Method and apparatus for selectively enabling a microprocessor-based system

A method for selectively enabling a microprocessor-based system, comprising the steps of:

• obtaining state information describing one or more operating condition;
• locating a valid hash value within a table of valid hash values indexed by said state information;
• obtaining candidate authorization information from a user of said microprocessor-based system;
• generating a candidate hash value by applying a one-way hashing algorithm to said candidate authorization information;
• comparing said candidate hash value and said valid hash value;
• and
• enabling said microprocessor-based system if said candidate hash value matches said valid hash value.

An apparatus for selectively enabling a microprocessor-based system, comprising:

• means for obtaining state information describing at least one microprocessor-based system operating condition;
• means for determining at least one valid hash value;
• means for obtaining candidate authorization information from a user of said microprocessor-based system;
• means for generating a candidate hash value by applying a hashing algorithm to at least one of:
• said candidate authorization information, and
• said state information;
• means for comparing said candidate hash value and said valid hash value;
• and
• means for enabling said microprocessor-based system if said candidate hash value matches said valid hash value.

An apparatus for selectively enabling a microprocessor-based system, comprising:

• means for obtaining state information describing one or more operating conditions;
• means for locating a valid hash value within a table of valid hash values indexed by said state information;
• means for obtaining candidate authorization information from a user of said microprocessor-based system;
• means for generating a candidate hash value by applying a one-way hashing algorithm to said candidate authorization information;
• means for comparing said candidate hash value and said valid hash value;
• and
• means for enabling said microprocessor-based system if said candidate hash value matches said valid hash value.