APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR RESTRICTING PC USAGE TIME

摘要

PURPOSE: An apparatus and method for restricting PC usage time is provided to prevent a user except a manager from changing PC operating time by setting a restriction PC usage time at a timer mounted in a smart card reader and operating the timer. CONSTITUTION: A smart card reader(100) is connected to a PC(130) through an interface. A microprocessor(116) stores a registrated user smart card information to a memory unit(112) or sets restriction time for operating of a PC if the information stored in the inserted smart card(120) is identified with that of a manager smart card. The microprocessor(116) outputs a timer driving signal and operates a timer at PC starting time. The microprocessor(116) makes a log file in accordance with starting of the PC and the other log file in accordance with ending of the PC, and stores the files in memory unit(112). In the timer(114), time of operating a PC is pre-set by a manager smart card having the same information as the manager smart card information stored in the memory unit(112). The PC(130) is operated in accordance with a PC operating permission signal from the microprocessor(116) or is stopped in accordance with a PC operating stopping signal from the microprocessor(116). The smart card reader(100) continuously senses whether a smart card(120) is inserted or not while the PC(130) is operated.