Abstract: A method and apparatus for protecting computer software from unauthorized execution or duplication using a hardware key is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a means for communicating with the computer to receive command messages from the computer in the hardware key and to provide response messages to the computer, a memory for storing data for translating command messages into response messages enabling software execution, and a processor coupled to the communicating means for translating command messages into response messages using the data stored in the memory. The processor further comprises a memory manager, including means for logically segmenting the memory storing the data into at least one protected segment, and a means for controlling access to the protected segment.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, article of manufacture, and a memory structure for a USB-compliant personal key has been described. The personal key includes an integrated connector design that is simple and easy to manufacture, and allows broken or defective connecting pins to be easily replaced. In the several embodiments disclosed, the personal key also comprises a biometric sensor for authenticating the identity of the user, and visual and aural sensors for providing information to the user.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for protecting computer software from unauthorized execution or duplication using a hardware key is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a means for communicating with the computer to receive command messages from the computer in the hardware key and to provide response messages to the computer, a memory for storing data for translating command messages into response messages enabling software execution, and a processor coupled to the communicating means for translating command messages into response messages using the data stored in the memory. The processor further comprises a memory manager, including means for logically segmenting the memory storing the data into at least one protected segment, and a means for controlling access to the protected segment.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for protecting computer software from unauthorized execution or duplication using a hardware key is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a means for communicating with the computer to receive command messages from the computer in the hardware key and to provide response messages to the computer, a memory for storing data for translating command messages into response messages enabling software execution, and a processor coupled to the interface port for translating command messages into response messages using the data stored in the memory. The processor further comprises a memory manager, for logically segmenting the memory storing the data into at least one protected segment, and for controlling access to the protected segment.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for protecting computer software from unauthorized execution or duplication using a hardware key is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a means for communicating with the computer to receive command messages from the computer in the hardware key and to provide response messages to the computer, a memory for storing data for translating command messages into response messages enabling software execution, and a processor coupled to the communicating means for translating command messages into response messages using the data stored in the memory. The processor further comprises a memory manager, including means for logically segmenting the memory storing the data into at least one protected segment, and a means for controlling access to the protected segment.

Abstract: A compact hardware key for protecting software executing on a computer is disclosed. The hardware key uses a two piece insulator design in which each insulator piece provides a double layer insulator body for protection from tampering, insulator areas for electrically isolating I/O connector pins, and an integral circuit board support portion for securely mounting the circuit board assembly. The compact hardware key also comprises a unique coaxially displaced interrupt pin structure.

Abstract: The present invention provides a communications system that improves upon the availability of communications paths between devices and simplifies the connectivity requirements to communicate data and control information to and from a remote station. System nodes are provided which are disposed along a time multiplex network signal stream. The nodes serve to interface remote stations to the network signal stream and may also switch information to different stations connected to the same node. The nodes are operative to allocate a variable bandwidth of the network signal stream for data communications between devices connected to different nodes. The nodes include switching devices that may be configured to accommodate stations that operate at different speeds. Allocation of bandwidth may be dynamically varied such that system resources are not unnecessarily diverted. Control of bandwidth allocation and internal switching within the node is accomplished via control information communicated to and from the node.

Abstract: A large scale integrated circuit device is disclosed that can be used as a component in a variable bandwidth branch exchange system or for other applications utilizing programmable serial data rate conversion. The device can be a serial information interface between a system node and the voice and data channels in a telset or other similar data communications device. The device may be controlled and monitored by an external device such as a microprocessor, and can transfer control and status information between the external control device and the system node.

Abstract: A communications switching system is provided for transferring information between a plurality of node information highways (66,68) and between node information highways (66,68) and station ports (284,286), the system (221) comprising a plurality of switches (243) each switch having a station to highway section (244) and a highway to station section (246), each section (244,246) being in electrical communication with a station port (284,286) and with a plurality of node information highways (272,274). The station to highway section (244) and highway to station section (246) are each independently and dynamically configurable to communicate a selected bandwidth of information between the station ports and a selected node information highway. Each section (244,246) further being operative to serially integrate control information into the data stream communicated to the station port, and to derive control information from the serial signal stream received from the station port.

Abstract: A variable bandwidth branch exchange system is disclosed for interfacing a network ring to a plurality of peripheral loops, each of the peripheral loops being connected to one or more local stations and to a node on the network ring. Time bit slots on the network ring signal stream are assigned, on a dynamic basis, for communication between local stations. The network ring signal stream is diverted to the peripheral loop by the node when the bit slots assigned to the local station connected to that loop become accessible at the node, thereby placing the peripheral loop in the network ring signal stream. Bit slot bandwidth is variable in accordance with the requirements of a particular local station. Voice, data, and image communications are supported. The modular nature of the system permits the implementation of multiple rings for wide area networking.