Apparatus for controlling the use of computer software
US4791565A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 20, 1984 |
| Grant date | Dec 13, 1988 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 20, 2004 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F21/123
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Apparatus for controlling the use of software in accordance with authorized software license limits, including a limit of the number of concurrent usages of a particular software in a computer system having one or more operator terminals and a central processor containing the software. The apparatus includes a receiver that monitors usage requests from the software in the central processor. A microprocessor based controller accesses authorized use data stored in an EEPROM. Depending on the propriety of usage requests, the controller and an interruptor and transmitter coupled to the central processor and its software prevents operation of the software and/or provides warning messages on the terminal screen.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.