US4959861A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Security system for computer software
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1988-07-13
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Granted: 1990-09-25
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Expires: 2008-07-13
Abstract
Abstract The disclosure relates to a security system for computer software. A plug-in circuit accompanies each legitimately purchased softward package. The software includes a communication system to decode signals generated by the plug-in circuit. Where the appropriate signal is sensed the program is executed. If the proper code is not sensed the program shuts down.
Inventors
- 👤 Edward L. Howlette
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-27 11:19
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06F; G06F21/00; G06F21/60; G06F21/62; G06F21/6209; G06F2211/00; G06F2211/007; G06F2221/00; G06F2221/21; G06F2221/2103; G06F2221/2153
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 16
Claim 1
Independent Claim
131 words
A computer system comprising: a permanent memory; a program stored in said permanent memory; a computer having a second memory, and instructions for loading said program into said second memory; means for securing said program from use by an unauthorized user, comprising an input port of said computer system, a key for releasably attaching to said input port, said key including means for generating a coded signal wherein said generation of said coded signal is independent of said program; means for commencing execution of said program; means for transmitting said coded signal to said second memory; means for evaluating said coded signal according to security criteria; means for generating a command signal which causes said computer to complete execution of said program only if said coded signal satisfies the security criteria.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
131 words
A computer system comprising: a permanent memory; a program stored in said permanent memory; a computer having a second memory, and instructions for loading said program into said second memory; means for securing said program from use by an unauthorized user, comprising an input port of said computer system, a key for releasably attaching to said input port, said key including means for generating a coded signal wherein said generation of said coded signal is independent of said program; means for commencing execution of said program; means for transmitting said coded signal to said second memory; means for evaluating said coded signal according to security criteria; means for generating a command signal which causes said computer to complete execution of said program only if said coded signal satisfies the security criteria.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
15 words
The computer system according to claim 1 wherein said coded signal is in binary form.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
29 words
The computer according to claim 1 wherein said computer includes a power source, said key includes means for connecting the power source to said key for generating said signal.
Claim 5
Independent Claim
137 words
A method for securing software used in a computer having a memory, comprising the steps of: (1) attaching a key for generating a predetermined coded signal to an input port of said computer said generation of said coded signal being independent of said software; (2) loading a program into said memory, said program containing an algorithm for evaluating said signal generated by said key, and instructions for (i) accessing the signal being evaluated and (ii) allowing execution of said program according to predetermined security criteria; (3) commencing execution of said program; (4) transmitting said coded signal from said key to said memory; (5) evaluating said coded signal according to the security criteria; and (6) allowing said computer to complete the execution of said program only if said coded signal from said key satisfies the predetermined security criteria.
Claim 6
Independent Claim
137 words
A method for securing software used in a computer having a memory, comprising the steps of: (1) attaching a key for generating a predetermined coded signal to an input port of said computer said generation of said coded signal being independent of said software; (2) loading a program into said memory, said program containing an algorithm for evaluating said signal generated by said key, and instructions for (i) accessing the signal being evaluated and (ii) allowing execution of said program according to predetermined security criteria; (3) commencing execution of said program; (4) transmitting said coded signal from said key to said memory; (5) evaluating said coded signal according to the security criteria; and (6) allowing said computer to complete the execution of said program only if said coded signal from said key satisfies the predetermined security criteria.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
78 words
The method of claim 4, wherein said step of evaluating said coded signal according to the security criteria, comprises: (1) determining the presence of the coded signal generated by said key; (2) advising the program user that said key should be inserted into said input port, if said coded signal is determined not to be present; and (3) evaluating said code for its appropriateness with respect to predetermined security criteria if said key is determined to be present.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 4, further comprising the step of periodically evaluating the coded signal generated by said key during program execution.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 4, wherein said steps of attaching and transmitting utilize a male or female port.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 7, wherein said steps of attaching and transmitting utilize a serial port of said computer.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 7, wherein said steps of attaching or transmitting utilize a parallel port of said computer.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 7, wherein said steps of attaching and transmitting utilize at least one of a controller port, expansion port, or lesser port.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 10, wherein said coded signal comprises a binary signal.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 7, wherein said port is connected to a power source for providing power to said key to transmit said signal.
Claim 15
Independent Claim
111 words
A method of protecting software where a user accesses a host system, comprising the steps of: (1) attaching a key for generating a predetermined coded signal to an input port of a user terminal or computer; (2) transmitting said coded signal from the user port to which the key is attached to said host system wherein said host system is coded such that accesses to various software program/databases are determined by said coded signal generated by said key; (3) evaluating the coded signal for permission for program execution by said host; and (4) once evaluation of step (3) is completed evaluating said coded signal to determine access to said data bases.
Claim 16
Independent Claim
111 words
A method of protecting software where a user accesses a host system, comprising the steps of: (1) attaching a key for generating a predetermined coded signal to an input port of a user terminal or computer; (2) transmitting said coded signal from the user port to which the key is attached to said host system wherein said host system is coded such that accesses to various software program/databases are determined by said coded signal generated by said key; (3) evaluating the coded signal for permission for program execution by said host; and (4) once evaluation of step (3) is completed evaluating said coded signal to determine access to said data bases.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1993-09-24 | 1994-03-26 | 1994-09-25 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1997-09-24 | 1998-03-26 | 1998-09-25 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2001-09-24 | 2002-03-26 | 2002-09-25 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |