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Method and system for controlling use of protected software

  • US 4,685,055 A
  • Filed: 07/01/1985
  • Issued: 08/04/1987
  • Est. Priority Date: 07/01/1985
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. A central control system for protecting computer software, comprising:

  • (A) a protected software package, including(1) a software unit having an ascertainable serial number,(2) a protection subroutine having a unique reference code, including(a) means for establishing communication with an ESD,(b) means for generating ESD interrogation signals, and(c) means for causing completion of execution of said protected software by a host computer in communication with said ESD only if said protection subroutine recognizes an identifier signal generated by said ESD, and(3) a validation program which communicates a validation code to said ESD;

    (B) an ESD having an ascertainable identification number electronically connected to said software package, includingmeans for generating identifier signals in response to said interrogation signals;

    (C) a secure computer having a working memory electronically connected to said host computer containing(1) said software serial number and the corresponding unique reference code, and(2) means for generating said validation code in response to inputs of said software serial number and said ESD identifier; and

    (D) communication means electronically interconnecting said secure computer, said ESD and said protected software package for transmiting said validation code to said protected software package.

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