×

Computer hardware insert device for software authorization

  • US 5,692,917 A
  • Filed: 04/18/1996
  • Issued: 12/02/1997
  • Est. Priority Date: 04/29/1991
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
Patent Images

1. A method of providing a computer with a means for selectively providing access to protected software of the computer, the computer including a communication port connector with a plurality of pins which when mated with corresponding sockets of a peripheral device connector pass signals between the computer and the peripheral device, said method comprising the steps of:

  • storing a test program in the computer;

    providing a substrate having a series of holes therein corresponding to said plurality of pins;

    providing a conductive path on said substrate between two selected holes of said series of holes;

    inserting said substrate onto said plurality of pins of the communication port connector, with said plurality of pins extending through the series of holes in the substrate and with two of said plurality of pins making electrical connection with said conductive path;

    mating, in a normal fashion, the peripheral device connector directly with the communication port connector while leaving the substrate sandwiched therebetween;

    interrogating said two pins with the test program by applying and measuring voltages on said two pins to determine whether said conductive path is present; and

    allowing access to said protected software if said conductive path is present.

View all claims
  • 3 Assignments
Timeline View
Assignment View
    ×
    ×