Method for providing a secure “gray box” view proprietary IP
US8381161B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 4, 2011 |
| Grant date | Feb 19, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 4, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F30/392
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A computer-implemented method identifies at least one proprietary geometric figure from a plurality of geometric figures within a design data layout format file. The proprietary geometric figure in the design data layout format file may be replaced with a placeholder geometric figure. Cell names and connection names associated with the proprietary geometric figure are renamed from a netlist file that defines electrical connections between the geometric figures with obfuscating names. A modified design data layout format file may be generated that includes the placeholder geometric figure and a modified netlist file including the obfuscating names. The modified file enables IC designers to complete their design and checking activities, but inhibits reverse-engineering of the proprietary geometric & netlist data.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.