JPH08138020A - Lock method for software tool using ic card - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To provide a lock method for software tool using an IC card which prevents the existence of an uncontracted illegal system by unauthorized copy of a tool and presents a system where the contact can be quickly, surely, and easily updated. CONSTITUTION: The permitted frequency of start is preliminarily stored in an access key card 8 and is outputted to a terminal machine 1 through an IC interface in response to the request from the terminal machine 1, and the permitted frequency of start outputted from the access key card 8 is compared with a specific value preliminarily set by the terminal machine 1. If they don't coincide with each other, the permitted frequency of start stored in the access key card 8 is substracted by one, and a specific program is executed. Thus, it is very difficult to make a copy of the access key card, and the illegal use more than the permitted frequency of start on the contract is impossible because of the unique access key card even if an uncontracted system is generated by a copy of this tool.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a software tool locking method using an IC card, and more particularly to an application software development support system for an IC card terminal in which an application program can be downloaded via a communication interface. An IC that can be applied to development systems that use software tools such as compilers to develop applications on personal computers
A method of locking a software tool using a card.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, in electronic notebooks and other portable terminals, users have created their own application software using a dedicated tool provided by the manufacturer.
There is an increasing trend toward more effective use for personal use and business use, as well as movements such as software houses that use infrastructure to create their own applications and supply them to users. An example of such a development system is
A system using a BASIC card of an electronic notebook is well known.

As shown in FIG. 16, this system comprises an electronic notebook 2, a host terminal 1 such as a personal computer, a dedicated cable 3 for connecting the respective communication interfaces of the electronic notebook 2 and the host terminal 1, and an electronic notebook. The BASIC card 4 attached to the notebook 2 and the source program edited by the host terminal 1 are converted into an executable format, and the BA
It is composed of a BASIC tool mounted on the SIC card 4. Reference numeral 5 is a floppy disk 5 in which the BASIC tool is written.

Next, the operation of this conventional example will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

First, the host terminal 1 and the electronic notebook 2 are connected by a dedicated cable 3, and the electronic notebook 2 has a BASI.
The C card 4 is installed. A source program is created and edited using a general-purpose editor in the host terminal 1 (step S1), and a BASIC tool as a conversion tool is activated by key input from the host terminal 1 (step S2). Then, the source program edited by the host terminal 1 is the B program started by the host terminal 1.
It is converted into an executable format by the ASIC tool (step S3). At this time, it is determined whether or not a conversion error has occurred (step 4). When it is determined that no conversion error has occurred, the source program is attached to the electronic notebook 2 via the dedicated cable 3 by the download tool. Mounted on the BASIC card 4 (step S
5). After the program is loaded, the operation of the program can be confirmed on the electronic notebook 2. If it is determined that a conversion error has occurred, the process ends.

Further, as a locking method using the number-of-times data, a control unit and a memory unit, which are disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 61-210488, are provided, the number of times of inputting a personal identification number is stored, and the predetermined number of times is reached. For example, an IC card that makes the IC card unusable, or the data in the data memory stored in the non-volatile memory when an incorrect password is input a predetermined number of times as disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 61-211787. An IC card for maintaining confidentiality of data stored in a data memory by erasing a program for writing and writing data, and JP-A-62-62
No. 251945, the number of times an authentication command is received in a state of communication with an access device is checked, and the authentication data generation process is prohibited to prevent unauthorized connection and disconnection in the authentication data generation process. A method for preventing unauthorized access to an IC card, which enables data to be detected outside, and is disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2-261177.
If the numeric code entered from the input means is incorrect, it is detected, and when the number of incorrect entries reaches the specified value, the card is disabled and the security of the key is maintained even if the card is stolen. An encryption key device that can be held, and a recording described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 3-157870 that suppresses or prohibits re-recording a predetermined number of times or more, thereby suppressing deterioration in signal quality due to re-recording. There is a playback device.

[0007]

In the software development system as described above, the tools are usually in the form of a floppy disk, and cables, memory cards, etc. are supplied from a supplier such as a manufacturer. If necessary, it may include a terminal for software development, but since the host terminal is generally a personal computer, it is usually prepared by the user. At this time, between the maker side and the user side, it is usual that the person who uses the tool, the department, the terminal, the period, etc. are defined in a contract and the contract is concluded. However, in reality, the user can copy the tool without permission,
It cannot exist under contract without the manufacturer's knowledge,
Currently, there are many uncontracted unauthorized systems (tools).

When the contract is renewed after the contract period, especially when money is involved, the maker continues to use the service until the maker has a chance to make it, and when the number of contract users is large, the maker side as well. Contract management is very time-consuming and costly.

The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, and prevents the existence of an uncontracted unauthorized system due to unauthorized copying of tools, and enables quick, reliable and easy contract renewal. An object of the present invention is to provide a method of locking a software tool using an IC card that realizes the provision of the system.

[0010]

According to the present invention, the above-mentioned object is a terminal comprising an IC card having a storage means and a terminal having an IC card interface for accessing the IC card and a control means. In the device,
The control means of the terminal reads out the startable number stored in advance in the storage means through the IC card interface, compares the read startable number with a specific value, and if the comparison results are not the same, the IC 2. The method for locking a software tool using an IC card according to claim 1, wherein the number of possible activations stored in the storage means of the card is subtracted by 1 to rewrite, and the specific program is executed. .

According to the present invention, the above-mentioned object is to provide an IC card having a storage means and an I card for accessing the IC card.
In a terminal device comprising a C card interface and a terminal having a control means, the control means of the terminal reads out data indicating a usable period previously stored in the storage means through an IC card interface and obtains the current date. According to a method of locking a software tool using an IC card according to claim 2, characterized in that the specified program is executed when the current date is within the usable period. To be achieved.

According to the present invention, the aforementioned object is to provide an IC card having a storage means and a control means, and a terminal device having an IC interface for accessing the IC card. In response to a request from the terminal, the control means compares the startable number stored in advance in the storage means with a specific value, and when the comparison result is not the same, the startable number is subtracted by one. A method for locking a software tool using an IC card according to claim 3, characterized in that the signal is generated to enable the terminal to execute a specific program through the IC interface.

According to the present invention, the aforementioned object is to provide an IC card having a storage means and a control means, and a terminal device having an IC interface for accessing the IC card. In response to a request from the terminal, the control means compares the data representing the usable period previously stored in the storage means with the current date, and if the current date is within the usable period, the IC The method for locking a software tool using an IC card according to claim 4, wherein a signal for enabling execution of a specific program of the terminal is generated through an interface.

[0014]

In the method of locking the software tool using the IC card according to the first aspect of the present invention, the number of possible activations is stored in advance in the storage means of the IC card, and the number of possible activations is determined by the IC interface in response to a request from the terminal. Read out to the terminal through the terminal, and the control means of the terminal compares the preset specific value with the number of times of activation output from the IC card, and when the comparison result is not the same, The bootable count stored in the IC card is decremented by 1 and rewritten, and the specific program is executed. As a result, it is very difficult to make a duplicate of the access key card, and even if you make a system out of contract by duplication, the IC card is unique, so it is illegally used beyond the number of times the contract can be activated. I can't.

In a method of locking a software tool using an IC card according to a second aspect, data indicating a usable period such as a use start date and / or a use end date is stored in a storage means of the IC card, In response to the request from the terminal, the usable period is read out to the terminal through the IC interface, and by the control means of the terminal,
The current date is compared with the usable period read from the IC card, and if the current date is within the usable period, the specific program is executed. This makes it possible to disable the tool outside the period indicated by the usable period.

In a method of locking a software tool using an IC card according to a third aspect of the present invention, the number of possible activations and a specific value are stored in the storage means of the IC card, and the IC card is requested in response to a request from the terminal. The control means compares the preset specific value with the number of possible activations. If the comparison results are not the same, the number of possible activations stored in the IC card is decremented by 1 and rewritten. At the same time, a signal is generated that enables execution of a specific program of the terminal through the IC interface. As a result, it is possible to improve the security function and the independence of the determination function of the number of times activation is possible and the data related thereto.

In a method of locking a software tool using an IC card according to a fourth aspect, data indicating a usable period such as a use start date and / or a use end date is stored in a storage means of the IC card, and In response to a request from the terminal, the control means of the IC card compares the present date with the stored usable period, and if the present date is within the usable period, the terminal is passed through the IC interface. A signal is generated that allows the execution of a machine specific program. This can improve the security and independence of the timekeeping function and related data.

[0018]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A first embodiment of a software tool locking method using an IC card according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

As shown in FIG. 1, an IC card edge unused software development support system to which the software tool locking method using the IC card of the present embodiment is applied, includes a host terminal 1, an IC card terminal 6, and Host terminal 1
Communication I / F 1a and IC card terminal 6 communication I / F 6a
A communication cable 3 for connecting to the device, a memory (RAM) card 7 that can be mounted on the IC card terminal 6, an access key card 8 as an IC card, and a floppy disk 5 that can be mounted on the host terminal 1. There is. A software tool for creating a program that operates on the IC card terminal 6 is written on the floppy disk 5.

The IC card terminal 6 is, as shown in FIG.
Communication I / F 6a, insertion slot 6b for inserting memory (RAM) card 7, insertion slot 6c for inserting access key card 8, key input section 6d for inputting instructions and the like, LCD
And a display unit 6e including the same. Also, 8a is L
This is the SI terminal section.

Further, the IC card end 6 has a control system as shown in FIG. This control system uses communication I / F6
a, a key input unit 6d, a display unit 6e, a control unit 9 as control means for controlling each unit, a storage unit 10, and a memory card I / F 11 for connecting a memory (RAM) card 7.
And an IC card I / F that connects the access key card 8
And 12 are provided.

As shown in detail in FIG. 4, the access key card 8 has a built-in CPU 8a and memory 8b.
The count data 100 is registered in advance in b.

Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

On the host terminal 1, a general (general purpose)
A text-format source program is created or edited using a text editor (step S11). Then, the tool in the floppy disk 5 which is installed in the host terminal 1 and can be activated is activated by key input to the host terminal 1 (step S12). When the tool is activated, an extension command is sent to the IC card terminal 6, and the number-of-times data 100 registered in advance in the access key card 8 is extended (step S
13). After the continuous operation, it is checked whether the value of the number of times data 100 is 0 (step S14). If the value of the frequency data 100 is not 0, 1 is subtracted from the value of the frequency data 100 (step S15). After the subtraction, a write command is sent to the IC card terminal 6 and the result is I
It is written in the C (access key) card 8 (step S16). After sending the write command, the tool converts the source program in text format into an operable format,
It is mounted on the memory card 7 mounted on the IC card terminal 6 (step S17), and the process ends.

When it is determined in step S14 that the value of the number-of-times data 100 is 0, the operation is interrupted by the tool and terminated. The operation of the tool is terminated by mounting the tool on the memory card 7, and the operation of the program can be confirmed without the IC card end.

Next, the operation of the tool and the changing process of the frequency data 100 when the tool is repeatedly activated are shown in FIG.
Will be explained.

Frequency data 10 in the access key card 8
The initial value of 0 is "2".

(1) When the tool is activated, an extension command is sent to the IC card terminal 6 in order to extend the count data 100 in the IC (access key) card 8 from the tool. The IC card terminal 6 receives this command, and the access key card 8 continuously outputs the number-of-times data 100 and returns it. At this time, the value of the number-of-times data 100 received by the tool is “2”. The tool checks whether or not the value of the count data 100 received is 0, but since the count data 100 is not 0, 1 is subtracted from the value. As a result, the value of the number-of-times data 100 becomes “1”, which is registered by the write command for writing to the access key card 8. After the write command is sent by the tool, the source program is converted, mounted on the memory card 7, and the process ends. The operation of the program installed in the memory card 7 can be confirmed on the IC card terminal 6, and if a defect is found, the source program is re-edited.

(2) When the tool is started again after the re-editing, the tool count data 1 in the access key card 8
A serial command is sent to the IC card terminal 6 in order to serialize 00. When the IC card terminal 6 receives this command, the access key card 8 sends the count data 10
0s are continuously output and returned. At this time, the value of the number-of-times data 100 received by the tool is "1". The tool checks whether the value of the count data 100 received is 0, but since the count data 100 is not 0,
1 is subtracted from the value. As a result, the count data 10
The 0 value becomes “0” and is registered by the write command for writing to the access key card 8. After sending the write command, the tool converts the source program and mounts it on the memory card 7, and the process ends. The operation can be confirmed on the IC card end 6 by the program installed in the memory card 7, and if a defect is found, the source program is re-edited.

(3) When the tool is started after re-editing,
From the tool, access count 100 in access key card 8
In order to output the serial number, a serial output command is sent to the IC card terminal 6. The IC card terminal 6 receives this command, and the access key card 8 continuously outputs the number-of-times data 100 and returns it. At this time, the value of the number-of-times data 100 received by the tool is “0”. The tool checks whether or not the value of the number-of-times data 100 received is 0. However, since the number-of-times data 100 is 0, the start-up is interrupted, the program conversion and the loading on the memory card 7 are ended without being executed. It The subsequent operation of the tool will be the same as that described above, and the tool cannot be started.

Next, a second embodiment of a software tool locking method using the IC card of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The IC card edge unused software development support system to which the software tool locking method using the IC card of the present embodiment is applied has the same configuration as that shown in FIGS.

Access key card 1 as an IC card
3, the CPU 13a and the memory 13 as shown in FIG.
In the memory 13b, date data 101 is registered in advance, and the date data 101 is composed of use start date data 102 and use end date data 103.

Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

First, on the host terminal 1 such as a personal computer,
A source program in text format is created and edited using a general (general purpose) text editor (step S21). Next, the tool in the floppy disk 5 which is installed in the host terminal 1 and can be activated is activated by key input to the host terminal (step S
22). When the tool is activated, a continuous command is sent to the IC card terminal 6, and the access key card 13
The date data 101 registered in advance is extracted (step S23). After the continuation, the current date is acquired from the timekeeping unit of the host terminal unrepresented unit 1 (not shown) (step S24), and it is determined whether or not it is within the range of the period indicated by the consecutive date data 101. If it is checked (step S25), and it is within the range, the date data 10 that continues is extracted.
The usage start date data 102 of No. 1 is updated to the current date (step S26). After the update, the result is written to the access key card 13 by sending a write command to the IC card terminal 6 (step S27). After sending the command, the source program in text format is converted into an operable format and mounted on the memory card 7 mounted on the IC card terminal 6 (step S28). If it is out of the range, the operation is interrupted and terminated by the tool. The operation of the tool is terminated by mounting it on the memory card 7, and the IC
The operation of the program can be confirmed on the card terminal 6.

Next, the operation of the tool and the changing process of the date data 101 when the tool is repeatedly activated will be described with reference to FIG.

Date data 1 in the access key card 13
The initial values of the use start date data 102 and the use end date data 103 of 01 are "19408401" and "1", respectively.
9940810 ", which are each" 1994 "
"August 1st" and "August 10th, 1994" are shown.

(1) When the tool is activated, a continuous command is sent from the tool to the IC card end 6 in order to continue the date data 101 in the access key card 13. The IC card terminal 6 receives this command, the date data 101 is extracted from the access key card 13, and is returned. At this time, the values of the use start date data 102 and the use end date data 103 of the date data 101 received by the tool are "19940801" and "19940810", respectively. The current date “August 5, 1994” is acquired from the clock section of the host terminal 1 by the tool, and the current date is received.
It is checked whether it is within the range of the period indicated by, but since it is within the range, the use start date data 10 of the date data 101
The contents of 2 are updated to the current date. The updated date data 101 is registered by a write command for writing to the access key card 13. After the write command is sent out by the tool, the source program is converted, the converted source program is mounted on the memory card 7, and the processing is terminated. The operation of the program installed in the memory card 7 can be confirmed on the IC card end 6 and, when a defect is found, it is reedited by the source program.

(2) When the tool is activated again after the re-editing, a sequel command is sent from the tool to the IC card terminal 6 in order to succeed the date data 101 in the access key card 13. The IC card terminal 6 receives this command, and the date data 101 is extracted from the access key card 13 and returned. At this time, the use start date data 102 of the date data 101 received by the tool
And the value of the end-of-use date data 103 are each "1994".
0805 ”and“ 19940810 ”. The current date“ August 11, 1994 ”is acquired from the timekeeping unit of the host terminal unmachine 1 by the tool, and the range of the period indicated by the date data 101 received by this current date It is checked whether it is within the range, but since it is out of the range, the startup is interrupted, and the conversion of the program and the loading on the memory card 7 are ended without executing.

The subsequent operation of the tool is the same as that of (2), and the tool cannot be started.

Next, a third embodiment of the software tool locking method using the IC card of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The IC card edge unused software development support system to which the software tool locking method using the IC card of the present embodiment is applied has the same configuration as that shown in FIGS.

Access key card 1 as an IC card
As shown in FIG. 10, 4 is a CPU 14a and a memory 1
4b is built in, and the frequency data 104 is registered in advance in the memory 14b. In addition, the frequency data determination unit 14d for determining whether the value of the frequency data 104 is 0 and the value of the frequency data 104 are used as control means. It has a start permission / prohibition signal output unit 14e for updating the number-of-times data 104 and outputting a start permission or prohibition signal.

Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

A source program in text format is created by using a general (general-purpose) text editor on the host terminal 1 such as a personal computer. Edited (step S
31). Next, the tool in the floppy disk 5 which is installed in the host terminal 1 and can be activated is activated by key input to the host terminal 1 (step S3).
2). When the tool is activated, the activation request command is sent from the tool to the access key card 14 via the IC card terminal 6 (step S33). When this is received, the access key card 14 checks whether or not the value of the number-of-times data 104 registered in advance in the built-in memory 14b is 0 (step S34). If not 0,
Only one is subtracted from the number-of-times data 104, the value is updated (step S35), and the activation permission signal is returned (step S36). When the activation permission signal is received by the tool (step S37), the text-format source program is converted into an operable format and mounted on the memory card 7 mounted on the IC card terminal 6 (step S38). In step 34, the count data 1
If the value of 04 is 0, the access key card 14 returns a start prohibition signal, and the tool receives this start prohibition signal to interrupt the operation and terminate the processing. The operation of the tool is terminated by mounting it on the memory card 7, and I
The operation of the program can be confirmed on the C card terminal 6.

Next, the operation of the tool and the changing process of the date data 104 when the tool is repeatedly activated will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The initial value of the number-of-times data 104 in the access key card 14 is "2".

(1) When the tool is activated, the activation request command is sent from the tool to the access key card 14 via the IC card terminal 6. When this command is received, the memory 14 built in by the access key card 14
It is checked whether or not the value of the number-of-times data 104 registered in b in advance is 0. At this time, the value of the number-of-times data 104 is “2”, which is not 0, so only 1 is subtracted. Is updated to "1". After the subtraction of the number-of-times data 104, the access key card 14 returns a start permission signal. The tool receives this activation permission signal, converts the source program, mounts it on the memory card 7, and ends the processing. The IC card terminal 6 is loaded by the program installed in the memory card 7.
The operation can be confirmed above, and if a defect is found, the source program is re-edited.

(2) When the tool is activated again after the re-editing, the activation request command is sent from the tool to the access key card 14 via the IC card terminal 6. When this command is received, the access key card 14 checks whether or not the value of the number-of-times data 104 registered in the built-in memory 14b is 0. At this time, the value of the number-of-times data 104 is "1". Since it is not 0, only 1 is subtracted, and the value of the result count data 104 is updated to “0”. Access key card 1 after subtraction of the count data 104
4, the activation permission signal is returned. With the tool,
When this activation permission signal is received, the source program is converted, mounted on the memory card 7, and the process is terminated.
The operation can be confirmed on the IC card end 6 by the program installed in the memory card 7, and when a defect is found, it is reedited by the source program.

(3) When the tool is started after re-editing,
From the tool to the access key card 14 The end of the IC card is not 6
A start request command is sent via. When this command is received, it is checked by the access key card 14 whether or not the value of the number-of-times data 104 registered in advance in the memory 14b is 0. The value of the number-of-times data 104 at this time is "0". So access key card 1
4, the start prohibition signal is returned. With the tool,
When the start prohibition signal is received, the conversion of the source program and the loading on the memory card 7 are not executed, and the processing is ended. The subsequent operation of the tool is the same as that of (3), and the tool cannot be started.

Next, a fourth embodiment of a software tool locking method using the IC card of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The IC card edge unused software development support system to which the software tool locking method using the IC card of the present embodiment is applied has the same configuration as that shown in FIGS.

Access key card 1 as an IC card
As shown in FIG. 13, reference numeral 5 denotes a CPU 15a and a memory 1
5b and date data 1 in the memory 15b.
05 is registered in advance, and the date data 105 is composed of the use start date data 106 and the use end date data 107. In addition, as the control means, the time counting unit 15f and the current date acquired from the time counting unit 15f are stored as described above. Date data 10
5, a date data judging section 15d for judging whether or not it is within a period shown in FIG. 5, and updating of the use start date data 106 according to the judgment result of the date data judging section 15d and starting permission / outputting a start permission / prohibition signal. Prohibition signal output section 1
I have 5e.

Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

On the host terminal 1 such as a personal computer, a general-purpose (general-purpose) text editor is used to create / edit a text-format source program (step S).
41). Next, the tool in the floppy disk 5 which is installed in the host terminal 1 and can be activated is activated by key input to the host terminal 1 (step S
42). When the tool is activated, the activation request command is sent from the tool to the access key card 15 via the IC card terminal 6 (step S43). When this command is received, the current date is acquired from the clock section 15f built in the access key card 15 (step S4).
4), date data 1 previously registered in the memory 15b
It is checked whether it is within the range of the period indicated by 05 (step S45). If it is within the range, the use start date data 106 of the date data 105 is updated to the current date (step S46), and the activation permission signal is returned (step S).
47). This activation permission signal is received (step S4
8) Then, the source program in text format is converted into an operable format by the tool and mounted on the memory card 7 mounted on the IC card terminal 6 (step S49). If it is out of the range in the above step 45, the activation prohibition signal is returned, the activation prohibition signal is received by the tool, the operation is interrupted, and the processing is ended. The operation of the tool is terminated by mounting it on the memory card 7, and the IC
The operation of the program can be confirmed on the card terminal.

Next, the operation of the tool and the changing process of the date data 105 when the tool is repeatedly activated will be described with reference to FIG.

Date data 1 in the access key card 15
The initial values of the use start date data 106 and the use end date data 107 of 05 are "19408401" and "1", respectively.
9940810 ", which are each" 1994 "
"August 1st" and "August 10th, 1994" are shown.

(1) When the tool is activated, the activation request command is sent from the tool to the access key card 15 via the IC card terminal 6. When this command is received, the timekeeping unit 15 built in by the access key card 15
The current date is obtained from f. The acquired current date is "August 5, 1994", and it is checked whether the date is within the period indicated by this and the date data 105 registered in advance, but the use start date data 106 is "199".
Use end date data 107 is “199” on August 1, 4th ”
Since it is within the range since it is "August 10, 4", the content of the use start date data 106 is the current date "1994".
It is updated to "August 5,". Therefore, the use start date data 106 becomes "19940805". Date data 1
After 05 is updated, the activation permission signal is returned. When this activation permission signal is received, the source program is converted by the tool, mounted on the memory card 7, and the process ends. The operation can be confirmed on the IC card end 6 by the program installed in the memory card 7, and when a defect is found, it is reedited by the source program.

(2) When the tool is activated again after re-editing, the activation request command is sent from the tool to the access key card 15 via the IC card terminal. When this command is received, the current date is acquired from the clock section 15f built in the access key card 15. The acquired current date is “August 11, 1994”, and it is checked whether it is within the period indicated by the date data 105 registered in advance.
Is "August 5, 1994" and the end date data 107
Is out of range because it is "August 10, 1994", the start prohibition signal is returned. When this activation prohibition signal is received, the source program is not converted and loaded on the memory card 7 by the tool, and the processing is terminated. The subsequent operation of the tool is the same as that of (2), and the tool cannot be started.

In each of the embodiments described above, the tool (host terminal 1) and the access key card 15 (I
Communication of commands (data, signals) (protocol, etc.) between C card terminals 6) is not particularly limited. Also,
The communication is a communication I between the host terminal 1 and the IC card terminal 6.
It goes without saying that this is performed via the / F1a and the communication I / F6a and the dedicated cable 3 connected to the communication I / F.

In the above embodiment, the software development support system for the IC card terminal is used for description, but the terminal may be a video deck or the like if the IC card terminal is built-in or externally attached. It is applicable.

[0058]

According to the method of locking a software tool using an IC card of claim 1, it is very difficult to make a copy of the IC card, and even if the copy of the tool is out of contract. Even if the system is made, I
Since the C card is unique, it can be prevented from being illegally used beyond the number of times the contract can be activated. In addition, for a system that cannot be activated, the manufacturer side rewrites the frequency data in the IC card, and the manufacturer side can efficiently reuse the card and renew the contract. The IC card has start-up instruction data, and by allowing the tool to determine whether to allow or prohibit the start-up of the tool, the IC card can be realized within the standard specifications of the ISO-compliant IC card, and the system is cheap and easy. Can be built.

According to the method of locking the software tool using the IC card of the second aspect, the tool can be disabled outside the period indicated by the date data. The IC card has start-up instruction data, and by allowing the tool to determine whether to allow or prohibit the start-up of the tool, the IC card can be realized within the standard specifications of the ISO-compliant IC card, and the system is cheap and easy. Can be built.

According to the method of locking the software tool using the IC card according to the third aspect, it is possible to improve the security and independence of the function of determining the number of times activation is possible and data related thereto. Since the activation instruction data is checked and updated and the activation permission / prohibition is determined in the IC card, the content of the activation instruction data and the confidentiality of the update / determination process can be completely maintained.

According to the method of locking the software tool using the IC card of the fourth aspect, it is possible to improve the security and independence of the timekeeping function and the data related thereto. Since the activation instruction data is checked and updated and the activation permission / prohibition is determined in the IC card, the content of the activation instruction data and the confidentiality of the update / determination process can be completely maintained.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a software development support system to which the present invention is applied.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an IC card terminal and an IC card of the system of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an IC card terminal of the system of FIG.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an access key card according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the first embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the operation of the tool of the first embodiment and the process of changing the frequency data.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an access key card according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the operation of the second embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the operation of the tool of the second embodiment and the changing process of the frequency data.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an access key card of a third embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the operation of the third embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the operation of the tool of the third embodiment and the changing process of the frequency data.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an access key card according to a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the operation of the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing the operation of the tool of the fourth embodiment and the changing process of the frequency data.

FIG. 16 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a conventional software development support system.

17 is a flowchart showing the operation of the system of FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 Host terminal 3 Dedicated cable 5 Floppy disk 6 IC card terminal 7 Memory card 8,13,14,15 Access key card 9 Control section 10 Storage section 11 Memory card I / F 12 IC card I / F

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. An IC card having storage means, and the IC
In a terminal device comprising an IC card interface for accessing a card and a terminal equipped with a control means, the control means of the terminal reads out and reads out the number of times of activation prestored in the storage means through the IC card interface. When the number of possible activations is compared with a specific value, and if the comparison results are not the same, the number of possible activations stored in the storage means of the IC card is decremented by 1 and rewritten, and the specific program is executed. A method for locking a software tool using a characteristic IC card. 2. An IC card having storage means, and the IC
In a terminal device comprising an IC card interface for accessing a card and a terminal having a control means, the control means of the terminal reads out data representing a usable period previously stored in the storage means through the IC card interface. A method for locking a software tool using an IC card, which compares a current date with read data, and executes a specific program when the current date is within a usable period. 3. A terminal device comprising an IC card having storage means and control means, and a terminal having an IC interface for accessing the IC card,
In response to a request from the terminal, the control means of the IC card compares the number of activations stored in advance in the storage with a specific value, and if the comparison result is not the same, the number of activations is determined. Subtract 1 and rewrite, and I
An IC characterized by generating a signal enabling execution of a specific program of a terminal through a C interface
How to lock software tools using a card. 4. A terminal device comprising an IC card having storage means and control means, and a terminal having an IC interface for accessing the IC card,
In response to a request from the terminal, the control means of the IC card compares the data representing the usable period previously stored in the storage means with the current date, and the current date is within the usable period. In some cases, a method of locking a software tool using an IC card is characterized by generating a signal that enables execution of a specific program of a terminal through an IC interface.