Patent ID: 6904528
Filing Date: 2005-06-07
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
1. An illegitimate duplication prevention method comprising the steps of: starting process of installing a particular software program in a particular apparatus, said particular software program having a blank area for insertion of identification information in form of a module independently of a program body, and remaining areas for holding said program body which is provided independently of said identification information; executing a dedicated creation program provided in a memory, said creation program automatically creating an identification information uniquely for that said particular apparatus in form of a run-time read module and storing said identification information in a predefined address, and self destructing said creation program after one execution in creating said unique identification information; deciding whether said identification information is valid for said particular apparatus; and when said identification information is valid, installing said particular software having said remaining areas filled with said program body in said particular apparatus and causing said run-time read module to be inserted into said blank area of said software program; and then said particular apparatus executing said particular software program having said program body and said run-time read module with said identification information inserted in said blank area; and wherein in the event said particular software program having said program body and filled blank area is read for duplication by an apparatus other than said particular apparatus, the duplicated software program will not act properly for the said other apparatus because the blank area will not be filled with an appropriate run-time read module having an appropriate identification information for the other apparatus; and wherein said run-time read module is separated from said blank area of said particular software program when the program is terminated.