Method and apparatus to protect computer software
US5812662A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 18, 1995 |
| Grant date | Sep 22, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 18, 2015 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F2221/2109
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An apparatus for protecting a software in a program-controlled object such as a video game having a main part with a controlling means and a peripheral equipment; and a replaceable part with a software comprising an execution program. The apparatus comprises a data generator located on the replaceable part for producing a specific data; a selection means located on the replaceable part and controlled from the main part, for selecting a mode of generation of the specific data; and an interface circuit for connecting the data generator and the selection means to the main part. A method for protection a software running a video game or other program-controlled object resides in providing an inspection program with a predetermined data in the software, initializing generating a specific data, reading the specific data and cooperating the specific data with the predetermined data. The positive result of the cooperation that can be a comparison, a calculation, a decoding, etc. is used to verify the existence of an authorized hardware and give an authorization for performing the execution program running the object.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.