Memory-Loaded Software Watermarking for Piracy Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for preventing software piracy are inadequate as they either rely on network-dependent models that frustrate users with speed and reliability issues or require hardware changes that are not easily implementable in conventional desktops, and lack effective tracking of piracy sources.
Innovation Solution
A method that spawns applications without using files on the computer's file system by retrieving protected application data from a remote or local server, encrypting it, and mapping it to inaccessible memory, while watermarking the data with unique identifiers to track piracy sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If software is distributed as files on the file system, then ease of installation and operation is improved, but vulnerability to piracy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the application code from the file system and loads it directly into memory during execution. This removes the file from being a copyable object, eliminating the piracy vulnerability while maintaining ease of installation through standard file download and execution processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces memory as an intermediary between the distributed software and the file system. The application is distributed as a file but mediated through memory loading, preventing direct file copying while maintaining the distribution model.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If software is loaded directly from memory without file system usage, then piracy prevention is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the memory loading process transparent and automatic. The system itself handles the conversion from file to memory loading without requiring user intervention or special installation procedures, maintaining ease of operation while achieving piracy prevention.
3Adaptability or versatility
If software is distributed as executable files, then ease of distribution is improved, but ability to track piracy sources deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent embeds unique watermarks in different locations within the memory-loaded application code for different licensed users. This allows local differentiation of copies while maintaining the same distribution format, enabling piracy source tracking without compromising distribution ease.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses watermarking techniques that embed invisible identifiers within the application code, analogous to color changes that are imperceptible to users but detectable for tracking purposes. This enables piracy tracking while maintaining identical distribution files.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If authorization keys and registration are required, then piracy prevention is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the authorization verification into the memory loading process itself. The licensed user identifier is embedded in the memory structure, combining authentication and execution into a single operation, thereby preventing piracy without adding separate complex authorization systems.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus, method, and system for curtailing and investigating software piracy is provided. The method includes spawning user applications on a computer without use of a file on the file system. A protected application data source is retrieved by an operating system of the computer from a server and placed into a portion of memory not accessible by at least one application. The operating system also prevents the protected application data source from being written to the file system. In this manner there is no file subject to unauthorized distribution. The protected application data may also be watermarked by ordering at least one of executable functions, function call parameters, and program data according to a license identifier so that any two versions execute the same, but carry an identifier which can be used to trace piracy to the source.