Patent ID: 7037196
Filing Date: 2006-05-02
Classification: A63F,G06N

Abstract:
1. A portable information terminal having an interface for connection to a master unit having a function to execute a program, comprising: illegal copying prevention means for periodically determining whether legitimate information has been downloaded from the master unit or not, and if legitimate information has not been downloaded, making ineffective at least control inputs entered into the terminal, said illegal copying prevention means comprising: identification determining means for determining whether a source medium identification code is a predetermined source medium identification code or not; wherein said source medium identification code identifies a source medium containing at least one game program executable in the terminal, wherein said source medium identification code has been downloaded to the terminal from said source medium through the master unit, and wherein one or more game programs of said at least one game program stored on said source medium has been downloaded from said source medium through the master unit and stored in the terminal.