Software program self-modification
US6055503A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 29, 1997 |
| Grant date | Apr 25, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 29, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F2211/007
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
The present invention, generally speaking, provides a mechanism for modifying an executable upon first execution. Various modifications may be made to the executable, including modifications useful for purposes of electronic software distribution, such as attaching a unique serial number, encrypting or decrypting the executable, or adding protection code (license enforcement code) to the executable. A Rewriter Module performs the actual modification. First, a copy of the executable is made. The copy is then run and the original executable is deleted. Then a second copy of the executable is made using the name of the original executable, and the first copy is deleted. During one or both of the copying steps, modifications are made to the executable. The modifications may be modifications useful for purposes of electronic software distribution, especially Try/Buy. When a software product is purchased, the foregoing process may be reversed, leaving the executable in its original "pristine" condition. All of the foregoing activity is transparent to the user.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.