Methods and apparatus for interfacing an encryption module with a personal computer
First Claim
1. A remote processing system, located at a first site, for interfacing with a host computer system located at a second site which is remote from said first site, the host computer system being of the type which includes a host modem and which is configured to facilitate financial transactions upon receipt from said remote processing system of a data packet including an encrypted data field, said remote processing system comprising:
- a. a PC, comprising;
(1) a first memory sector configured to store an interactive software program;
(2) a first processor configured to execute said software program(3) an input port configured to communicate with said first processor; and
(4) a second modem configured to transmit said data packet from said PC to the host modem in accordance with said software program;
b. an input device; and
c. an encryption module connected in series between said input device and said input port, comprising;
(1) a keypad;
(2) a second processor configured to encrypt data entered onto said keypad; and
(3) a data link configured to maintain communication between said encryption module and said PC input port.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
An encryption module for encrypting financial and other sensitive data may be conveniently interposed in series between a personal computer and the keyboard associated therewith. An application program designed to run on the PC is configured to prompt the user to enter his PIN or other confidential data into the encryption module; consequently the confidential data need not be transmitted in an unencrypted fashion, and need not reside on the PC hard drive in an unencrypted form.
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Citations
21 Claims
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1. A remote processing system, located at a first site, for interfacing with a host computer system located at a second site which is remote from said first site, the host computer system being of the type which includes a host modem and which is configured to facilitate financial transactions upon receipt from said remote processing system of a data packet including an encrypted data field, said remote processing system comprising:
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a. a PC, comprising; (1) a first memory sector configured to store an interactive software program; (2) a first processor configured to execute said software program (3) an input port configured to communicate with said first processor; and (4) a second modem configured to transmit said data packet from said PC to the host modem in accordance with said software program; b. an input device; and c. an encryption module connected in series between said input device and said input port, comprising; (1) a keypad; (2) a second processor configured to encrypt data entered onto said keypad; and (3) a data link configured to maintain communication between said encryption module and said PC input port. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A data encryption module configured for connection to a PC, the PC being of the type which includes a keyboard, a keyboard input port, and a connector having a first end connected to said keyboard and a second end configured for connection to said keyboard input port, said module comprising:
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a. a keypad; b. a processor adapted to encrypt data entered onto said keypad; c. an interface connector extending from said module for receipt within said keyboard input port; and d. an interface port configured to receive said second end of said connector. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18)
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19. A remote processing system for interfacing with a host computer system including a host modem, the host computer system being configured to facilitate financial transactions upon receipt from said remote processing system of a data packet including an encrypted data field, said remote processing system comprising:
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a. a PC, comprising; (1) a PC housing; (2) a first processor, disposed within said PC housing, configured to execute a software program; (3) an input port accessible from outside of said PC housing and configured to communicate with said first processor; and (4) a PC modem configured to transmit said data packet from said PC to the host modem in accordance with said software program; and b. an encryption module, comprising; (1) a module housing; (2) a keypad accessible from outside of said module housing; (3) a second processor disposed within said module housing and configured to encrypt data entered onto said keypad; (4) a data link configured to maintain communication between said encryption module and said PC input port. (5) a second input port configured to receive an input from a keyboard of said PC. - View Dependent Claims (20)
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21. A method for transmitting confidential data between a PC at a first site and a host computer located at a site remote from said first site comprising the steps of:
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providing a PC comprising a first processor configured to execute a software program, and a PC modem configured to transmit data from said PC to the host computer in accordance with said software program; providing a keyboard or mouse for communicating with said PC; providing a self-contained, secure encryption module independent from said PC and connected in series between said PC and said keyboard or mouse, said module comprising a keypad for inputting a confidential data directly into said encryption module and a second processor for encrypting said confidential data within said module; transmitting said encrypted data to said first processor within said PC; and transmitting said encrypted data from said PC to said host computer via said PC modem.
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Specification