Device for controlling access to computer peripherals
US5202997A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 6, 1990 |
| Grant date | Apr 13, 1993 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 6, 2010 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F21/82
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An access control module restricts access to a computer system to authorized users and selectively controls each user's access to associated computer peripherals such as data storage units, printers, and communications equipment. During start-up of the computer system, a microprocessor associated with the module invokes a software routine that requests entry of a valid user identification code. In response to the code, the microprocessor retrieves from a main non-volatile storage unit pre-recorded information regarding the user's authority to access each of the peripherals, and loads the information into a secondary storage unit comprising random access memory and an address decoder adapted to retrieve data therefrom. Thereafter, the address decoder responds to each peripheral address signal generated in the input/output channel associated with the computer system and retrieves from the secondary storage unit the access information relating to the peripheral identified by the address signal. A latching circuit generates and maintains a signal indicating a violation of computer security if the retrieved information indicates that the current user of the computer system is not author…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.