Patent ID: 7587611

Claim:
An in-circuit security system for electronic devices, comprising: a processor; a memory, coupled to the processor; a real-time clock, coupled to the processor; a cryptographic subsystem, coupled to the processor and the real-time clock; a random number generator, coupled to the cryptographic subsystem; an identity credential verification subsystem, coupled to the processor, the processor is configured to halt operation of the real-time clock when the identity credential verification subsystem denies access for a predetermined number within a predetermined period of time; a power source, coupled to the real-time clock; at least three input/output interfaces; wherein, said processor provides means for load and execution of instructions and associated data; wherein, said memory provides means for storage of instructions and data, including security settings and profiles; wherein, said real-time clock provides means for generating an accurate time; wherein, the power source is configured to provide power to the real-time clock; wherein, said cryptographic subsystem provides means for performing encryption, decryption, digital signing, and digital signature verification; wherein, said random number generator provides means for randomly producing a number with statistical randomness sufficient to meet a pre-determined level; wherein, said identity credential verification subsystem provides means for identity credential acquisition, analysis, storage and matching, the in-circuit security system excluding the identity credential verification subsystem is disabled until a user is matched based on an acquired identity credential from the user and verified based on the security settings and the profiles for that user; wherein, a first input/output interface is used for connection between the identity credential verification subsystem and an external identity credential sensor; wherein, a second input/output interface is used for transmission and receipt of data to and from a remote connection device; and wherein, a third input/output line is used for connection to at least one peripheral device.