Executable Binary Watermarking Through Function Reordering

The patent introduces a binary rewriting tool as an intermediary that operates between the compiled binary and the watermark embedding process. This tool automatically analyzes the binary structure, identifies suitable embedding locations, and performs watermark insertion without requiring source code modifications. The intermediary handles the complexity of binary analysis and rewriting, making the watermark embedding process simpler while maintaining high credibility through deep binary integration.

The patent replaces the mechanical process of source code modification and recompilation with an automated binary rewriting system. Instead of manually or semi-automatically editing source code and triggering compilation processes, the system directly manipulates the compiled binary using automated analysis and rewriting tools, substituting a complex multi-step mechanical process with a streamlined automated approach.

The patent performs preliminary analysis of the binary structure before watermark embedding. The binary rewriting tool scans and analyzes the compiled binary to identify optimal embedding locations, data sections, and code regions that can accommodate watermark data. This preliminary action ensures maximum watermark capacity is achieved while avoiding critical code sections, and it eliminates the need for iterative compilation and testing, thereby improving productivity.

The patent replaces the traditional source code modification and recompilation mechanism with direct binary manipulation. This substitution allows watermark embedding to occur after compilation, eliminating the need to interrupt the software creation workflow. Developers can compile software normally and then apply watermarking as a separate post-processing step, significantly improving productivity while maintaining large watermark embedding capacity through direct binary modification.

The patent segments the binary into multiple independent function blocks and reorders these segments to embed watermark information. Instead of attempting to embed large amounts of continuous watermark data in a single location, the system divides the watermark into segments and distributes them across multiple function reordering operations. This segmentation approach maintains ease of operation by working with manageable binary segments while achieving substantial overall embedding capacity through cumulative effect.

The patent transitions from embedding watermark data in a single-dimensional space (one location in the binary) to a multi-dimensional approach by reordering multiple functions across different sections of the binary. The watermark information is encoded in the relative positions and ordering of numerous functions throughout the entire binary structure, effectively utilizing the spatial dimension of the binary layout to achieve high embedding capacity while maintaining operational simplicity through systematic reordering rules.