US6003135A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Modular security device
Assignee: SPEX TECHNOLOGIES Inc
•
Filing: 1997-06-04
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Granted: 1999-12-14
•
Expires: 2017-06-04
Abstract
Abstract The invention enables a modular, typically portable, device to communicate with a host computing device to enable one or more security operations to be performed by the modular device on data stored within the host computing device, data provided from the host computing device to the modular device (which can then be, for example, stored in the modular device or transmitted to yet another device), or data retrieved by the host computing device from the modular device (e.g., data that has been stored in the modular device, transmitted to the modular device from another device or input to the modular device by a person). In particular, the modular device can include a security module that is adapted to enable performance of one or more security operations on data, and a target module that is adapted to enable a defined interaction with a host computing device. The target module can be embodied by any of a variety of modules having different types of functionality (e.g., data storage, data communication, data input and output, user identification). The modular device can also be implemented so that the security operations are performed in-line, i.e., the security operations are performed between the interface of the host computing device to the modular device and the external communications interface of the target module. Moreover, the modular device can be implemented so that the security functionality of the modular device is transparent to the host computing device.
Inventors
- 👤 William P. Bialick
- 👤 Mark J. Sutherland
- 👤 Janet L. Dolphin-Peterson
- 👤 Thomas K. Rowland
- 👤 Kirk W. Skeba
- 👤 Russell D. Housley
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 08:35
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06F; G06F21/00; G06F21/30; G06F21/44; G06F21/445; G06F21/31; G06F21/34
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 67
Claim 1
Independent Claim
103 words
A modular device, comprising: a security module, comprising: means for enabling one or more security operations to be performed on data; means for physically engaging with a target module; and means for communicating with a target module; a target module, comprising: means for enabling a defined interaction with a host computing device; means for physically engaging with a security module; and means for communicating with a security module; means for communicating with a host computing device; and means for operably connecting the security module and/or the target module to the host computing device in response to an instruction from the host computing device.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
103 words
A modular device, comprising: a security module, comprising: means for enabling one or more security operations to be performed on data; means for physically engaging with a target module; and means for communicating with a target module; a target module, comprising: means for enabling a defined interaction with a host computing device; means for physically engaging with a security module; and means for communicating with a security module; means for communicating with a host computing device; and means for operably connecting the security module and/or the target module to the host computing device in response to an instruction from the host computing device.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
22 words
A modular device as in claim 1, wherein the target module comprises a memory module adapted to enable nonvolatile storage of data.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
17 words
A modular device as in claim 2, wherein the memory module includes a solid-state disk storage device.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
28 words
A modular device as in claim 1, wherein the target module comprises a communications module adapted to enable communication between the host computing device and a remote device.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
15 words
A modular device as in claim 4, wherein the communications module comprises a modem module.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
16 words
A modular device as in claim 4, wherein the communications module comprises a LAN transceiver module.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
16 words
A modular device as in claim 4, wherein the communications module comprises a wireless communications module.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
16 words
A modular device as in claim 4, wherein the communications module comprises a wired communications module.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
15 words
A modular device as in claim 1, wherein the target module comprises a biometric module.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
16 words
A modular device as in claim 9, wherein the biometric module comprises a fingerprint scanning module.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
16 words
A modular device as in claim 9, wherein the biometric module comprises a retinal scanning module.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
24 words
A modular device as in claim 1, wherein the target module comprises a smart card reader module adapted to communicate with a smart card.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
29 words
A modular device as in claim 1, wherein the target module comprises a module including means for receiving user input data that identifies a user of the modular device.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
22 words
A modular device as in claim 1, wherein the security module further comprises the means for communicating with a host computing device.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
42 words
A modular device as in claim 1, further comprising means for providing the type of a target module to a host computing device in response to a request from the host computing device for information regarding the type of the modular device.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
105 words
A modular device, comprising: a security module, comprising: means for enabling one or more security operations to be performed on data; means for communicating with a target module; and means for communicating with a host computing device; a target module, comprising: means for enabling a defined interaction with a host computing device; and means for communicating with a security module; and means for operably connecting the security module and/or the target module to the host computing device in response to an instruction from the host computing device; wherein communication between the target module and the host computing device must first pass through the security module.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
105 words
A modular device, comprising: a security module, comprising: means for enabling one or more security operations to be performed on data; means for communicating with a target module; and means for communicating with a host computing device; a target module, comprising: means for enabling a defined interaction with a host computing device; and means for communicating with a security module; and means for operably connecting the security module and/or the target module to the host computing device in response to an instruction from the host computing device; wherein communication between the target module and the host computing device must first pass through the security module.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
46 words
A modular device as in claim 16, wherein the security module further comprises means for providing the type of a target module to a host computing device in response to a request from the host computing device for information regarding the type of the modular device.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
22 words
A modular device as in claim 16, wherein the target module comprises a memory module adapted to enable non-volatile storage of data.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
28 words
A modular device as in claim 16, wherein the target module comprises a communications module adapted to enable communication between the host computing device and a remote device.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
15 words
A modular device as in claim 16, wherein the target module comprises a biometric module.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
24 words
A modular device as in claim 16, wherein the target module comprises a smart card reader module adapted to communicate with a smart card.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
120 words
A modular device, comprising: a security module, comprising: means for enabling one or more security operations to be performed on data; and means for communicating with a target module; a target module, comprising: means for enabling a defined interaction with a host computing device; and means for communicating with a security module; means for communicating with a host computing device; means for operably connecting the security module and/or the target module to the host computing device in response to an instruction from the host computing device; and means for providing the type of a target module to a host computing device in response to a request from the host computing device for information regarding the type of the modular device.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
120 words
A modular device, comprising: a security module, comprising: means for enabling one or more security operations to be performed on data; and means for communicating with a target module; a target module, comprising: means for enabling a defined interaction with a host computing device; and means for communicating with a security module; means for communicating with a host computing device; means for operably connecting the security module and/or the target module to the host computing device in response to an instruction from the host computing device; and means for providing the type of a target module to a host computing device in response to a request from the host computing device for information regarding the type of the modular device.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
22 words
A modular device as in claim 22, wherein the target module comprises a memory module adapted to enable nonvolatile storage of data.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
28 words
A modular device as in claim 22, wherein the target module comprises a communications module adapted to enable communication between the host computing device and a remote device.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
15 words
A modular device as in claim 22, wherein the target module comprises a biometric module.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
24 words
A modular device as in claim 22, wherein the target module comprises a smart card reader module adapted to communicate with a smart card.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
87 words
A modular device, comprising: a security module, comprising: means for enabling one or more security operations to be performed on data; and means for communicating with a target module; a target module, comprising: means for enabling a defined interaction with a host computing device; and means for communicating with a security module; means for communicating with a host computing device; and means for operably connecting the security module and/or the target module to the host computing device in response to an instruction from the host computing device.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
87 words
A modular device, comprising: a security module, comprising: means for enabling one or more security operations to be performed on data; and means for communicating with a target module; a target module, comprising: means for enabling a defined interaction with a host computing device; and means for communicating with a security module; means for communicating with a host computing device; and means for operably connecting the security module and/or the target module to the host computing device in response to an instruction from the host computing device.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
22 words
A modular device as in claim 27, wherein the target module comprises a memory module adapted to enable nonvolatile storage of data.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
28 words
A modular device as in claim 27, wherein the target module comprises a communications module adapted to enable communication between the host computing device and a remote device.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
15 words
A modular device as in claim 27, wherein the target module comprises a biometric module.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
24 words
A modular device as in claim 27, wherein the target module comprises a smart card reader module adapted to communicate with a smart card.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
69 words
A security module, comprising: means for communicating with a host computing device; means for performing one or more security operations on data; means for communicating with a target module that is adapted to enable a defined interaction with the host computing device; and means for operably connecting the security module and/or the target module to the host computing device in response to an instruction from the host computing device.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
69 words
A security module, comprising: means for communicating with a host computing device; means for performing one or more security operations on data; means for communicating with a target module that is adapted to enable a defined interaction with the host computing device; and means for operably connecting the security module and/or the target module to the host computing device in response to an instruction from the host computing device.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
20 words
A security module as in claim 32, further comprising means for physically engaging the security module with the target module.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
39 words
A security module as in claim 32, further comprising means for controlling the means for communicating with the target module to obtain information from the target module that can be used to identify the type of the target module.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
38 words
A security module as in claim 34, further comprising means for providing the information to the host computing device in response to a request from the host computing device for information regarding the type of the security module.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
44 words
A security module as in claim 32, further comprising means for mediating communication of data between the host computing device and the target module so that the communicated data must first pass through the means for performing one or more security operations on data.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
35 words
A security module as in claim 32, further comprising means for operably connecting the security module and/or the target module to the host computing device in response to an instruction from the host computing device.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
96 words
A data security system, comprising: a host computing device including one or more device interfaces adapted to enable communication with another device; a modular device, comprising a security module, comprising: means for communicating with the host computing device; means for performing one or more security operations on data; and means for communicating with a target module that is adapted to enable a defined interaction with the host computing device; and means for operably connecting the security module and/or the target module to the host computing device in response to an instruction from the host computing device.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
96 words
A data security system, comprising: a host computing device including one or more device interfaces adapted to enable communication with another device; a modular device, comprising a security module, comprising: means for communicating with the host computing device; means for performing one or more security operations on data; and means for communicating with a target module that is adapted to enable a defined interaction with the host computing device; and means for operably connecting the security module and/or the target module to the host computing device in response to an instruction from the host computing device.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
40 words
A data security system as in claim 38, wherein the modular device further comprises a target module, the target module comprising: means for communicating with the security module; and means for enabling a defined interaction with the host computing device.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
74 words
A data security system as in claim 39, wherein the security module further comprises: means for controlling the means for communicating with the target module to obtain information from the target module that can be used to identify the type of the target module; and means for providing the information to the host computing device in response to a request from the host computing device for information regarding the type of the modular device.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
23 words
A data security system as in claim 39, wherein the target module comprises a memory module adapted to enable non-volatile storage of data.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
18 words
A data security system as in claim 41, wherein the memory module includes a solid-state disk storage device.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
29 words
A data security system as in claim 39, wherein the target module comprises a communications module adapted to enable communication between the host computing device and a remote device.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
16 words
A data security system as in claim 43, wherein the communications module comprises a modem module.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
17 words
A data security system as in claim 43, wherein the communications module comprises a LAN transceiver module.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
17 words
A data security system as in claim 43, wherein the communications module comprises a wireless communications module.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
17 words
A data security system as in claim 43, wherein the communications module comprises a wired communications module.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
16 words
A data security system as in claim 39, wherein the target module comprises a biometric module.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
25 words
A data security system as in claim 39, wherein the target module comprises a smart card reader module adapted to communicate with a smart card.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
30 words
A data security system as in claim 39, wherein the target module comprises a module including means for receiving user input data that identifies a user of the modular device.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
17 words
A data security system as in claim 48, wherein the biometric module comprises a fingerprint scanning module.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
17 words
A data security system as in claim 48, wherein the biometric module comprises a retinal scanning module.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
49 words
A data security system as in claim 38, wherein the modular device further comprises means for mediating communication of data between the host computing device and the target module so that the communicated data must first pass through the means for performing one or more security operations on data.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
40 words
A data security system as in claim 38, wherein the modular device further comprises means for operably connecting the security module and/or the target module to the host computing device in response to an instruction from the host computing device.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
118 words
For use in a modular device adapted for communication with a host computing device, the modular device comprising a security module that is adapted to enable one or more security operations to be performed on data and a target module that is adapted to enable a defined interaction with the host computing device, a method comprising the steps of: receiving a request from the host computing device for information regarding the type of the modular device; providing the type of the target module to the host computing device in response to the request; and operably connecting the security module and/or the target module to the host computing device in response to an instruction from the host computing device.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
118 words
For use in a modular device adapted for communication with a host computing device, the modular device comprising a security module that is adapted to enable one or more security operations to be performed on data and a target module that is adapted to enable a defined interaction with the host computing device, a method comprising the steps of: receiving a request from the host computing device for information regarding the type of the modular device; providing the type of the target module to the host computing device in response to the request; and operably connecting the security module and/or the target module to the host computing device in response to an instruction from the host computing device.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
84 words
A method as in claim 55, wherein the security module is adapted to enable communication with the host computing device and the target module, and the target module is adapted to enable communication with the security module and prevent direct communication with the host computing device, the method further comprising the step of controlling the security module to communicate with the target module so as to obtain information from the target module that can be used to identify the type of the target module.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
143 words
For use in a modular device adapted for communication with a host computing device, the modular device comprising a security module that is adapted to enable one or more security operations to be performed on data and a target module that is adapted to enable a defined interaction with the host computing device, a method comprising the steps of: communicating with the host computing device to exchange data between the host computing device and the modular device; performing one or more security operations and the defined interaction on the exchanged data; mediating communication of the exchanged data between the host computing device and the modular device so that the exchanged data must first pass through the security module; and operably connecting the security module and/or the target module to the host computing device in response to an instruction from the host computing device.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
143 words
For use in a modular device adapted for communication with a host computing device, the modular device comprising a security module that is adapted to enable one or more security operations to be performed on data and a target module that is adapted to enable a defined interaction with the host computing device, a method comprising the steps of: communicating with the host computing device to exchange data between the host computing device and the modular device; performing one or more security operations and the defined interaction on the exchanged data; mediating communication of the exchanged data between the host computing device and the modular device so that the exchanged data must first pass through the security module; and operably connecting the security module and/or the target module to the host computing device in response to an instruction from the host computing device.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
98 words
For use in a modular device adapted for communication with a host computing device, the modular device comprising a security module that is adapted to enable one or more security operations to be performed on data and a target module that is adapted to enable a defined interaction with the host computing device, a method comprising the steps of: receiving an instruction from a host computing device regarding operation of the modular device; and operably connecting the security module and/or the target module to the host computing device in response to the instruction from the host computing device.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
98 words
For use in a modular device adapted for communication with a host computing device, the modular device comprising a security module that is adapted to enable one or more security operations to be performed on data and a target module that is adapted to enable a defined interaction with the host computing device, a method comprising the steps of: receiving an instruction from a host computing device regarding operation of the modular device; and operably connecting the security module and/or the target module to the host computing device in response to the instruction from the host computing device.
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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) | 2002-12-13 | 2003-06-14 | 2003-12-14 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2006-12-13 | 2007-06-14 | 2007-12-14 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2010-12-13 | 2011-06-14 | 2011-12-14 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |