PHP Software Protection via Hardware Lock Decryption

The patent introduces a hardware lock as an intermediary device between the encrypted software and the decryption process. The hardware lock contains a unique identification number that serves as a mediator to control whether decryption can occur. Without this intermediary hardware lock, the encrypted software could be easily decrypted; with it, the decryption process is blocked unless the correct hardware lock is connected, thereby resolving the contradiction between encryption security and decryption ease.

The patent segments the software protection system into distinct functional modules: an encryption module for encrypting the software, a determination module for checking hardware lock connection, and a decryption module for decrypting the software. This segmentation allows each module to perform its specific function independently, with the determination module acting as a gatekeeper that prevents decryption unless the hardware lock is properly connected, thus improving security while maintaining controlled access.

The hardware lock device serves multiple functions: it acts as a physical security device, a key for decryption, and an identification mechanism. By making the hardware lock multi-functional, the patent reduces the need for separate complex protection mechanisms. The same hardware lock that provides physical security also enables or disables decryption, thereby improving security without proportionally increasing system complexity.

The patent merges the encryption and decryption functions with the hardware lock connection check into a unified protection system. The determination module integrates the hardware lock verification with the decryption process, so that security checking and software decryption are combined in one operational flow. This merging reduces the number of separate complex subsystems while maintaining strong security protection.