Apparatus and method for setting an ID code using a microcomputer in a display device

• US RE39,822 E1
• Filed: 10/27/2000
• Issued: 09/04/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 12/30/1994
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd.
• Original Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd.
• Inventors: Choi, Chun-Geun
• Primary Examiner(s): Song; Hosuk
• Application Number:
  US09/697,044
• Time in Patent Office: 2,503 Days
• Field of Search: 713183-185, 713200-202, 713/168, 725/30, 711/100, 348377-380, 348/571, 345/418, 345377-380, 726/2, 726/16
• US Class Current: 726/2
• CPC Class Codes: N/A

Abstract

An apparatus in a display system for setting an ID password includes a microprocessor, an input device and an output device. The input device incorporates an array of user manipulated keys so as to allow a user to input an ID code to the microprocessor. The microprocessor includes a program for comparing an inputted ID code with preset ID data stored in a memory to determine consistency therebetween. The microprocessor further includes a program for displaying information visually to a user and so as to allow only an authorized user to use the display thereby protecting private confidential information from misuse. A method for implementing the ID password system includes generally the steps of inputting an ID code via an input device, comparing an inputted ID code with a preset data stored in a memory and thereby controlling the display. As a result, a display employing an embodiment of the present invention may be used by an authorized user only.

Claims

1. For use in a cathode ray tube display connected to a computer system, an apparatus for setting an ID code comprising:

video amplifier means for amplifying image information input from said computer system to display on a screen of said cathode ray tube display;

a key pad having an array of keys for generating a key input signal to compose an ID code;

memory means for storing ID code data input via said key pad by a user'"'"'s manipulation;

a microcomputer for controlling said display responsive to a result of a comparison between said ID code input via said key pad with said ID code data stored in said memory, and for receiving horizontal and vertical frequency signals from said computer system to control an operation of said display;

an on-screen circuit for converting a digital information signal synchronized with a train of clock pulses input from said microcomputer into an analog video signal having red, green and blue components; and

mixer means for mixing said analog video signal input from said on-screen circuit and a signal input from said video amplifier means.

2. The apparatus for setting an ID code as set forth in claim 1, said apparatus further comprising a plurality of analog switches interposed on a respective electrical conduction path between respective output terminals of said computer system and respective input terminals of said video amplifier means, said analog switches being turned off by a control signal output from a video mute terminal of said microcomputer when the result of said comparison indicates that said ID code input from said key pad is inconsistent with said stored ID code data.

3. In cooperation with a computer system that provides analog computer image signals, a display system comprising:

a video amplifier to amplify the analog computer image signals to provide amplified image signals;

one of a first microcomputer circuit and a second microcomputer circuit, the first microcomputer circuit including a microcomputer coupled to the video amplifier to control the gain of the video amplifier, the second microcomputer circuit including the microcomputer coupled to analog switches that are coupled between the computer system and the video amplifier so that the microcomputer controls the connection state of the analog switches;

an on-screen circuit to convert digital information signals from the microcomputer into analog on-screen image signals, the microcomputer being coupled to horizontal and vertical synchronizing signals from the computer system to synchronize the analog on-screen image signals with the analog computer image signals;

a memory coupled to the microcomputer to store a stored ID code;

a key pad coupled to the microcomputer to form a keyed ID code, the microcomputer determining when the stored ID code is unequal to the keyed ID code, the microcomputer setting one of (1) the gain of the video amplifier to be substantially zero and (2) a connection state of the analog switches to be in a disconnected state when the microcomputer determines that the stored ID code is unequal to the keyed ID code; and

a mixer to provide CRT drive signals from a mix of the amplified image signals and the analog on-screen image signals.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein the microcomputer includes a first program module to receive and store a flag in the memory to indicate that a pass word password system is one of enabled and disabled.

5. The system of claim 4, wherein the microcomputer further includes a second program module to receive the keyed ID code and store the keyed ID code in the memory as the stored ID code when the flag indicates that the pass word password system is enabled.

6. The system of claim 5, wherein the microcomputer further includes:

a third program module to read the flag from the memory each time the display system is turned on to determine whether the pass word password system is enabled;

a fourth program module to read data as an ID code from the memory at a location reserved for the stored ID code when the pass word password system is enabled;

a fifth program module to determine consistency between the keyed ID code and the data read as an ID code from the memory;

a sixth program module to operate a normal routine of the display system when the keyed ID code and the data read as an ID code from the memory are consistent; and

an seventh program module to operate an error routine of the display system when the keyed ID code and the data read as an ID code from the memory are inconsistent.

7. The system of claim 4, wherein the microcomputer further includes a second program module to receive the keyed ID code and store the keyed ID code in the memory as the stored ID code when both (1) the flag indicates that the pass word password system is enabled and (2) data stored in the memory at a location reserved for the stored ID code has a predetermined value indicating that no ID code has been stored in the memory.

8. The system of claim 4, wherein the microcomputer further includes a second program module to read the flag from the memory each time the display system is turned on to determine whether the pass word password system is enabled.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein the microcomputer further includes a third program module to operate a normal routine of the display system when the pass word password system is disabled.

10. The system of claim 3, wherein the microcomputer includes a first program module to receive the keyed ID code and store the keyed ID code in the memory as the stored ID code.

11. The system of claim 10, wherein the microcomputer further includes:

a second program module to read data as an ID code from the memory at a location reserved for the stored ID code when a pass word password system is enabled;

a third program module to determine consistency between the keyed ID code and the data read as an ID code from the memory;

a fourth program module to operate an error routine of the display system when the keyed ID code and the data read as an ID code from the memory are inconsistent;

a fifth program module to receive horizontal and vertical synchronizing signals from the computer system; and

a sixth program module to control the on-screen circuit to generate the analog on screen image signals, the analog on screen image signals being synchronized with the horizontal and vertical synchronizing signals and causing a message to be carried in the CRT drive signals, the message indicating that the keyed ID code is inconsistent with the stored ID code when the error routine is operated.

12. The system of claim 3, wherein the microcomputer includes:

a first program module to receive horizontal and vertical synchronizing signals from the computer system;

a second program module to receive digital message signals from the computer system; and

a third program module to control the on-screen circuit to generate the analog on screen image signals, the analog on-screen image signals being synchronized with the horizontal and vertical synchronizing signals and causing a message to be displayed on the display device, the message being composed in accordance with the digital message signals.

13. In a display system that includes a microcomputer and a memory and a key pad and an on screen circuit and a video amplifier, the display system being associated with a computer system, a method comprising steps of:

amplifying analog computer image signals from the computer system in the video amplifier to provide amplified image signals;

converting digital information signals from the microcomputer into analog on-screen image signals in the on screen circuit, the microcomputer being coupled to horizontal and vertical synchronizing signals from the computer system to synchronize the analog on-screen image signals with the analog computer image signals;

storing a stored ID code in the memory;

forming a keyed ID code in the microcomputer from key pad inputs;

determining in the microcomputer when the stored ID code is unequal to the keyed ID code;

setting one of (1) the gain of the video amplifier to be substantially zero and (2) a connection state of analog switches coupled between the computer system and the video amplifier to be in a disconnected state when the microcomputer determines that the stored ID code is unequal to the keyed ID code; and

mixing the amplified image signals and the analog on-screen image signals to provide CRT drive signals.

14. The method of claim 13, further including steps of receiving and storing a flag in the memory to indicate that a pass word password system is one of enabled and disabled.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the step of storing a stored ID code includes storing the keyed ID code in the memory as the stored ID code when the flag indicates that the pass word password system is enabled.

16. The method of claim 15, further including steps of:

reading the flag from the memory each time the display system is turned on to determine whether the pass word password system is enabled;

reading data as an ID code from the memory at a location reserved for the stored ID code when the pass word password system is enabled;

determining in the microcomputer consistency between the keyed ID code and the data read as an ID code from the memory;

operating a normal routine of the display system when the keyed ID code and the data read as an ID code from the memory are consistent; and

operating an error routine of the display system when the keyed ID code and the data read as an ID code from the memory are inconsistent.

17. The method of claim 14, wherein the steps of storing a stored ID code includes storing the keyed ID code in the memory as the stored ID code when both (1) the flag indicates that the pass word password system is enabled and (2) data stored in the memory at a location reserved for the stored ID code has a predetermined value indicating that no ID code has been stored in the memory.

18. The method of claim 14, further including a step of reading the flag from the memory each time the display system is turned on to determine whether the pass word password system is enabled.

19. The method of claim 18, further including a step of operating a normal routine of the display system when the pass word password system is disabled.

20. The method of claim 13, wherein the step of storing a stored ID code includes storing the keyed ID code in the memory as the stored ID code.

21. The method of claim 20, further including steps of:

reading data as an ID code from the memory at a location reserved for the stored ID code when a pass word password system is enabled;

determining in the microcomputer consistency between the keyed ID code and the data read as an ID code from the memory;

operating an error routine of the display system when the keyed ID code and the data read as an ID code from the memory are inconsistent;

receiving horizontal and vertical synchronizing signals from the computer system; and

generategenerating the analog on screen image signals in the on screen circuit, with the analog on screen image signals being synchronized with the horizontal and vertical synchronizing signals and causing a message to be carried in the CRT drive signals, the message indicating that the keyed ID code is inconsistent with the stored ID code when the error routine is operated.

22. The method of claim 13, further including steps of:

receiving at the microcomputer horizontal and vertical synchronizing signals from the computer system;

receiving at the microcomputer digital message signals from the computer system; and

generating the analog on screen image signals in the on screen circuit, with the analog on-screen image signals being synchronized with the horizontal and vertical synchronizing signals and causing a message to be displayed on the display device, the message being composed in accordance with the digital message signals.

23. In cooperation with a computer that provides computer image signals, an apparatus comprising:

a driver that responds to reception of image components of the image signals from the computer by driving a display device to display variable visual images that are representative of the image signals;

a plurality of switches disposed to operationally couple said driver to the display device;

a microcomputer coupled to receive other components of said image signals from the computer, to initiate display by the display device of variable visual representations different from said visual images;

a memory maintaining a stored ID code readable by said microcomputer;

a key pad enabling a user to input a keyed ID code to said microcomputer; and

a circuit responding to said microcomputer by driving the display device to display said variable visual representations;

said microcomputer making a comparison between the stored ID code and the keyed ID code, and in dependence upon said comparison, setting one of (1) the gain of the driver to be substantially zero and (2) states of operational conduction between said driver and the display device via said switches to a disconnected state.

24. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the microcomputer includes a first program module to receive and store a flag in the memory to indicate that a password is one of enabled and disabled.

25. The apparatus of claim 24, wherein the microcomputer further includes a second program module to receive the keyed ID code and store the keyed ID code in the memory as the stored ID code when the flag indicates that the password is enabled.

26. The apparatus of claim 25, wherein the microcomputer further includes:

a third program module to read the flag from the memory each time the display device is turned on to determine whether the password is enabled;

a fourth program module to read data as an ID code from the memory at a location reserved for the stored ID code when the password is enabled;

a fifth program module to determine consistency between the keyed ID code and the data read as an ID code from the memory;

a sixth program module to operate a normal routine of the display device when the keyed ID code and the data read as an ID code from the memory are consistent; and

a seventh program module to operate an error routine of the display device when the keyed ID code and the data read as an ID code from the memory are inconsistent.

27. The apparatus of claim 24, wherein the microcomputer further includes a second program module to receive the keyed ID code and store the keyed ID code in the memory as the stored ID code when both (1) the flag indicates that the password is enabled and (2) data stored in the memory at a location reserved for the stored ID code has a predetermined value indicating that no ID code has been stored in the memory.

28. The apparatus of claim 24, wherein the microcomputer further includes a second program module to read the flag from the memory each time the display device is turned on to determine whether the password is enabled.

29. The apparatus of claim 28, wherein the microcomputer further includes a third program module to operate a normal routine of the display device when the password system is disabled.

30. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the microcomputer includes a first program module to receive the keyed ID code and store the keyed ID code in the memory as the stored ID code.

31. The apparatus of claim 30, wherein the microcomputer further includes:

a second program module to read data as an ID code from the memory at a location reserved for the stored ID code when a password is enabled;

a third program module to determine consistency between the keyed ID code and the data read as an ID code from the memory;

a fourth program module to operate an error routine of the display device when the keyed ID code and the data read as an ID code from the memory are inconsistent;

a fifth program module to receive horizontal and vertical signals from the computer; and

a sixth program module to control the circuit to generate analog image signals, causing said variable visual representation to be carried in drive signals, said variable visual representation indicating that the keyed ID code is inconsistent with the stored ID code when the error routine is operated.

32. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the microcomputer includes:

a first program module to receive horizontal and vertical signals from the computer;

a second program module to receive digital message signals from the computer; and

a third program module to control the circuit to generate the analog image signals, causing said variable visual representation to be displayed on the display device.

33. In an apparatus that includes a microcomputer and a memory and a key pad and a circuit, a method comprising the steps of:

driving computer image signals from a computer in a display driver to provide image signals to drive a display;

converting digital information signals from the microcomputer into image signals in the circuit;

storing a stored ID code in the memory;

forming a keyed ID code in the microcomputer from key pad inputs;

determining in the microcomputer when the stored ID code is unequal to the keyed ID code; and

setting the computer and the display driver to be in a disconnected state when the microcomputer determines that the stored ID code is unequal to the keyed ID code.

34. The method of claim 33, further including steps of receiving and storing a flag in the memory to indicate that a password is one of enabled and disabled.

35. The method of claim 34, wherein the step of storing a stored ID code includes storing the keyed ID code in the memory as the stored ID code when the flag indicates that the password is enabled.

36. The method of claim 35, further including steps of:

reading the flag from the memory each time the display is turned on to determine whether the password is enabled;

reading data as an ID code from the memory at a location reserved for the stored ID code when the password is enabled;

determining in the microcomputer consistency between the keyed ID code and the data read as an ID code from the memory;

operating a normal routine of the display when the keyed ID code and the data read as an ID code from the memory are consistent; and

operating an error routine of the display when the keyed ID code and the data read as an ID code from the memory are inconsistent.

37. The method of claim 33, wherein the steps of storing a stored ID code includes storing the keyed ID code in the memory as the stored ID code when both (1) the flag indicates that the password is enabled and (2) data stored in the memory at a location reserved for the stored ID code has a predetermined value indicating that no ID code has been stored in the memory.

38. The method of claim 33, further including a step of reading the flag from the memory each time the display is turned on to determine whether the password is enabled.

39. The method of claim 38, further including a step of operating a normal routine of the display when the password is disabled.

40. The method of claim 33, wherein the step of storing a stored ID code includes storing the keyed ID code in the memory as the stored ID code.

41. The method of claim 40, further including steps of:

reading data as an ID code from the memory at a location reserved for the stored ID code when a password is enabled;

determining in the microcomputer consistency between the keyed ID code and the data read as an ID code from the memory;

operating an error routine of the display when the keyed ID code and the data read as an ID code from the memory are inconsistent; and

generating an image signal in the circuit, causing a message to be carried in said image to drive said display, the message indicating that the keyed ID code is inconsistent with the stored ID code when the error routine is operated.

42. The method of claim 33, further including steps of:

receiving at the microcomputer horizontal and vertical signals from the computer;

receiving at the microcomputer digital message signals from the computer; and

generating an image signal in the circuit, causing a message to be displayed on the display, the message being composed in accordance with the digital information signals.

43. An apparatus, comprising:

a memory having a password identification code stored within;

a keyboard for inputting said password identification code;

a display unit connected to a computer, the computer being enabled only when said password identification code is entered on said keyboard;

a converter for converting electronic image signals from the computer to an image to be displayed on said display unit;

a driver for driving said display to display said image on said display unit; and

a circuit for disabling said driver when information typed on said keyboard does not match said password identification code stored in said memory, wherein said circuit enables said driver when said information typed on said keyboard matches said password identification code stored in said memory.

44. The apparatus system of claim 43, wherein said display unit is a cathode ray tube.

45. The apparatus of claim 44, wherein said driver comprises three control lines of green, red and blue signals to achieve a color display.

46. A method for securing a display unit on a computer, comprising the steps of:

providing a memory having a password identification code stored within;

converting digital image signals from the computer into image signals;

driving said image signals to produce a visual image on said display unit;

inputting a code on a keyboard attached to said computer;

comparing in a microprocessor said inputted code to said password identification code stored in memory;

responding to a determination by said microprocessor that said inputted code does not match said password identification code stored in memory, by disabling said display unit; and

enabling said display unit to continue to produce said visual image based on signals from said computer when said microcomputer makes a determination that inputted code matches said password identification code stored in said memory.

47. The method of claim 46, wherein said step of disabling said display unit comprises disabling drivers for said display unit.

48. The method of claim 46, wherein said step of enabling said display unit comprises enabling drivers for said display unit.

49. An apparatus, comprising:

a display device operationally driven by image signals to display an image on a screen;

a circuit coupled to drive said display device by converting image information signals received from a computer into said image signals;

a memory storing ID code data selected by a user; and

a microcomputer interrupting said display in dependence upon a relation between said selected ID code data and ID code data subsequently input by the user, while continuously controlling said display based on control signals simultaneously provided by the computer concurrently with said image information signals.

50. In cooperation with a computer that provides computer image signals, an apparatus comprising:

a driver that responds to reception of image components of the image signals from the computer by driving a display device to display variable visual images that are representative of the image signals;

a microcomputer coupled to receive other components of said image signals from the computer, and to generate image information;

a memory maintaining a stored ID code readable by said microcomputer;

a key pad enabling a user to input a keyed ID code to said microcomputer; and

a circuit responding to reception of said image information from said microcomputer by driving the display device to display variable visual representations different from said visual images;

said microcomputer making a comparison between the stored ID code and the keyed ID code, and in dependence upon said comparison, controlling said driving of the display device by the driver.

51. In cooperation with a computer that provides computer image signals, an apparatus comprising:

a driver that responds to reception of image components of the image signals from the computer by driving a display device to display variable visual images that are representative of the image signals;

a microcomputer coupled to receive other components of said image signals from the computer, to initiate display by the display device of variable visual representations independently of said image components;

a memory maintaining a stored ID code readable by said microcomputer; and

a circuit responding to said microcomputer by driving the display device to display said variable visual representations;

said microcomputer making a comparison between the stored ID code an input ID code provided by a user, and in dependence upon said comparison, controlling said driving of the display device by the driver.

52. A video image display, comprising:

a display device providing a screen displaying variable visual images;

a circuit converting electronic signals from a source of video image signals attachable to said display device, into said images;

a memory storing ID code data input via a user; and

a microcomputer controlling said display device in dependence upon a result of a comparison between an ID code input by said user with said ID code data stored in said memory, while controlling operation of said display device in conformance with signals concurrently received from said source.

53. A video image display, comprising:

a display device providing a visual display of varying images in response to reception of first image signals;

a memory maintaining a stored identification code;

a first circuit stage operationally coupled to apply said first image signals to said display device in response to reception of image information;

a second circuit stage operationally coupled to apply variably video signals to drive said display device to display additional images in response to reception of a digital information signal;

a third circuit stage supplying said digital information signal to said second circuit stage in dependence upon correspondence between said stored identification code and a keyed identification code received from episodic entry by a user of said display device.

54. The display of claim 53, comprising:

a switching stage coupled to conduct said first image signals between a source of said first image signals and said first stage, enabling said third stage to control application of said first image signals to drive said visual display.

55. A video image display process, comprising:

assembling a display device providing a screen displaying variable visual images;

coupling to said display device, a circuit converting electronic signals from a source of video image signals attachable to said display device, into said images;

coupling a memory to write and store an ID code data input by a user of the display device; and

connecting a microcomputer to control said display device in dependence upon a result of a comparison between an ID code input by said user with said ID code data stored in said memory, with said microcomputer controlling operation of said display device in conformance with signals concurrently received from said source.

56. A video image display process, comprising:

assembling a display device providing a visual display of varying images in response to reception of first image signals;

coupling a memory maintaining a stored identification code;

coupling to said display device, a first circuit stage operationally coupled to apply said first image signals to said display device in response to reception of image information;

coupling a second circuit stage to operationally apply variably video signals to drive said display device to display additional images in response to reception of a digital information signal;

connecting a third circuit stage to operationally supply said digital information signal to said second circuit stage in dependence upon correspondence between said stored identification code and a keyed identification code received from episodic entry by a user of said display device.

57. The process of claim 56, comprising:

coupling a switching stage to conduct said first image signals between a source of said first image signals and said first stage, enabling said third stage to control application of said first image signals to drive said visual display.

58. In cooperation with a computer that provides computer image signals, assembling an apparatus comprising:

a driver that responds to reception of image components of the image signals from the computer by driving a display device to display variable visual images that are representative of the image signals;

a microcomputer coupled to receive other components of said image signals from the computer, to initiate display by the display device of variable visual representations independently of said image components;

a memory maintaining a stored ID code readable by said microcomputer; and

a circuit responding to said microcomputer by driving the display device to display said variable visual representations;

said microcomputer making a comparison between the stored ID code an input ID code provided by a user, and in dependence upon said comparison, controlling said driving of the display device by the driver.

59. A video apparatus, comprising:

a circuit for converting electronic signals received from a computer into image signals;

a display device attachable to a computer, displaying variable visual images representative of said electronic signals;

a memory disposed to store ID code data input via a user; and

a microcomputer blocking display of said variable visual image by said display device responsively to a result of a comparison between an ID code input by said user with said ID code data stored in said memory while controlling operation of said display device in conformance with said electronic signals simultaneously received from said computer.