Security method using information transmission by optical means, and an optical disk for implementing the method

• US 7,167,562 B2
• Filed: 07/06/2001
• Issued: 01/23/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 07/07/2000
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Dixet, OHVA, Inc.
• Original Assignee: OHVA, Inc.
• Inventors: Milgram, Maurice
• Primary Examiner(s): Revak, Christopher
• Assistant Examiner(s): Moorthy, Aravind K
• Application Number:
  US09/900,716
• Publication Number:
  US 20020031227A1
• Time in Patent Office: 2,027 Days
• Field of Search: 380/256, 713/183, 713/184, 713/200
• US Class Current: 380/256
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 21/78 to assure secure storage of data address-based protection against unauthorised use of memory G06F12/14; record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings G06K19/00
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 21/80 in storage media based on magnetic or optical technology, e.g. disks with sectors preventing unauthorised reproduction or copying of disc-type recordable media G11B20/00
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 2221/2121 Chip on media, e.g. a disk or tape with a chip embedded in its case

Abstract

An electronic security device has a light-receiving interface that receives a modulated light signal emitted by the screen of a computer making use of the data medium, an output interface adapted to emit output information as a function of the received input information, and an electronic central unit connected to the receive and emit interfaces and adapted to determine the output information as a function of the input information and to cause said output information to be emitted.

Claims

1. A security system integrated with an optical disk, comprising:

a microprocessor;

a light sensor coupled to the microprocessor;

a sound emitter coupled to the microprocessor;

a power source providing power for operation; and

executable code in digital memory accessible to the microprocessor;

the microprocessor, the light sensor, the sound emitter, the digital memory with executable code, and the power source comprising an electronic security device embedded in a region of the optical disk where data is not store; and

a computer having a drive enabled to read the optical disk, a keyboard and a display;

wherein the light sensor receives a code modulated in light, the microprocessor, running the executable code, uses the received code to retrieve an associated code from the digital memory, and transmits the associated code by the sound emitter modulated in sound waves understandable by a human operator, who inputs the code to the computer through the keyboard.

2. The security system of claim 1 wherein the associated code is provided to the computer through a microphone coupled to the computer, the microphone a part of the input apparatus.

3. The security system of claim 1 wherein the associated code transmitted to the computer is used by the computer to authorize or not authorize one or more actions associated with the optical disk.

4. The security system of claim 3 wherein the disk comprises executable code for installing one or more programs on the computer, and the actions authorized comprise installing or not installing the one or more programs on the computer.

5. The security system of claim 1 wherein the computer provides specific instructions for positioning the optical disk relative to the display screen for transmission and reception of the code from the computer to the light sensor.

6. The security system of claim 5 wherein a security process is triggered initially by a user attempting to open the optical disk in a drive on the computer, the process including the specific instructions, which also prompt the user to remove the disk from the drive and place it in a specific position relative to the display screen.

7. The security system of claim 1 further comprising a remote security device which receives the sound signal, associates the sound signal with a security code, and provides the security code to the computer.

8. A method for providing security for an optical disk, comprising:

(a) embedding an electronic security device comprising a microprocessor, a light sensor coupled to the microprocessor, a sound emitter coupled to the microprocessor, a power source providing power for operation, and executable code in digital memory accessible to the microprocessor in a region of the optical disk where data is not stored;

(b) providing a code modulated in light from a display screen of a computer having a keyboard;

(c) receiving the code by the light sensor of the embedded security device;

(d) associating the retrieved code by the microprocessor with a stored associated code; and

(e) emitting the associated code by the sound emitter as audio understandable by a human operator, who inputs the code to the computer through the keyboard.

9. The method of claim 8 wherein the associated code is provided to the computer through a microphone input.

10. The method of claim 8 wherein the associated code transmitted to the computer is used by the computer to authorize or not authorize one or more actions associated with the optical disk.

11. The method of claim 10 wherein the disk comprises executable code for installing one or more programs on the computer, and the actions authorized comprise installing or not installing the one or more programs on the computer.

12. The method of claim 8 wherein the computer provides specific instructions for positioning the optical disk relative to the display screen for transmission and reception of the code from the computer to the light sensor.

13. The method of claim 12 wherein a security process is triggered initially by a user attempting to open the optical disk in a drive on the computer, the process including the specific instructions, which also prompt the user to remove the disk from the drive and place it in a specific position relative to the display screen.

14. The method of claim 8 further comprising a remote security device which receives the sound signal, associates the sound signal with a security code, and provides the security code to the computer.