Importance

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Abstract

A method and apparatus are provided for protecting computer software using an active coded hardware apparatus which is adapted to be connected by an interface connector to a communications port of a computer. The computer is directed by a coded software program in which a small section of the code of the computer software interrogates the communications port periodically to determine if the active coded hardware device is present and connected. The active coded hardware device has a permanently established preset code on an active presettable counter circuit which code is transmitted when interrogated. If the active coded hardware device is present when interrogated and the correct code returned through the communications port of the computer, the program is permitted to continue insuring that the software is properly protected at all times. The active coded hardware device with its particular code and circuitry are sealed in epoxy as a deterrent against tampering. In order to violate the hardware it would be necessary to construct a duplicate of the hardware device in order to run a second copy of the software. Since the device is active containing electrical logical elements the degree in duplicating the device and its function without the benefit of circuit diagrams will be greater than the software itself. The particular hardware may be used alone or will permit daisy-chaining allowing 2, 3 or even an entire family of other elements with their own individual codes to operate simultaneously and at the same time permit computer peripherals to remain connected to the same port. A variety of time and logic elements may be added to the basic configuration in order to increase the difficulty of duplicating or violating the system.

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First Claim