KR20010025292A - Apparatus and method for restriction of using pc - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: An apparatus and method for restricting PC usage time is provided to prevent a user except a manager from changing PC operating time by setting a restriction PC usage time at a timer mounted in a smart card reader and operating the timer. CONSTITUTION: A smart card reader(100) is connected to a PC(130) through an interface. A microprocessor(116) stores a registrated user smart card information to a memory unit(112) or sets restriction time for operating of a PC if the information stored in the inserted smart card(120) is identified with that of a manager smart card. The microprocessor(116) outputs a timer driving signal and operates a timer at PC starting time. The microprocessor(116) makes a log file in accordance with starting of the PC and the other log file in accordance with ending of the PC, and stores the files in memory unit(112). In the timer(114), time of operating a PC is pre-set by a manager smart card having the same information as the manager smart card information stored in the memory unit(112). The PC(130) is operated in accordance with a PC operating permission signal from the microprocessor(116) or is stopped in accordance with a PC operating stopping signal from the microprocessor(116). The smart card reader(100) continuously senses whether a smart card(120) is inserted or not while the PC(130) is operated.

Description

PC time limit device and method {APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR RESTRICTION OF USING PC}

The present invention relates to a PC (PC) time limiting apparatus and method using a smart card reader, and more particularly to a PC usage time limiting apparatus and method using a smart card reader for limiting the PC usage time more efficiently. will be.

With the development of communication technology, personal computers (hereinafter referred to as PCs) have become popular, and these PCs share one PC not only at home but also at individual places such as offices, schools, and PC rooms. The range of use extended to the place where it was possible.

In addition, although only a simple word job or arithmetic job was performed using a PC, the work area was gradually expanded to various professional jobs such as CAD, graphic design, games, and the Internet.

As these various tasks are carried out, people are so engrossed in work or addicted to games that they use an unlimited number of PCs. There was a problem that the conversation between them was broken.

Therefore, in order to solve such a problem, conventionally, the PC use time is checked according to a clock driven by a timer built in the PC, and when the use time of the PC reaches the set time, the user cannot use the PC any more. It was.

However, the PC time limit according to the timer built in the conventional PC has a problem that the user can arbitrarily manipulate the clock of the PC, so that the thorough PC time limit is not achieved.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a PC usage time limiting device and method for limiting PC usage according to a PC usage time limit set in a smart card reader. .

Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and method for limiting PC usage time for limiting PC usage by counting timers according to a PC usage limitation time set in a smart card.

Further, another object of the present invention is to provide a PC time limiting device and method for performing a PC time limit in a place where a plurality of PCs are configured.

1 is an external perspective view of a smart card reader of a PC time limiting device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic internal configuration diagram of a PC usage time limiting device including FIG. 1. FIG.

3 is a flowchart for performing a PC usage time limit according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

4 is a flow chart for performing a PC usage time limit according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

5 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of a PC time limiting device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

6 is a flow chart for performing a PC usage time limit according to FIG.

7 is a screen diagram illustrating a process manager output according to a specific input key (Ctrl + Alt + Delete).

<Description of the code | symbol about the principal part of drawing>

100: smart card reader 110: card socket portion

112: memory 114: timer

116: microprocessor 130: PC

132: interface unit 140: keyboard

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a method for limiting the use time of a PC use time limiting apparatus including a smart card reader having a timer, wherein the use time limit of the PC connected to the smart card reader is set to the timer, Registering the card permission of the smart card inserted in the smart card reader and the pre-stored PC license registration If the card information of the inserted smart card and the pre-stored smart card information correspond, the PC permission signal is output. PC usage time using smart card reader to check PC usage time according to PC usage signal by timer and output PC usage stop signal to stop PC usage when timer run time reaches PC usage time limit. It is to provide a method and apparatus of limitation.

Another feature of the present invention is that the PC usage time limit information is recorded in the smart card inserted into the smart card reader, by checking the use time of the PC selectively used according to the smart card information, the checked PC use time is smart The present invention provides a method and apparatus for limiting PC usage time using a smart card reader that outputs a PC usage stop signal to a PC when the PC usage time limit recorded on the card is reached.

Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of a PC time limit device according to the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

First embodiment

1 is an external perspective view of a smart card reader of a PC time limiting device according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a schematic internal configuration diagram of a PC time limiting device including FIG. 1.

As shown in FIG. 1, the smart card reader 100 according to the present invention has an elliptical structure, and an insertion hole 102 for inserting a smart card is formed at one side thereof.

Here, the groove 104 for easily discharging the inserted smart card is configured in the central region of the side surface on which the insertion hole 102 is formed.

In the lower region of the upper portion of the smart card reader 100, a display unit 106 having three display lamps for indicating the state of the inserted smart card is configured.

The PC use time limiting device including the smart card reader configured as described above will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Referring to FIG. 2, the PC usage time limiting device according to the present invention includes a smart card reader 100, a smart card 120, a PC 130, and a keyboard 140.

The smart card reader 100 is connected to the PC 130 through an interface, and includes a card socket 110, a memory 112, a timer 114, and a microprocessor 116.

Here, the card socket unit 110 of the smart card reader 100 is configured to have an insertion hole for inserting the smart card 120, the memory unit 112 of the registered user is permitted to use the connected PC 130 And store the smart card information and the manager smart card information.

In this case, the information stored in the memory unit 112 may be configured to be stored in the internal storage area of the PC 130.

The microprocessor 116 reads card information of the smart card 120 inserted through the card socket part 110, and stores the card information of the inserted smart card 120 and the PC stored in the memory 112. 130 is configured to compare the registered user smart card information that is permitted to be used to selectively output the PC 130 permission signal or to output the PC usage stop signal according to a signal from the timer 114.

In addition, the microprocessor 116 is a PC 130 when the inserted smart card 120 is the same as the manager smart card information stored in the memory 112, that is, the inserted smart card 120 is the manager smart card. The licensed registered user smart card information is stored in the memory unit 112 or the PC usage time limit is set.

In addition, the microprocessor 116 is configured to output the timer 114 driving signal at the time of use of the PC 130 operated according to the PC permission signal to operate the timer 114.

The microprocessor 116 is configured to create a log file according to the start of the use of the PC and a log file according to the completion of the use of the PC and store it in the memory unit 112.

Here, it is apparent that the log file information may be configured to be stored in the internal storage area of the connected PC 130.

In this case, the log file information is configured to include information such as smart card 120 card information, the PC 130 using date, using time, number of times used and total time used. Here, the card information of the smart card 120 is a serial number of the smart card 120.

The timer 114 has a PC usage time set in advance by an administrator smart card having the same information as the manager smart card information stored in the memory 112, and the activated timer 114 uses a PC having a preset driving time. When time is reached, it is configured to output a completion signal to the microprocessor 116.

In this case, the PC use time set in the timer 114 may be configured to have a cycle such as daily, weekly or monthly.

The PC 130 allows a signal input from an external signal input device, for example, the keyboard 140, in response to a PC permission signal from the microprocessor 116 connected through the interface unit 132, and displays the screen being executed. Stopping the protector operation to perform the use of the PC or stop the signal input from the keyboard 140 according to the PC use stop signal, and then perform the PC use stop according to operating the screen saver.

Here, the external input device may be configured to include a mouse or a joystick in addition to the keyboard 140.

The smart card reader 100 continuously detects whether the smart card 120 is inserted while the PC 130 is used, and when the smart card 120 is separated from the card socket 110, the smart card reader 100 is connected to the PC 130. And output a stop request signal.

In addition, in order to perform the PC usage time limit by the smart card reader 100, a PC usage time limit program is configured in the PC 130 for the linkage operation with the smart card reader 100.

Referring to the operation of the PC time limit device according to the present invention configured as described above are as follows.

First, manager smart card information for performing overall smart card reader 100 management is stored in the memory unit 112 of the smart card reader 100 in advance.

The smart card reader 100 is configured to add or delete manager smart card information by a smart card having the same information as the manager smart card information stored in the memory 112.

In addition, the use of the PC 130 connected to the smart card reader 100 is permitted by the manager smart card having the same information as the manager smart card information stored in the memory unit 112 of the smart card reader 100. Registered user smart card information is additionally stored or deleted.

In addition, the PC usage time limit for limiting the usage time of the connected PC 130 is set in the timer 114 by an administrator smart card in which card information is stored in the smart card reader 100.

When a user having a certain smart card inserts the smart card 120 into the card socket 110 of the smart card reader 100, the microprocessor 116 reads the card information of the inserted smart card 120. Comparison is made with the smart card information stored in the memory unit 112.

That is, the microprocessor 116 determines whether the inserted smart card 120 is the same as the registered user smart card information that is permitted to use the PC or the manager smart card information.

When the card information of the inserted smart card 120 is the same as the manager smart card information, the manager smart card information of the smart card reader 100 may be added or deleted according to the manager mode of the smart card reader 100 or the PC ( 130) Add or delete registered user smart card information that is allowed to be used.

On the other hand, when the card information of the inserted smart card 120 is the same as the registered user smart card information permitted to use the PC 130, the microprocessor 116 is connected to the PC 130 connected through the interface unit 132; Outputs the PC permission signal.

The PC 130 connected to the smart card reader 100 permits the input of a signal from the keyboard 140 according to the PC permission signal, thereby stopping the operation of the screen saver that was in operation if the screen saver was in operation. In the licensed state.

The microprocessor 116 operates the timer 114 by outputting a driving signal to the timer 114 according to the license state operation of the PC 130.

In addition, the microprocessor 116 creates a log file at the point of time when the PC is started to be used as the PC 130 operates in the licensed state, and stores the log file in the memory unit 112.

When the timer 114 is operated to reach the preset PC usage time, the timer 114 outputs the PC usage time arrival completion signal to the microprocessor 116, and the microprocessor 116 completes from the timer 114. The PC stop signal is output to the PC 130 according to the signal.

The PC 130 operates the screen saver according to the PC use stop signal output from the microprocessor 116 and stops the PC 130 use operation by blocking the signal input from the keyboard 140.

At this time, when the smart card is inserted again, the work being performed through the use of the PC 130 continues the stopped work, and if the smart card is not inserted for a predetermined time, it is stored in the memory in the PC 130.

In addition, the PC 130 outputs a warning message such as, "The PC usage time limit has been exceeded and no more use is possible" when the screen saver operates.

The microprocessor 116 creates a log file according to the suspension of the PC 130 and stores it in the memory unit 112.

In addition, when the microprocessor 116 terminates the use of the PC 130 according to an operation in which the smart card 120 inserted into the card socket 110 is removed before the PC use time set in the timer 114 is reached, An operation stop signal is output to the timer 114 to stop the operation of the timer 114.

In general, when the 'Ctrl + Alt + Delete' key is input in the Windows OS environment, the PC outputs a process manager that can terminate the current running program and terminate the system.

FIG. 7 is a screen diagram illustrating a process manager state output according to a specific key (Ctrl + Alt + Delete). When the 'Ctrl + Alt + Delete' key is input in a Windows OS environment, the process manager 700 is output. After selecting a program to be terminated among the running programs, the selected program is terminated according to the task termination key 702.

On the other hand, the program configured in the PC 130 for the linkage operation with the smart card reader 100 for limiting the PC usage time according to the present invention is impossible to force termination of the program according to the 'Ctrl + Alt + Delete' key It is composed.

That is, the forced termination of a program is impossible by registering the program in the device manager in the system of the Windows control panel.

In addition, as the smart card 120 is inserted into the smart card reader 100, the processing of the program for limiting the use of the PC is completed at the time when the Windows screen starts to be displayed during the OS booting process in which the PC 130 is driven. It can be configured so that the program by 'Ctrl + Alt + Delete' key does not appear in the program manager when entering the Windows screen.

A method of limiting PC usage time according to the first embodiment of the present invention configured and operated as described above will be described with reference to FIG. 3.

3 is a flowchart for performing a PC usage time limit according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

First, the microprocessor 116 checks whether the smart card 120 is inserted into the card socket 110 (S300), and when the smart card 120 is inserted (S302), the inserted smart card 120 Card information is read and compared with the smart card information stored in the memory unit 112 (S304).

It is determined whether the inserted smart card 120 is an administrator smart card according to the comparison of the card information in the step S304 (S306), and if the inserted smart card is an administrator card, an operation according to the administrator mode, for example, A process of setting the usage time of the PC 130 connected to the smart card reader 100, adding or deleting registered users who are permitted to use the PC 130, and adding or deleting administrator smart card information are performed (S308). ).

On the other hand, if the inserted smart card is not the administrator card, it is again determined whether the inserted smart card is a registered user smart card (S310).

That is, it is determined whether the card information of the inserted smart card 120 is the same as the smart card information of the registered user who is permitted to use the PC 130 among the information stored in the memory unit 112.

When the card information of the inserted smart card is the registered user smart card that is permitted to use the PC because the card information of the inserted smart card is the same as the smart card information of the registered user stored in the memory unit 112, the microprocessor 116 is connected to the connected PC 130. The PC permission signal is outputted (S312).

Subsequently, the microprocessor 116 starts the timer 114 at the time of using the PC 130 operated in the use state by starting the signal input from the keyboard 140 according to the PC permission signal and turning off the screen saver that was in operation. ) Outputs the operation signal, and creates a log file according to the start of use of the PC and stores it in the memory unit 112 (S314).

In this case, the created log file may be stored in a predetermined storage area inside the PC 130.

Here, the log file includes a PC usage date and time, smart card information, and the like.

The timer 114 is operated while the PC 130 is in use, and the usage time of the PC 130 is checked according to the operation of the timer 114.

That is, when the timer 114 is operated to reach the set PC usage time (S316), the timer 114 outputs the PC usage time completion signal to the microprocessor 116, and according to the PC usage time completion signal, the microprocessor ( 116 outputs the PC stop signal to cause the PC 130 to stop inputting a signal from the keyboard 140, which is an external input device (S318).

Subsequently, after the PC 130 operates the screen saver, it outputs a warning message stating, "Can not use the PC any more. Please remove the inserted smart card."

Subsequently, the microprocessor 116 creates a log file at the point of time when the PC 130 is stopped using the PC 130 and stores it in the memory unit 112 (S322).

Here, the log file at the point of time when the PC 130 is suspended is configured to include the PC use date, end time, inserted smart card information, PC use time, total use time information, and the like.

Second embodiment

A second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

First, an external perspective view and an internal configuration block diagram according to a second embodiment of the present invention are the same as those of FIGS. 1 and 2.

Here, while the first embodiment of the present invention sets the PC usage time limit information to the timer, the second embodiment of the present invention records the PC usage time limit information on the smart card.

Thus, the microprocessor 116 reads the smart card information, receives the counted PC usage time from the timer 114, and compares it with the PC usage time limit information in the smart card information.

When the counted PC usage time is equal to or exceeds the PC usage time limit information in the smart card information, the microprocessor 116 outputs a PC usage stop signal to the PC 130 to limit the PC usage time.

In the second embodiment of the present invention, since the external and internal block diagrams of the smart card reader have the same configuration as those in Figs.

In the second embodiment of the present invention, the PC usage time limit is set in the smart card 120, and the smart card reader 100 operates the timer 114 according to the PC usage time limit information set in the smart card 120. And configured to limit the PC usage time.

The PC usage time limiting method according to the second embodiment of the present invention configured and operated as described above will be described with reference to FIG.

4 is a flowchart for performing a PC usage time limit according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

First, the PC usage time limit information is stored in advance in the smart card 120, and the registered user smart card information and the smart card reader permitted to use the connected PC 130 are stored in the memory unit 112 of the smart card reader 100. Smart card information of an administrator for performing overall control of the 100 is stored in advance.

Subsequently, steps 400 to 410 are the same as steps 300 to 310 of FIG. 3, and thus a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

If the card information of the smart card 120 inserted in the above step (S410) is the same as the smart card information of the registered user stored in the memory unit 112, PC usage time limit recorded in the inserted smart card 120 The information is read (S412).

According to the inserted smart card 120 information, the microprocessor 116 outputs a PC permission signal to the connected PC 130 (S414).

Subsequently, the PC 130 permits signal input from the connected keyboard 140 according to the PC permission signal, and accordingly stops the operation of the screen saver that is being executed, thereby performing the permission state.

The microprocessor 116 operates the timer 114 by outputting a driving signal according to the start of the use of the PC by performing the PC 130 permission state, and creates a log file at the start of the use of the PC to the memory unit 112. Save (S416).

The microprocessor 116 continuously checks the operation time of the timer 114 operated in the above step S416 to determine whether the timer 114 operation time is the same as the PC usage time limit of the smart card 120 ( S418).

If the timer operation time is the same as the PC usage time limit, the microprocessor 116 outputs a usage stop signal to the PC 130 (S420).

The PC 130 stops inputting the signal from the keyboard according to the stop signal, activates the screen saver, and outputs a warning message "No more PCs are available. Please remove the inserted smart card." S422).

In the above step (S422), the microprocessor 116 outputs a timer stop signal to stop driving the timer 114 as the PC 130 is stopped using the signal input from the keyboard 140 and the screen saver operation. In operation S424, a log file at the point of time when the PC is suspended is created and stored in the memory unit 112 (S424).

The PC usage time limiting method according to the second embodiment of the present invention may be performed to have different PC usage time according to the PC usage time limit set in the smart card.

Third embodiment

Referring to the third embodiment of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings as follows.

An external perspective view of a smart card reader according to a third embodiment of the present invention is the same as that of FIG. 1, and FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of the PC usage time limiting device according to the third embodiment of the present invention. This is a flowchart for performing the PC usage time limit according to 5.

A third embodiment of the present invention is to enforce a PC usage time limit in a public place where a single PC is shared and used by several people.

As shown in FIG. 5, the PC usage time limiting device includes a smart card reader 500, a PC 510, a keyboard 520, a database server 530, and a database 540.

The database server 530 is configured to receive registered user smart card information and administrator smart card information, which are permitted to use the PC 510 connected through the network, and store them in the database 540.

Here, the addition or deletion of the administrator smart card information to the database 540, the addition or deletion of the user smart card information is configured to be performed by the same administrator smart card as the administrator smart card information stored in the database 540.

At this time, the database 540 includes a smart card serial number, user name, social security number, PC usage history information, user or registrant distinguishing information.

The smart card reader 500 includes a card socket portion 502, a microprocessor 504, and a timer 506.

The card socket portion 502 of the smart card reader 500 is configured to have an insertion hole for inserting the smart card 120, the microprocessor 504 of the smart card 120 inserted through the card socket portion 502. And outputs the PC permission signal to the PC 510 according to the card information.

In addition, the microprocessor 504 drives the timer 506 according to the PC 510 usage operation, and the timer 506 sends a PC usage timeout completion signal accordingly when the driving time reaches a preset PC usage time limit. Configured to output to microprocessor 504.

Here, the PC usage time limit set in the timer 506 is configured to be set by the manager smart card 120 having the same card information as the manager smart card information stored in the database 540.

If the card information of the inserted smart card 120 is the same as the manager smart card information stored in the database 540, the operation of adding, deleting, or registering user smart card information may be performed. It is configured to operate in the same manner as the first and second embodiments.

Also, the database server 530 selectively compares the card information of the inserted smart card 120 transmitted through the PC 510 with the card information stored in the database 540 and selectively stops using the PC permission signal or PC usage. Configured to output a signal.

The smart card reader 500 is configured to read card information of the inserted smart card 120 and transmit it to the database server 530 through the PC 510.

The database server 530 is configured to output a PC permission signal or a PC unavailable signal to the PC 510 depending on whether the transmitted card information of the smart card 120 is the same as the information stored in the database 540. do.

The PC 510 performs the PC license status according to the signal input permission from the keyboard 520 and the screen saver stop according to the PC license signal from the database server 530, or the keyboard ( 520 is configured to perform a PC stop state according to signal input blocking and screen saver operation.

The microprocessor 504 of the smart card reader 500 is configured to drive a timer 506 by outputting a drive signal upon start of PC use according to the PC 510 licensed state, and the timer 506 is set in advance. And output the PC usage timeout completion signal to the microprocessor 504.

The microprocessor 504 is configured to output the PC usage stop signal to the PC 510 according to the output PC usage timeout completion signal.

Referring to the operation of the PC time limit device according to the third embodiment of the present invention configured as described above are as follows.

First, the database server 530 stores the smart card information and the manager smart card information of the registered user who is permitted to use the PC 510 connected through the network in the database 540.

In addition, the timer 506 of the smart card reader 500 has a time limit for using the PC 510 connected by the manager smart card having the same card information as the manager smart card information registered in the smart card reader 500. .

The microprocessor 504 continuously detects whether the smart card 120 is inserted into the card socket 502, reads the card information of the inserted smart card 120, and then reads the database server 530 through the PC 510. To send).

The database server 530 compares the transmitted card information of the smart card 120 with the information stored in the database 540 to determine whether the inserted smart card 120 is a PC 510 manager smart card.

If the inserted smart card 120 is an administrator smart card, the database server 530 executes an administrator mode such as setting a PC usage time limit of the timer 506 and adding / deleting administrator / user smart card information.

On the other hand, if the inserted smart card 120 is not an administrator smart card, compares whether the card information of the inserted smart card 120 is the same as the registered user smart card information that is permitted to use the PC to determine whether it is a registered user smart card. To judge.

The database 540 outputs a PC permission signal to the PC 510 via a network if the inserted smart card 120 is a registered user smart card that is permitted to use the PC 510.

The PC 510 permits a signal input from the keyboard 520 by a PC permission signal transmitted from the database server 530, and thus performs a permission state by stopping the operation of the screen saver that was being executed. .

The microprocessor 504 of the smart card reader 500 outputs a timer driving signal to the timer 506 according to the use of the PC by the licensed state of the PC 510, and the timer 506 of the microprocessor 504. When the PC operation time limit is reached according to the driving signal, the PC usage time limit completion signal is output to the microprocessor 504.

The microprocessor 504 receives the PC usage timeout completion signal from the timer 506, and accordingly outputs the PC usage stop signal to the PC 510.

On the other hand, the PC usage time limit information is set on the smart card 120, respectively, and reads the smart card 120 into which the microprocessor 504 is inserted, and accordingly the timer 506 by the PC usage time limit information set accordingly. It is obvious that the operation of the can be controlled.

The PC 510 stops input of the signal from the keyboard 520 according to the PC stop signal from the microprocessor 504, and executes the PC stop using the screen saver.

In addition, the PC 510 outputs a warning message, "The PC can no longer be used because the PC usage time limit elapses" when the PC is stopped.

On the other hand, when the user with the smart card 120 has reached the PC usage time limit, the PC 510 is reset by the smart card manager registered by the database server 530 when the user wishes to use the PC 510 again. After that, the PC 510 may be used again.

In addition, a user with a smart card not registered in the database server 530 accesses the database server 530 through the administrator smart card 120 and accordingly registers the information of the new smart card 120 accordingly. 510 may be used.

A method of limiting PC usage time according to a third embodiment of the present invention configured and operated as described above will be described with reference to FIG. 6.

The microprocessor 504 of the smart card reader 500 continuously checks whether the smart card 120 is inserted through the card socket part 502 (S600), and when the smart card 120 is inserted (S602), The card information of the inserted smart card 120 is read (S604).

Subsequently, the microprocessor 504 transmits the card information of the read smart card 120 to the database server 530 through the PC 510 (S606).

Here, the card information of the read smart card 120 includes a smart card serial number.

The database server 530 compares the transmitted card information of the smart card 120 with the card information stored in the database 540 to determine whether the card information of the inserted smart card 120 is the same as the manager smart card information. (S608).

If the card information of the smart card 120 inserted in the above step (S608) is the same as the manager smart card information, the administrator, such as setting the PC timeout of the timer 506, add / delete administrator / user smart card information Perform the mode (S610).

On the other hand, if the card information of the inserted smart card 120 is the same as the registered user smart card information that is permitted to use the PC (S612), the database server 530 outputs the PC permission signal to the PC 510 (S614). ).

The PC 510 starts using the PC according to a signal input permission from the keyboard 520, a screen saver stop, or the like according to the PC permission signal.

At the same time that the PC is started using, the microprocessor 504 outputs an operation signal to operate the timer 506 (S616), and when the operation time of the timer 506 reaches a preset PC usage time limit (S618), the timer 506 outputs the PC usage timeout completion signal to microprocessor 504.

The microprocessor 504 outputs a PC stop signal to the PC 510 according to the PC usage timeout completion signal (S620), and the PC 510 receives a signal input from the keyboard 520 according to the PC stop signal. Stop and operate the screen saver to stop using the PC (S622).

Subsequently, in response to the PC 510 being suspended, the microprocessor 504 stops the operation of the timer 506, creates a log file, transmits the log file to the database server 530, and stores the log file in the database 540 (S624).

PC usage time limiting apparatus and method according to the first to third embodiments of the present invention is a PC usage time limiting program for limiting the usage time by performing a link operation with the smart card reader is stored in the PC, PC usage The time-limiting program is configured to prevent job termination by the process manager according to a specific key (Ctrl + Alt + Delete) at the time of PC startup.

The PC usage time limiting device and method according to the present invention sets the PC usage time limit on a timer configured in the smart card reader or checks the PC usage time by running the timer according to the PC usage time limit recorded in the smart card. .

Therefore, the present invention has the effect that the PC use time limit can be set in advance in the smart card reader or smart card so that a PC user other than the administrator can not arbitrarily change the PC use time limit.

According to the present invention, a plurality of PCs are connected by a database server connected through a network, and the PC use time limit can be efficiently performed at a place shared by a plurality of users.

Although the above has been described with reference to preferred embodiments of the present invention, those skilled in the art will be able to vary the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the claims below. It will be appreciated that modifications and variations can be made.

Claims (25)

In the use time limiting method in a PC use time limiting device comprising a smart card reader having a timer, Setting a usage time limit of the PC connected to the smart card reader to the timer; Comparing the card information of the smart card inserted into the smart card reader with the registered user smart card information permitted to use the PC; Outputting a PC permission signal to a PC when the card information of the smart card corresponds to the prestored smart card information; Counting, by the timer, a usage time of the PC according to the PC usage permission signal; Outputting a PC stop signal when the counted PC usage time reaches the set PC usage time limit. Including but not limited to: The PC is put into a use operation state by the PC use permission signal, The PC is stopped by the PC stop signal, The PC usage time limit program configured in the PC to be executed according to the linking operation with the smart card reader is set to block execution of the work according to the process manager mode by a specific input key when the PC is driven by the PC permission signal. PC usage time limit method characterized in that. The method of claim 1, Determining whether smart card information inserted into the smart card reader corresponds to preset manager smart card information; If the read smart card information is the same as the administrator smart card information, selectively setting the PC usage time limit, adding / deleting the smart card information of the registered user who is permitted to use the PC, or adding / deleting administrator smart card information Steps to perform PC use time limiting method further including. The method of claim 1, Acquiring a signal input from a connected external input device according to the PC permission signal; In response to a signal input from the external input device, stopping the operation of the screen saver that was being executed by the PC. PC use time limiting method further including. The method of claim 1, Blocking the signal input from the connected external input device according to the PC stop signal; Operating the screen saver by the PC by blocking signal input from the external input device; Outputting a disable warning message on the screen saver when the PC usage time limit is exceeded PC use time limiting method further including. The method according to claim 3 or 4, And the external input device comprises at least one of a keyboard, a mouse and a joy stick connected to the PC. The method of claim 1, The specific input key includes a 'Ctrl key, the Alt key and the Delete key. In the use time limiting method in a PC use time limiting device comprising a smart card reader having a timer, Reading card information of a smart card inserted into the smart card reader; Determining whether the read smart card information is registered user information permitted to use a preset PC; Outputting a PC use permission signal to the PC when the inserted smart card information is registered user information permitted to use the PC; Counting, by the timer, a usage time of the PC according to the PC usage permission signal; Outputting a PC stop signal to the PC when the counted usage time reaches a PC usage time limit preset in the smart card, The PC is in use by the PC permission signal, The PC is stopped by the PC stop signal, The PC usage time limit program configured in the PC to be executed according to the linking operation with the smart card reader is set to block execution of the work according to the process manager mode by a specific input key when the PC is driven by the PC permission signal. PC usage time limit method characterized in that. The method of claim 7, wherein Acquiring, by the PC, a signal input from an external input device according to the PC permission signal; In response to a signal input from the external input device, stopping the operation of the screen saver that was being executed by the PC. PC use time limiting method further including. The method of claim 7, wherein Blocking the input of a signal from an external input device according to the PC stop signal; Operating the screen saver by the PC according to the signal input blocking; Outputting a PC stop warning message on the screen saver according to the PC usage timeout PC use time limiting method further including. The method of claim 7, wherein Outputting the PC stop signal and outputting the timer stop signal to stop operation of the timer; PC use time limiting method further including. CLAIMS 1. A method of limiting time of use of a PC time limiting device comprising a database server connected via a network, the method comprising: a smart card reader having a timer; Transmitting card information of a smart card inserted into the smart card reader to the database server; Outputting, by the database server, the PC usage permission signal when the transmitted smart card information corresponds to registered user smart card information that is permitted to be used in the PC previously stored; Counting, by the timer, an operating time of the PC used according to the PC permission signal; And when the counted usage time reaches the preset PC usage time limit, the smart card reader outputting the PC usage stop signal, The PC is in use by the PC permission signal, The PC is stopped by the PC stop signal, The PC usage time limit program configured in the PC to be executed according to the linking operation with the smart card reader is set to block execution of the work according to the process manager mode by a specific input key when the PC is driven by the PC permission signal. PC usage time limit method characterized in that. The method of claim 11, Determining, by the database server, whether smart card information inserted into the smart card reader is identical to preset manager smart card information; If the read smart card information corresponds to the administrator smart card information, selectively setting the PC usage time limit, adding / deleting smart card information of a registered user who is permitted to use the PC, or adding / deleting administrator smart card information. Steps to perform PC time limit method using a smart card reader further comprising a. In the PC time limit device comprising a smart card reader having a timer, Means for setting a usage time limit of the PC connected to the smart card reader to the timer; Means for comparing card information of a smart card inserted into the smart card reader with registered user smart card information permitted for use in the PC; Means for outputting a PC permission signal to the PC when the card information of the inserted smart card corresponds to the prestored smart card information; Means for outputting a PC stop signal when the usage time of the PC according to the PC usage permission signal counted by the timer reaches the set PC usage time limit, The PC is in use by the PC permission signal, The PC is stopped by the PC stop signal, The PC usage time limit program configured in the PC to be executed according to the linking operation with the smart card reader is set to block execution of the work according to the process manager mode by a specific input key when the PC is driven by the PC permission signal. PC time limit device, characterized in that. The method of claim 13, The specific input key includes a 'Ctrl key, the Alt key and the Delete key. The method of claim 13, Means for determining whether smart card information inserted into the smart card reader is identical to preset manager smart card information; If the read smart card information corresponds to the administrator smart card information, selectively setting the PC usage time limit, adding / deleting smart card information of a registered user who is permitted to use the PC, or adding / deleting administrator smart card information. Means of performing PC use time limiting device further including. The method of claim 13, Means for permitting signal input from an external input device connected to the PC in accordance with the PC permission signal; Means for stopping an operation of a screen saver that was running in response to a signal input from the external input device PC use time limiting device further including. The method of claim 13, Means for interrupting signal input from a connected external input device in response to the PC deactivation signal; Means for operating a screen saver by blocking signal input from the external input device; Means for outputting a discontinuation warning message on the screen saver as the PC usage timeout has elapsed PC use time limiting device further including. The method according to claim 16 or 17, And the external input device comprises at least one of a keyboard, a mouse and a joy stick connected to the PC. In the PC time limit device comprising a smart card reader having a timer, Means for reading card information of a smart card inserted into the smart card reader; Means for determining whether the read smart card information is registered user information permitted to use a preset PC; Means for outputting a PC usage permission signal when the inserted smart card information is registered user information permitted to use the PC; Means for outputting a PC use stop signal when the use time of the PC according to the PC use permission signal counted by the timer reaches a preset PC use time limit set in the smart card, The PC is in use by the PC permission signal, The PC is stopped by the PC stop signal, The PC usage time limit program configured in the PC to be executed according to the linking operation with the smart card reader may block the execution of the task according to the process manager mode by a specific input key when the PC is driven by the PC permission signal. PC time limit device, characterized in that set. The method of claim 19, Means for permitting signal input from an external input device connected to the PC in accordance with the PC permission signal; Means for stopping an operation of a screen saver that was running in response to a signal input from the external input device PC use time limiting device further including. The method of claim 19, Means for interrupting signal input from an external input device connected to the PC according to the PC stop signal; Means for operating a screen saver according to the signal input blocking; Means for outputting a PC usage warning message on the screen saver in response to the PC usage timeout PC use time limiting device further including. The method of claim 19, Means for stopping the operation of the timer by outputting the timer stop signal at the same time as outputting the PC stop signal; PC use time limiting device further including. A PC use time limiting device comprising a networked database server, wherein the PC use time limiting device includes a smart card reader having a timer; Means for transmitting card information of a smart card inserted into the smart card reader to the database server; Means for outputting the PC permission signal if the transmitted smart card information corresponds to registered user smart card information that is permitted to be used in the PC previously stored; The smart card reader includes a means for outputting the PC stop signal when the operation time of the PC used according to the PC permission signal by the count reaches a preset PC usage time limit, The PC is in use by the PC permission signal, The PC is stopped by the PC stop signal, The PC usage time limit program configured in the PC to be executed according to the linking operation with the smart card reader is set to block execution of the work according to the process manager mode by a specific input key when the PC is driven by the PC permission signal. PC time limit device using a smart card reader, characterized in that. In the PC time limit device using a smart card reader, A memory unit for storing registered user smart card information and administrator smart card information permitted to use a PC connected to the smart card; A timer for counting usage time of the PC; (a) outputting a PC permission signal if the card information of the smart card inserted into the smart card reader corresponds to the registered user smart card information stored in the memory unit; (b) outputting the timer driving signal at the time of starting use of the PC; (c) outputting a PC stop signal when the PC usage time counted by the timer reaches a preset PC usage time limit, (d) a microprocessor for creating a log file of starting and stopping use of the PC and storing the log file PC time limit device using a smart card reader configured to include. The method of claim 24, The microprocessor, when the smart card having the manager smart card information stored in the memory unit is inserted into the smart card reader, PC time limit device using a smart card reader configured to perform the addition / deletion of registered user smart card information, the addition / deletion of administrator smart card information, the setting of the PC usage time limit of the timer allowed to use the PC.