Binary File License Verification via String Extraction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing commercial license verification tools are inadequate for precise verification of binary files contained in open source code, leaving room for verification failures and potential legal and brand image risks.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus that verify licenses of binary files by extracting character strings from the files and comparing them against a knowledge base created according to the license to be verified, enhancing the scope of verification and reducing resources and time needed.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If existing commercial verification tools are used to verify source code licenses, then verification can be performed on source code files, but binary file verification is not supported leading to incomplete verification coverage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveverification scopeVSAvoidverification completeness
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The verification apparatus is designed to handle multiple file types (source code files and binary files) through a unified verification process. The file processing unit can identify and process both source code files directly and binary files through conversion, making the system universal and multi-functional rather than limited to a single file type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

A file conversion unit acts as an intermediary between binary files and the verification process. When a binary file is detected, it is automatically converted to a source code file format that the verification unit can process, enabling indirect verification of binary files through this intermediate conversion step.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If traditional source code only verification is performed, then verification process is simple, but verification accuracy is insufficient due to inability to verify binary files

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveverification accuracyVSAvoidverification process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The verification system dynamically adapts its processing approach based on file type detection. When a source code file is detected, direct verification is performed; when a binary file is detected, automatic conversion to source code format is initiated before verification. This dynamic behavior allows the system to maintain high accuracy while managing complexity through automated file-type-specific processing paths.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Measurement precision

If binary files are converted to source code for verification, then verification accuracy improves, but additional conversion time and resources are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelicense verification accuracyVSAvoidverification time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary file type identification and classification before the actual verification process. By detecting whether a file is a binary file in advance, the system can proactively initiate the conversion process as a preparatory step, ensuring that the verification unit receives appropriately formatted files ready for immediate processing, thereby minimizing overall verification time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP2677451B1License verification method and apparatus, and computer readable storage medium storing program therefor
Publication Date: 2019.09.25 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP2677451B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2677451B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2677451B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method and apparatus for verifying licenses of binary files and to a computer readable storage medium storing a program realizing license verification is provided. The method includes obtaining a binary file, extracting a character string to be searched for from the obtained binary file, and comparing the extracted character string against a knowledge base created according to a license to be verified, an apparatus capable of executing the license verification method, and a computer readable storage medium storing a program realizing the license verification method.