The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Feb. 25, 1997
Filed:
May. 16, 1995
Brian K Lapointe, Rockport, MA (US);
James A Lapointe, Danvers, MA (US);
Other;
Abstract
An improved computer security system including a portable, electronic Key, an Access Device with Touch Pad, a Lock, a Lock Server and Server Device, and a Master Device. The Access Device provides a means to validate the user to the Key. The Lock is physically located with, and connected to the host computer. Improved security is achieved through the use of 'throw-away' passwords, which are generated in a random fashion by the Lock Server, and then loaded directly into volatile memory of Keys, but transferred to a Master Device for loading into volatile memory of Locks. These throw-away passwords are used in a process of cross validation between the Lock and Key, a requirement before access to the host computer is granted. A user specific 'touch-print' provides a more secure and more user friendly way of preventing the use of Keys by unauthorized persons. Sensors, e.g., photosensors, within the Key, Lock and Master Device guard against physical attacks. Additional security is obtained by locating the Lock external to the host computer, thereby preventing an unauthorized user from defeating the host computer operating system security.