GB2222281A - Preventing unauthorised use of copies of computer software - Google Patents
Preventing unauthorised use of copies of computer software Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- GB2222281A GB2222281A GB8820421A GB8820421A GB2222281A GB 2222281 A GB2222281 A GB 2222281A GB 8820421 A GB8820421 A GB 8820421A GB 8820421 A GB8820421 A GB 8820421A GB 2222281 A GB2222281 A GB 2222281A
- Authority
- GB
- United Kingdom
- Prior art keywords
- zero
- program
- electric signal
- input
- multiway connector
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Withdrawn
Links
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 5
- 230000002093 peripheral effect Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 4
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 claims description 4
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 9
- 239000003990 capacitor Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000003287 optical effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000005540 biological transmission Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
- G06F21/00—Security arrangements for protecting computers, components thereof, programs or data against unauthorised activity
- G06F21/10—Protecting distributed programs or content, e.g. vending or licensing of copyrighted material ; Digital rights management [DRM]
- G06F21/12—Protecting executable software
- G06F21/121—Restricting unauthorised execution of programs
- G06F21/123—Restricting unauthorised execution of programs by using dedicated hardware, e.g. dongles, smart cards, cryptographic processors, global positioning systems [GPS] devices
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
- G06F2211/00—Indexing scheme relating to details of data-processing equipment not covered by groups G06F3/00 - G06F13/00
- G06F2211/007—Encryption, En-/decode, En-/decipher, En-/decypher, Scramble, (De-)compress
Abstract
A method is provided for preventing unauthorised use of copies of computer software program wherein an electronic key incorporating a housing 3 and a multiway connector 1 capable of engaging with an input port of a personal computer is inserted into the port and a copy of the program is run from a peripheral device, an instruction contained in the program interrogating the key to receive therefrom a coded electric signal in the form of a digital number which is compared with a reference number stored in the program, the program being permitted to run further only if an exact match of the code with the reference number is obtained. <IMAGE>
Description
PREVENTING UNAUTHORISED USE OF COPIES OF COMPUTER SOFTWARE
The present invention concerns a method and a device for preventing unauthorised use of copies of computer software which is published in the form of a program recorded on an electromagnetic or optical storage medium, for example magnetic tape or discs, optical discs or the like.
Accordingly one aspect of the present invention provides a device for preventing the unauthorised use of copies of a computer software program in the form of an electronic key incorporating a housing and a multiway connector capable of engaging with an input/output port of a personal computer which key provides a coded electric signal when interrogated by the computer under the direction of an instruction contained in the program.
The coded electric signal is conveniently provided by an electronic circuit disposed within the housing of the key, which circuit is capable of applying to at least one pin of the multiway connector either a finite, non-zero electric potential or zero potential when interrogated by the computer.
The coded electric signal may be transmitted to the computer in either a parallel or a serial mode. In the parallel mode of transmission either a zero electric potential or a non-zero electric potential is applied to each of a plurality of pins of the multiway connector and the potentials of all the pins are read by the computer simultaneously. The disposition of non-zero and zero potentials determines an individual code which can be compared with a reference number or code stored in the program. In the serial mode the coded electric signal is applied to a pin of the multiway connector as a sequence of binary digits representing zero or non-zero potentials.
Conveniently the electronic circuit disposed within the housing of the key is also connected to a low voltage D.C. supply through one or more of the pins of the multiway connector.
A second aspect of the invention provides a method for preventing unauthorised use of copies of a computer software program wherein an electronic key is inserted into an input/output port of a personal computer and a copy of the program is run from a peripheral device, an instruction contained in the program interrogating the key to receive therefrom a coded electric signal in the form of a digital number which is compared with a reference number stored in the program, the program being permitted to run further only if an exact match of the coded electric signal with the reference number is obtained.
The non-zero potentials applied to two or more pins of the multiway connector may be the same or different. For example, some commonly available personal computers are provided with a multiway analogue input/output port to the pins of which may be applied different potentials of varying magnitude which are converted to a corresponding digital form by suitable circuitry.
The coded signal provided by the key may therefore take the form of a plurality of zero and non-zero potentials applied in parallel to the pins of the multiway connector, the non-zero potentials also being of different magnitudes in the range from a little above zero to the potential of the low voltage D.C. supply. In this way the number of possible different coded electric signals is very much increased, as compared with the case in which all the non-zero potentials are equal.
Alternatively the non-zero potentials may be applied to one or more of the pins of the multiway connector in the form of a series of discrete pulses, the frequency of which may be preset to one of a wide range of different values. Instructions contained in the software program to be protected by the key are adapted to recognise both the existence of a non-zero potential and the frequency of the pulses, to compare a number representing the frequency of the pulses and the non-zero condition with a reference number stored in the program and to permit the program to run further if an exact match is obtained.
The electronic circuit disposed within the housing of the key may take one of a variety of forms. In its simplest form the electronic circuit comprises a number of direct connectors between a pin of the multiway connector which is at the potential of the low-voltage D.C. supply and any number of the other pins. This type of circuit is suitable for use with most common types of personal computer, a few exceptions being mentioned below.
In the case of certain personal computers an input/output port is connected in such a way that most of the pins which may be called "control" pins are at a low positive or negative potential while only one, or perhaps two, pins which may be called "common" pins are at zero potential. A signal is relayed to the computer through this port in terms of the combination of control pins through which a current either is or is not flowing. In this case a diode must be provided in each connection between a control pin and a common pin to ensure that current flows in one direction only. Examples of personal computers which have this type of input/output port are the AMSTRAD
CPC 464, CPC 6128 and CPC 664 computers.
In the case of personal computers which are provided with an analogue input/output port, a resistor may be provided in a connection between a pin of the multiway connector which is connected to the low voltage D.C. supply and any other pin in order to provide a potential difference intermediate between zero and the potential of the low voltage D.C. supply. The computer generates a digital number corresponding to the potential on each pin and this number is compared with a reference number stored in the program. Examples of personal computers which have an analogue input/output port are the BBC B, B+ and
Master computers.
In all the above types of circuit a component may be included which applies a potential in the form of a series of discrete pulses to one or more of the pins of the multiway connector. This component may advantageously be a timer integrated circuit operating in the astable mode and the frequency of the pulsed output may be adjusted by altering the value of certain resistors and/or capacitors which are used in conjunction with the integrated circuit.
The electronic key is advantageously sold together with the recorded software program and a third aspect of the invention accordingly provides an article of commerce comprising in combination a computer software program recorded on a recording medium and an electronic key incorporating a housing and a multiway connector capable of engaging with an input/output port of a personal computer, which key provides a coded electric signal when interrogated by the computer under the direction of an instruction contained in the program.
The use of the key in conjunction with instructions included in the program makes it possible for any number of copies of the program to be made.
These copies, however, can only be run if the appropriate key is used.
The housing of the electronic key may be made in two or more pieces fastened together by means of, for example, screws, but the housing is most preferably of sealed construction.
For a better understanding of the present invention, and to show how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1 is a perspective drawing of an electronic key in accordance with the invention;
Figure 2 is a diagram of a simple electronic circuit which is appropriate for an electronic key for use with most types of personal and home computer;
Figure 3 is a diagram of an electronic circuit which is appropriate for an electronic key for use with certain AMSTRAD personal computers;
Figure 4 is a diagram of an electronic circuit which is appropriate for an electronic key for use with personal computers having an analogue input/output port; and
Figure 5 is a diagram of an improved electronic circuit for use with most types of home and personal computer.
The electronic key shown in Figure 1 comprises a multiway connector 1 which in this particular case is suitable for use with the analogue input/output port of a BBC B, B+ or Master computer, although other types of multiway connector, suitable for other personal computers, may be used. The connector has fifteen sockets 2 each of which engages with a pin of the multiway connector provided on the casing of the personal computer. A housing 3 is constructed as an assembly of two plastics parts which are held together by means of screws 4 and 5. However, the housing could equally well be of sealed construction.
Figure 2 represents a simple circuit which, in accordance with the invention, is contained in an electronic key for use with a personal computer fitted with a standard ATARI nine-way joystick port. This port has connections which are designated on the diagram from left to right as "+5V", "up", "down", "left","right","right","fire 1" and "fire 2". The coded signal to be sent to the computer when the key is interrogated by an instruction in the software program is preset by connecting the "+5V" pin directly to one or more of the other pins. The diagram shows three connections in position but it is clear that a number of other possible combinations of connections are possible.
Figure 3 represents a circuit which, in accordance with the invention, is contained in an electronic key for use with the joystick port of a personal computer of the AMSTRAD CPC 464, CPC 6128 or CPC 664 type. In this case the "up", down", "left", "right", "fire 1" and "fire 2" pins are generally all at a potential of +5 volts and two additional "common" pins designated "com 1" and "com 2" are generally at zero potential. In this case any connection between one of the common pins and any one of the control pins at +5 volts potential must include a diode 6 to ensure that electric current flows in one direction only. The diagram shows four connections in position between the "com 1" pin and control pins but again a number of other possible combinations of connectors are possible.The number of combinations may be increased by making connections between the "com 2" pin and any number of the control pins at +5 volts potential.
Figure 4 represents a circuit which, in accordance with the invention, is contained in an electronic key for use with the analogue port of a personal computer of the BBC B, B+ or Master type. In this case the port has connections which are designated on the diagram from left to right as "+5V", "Chi", "Ch2", "Ch3", "Ch4", "OV", "PBO" and "PB1". Resistors R1, R2, R3 and
R4 are connected between the "+5V" pin and one of the "Ch" pins and by selection of the values of R1, R2, R3 and R4 the potential difference between each of the Ch pins and the "+5V" pin may be set at any value between a little greater than zero and +5 volts. These potential differences are converted into digital form and it can be seen that this arrangement gives rise to a very large number of combinations of different digital numbers.The number of combinations may be increased still further by connecting one or both of the pins "PBO" or "PB1" to the 'tOV,# pin.
Figure 5 represents a circuit which, in accordance with the invention, is contained in an electronic key for use with any one of a large number of different personal and home computers. In this case the diagram shows a circuit which would be used with a computer fitted with a standard ATARI joystick port, but with only minor variations the circuit could be adapted for use with computers fitted with other types of port. A timer integrated circuit IC1, which may conveniently be a No. 555 integrated circuit although other types may be used, is connected between the "+5V" and "OV" pins of the connector, together with resistors R5 and R6 and capacitors C1 and C2, the arrangement of which causes it to operate in its astable mode.
The timer operating in this mode emits a continuous train of pulses, the frequency of which is determined by the value of a resistor R6. The output from the integrated circuit or the unpulsed +5 volts potential may be applied to any number of the control pins designated "up", "down", "left", "right", "fire 1" or "fire 2". The existence or otherwise of a signal at each control pin is detected by the computer and the number of pulses received over a given interval of time is also recorded in the form of a digital number. The wide range of possible frequencies together with the number of different ways in which the pulsed or unpulsed potential may be connected to any number of the control pins leads to a very large number of possible different codes.
Claims (14)
1. A device for preventing the unauthorised use of copies of a computer software program in the form of an electronic key incorporating a housing and a multiway connector capable of engaging with an input/output port of a personal computer which key provides a coded electric signal when interrogated by the computer under the direction of an instruction contained in the program.
2. A device according to claim 1, wherein the coded electric signal is provided by an electronic circuit disposed within the housing of the key which circuit is capable of applying to at least one pin of the multiway connector either a finite non-zero electric potential or zero potential when interrogated by the computer.
3. A device according to claim 2, wherein either a zero electric potential or a non-zero electric potential is applied to each of a plurality of pins of the multiway connector, the disposition of non-zero and zero potentials determining the coded electric signal.
4. A device according to claim 2, wherein the coded electric signal is applied to a pin of the multiway connector as a sequence of binary digits representing zero or non-zero potentials.
5. A device according to claim 3, wherein the non-zero electric potentials applied to pins of the multiway connector are the same in each case.
6. A device according to claim 3, wherein the non-zero electric potentials applied to two or more of pins of the multiway connector are different.
7. A device according to claim 3, wherein the non-zero electric potentials are applied to one or more of the pins of the multiway connector in the form of a series of discrete pulses.
8. A device according to any one of the proceeding claims, wherein the housing is of sealed construction.
9. A device substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to
Figures 1 and 2 of the accompanying drawings.
10. A device substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to
Figures 1 and 3 of the accompanying drawings.
11. A device substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to
Figures 1 and 4 of the accompanying drawings.
12. A device substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to
Figures 1 and 5 of the accompanying drawings.
13. A method for preventing the unauthorised use of copies of a computer software program wherein an electronic key is inserted into an input/output port of a personal computer and a copy of the program is run from a peripheral device, an instruction contained in the program interrogating the key to receive therefrom a coded electric signal in the form of a digital number which is compared with a reference number stored in the program, the program being permitted to run further only if an exact match of the coded electric signal with the reference number is obtained.
14. An article of commerce comprising, in combination, a computer software program recorded on a recording medium and an electronic key incorporating a housing and a multiway connector capable of engaging with an input or an input/output port of a personal computer which key provides while engaged with said input or input/output port a coded electric signal which may be read by the computer under the direction of an instruction contained in the program.
14. An article of commerce comprising, in combination, a computer software program recorded on a recording medium and an electronic key incorporating a housing and a multiway connector capable of engaging with an input/output port of a personal computer which key provides a coded electric signal when interrogated by the computer under the direction of an instruction contained in the program.
Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows 1. A device for preventing the unauthorised use of copies of a computer software program in the form of an electronic key incorporating a housing and a multiway connector capable of engaging with an input or an input/output port of a personal computer which key provides while engaged with said input or input/output port a coded electric signal which may be read by the computer under the direction of an instruction contained in the program.
2. A device according to claim 1, wherein the coded electric signal is provided by an electronic circuit disposed within the housing of the key which circuit is capable of applying to at least one pin of the multiway connector either a finite non-zero electric potential or zero potential when interrogated by the computer.
3. A device according to claim 2, wherein either a zero electric potential or a non-zero electric potential is applied to each of a plurality of pins of the multiway connector, the disposition of non-zero and zero potentials determining the coded electric signal.
4. A device according to claim 2, wherein the coded electric signal is applied to a pin of the multiway connector as a sequence of binary digits representing zero or non-zero potentials.
5. A device according to claim 3, wherein the non-zero electric potentials applied to pins of the multiway connector are the same in each case.
6. A device according to claim 3, wherein the non-zero electric potentials applied to two or more of pins of the multiway connector are different.
7. A device according to claim 3, wherein the non-zero electric potentials are applied to one or more of the pins of the multiway connector in the form of a series of discrete pulses.
8. A device according to any one of the proceeding claims, wherein the housing is of sealed construction.
9. A device substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to
Figures 1 and 2 of the accompanying drawings.
10. A device substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to
Figures 1 and 3 of the accompanying drawings.
11. A device substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to
Figures 1 and 4 of the accompanying drawings.
12. A device substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to
Figures 1 and 5 of the accompanying drawings.
13. A method for preventing the unauthorised use of copies of a computer software program wherein an electronic key is inserted into an input or an input/output port of a personal computer and a copy of the program is run from a peripheral device, an instruction contained in the program causing there to be read from the key a coded electric signal in the form of a digital number which is compared with a reference number stored in the program, the program being permitted to run further only if an exact match of the coded electric signal with the reference number is obtained.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB8820421A GB2222281A (en) | 1988-08-27 | 1988-08-27 | Preventing unauthorised use of copies of computer software |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB8820421A GB2222281A (en) | 1988-08-27 | 1988-08-27 | Preventing unauthorised use of copies of computer software |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| GB8820421D0 GB8820421D0 (en) | 1988-09-28 |
| GB2222281A true GB2222281A (en) | 1990-02-28 |
Family
ID=10642857
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB8820421A Withdrawn GB2222281A (en) | 1988-08-27 | 1988-08-27 | Preventing unauthorised use of copies of computer software |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| GB (1) | GB2222281A (en) |
Cited By (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP0940743A1 (en) * | 1998-03-05 | 1999-09-08 | Rainbow Technologies Inc. | Compact transparent dongle device |
| WO1999045455A1 (en) * | 1998-03-06 | 1999-09-10 | Tv Objects Limited, L.L.C. | Data and access protection system for computers |
| WO2007107387A1 (en) * | 2006-03-20 | 2007-09-27 | OCé PRINTING SYSTEMS GMBH | Method and assembly for releasing and configuring specific system operations of a printer or photocopier |
| EP2413209A1 (en) * | 2010-07-29 | 2012-02-01 | ICS Triplex Technology Limited | Security key |
Citations (6)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB1414126A (en) * | 1971-11-22 | 1975-11-19 | Key Tronic Ltd | Secutity for computer systems |
| US4446519A (en) * | 1981-05-26 | 1984-05-01 | Corban International, Ltd. | Method and apparatus for providing security for computer software |
| US4458315A (en) * | 1982-02-25 | 1984-07-03 | Penta, Inc. | Apparatus and method for preventing unauthorized use of computer programs |
| EP0170644A1 (en) * | 1984-07-03 | 1986-02-05 | N.V. Willy Michiels And Comp. | Anti-burglary detection device |
| EP0183608A2 (en) * | 1984-11-19 | 1986-06-04 | Schlumberger Technology Corporation | Software security system |
| GB2175422A (en) * | 1985-05-14 | 1986-11-26 | Cadam Services Co | Program protection |
-
1988
- 1988-08-27 GB GB8820421A patent/GB2222281A/en not_active Withdrawn
Patent Citations (6)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB1414126A (en) * | 1971-11-22 | 1975-11-19 | Key Tronic Ltd | Secutity for computer systems |
| US4446519A (en) * | 1981-05-26 | 1984-05-01 | Corban International, Ltd. | Method and apparatus for providing security for computer software |
| US4458315A (en) * | 1982-02-25 | 1984-07-03 | Penta, Inc. | Apparatus and method for preventing unauthorized use of computer programs |
| EP0170644A1 (en) * | 1984-07-03 | 1986-02-05 | N.V. Willy Michiels And Comp. | Anti-burglary detection device |
| EP0183608A2 (en) * | 1984-11-19 | 1986-06-04 | Schlumberger Technology Corporation | Software security system |
| GB2175422A (en) * | 1985-05-14 | 1986-11-26 | Cadam Services Co | Program protection |
Cited By (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP0940743A1 (en) * | 1998-03-05 | 1999-09-08 | Rainbow Technologies Inc. | Compact transparent dongle device |
| WO1999045455A1 (en) * | 1998-03-06 | 1999-09-10 | Tv Objects Limited, L.L.C. | Data and access protection system for computers |
| WO2007107387A1 (en) * | 2006-03-20 | 2007-09-27 | OCé PRINTING SYSTEMS GMBH | Method and assembly for releasing and configuring specific system operations of a printer or photocopier |
| DE102006012677B4 (en) * | 2006-03-20 | 2011-07-28 | Océ Printing Systems GmbH, 85586 | Method and arrangement for activating and configuring specific system sequences of a printer or copier |
| EP2413209A1 (en) * | 2010-07-29 | 2012-02-01 | ICS Triplex Technology Limited | Security key |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| GB8820421D0 (en) | 1988-09-28 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| WAP | Application withdrawn, taken to be withdrawn or refused ** after publication under section 16(1) |