first type instruction codes corresponding to said plurality of types of instructions in a one to one correspondence; a second instruction decipherer, connected to said control unit, for supplying the deciphered instructions, capable of deciphering all of the second type instruction codes corresponding to said plurality of types of instructions in a one to one correspondence; a selecting circuit, connected between outputs of said first and second instruction decipherers and said control unit, for selectively outputting the deciphered results from one of said first and second instruction decipherers; and a discriminating circuit, connected between said address bus and said selecting circuit, for controlling said selecting circuit in response to a predetermined bit of the address, selected from among a least significant bit through a most significant bit, to supply the first or the second type instruction code read from said read only memory to a corresponding one of said first and second instruction decipherers; and whereby the program constructed from the combination of said first type instruction codes and said second type instruction codes is executed.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim 314 words
A deciphering apparatus for a microcomputer capable of executing a plurality of types of instructions, said microcomputer including: a read only memory for storing a program having instructions of an instruction set, the program being constructed from a combination of first type instruction codes enciphered by a first enciphering format and second type instruction codes enciphered by a second enciphering format; a data bus connected to said read only memory; an address bus connected to said read only memory; a program counter, connected to said address bus, for generating an address to access said read only memory; and a control unit for generating control signals to control the microcomputer itself and external circuits; and said apparatus comprising: a first instruction decipherer, connected to said control unit, for supplying a deciphered instruction code, capable of deciphering all of the first type instruction codes corresponding to said plurality of types of instructions in a one to one correspondence; a second instruction decipherer, connected to said control unit, for supplying the deciphered instructions, capable of deciphering all of the second type instruction codes corresponding to said plurality of types of instructions in a one to one correspondence; a selecting circuit, connected between outputs of said first and second instruction decipherers and said control unit, for selectively outputting the deciphered results from one of said first and second instruction decipherers; and a discriminating circuit, connected between said address bus and said selecting circuit, for controlling said selecting circuit in response to a predetermined bit of the address, selected from among a least significant bit through a most significant bit, to supply the first or the second type instruction code read from said read only memory to a corresponding one of said first and second instruction decipherers; and whereby the program constructed from the combination of said first type instruction codes and said second type instruction codes is executed.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim 34 words
An apparatus as recited in claim 20, wherein the microcomputer includes an instruction set and each decipherer, when provided with the enciphered instruction set, produces each one of the instructions of the instruction set.

USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows

Annuity Stage Window Opens Payment Deadline Surcharge Period Until Estimated Fee Status
3.5 Years (Year 4) 1993-02-26 1993-08-28 1994-02-27 $2000.00 Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8) 1997-02-26 1997-08-28 1998-02-27 $3760.00 Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12) 2001-02-26 2001-08-28 2002-02-27 $7700.00 Window Closed / Lapsed

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