Recording Medium Encrypted ID File Prevents Unauthorized Program Use
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a risk of illicit copying and unauthorized use of programs stored on memory cards and hard disk drives in information processing apparatuses, such as compound machines, which can lead to fraud and unauthorized distribution of software.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a recording medium with an ID file that stores an encrypted ID specific to the recording medium or the information processing apparatus, along with a program file, to ensure validity and prevent unauthorized use, using techniques like encryption and secure key generation based on serial IDs, machine numbers, MAC addresses, or IP addresses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If programs are stored on memory cards or hard disk drives for convenient loading and installation, then the convenience of customers is improved, but the risk of illicit copying and unauthorized use increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by pre-encrypting program IDs with device-specific keys before storage on the recording medium. This encryption is performed in advance to prevent illicit copying, while still allowing legitimate loading and installation. The encrypted ID cannot be decoded without the corresponding device key, thus preventing unauthorized use before it can occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism - the encrypted ID file - that mediates between the program storage and the device. The ID file contains encrypted program identifiers that serve as a bridge, allowing the device to verify program authenticity through decryption while preventing direct access to the actual program code, thus enabling convenient loading while maintaining security.
2Adaptability or versatility
If programs can be installed into hard disk drive after shipping, then convenience is improved, but the danger of hard disk drive replacement and illicit program provision increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-encrypting the program ID with a key specific to the hard disk drive before the program is installed. This encryption is performed in advance during program preparation, ensuring that even if the hard disk drive is replaced or accessed unauthorizedly, the encrypted ID cannot be decoded without the original device's specific key, thus maintaining security while allowing post-shipping installation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of the program ID from plaintext to encrypted form, using device-specific keys as encryption parameters. This transformation allows the program to be stored and installed on the hard disk drive with enhanced security, where the encrypted ID serves as a verified identifier that ties the program to the specific device, preventing illicit provision while maintaining adaptability for post-shipping installations.
Data Source
AI summary
A recording medium is provided. The recording medium is used for inputting, into an information processing apparatus, a program for causing the information processing apparatus to perform information processing, wherein the recording medium includes an ID file used for storing an ID of the program in which the ID is encrypted by a key specific to the recording medium or specific to the information processing apparatus.