Method and apparatus for providing security for computer software

• US 4,446,519 A
• Filed: 05/26/1981
• Issued: 05/01/1984
• Est. Priority Date: 05/26/1981
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Corban International Limited
• Original Assignee: Corban International Limited
• Inventors: Thomas, David C.
• Primary Examiner(s): Zache, Raulfe B.
• Application Number:
  US06/266,724
• Time in Patent Office: 1,071 Days
• Field of Search: 364/200 MS File, 364/900 MS File, 364/300, 178/22.08, 340/825.34
• US Class Current: 711/164
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 21/123 by using dedicated hardware, e.g. dongles, smart cards, cryptographic processors, global positioning systems [GPS] devices
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 21/125 by manipulating the program code, e.g. source code, compiled code, interpreted code, machine code
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 2211/007 Encryption, En-/decode, En-/decipher, En-/decypher, Scramble, (De-)compress
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 2221/2153 Using hardware token as a secondary aspect

Abstract

Security for computer software is achieved by providing each purchaser of a software package with an electronic security device which must be operatively connected to the purchaser'"'"'s computer. The software sends coded interrogation signals to the electronic security device which processes the interrogation signals and transmits coded response signals to the software. The program will not be executed unless the software recognizes the response signals according to preselected security criteria.

Claims

1. A method for providing security for software used in a computer, which includes

a working memory, and

a program stored in said memory,

which method includes, in combination, the steps of:

(a) loading a program into said working memory, which program includes instructions for

(i) generating preselected coded interrogation signals,

(ii) assessing response signals thereto, and

(iii) generating command signals according to preselected security criteria;

(b) commencing execution of said program;

(c) transmitting said coded interrogation signals from said memory to an electronic security device which automatically processes said received signals and generates a coded response thereto;

(d) transmitting said coded response to said memory; and

(e) generating a command signal from said memory which causes said computer to complete the execution of said program only if said response signal satisfies said preselected security criteria.

2. For use in a computer system, which system includes

a permanent memory,

a program stored in said permanent memory,

a computer having a working memory, and

instructions for loading said program into said working memory,

means for securing said software from use by an unauthorized computer, including, in combination:

(a) instructions in said software program for

(i) generating a predetermined coded signal, and

(ii) assessing response signals according to predetermined security criteria;

(b) means connected to said computer for

(i) receiving said coded signal,

(ii) processing said received signal, and

(iii) generating a coded response signal; and

(c) means in said software program for generating command signals to said computer to execute said program only if said coded response signal satisfies said predetermined security criteria.