US5832214A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method and apparatus for data security for a computer
Assignee: PDACO Ltd
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Filing: 1997-04-29
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Granted: 1998-11-03
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Expires: 2017-04-29
Abstract
Abstract A secure password log-in system for a computer having a keyboard with a keyboard data link to a keyboard controller comprises a data diverter circuit interposed in the keyboard data link between the keyboard and the keyboard controller; a boot read-only memory (ROM) having at least one pre-stored password for comparison with a password entered by a user; a boot controller connected to the boot ROM; and a bypass data link between the data diverter circuit and the boot controller. The boot controller, executing a boot routine from the boot ROM, causes entered keystrokes constituting a password to be diverted via the bypass data link to the boot controller.
Inventors
- 👤 Dan Kikinis
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-08 06:25
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06F; G06F21/00; G06F21/70; G06F21/86; G06F21/50; G06F21/57; G06F21/575; G06F21/82; G06F21/83
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
138 words
A secure password log-in system for a computer having a keyboard with a keyboard data link to a keyboard controller and also having an internal bus, comprising: a data diverter switch interposed in the keyboard data link between the keyboard and the keyboard controller; a boot read-only memory (ROM) having at least one pre-stored password for comparison with a password entered by a user; a boot controller connected to the boot ROM; and a bypass data link between the data diverter circuit and the boot controller; wherein the boot controller is adapted to control the diverter switch and the boot controller, executing a boot routine from the boot ROM, controls the diverter switch to cause entered keystrokes constituting a password to be diverted via the bypass data link to the boot controller for comparison with the prestored password.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
138 words
A secure password log-in system for a computer having a keyboard with a keyboard data link to a keyboard controller and also having an internal bus, comprising: a data diverter switch interposed in the keyboard data link between the keyboard and the keyboard controller; a boot read-only memory (ROM) having at least one pre-stored password for comparison with a password entered by a user; a boot controller connected to the boot ROM; and a bypass data link between the data diverter circuit and the boot controller; wherein the boot controller is adapted to control the diverter switch and the boot controller, executing a boot routine from the boot ROM, controls the diverter switch to cause entered keystrokes constituting a password to be diverted via the bypass data link to the boot controller for comparison with the prestored password.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
51 words
A secure password log-in system as in claim 1 wherein the boot controller, after receiving a password entered at the keyboard, compares the entered password with valid passwords stored in the boot ROM, and, upon finding a match, switches the data diverter switch to transmit keystrokes again to the keyboard controller.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
41 words
A secure password log-in system as in claim 1 wherein the boot controller is also a read/write controller simulating a data interface to a local hard disk, while actually transmitting data via a serial link to a remote data storage system.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
110 words
A computer comprising: a CPU; a communication bus connected to the CPU; a keyboard; a keyboard controller connected to the communication bus; a data diverter switch connected by a data link to the keyboard controller and to the keyboard; a boot controller connected to the communication bus; and a bypass data link between the data diverter and the boot controller, the bypass data link bypassing the communication bus; wherein the boot controller, as a portion of a boot procedure, requests a password to be entered at the keyboard, and switches the data diverter circuit to divert subsequent keystrokes constituting the password to the boot controller via the bypass data link.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
110 words
A computer comprising: a CPU; a communication bus connected to the CPU; a keyboard; a keyboard controller connected to the communication bus; a data diverter switch connected by a data link to the keyboard controller and to the keyboard; a boot controller connected to the communication bus; and a bypass data link between the data diverter and the boot controller, the bypass data link bypassing the communication bus; wherein the boot controller, as a portion of a boot procedure, requests a password to be entered at the keyboard, and switches the data diverter circuit to divert subsequent keystrokes constituting the password to the boot controller via the bypass data link.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
38 words
A computer as in claim 4 wherein the boot controller, after diverting password keystrokes, compares the diverted password to prestored passwords, and, on finding a match, switches the data diverter to transmit keystrokes again to the keyboard controller.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
38 words
A computer as in claim 4 wherein the boot controller is also a read/write controller simulating a data interface to a local hard disk, while actually transmitting data via a serial link to a remote data storage system.
Claim 9
Independent Claim
79 words
A method for ensuring security of passwords for activating a computer system having a keyboard connected by a keystroke data link to a keyboard controller, comprising steps of: (a) imposing a remotely operable data diverter switch in the keystroke data link between the keyboard and the keyboard controller; (b) requesting a password to be entered at the keyboard; and (c) switching the data diverter switch to divert keystrokes comprising a password to a special controller, bypassing the keyboard controller.
Claim 10
Independent Claim
79 words
A method for ensuring security of passwords for activating a computer system having a keyboard connected by a keystroke data link to a keyboard controller, comprising steps of: (a) imposing a remotely operable data diverter switch in the keystroke data link between the keyboard and the keyboard controller; (b) requesting a password to be entered at the keyboard; and (c) switching the data diverter switch to divert keystrokes comprising a password to a special controller, bypassing the keyboard controller.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
39 words
The method of claim 7 further comprising steps for comparing an entered password by means of the special controller with prestored passwords, and, upon finding a match, switching the data diverter to route keystrokes again to the keyboard controller.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2001-11-02 | 2002-05-04 | 2002-11-03 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2005-11-02 | 2006-05-04 | 2006-11-03 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2009-11-02 | 2010-05-04 | 2010-11-03 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |