Billing system for computer software
October 24, 2006. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.Patent References 3806882 Microprocessor for executing enciphered programs Method and apparatus for controlling usage of a programmable computing machine Crypto microprocessor for executing enciphered programs Computer accessing system Cryptographic decoder for computer programs Method and apparatus for providing security for computer software Remote postage meter systems having variable user authorization code System and method for authorizing access to an article distribution or service acquisition machine Apparatus and method for preventing unauthorized use of computer programs InventorApplicationNo. 06/922689 filed on 10/24/1986US Classes:705/52, Usage or charge determination380/230, Including usage recording705/32, Time accounting (time and attendance, monitoring billable hours)705/55Requiring a supplemental attachment or input (e.g., dongle) to openExaminersPrimary: Smith, JerryAssistant: Kibby, Steven G. Attorney, Agent or FirmInternational ClassesG06F 1/00 (20060101)G06F 21/00 (20060101) G06Q 30/00 (20060101) AbstractA computer software security and billing system is disclosed in which the application program is enciphered in accordance with an algorithm driven by a numeric key. The user's computer is provided with a hardware security module and a removable billing module, both of which carry unique codes. A security program accesses the application program and also writes information about billing into the billing module. The billing module is periodically replaced so the user can be charged based on amount of usage of the software.Other References
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