Smart card reader having multiple data enabling storage compartments

Claim 1

A security device for enabling selected functions to be performed to protected programs or data contained in memory in computers, or other functions performed by or within a computer connected to said security device, said security device comprising: a smart card reader having means for communicating with a smart card having memory; a control module having a segmented non-volatile memory, said segmented non-volatile memory including a plurality of segments of non-volatile memory, means for selectively entering enabling data into said plurality of segments of non-volatile memory from a plurality of smart cards, through said smart card reader, recognition means for detecting enabling data entered into each segment of said plurality of segments of non-volatile memory, processing means for enabling execution commands to be operably communicated to selected protected programs or data contained in the memory of a computer connected to said security device responsive to detection of enabling data by said recognition means, processing means for enabling execution commands to allow operation of a computer or specific functions of the computer connected to said security device, and disabling means for preventing execution commands originating at the connected computer to be recognized by said processing means absent detection of enabling data by said recognition means; and interface means for enabling communication between said control module, said interface means, and a computer connected to said interface means, said interface means including at least one type of interface apparatuses connectable to computers; whereby a computer user having multiple protected application programs that will not run, unless a physical smart card carrying unlocking means is physically inserted into a smart card reader, may successively physically insert a plurality of physical smart cards into said smart card reader a single time because said unlocking means of each physical smart card is copied and stored in a segment of non-volatile memory in said control module as a virtual smart card and is activated when needed in the absence of a need to reinsert its associated physical smart card.