Patent ID: 7962760

Claim:
A system for selectively enabling a microprocessor-based system, comprising: (A) circuitry for obtaining state information describing at least one microprocessor-based system operating condition; (B) a memory for storing said state information; (C) circuitry for determining at least one valid hash value; (D) circuitry for obtaining candidate authorization information from a user of said microprocessor-based system; (E) circuitry for generating a candidate hash value by applying a hashing algorithm to at least: (1) said candidate authorization information, and (2) said state information describing at least one microprocessor based system operating condition; (F) circuitry for comparing said candidate hash value and said at least one valid hash value; (G) circuitry for enabling said microprocessor-based system if said candidate hash value matches said at least one valid hash value; (H) circuitry for periodically checking for a reset condition after said enabling said microprocessor-based system if said candidate hash value matches said at least one valid hash value; and (I) upon detecting a reset condition: (1) circuitry for executing a power-down sequence; (2) circuitry for waiting for a power-up condition; and (3) upon detecting said power-up condition: (a) circuitry for executing a power-up sequence.