US5226080A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method and apparatus for password protection of a computer
Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co Ltd
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Filing: 1991-09-24
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Granted: 1993-07-06
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Expires: 2011-09-24
Abstract
Abstract A method and apparatus for password protecting a personal, laptop or single user computer. The user's password entry is compared to the value of a secondary password retained by the computer as well as the value of the user's stored primary password. The user may thus access the computer when his primary password is corrupted or forgotten by obtaining an alternate password from the computer manufacturer which matches the secondary password generated or stored by the computer. The operation of the method and the organization of the apparatus make the secondary and alternate passwords valid for a limited time, thereby preserving the overall integrity of the password protection system. The primary, secondary and alternate passwords may be encrypted for added security.
Inventors
- 👤 James F. Cole
- 👤 Jerald J. Keeran
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 12:25
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06F; G06F21/00; G06F21/30; G06F21/31; G07; G07C; G07C9/00; G07C9/30; G07C9/32; G07C9/33
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 41
Claim 1
Independent Claim
165 words
A method for password-protecting access by a user to a computer, the computer including memory, permitting access when a password has been forgotten or corrupted, the method comprising: storing in said memory a valid password, said valid password being non-user-settable and said valid password being based on first information, said first information being information which can be obtained without accessing said first information from said computer; receiving, in said computer, an attempted password, said attempted password obtained by said user from an information source without said user communicating said first information to said information source, and said attempted password being obtainable without using information other than said first information; retrieving form memory said valid password; translating in said computer said valid password into an acceptable code based on said valid password; translating, in said computer, said attempted password into an attempted code; comparing in said computer said attempted code to said acceptable code; and permitting user access when said attempted code matches said acceptable code.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
165 words
A method for password-protecting access by a user to a computer, the computer including memory, permitting access when a password has been forgotten or corrupted, the method comprising: storing in said memory a valid password, said valid password being non-user-settable and said valid password being based on first information, said first information being information which can be obtained without accessing said first information from said computer; receiving, in said computer, an attempted password, said attempted password obtained by said user from an information source without said user communicating said first information to said information source, and said attempted password being obtainable without using information other than said first information; retrieving form memory said valid password; translating in said computer said valid password into an acceptable code based on said valid password; translating, in said computer, said attempted password into an attempted code; comparing in said computer said attempted code to said acceptable code; and permitting user access when said attempted code matches said acceptable code.
Claim 3
Independent Claim
106 words
A method for password-protecting user access to a computer, the computer including memory, and an output device for outputting information, comprising: outputting first information, using said output device; receiving, in said computer, an attempted password said attempted password being different from said first information, said attempted password obtained by said user, using at least said first information; retrieving form memory a valid password, said valid password being based on said first information; providing an acceptable code based on said valid password; comparing an attempted code, based on said attempted password, to said acceptable code; and permitting user access when said attempted code matches said acceptable code.
Claim 4
Independent Claim
106 words
A method for password-protecting user access to a computer, the computer including memory, and an output device for outputting information, comprising: outputting first information, using said output device; receiving, in said computer, an attempted password said attempted password being different from said first information, said attempted password obtained by said user, using at least said first information; retrieving form memory a valid password, said valid password being based on said first information; providing an acceptable code based on said valid password; comparing an attempted code, based on said attempted password, to said acceptable code; and permitting user access when said attempted code matches said acceptable code.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
16 words
A method, as claimed in claim 2, wherein said first information is based on a date.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
29 words
A method, as claimed in claim 2, wherein said memory includes non-volatile memory, and wherein said step of retrieving a valid password comprises retrieving a password from non-volatile memory.
Claim 7
Independent Claim
143 words
A method for password-protecting access by a user to a computer, the computer including memory and a clock for generating a data, permitting access when a password has been forgotten or corrupted, the method comprising: storing in said memory a valid password, said valid password being non-user-settable and said valid password being based on said date, said data being information which can be accessed without obtaining said data from said computer; receiving, in said computer, an attempted password, said attempted password obtained by said user without said user using said date; retrieving from memory said valid password, said valid password being based on said date generated by said clock; providing an acceptable code based on said valid password; comparing an attempted code, based on said attempted password, to said acceptable code; and permitting user access when said attempted code matches said acceptable code.
Claim 8
Independent Claim
143 words
A method for password-protecting access by a user to a computer, the computer including memory and a clock for generating a data, permitting access when a password has been forgotten or corrupted, the method comprising: storing in said memory a valid password, said valid password being non-user-settable and said valid password being based on said date, said data being information which can be accessed without obtaining said data from said computer; receiving, in said computer, an attempted password, said attempted password obtained by said user without said user using said date; retrieving from memory said valid password, said valid password being based on said date generated by said clock; providing an acceptable code based on said valid password; comparing an attempted code, based on said attempted password, to said acceptable code; and permitting user access when said attempted code matches said acceptable code.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
16 words
A method, as claimed in claim 5, further comprising displaying said data stored in said computer.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
21 words
A method, as claimed in claim 5, further comprising encrypting at least portions of said data to provide said acceptable code.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
24 words
A method, as claimed in claim 5, wherein said attempted code is an ASCII code for at least a portion of said attempted password.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
30 words
A method, as claimed in claim 5, wherein said memory includes non-volatile memory, and wherein said step of retrieving a valid password comprises retrieving a valid password from non-volatile memory.
Claim 13
Independent Claim
136 words
A method for password-protecting user access to a computer, comprising: displaying a date stored in said computer to provide displayed information; receiving, in said computer, an attempted password said attempted password being different form said displayed information, said attempted password obtained by said user, using said displayed information; encrypting said attempted password according to a first encryption algorithm to produce a first attempted code; comparing said first attempted code with a first acceptable code, said first acceptable code being the result of encrypting a first, user-settable password according to said first encryption algorithm; encrypting said date according to a date-encryption algorithm to provide a second acceptable code; comparing at least portions of said attempted password to said second acceptable code; and permitting user access when said portions of said attempted password matches said second acceptable code.
Claim 14
Independent Claim
136 words
A method for password-protecting user access to a computer, comprising: displaying a date stored in said computer to provide displayed information; receiving, in said computer, an attempted password said attempted password being different form said displayed information, said attempted password obtained by said user, using said displayed information; encrypting said attempted password according to a first encryption algorithm to produce a first attempted code; comparing said first attempted code with a first acceptable code, said first acceptable code being the result of encrypting a first, user-settable password according to said first encryption algorithm; encrypting said date according to a date-encryption algorithm to provide a second acceptable code; comparing at least portions of said attempted password to said second acceptable code; and permitting user access when said portions of said attempted password matches said second acceptable code.
Claim 15
Independent Claim
137 words
A method for password-protecting access by a user to a computer, the computer including memory, permitting access when a password has been forgotten or corrupted, the method comprising: storing in said memory a valid password, said valid password being based on first information, said first information being information which can be obtained without accessing said first information form said computer; receiving, in said computer, an attempted password, said attempted password obtained by said user, based on said first information and said attempted password being obtainable without using information other than said first information; retrieving from memory said valid password; translating said valid password into an acceptable code based on said valid password; comparing an attempted code, based on said attempted password, to said acceptable code; and permitting user access when said attempted code matches said acceptable code.
Claim 16
Independent Claim
137 words
A method for password-protecting access by a user to a computer, the computer including memory, permitting access when a password has been forgotten or corrupted, the method comprising: storing in said memory a valid password, said valid password being based on first information, said first information being information which can be obtained without accessing said first information form said computer; receiving, in said computer, an attempted password, said attempted password obtained by said user, based on said first information and said attempted password being obtainable without using information other than said first information; retrieving from memory said valid password; translating said valid password into an acceptable code based on said valid password; comparing an attempted code, based on said attempted password, to said acceptable code; and permitting user access when said attempted code matches said acceptable code.
Claim 17
Independent Claim
121 words
A method for password-protecting access by a user to a computer, the computer including memory, permitting access when a password has been forgotten or corrupted, the method comprising: storing in said memory a valid password, said valid password being based on first information, said first information being information which can be obtained without accessing said first information from said computer; receiving, in said computer, an attempted password, said attempted password obtained by said user without said user using said first information, and said attempted password being obtainable without using information other than said first information; retrieving from memory said valid password; comparing said attempted password to said valid password; and permitting user access when said attempted password matches said valid password.
Claim 18
Independent Claim
121 words
A method for password-protecting access by a user to a computer, the computer including memory, permitting access when a password has been forgotten or corrupted, the method comprising: storing in said memory a valid password, said valid password being based on first information, said first information being information which can be obtained without accessing said first information from said computer; receiving, in said computer, an attempted password, said attempted password obtained by said user without said user using said first information, and said attempted password being obtainable without using information other than said first information; retrieving from memory said valid password; comparing said attempted password to said valid password; and permitting user access when said attempted password matches said valid password.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
19 words
A method, as claimed in claim 12, wherein said valid password is an encrypted form of said first information.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
17 words
A method, as claimed in claim 12, wherein said valid password is identical to said first information.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
18 words
A method, as claimed in claim 12, wherein said information is a random number generated by said computer.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
17 words
A method, as claimed in claim 12, wherein said information is the serial number of said computer.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
21 words
A method, as claimed in claim 12, further comprising the step of the computer prompting the user to enter a password.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
26 words
A method, as claimed in claim 12, further comprising writing to a location where said attempted password is stored, to avoid discovery of said attempted password.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
26 words
A method, as claimed in claim 12, wherein said computer includes a keyboard buffer, and further comprising storing the contents of said keyboard buffer in memory.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
32 words
A method, as claimed in claim 12, wherein said computer includes a display and wherein said step of receiving is performed in the absence of echoing said attempted password on said display.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
70 words
A password-protected computer which can permit user access when a user-memorized password has been forgotten or corrupted comprising: a computer having a processor and an input device; means for permitting user access in response to input of a user-memorized password; and means for permitting user access in response to input of a password which is based on first information which can be obtained without accessing said information from said computer.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
70 words
A password-protected computer which can permit user access when a user-memorized password has been forgotten or corrupted comprising: a computer having a processor and an input device; means for permitting user access in response to input of a user-memorized password; and means for permitting user access in response to input of a password which is based on first information which can be obtained without accessing said information from said computer.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
19 words
A password-protected computer, as claimed in claim 21, further comprising: means for prompting the user to enter said password.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
30 words
A password-protected computer, as claimed in claim 21, wherein said computer includes an keyboard and wherein said input of a user-memorized password comprises entry o a password using said keyboard.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
118 words
A password-protected computer which can permit user access when a user-memorized password has been forgotten or corrupted comprising: a computer having a processor and an input device; means for permitting user access in response to input of a user-memorized password; means for permitting user access in response to input of a password which is based on first information which can be obtained without accessing said information from said computer and wherein said means for permitting user access in response to input of a password which is based on first information permits user access in response to said password based on first information only during a first period of time and denies access during a second period of time.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
118 words
A password-protected computer which can permit user access when a user-memorized password has been forgotten or corrupted comprising: a computer having a processor and an input device; means for permitting user access in response to input of a user-memorized password; means for permitting user access in response to input of a password which is based on first information which can be obtained without accessing said information from said computer and wherein said means for permitting user access in response to input of a password which is based on first information permits user access in response to said password based on first information only during a first period of time and denies access during a second period of time.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
81 words
A password-protected computer which can permit user access when a user-memorized password has been forgotten or corrupted comprising: a computer having a processor, an output device and an input device; means for permitting user access in response to input of a first, user-memorized password; means for outputting first information using said output device; and means for permitting user access in response to input of a second password, different from said first password, said second password being based on said first information.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
81 words
A password-protected computer which can permit user access when a user-memorized password has been forgotten or corrupted comprising: a computer having a processor, an output device and an input device; means for permitting user access in response to input of a first, user-memorized password; means for outputting first information using said output device; and means for permitting user access in response to input of a second password, different from said first password, said second password being based on said first information.
Claim 35
Independent Claim
112 words
A method for password-protecting access by a user to a computer, the computer including memory, permitting access when a password has been forgotten or corrupted, the method comprising: storing in said memory a valid password, said valid password being based on first information, said first information being information which can be obtained without accessing said first information form said computer; verifying the identity of said user and providing an attempted password to said user following said verifying of identity; receiving, in said computer, said attempted password; retrieving from memory said valid password; comparing said attempted password to said valid password; and permitting user access when said attempted password matches said valid password.
Claim 36
Independent Claim
112 words
A method for password-protecting access by a user to a computer, the computer including memory, permitting access when a password has been forgotten or corrupted, the method comprising: storing in said memory a valid password, said valid password being based on first information, said first information being information which can be obtained without accessing said first information form said computer; verifying the identity of said user and providing an attempted password to said user following said verifying of identity; receiving, in said computer, said attempted password; retrieving from memory said valid password; comparing said attempted password to said valid password; and permitting user access when said attempted password matches said valid password.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
49 words
A computer, as claim ed in claim 26, wherein said means for permitting user access in response to input of second password, permits user access in response to input of said second password during a first period of time and denies user access during a second period of time.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
17 words
A method, as claimed in claim 26, wherein said valid password is identical to said first information.
Claim 39
Independent Claim
130 words
A method for password-protecting access by a user to a computer, the computer including memory, permitting access when a password has been forgotten or corrupted, the method comprising: storing in said memory a valid password, said valid password being based on first information, said first information being information which can be obtained without accessing said first information form said computer; verifying the identity of said user and providing an attempted password to said user following said verifying of identity; receiving, in said computer, said attempted password; retrieving from memory said valid password; translating said valid password into an acceptable code based on said valid password; comparing an attempted code, based on said attempted password, to said acceptable code; and permitting user access when said attempted code matches said acceptable code.
Claim 40
Independent Claim
130 words
A method for password-protecting access by a user to a computer, the computer including memory, permitting access when a password has been forgotten or corrupted, the method comprising: storing in said memory a valid password, said valid password being based on first information, said first information being information which can be obtained without accessing said first information form said computer; verifying the identity of said user and providing an attempted password to said user following said verifying of identity; receiving, in said computer, said attempted password; retrieving from memory said valid password; translating said valid password into an acceptable code based on said valid password; comparing an attempted code, based on said attempted password, to said acceptable code; and permitting user access when said attempted code matches said acceptable code.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
17 words
A method, as claimed in claim 29, wherein said valid password is identical to said first information.
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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) | 1996-07-05 | 1997-01-04 | 1997-07-06 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2000-07-05 | 2001-01-04 | 2001-07-06 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2004-07-05 | 2005-01-04 | 2005-07-06 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |