Software protection device and method
US6523119B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 4, 1996 |
| Grant date | Feb 18, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 4, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S707/99956
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A method and apparatus for protecting computer software from unauthorized execution or duplication using a hardware key is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a means for communicating with the computer to receive command messages from the computer in the hardware key and to provide response messages to the computer, a memory for storing data for translating command messages into response messages enabling software execution, and a processor coupled to the interface port for translating command messages into response messages using the data stored in the memory. The processor further comprises a memory manager, for logically segmenting the memory storing the data into at least one protected segment, and for controlling access to the protected segment.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.