Software Wrapper Timestamp Validation Hardware Binding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current Digital Rights Management (DRM) systems are ineffective in preventing illegal copying and distribution of software and digital content, as pirates often find ways to bypass encryption techniques and authentication methods, resulting in significant financial losses for content producers.
Innovation Solution
A software wrapper that uses timestamp validation and system identification validation to ensure a software product can only be installed once on a specified user device within a specified time, by generating an encrypted unlock code based on user device information and software product information, and applying it to the installer to prevent unauthorized installations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If encryption techniques are used to control access and reproduction of software, then security against piracy is improved, but the system becomes vulnerable to being bypassed by determined pirates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by binding the software to specific hardware identifiers (CPU ID, motherboard serial number, hard drive serial number) before installation. The software generates a unique hardware fingerprint and creates binding files that permanently link the software to the authorized device, preventing unauthorized copying before it can occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses binding files as intermediaries between the software and hardware. These binding files contain encrypted hardware identifiers and act as a mediator that verifies the software is running on an authorized device, adding a layer of security without requiring complex real-time authentication systems.
2Reliability
If authentication servers are used to verify software legitimacy, then piracy prevention is improved, but the system requires continuous network connectivity and server infrastructure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the authentication function from a centralized server and embeds it directly in the software installation package. The binding files contain all necessary authentication data locally, eliminating the need for continuous server connectivity and complex infrastructure while maintaining security.
Solution Approach 2:
The software performs self-authentication by verifying the binding file against the current hardware identifiers. This self-service mechanism eliminates dependency on external authentication servers, allowing the software to verify its own legitimacy locally without requiring network infrastructure.
3Ease of operation
If software is bound to specific hardware identifiers, then installation control is improved, but the system may fail when hardware components are replaced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic re-binding mechanism that detects hardware changes and allows users to regenerate binding files when legitimate hardware replacements occur. This maintains installation control while adapting to legitimate hardware modifications, balancing security with user needs.
4Reliability
If multiple security validation checks are performed during installation, then piracy prevention is improved, but installation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs security validations during the installation process itself rather than requiring separate activation steps later. The binding file verification and hardware identification occur as part of the initial installation, preventing piracy upfront without requiring additional time-consuming activation steps after installation.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and apparatuses for installing a software product using timestamp validation and system identification validation are disclosed. An example method to lock a software product in a software wrapper includes determining a unique hard drive serial number of a user device to which the software product is to be installed and generating a hash number of the unique hard drive serial number. The example method also includes determining a campaign identifier of the software product from a secure variable within the software product and generating a date-time code based on a current date and time. The method further includes assembling the date-time code and the campaign identifier into an unlock code, encrypting the unlock code using the hash number as a passphrase key to create an encrypted unlock code, and applying the encrypted unlock code to an end of a filename of an installer using a command line parameter.