Software protection device and method
US7024564B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 22, 2002 |
| Grant date | Apr 4, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 22, 2023 |
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 communicating means for translating command messages into response messages using the data stored in the memory. The processor further comprises a memory manager, including means for logically segmenting the memory storing the data into at least one protected segment, and a means for controlling access to the protected segment.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.