Abstract: The present invention is a system and method for soft modem software protection using a key. The key is stored in a hardware device in the modem subsystem and transmitted to the central processing unit (CPU) in a designated time slot of a serial bus of a computer. In one embodiment, the key is stored as bit data in the registers of the modem codec. In another embodiment, the key is stored in a hardware device connected to the general purpose input output pins of the modem codec. In a further embodiment, the key is stored in a hardware device connected to the on/off hook and analog input connections of the modem codec. A second key is associated with the soft modem software. If the second key is incompatible with the transmitted key, the operation of the soft modem software is altered. Altematively, the soft modem software is a customized version downloaded from an external computer to a local computer. The customized version has a unique identifier associated with the local computer associated with it.

Abstract: An information processor is installed onboard a seagoing vessel that has at least one onboard system, e.g., a weapon system, to carry out a mission that is defined by instructions originating at a remote location, e.g., mission data updates (MDU) data. The information processor is programmed to receive unencrypted data related to the mission. A secure communications terminal has a first hardwire connection to a public switched telephone network (PSTN) and a second hardwire connection to the information processor. The secure communications terminal receives encrypted data related to the mission over the first hardwire connection, converts the encrypted data to unencrypted data and supplies the unencrypted data over the second hardwire connection.

Abstract: In order to purchase television programs, it is necessary to establish a communication between the television decoder of the subscriber and a management center. There are known transmission means such as a modem or a cable link to dialogue with the management center.

Abstract: A telephone network and a method and system for its use is disclosed. In a first aspect of the present invention, a telephone network is disclosed. The telephone network includes an internet service provider (ISP) coupled to a local switching exchange. The local switching exchange receives and transmits calls to a plurality of devices. The network includes a plurality of modems coupled to the ISP. The network also includes a plurality of phone systems. Each of the phone systems including a cordless unit and a base station. Each of the plurality of phone systems also is associated with one of the plurality of modems, wherein a call can be routed to or from each of the cordless units through any of the modems to any of the plurality of devices. In a second aspect, a method and system for sending a call from a phone system to a device is disclosed. The phone system comprises a cordless unit and a base station. The phone system is also coupled to a modem.

Abstract: A scrambling or encryption method involves analog-to-digital, digital-to-analog, analog-to-analog or digital-to-digital conversions that are constructed from one or more analog-to-digital or digital-to-analog conversions. For example, encryption of an analog signal converts the analog signal to an intermediate digital signal that is converted back into a scrambled analog signal. Encryption of a digital signal converts the digital signal to an intermediate analog signal that is converted back into an encrypted digital signal. The conversions between analog form and digital form and back can be repeated. A codec scrambling/descrambling and encryption/decryption implements one or more different analog-to-digital conversions and one or more digital-to-analog conversions. One embodiment of the codec includes a programmable conversion array that includes an array of transistors such as floating gate transistors in memory cells.

Abstract: A vehicle control system for permitting voice control of at least one device in a vehicle by at least one user includes a radio transponder unit which outputs an RF signal which includes an identification code; an electronic receiver for receiving the RF signal and down converting the received signal to output the identification code; a microphone for receiving an audible signal spoken by a user and converting the audible signal to a digital signal; a memory for storing a plurality of files, each file comprising a voiceprint of a user and a command instruction for controlling at least one function of the device; and a microprocessor for determining whether the identification code is valid and for analyzing the digital signal to determine whether it matches one of the voiceprints stored in memory if the identification code is determined valid. The microprocessor executes a command instruction to control the function of the device if a match has been found.

Abstract: A method for selectively encrypting electronically communicated information including the steps of: in a first mode, allowing audio and facsimile signals to pass between communications devices in a substantially unaltered manner; in a second mode: establishing a secure session between a first security device and a second security devices; intercepting and digitizing audio signals to produce audio data; encrypting the audio data; and, modulating the encrypted audio data for transmission over the secure session; and, in a third mode: automatically intercepting a signal indicative of an attempt to transmit or receive a facsimile; establishing a facsimile session dependent upon at least one characteristic indicative of a rate at which information can be transmitted and received using the secure session; receiving facsimile signals and demodulating the received facsimile signals to produce facsimile data; encrypting the facsimile data; and, modulating the encrypted facsimile data for transmission over the secure s

Abstract: An anti-piracy system reduces the opportunity for piracy and illicit use of software products by requiring each software product to be registered for a single computer. If a user attempts to install the software product on another computer, the software product will recognize a different hardware composition and disable itself. During installation, the software product generates a hardware ID that identifies the set of hardware components and sends it and a product ID to a registration authority. The registration authority computes a registration ID from the product ID and the hardware ID and sends the registration ID back to the software product. Each time the software product is subsequently launched, the software product computes its own test ID from the product ID and hardware ID using the same algorithm employed by the registration authority. The software product then compares the test ID to the registration ID.

Abstract: The invention relates to modems designed to allow transmission of data between a terminal (a personal computer or PC) and a network. To improve the operating versatility of a modem or its utilization by a smartcard, the modem is equipped according to the invention with a receptacle (80) for receiving a smartcard (120), with a connector (110) for this card and a card interface circuit (100), and the microcontroller (50) of the modem (the microcontroller controlling communication with the network when commanded by the PC) also controls the card interface circuit. This microcontroller thus constitutes the kernel of the modem and at the same time the kernel of a card reader.