JP2005122310A - Method for preventing unauthorized copy - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a method for preventing an unauthorized copy that prevents software piracy. <P>SOLUTION: A digest of set license key is found by computation, and the set license key is hidden and stored as an invalid license key (S101). A computer identifier stored in a storage device is found from a buying software production number that is notified, and the license key is found by encrypting the computer identifier. Further, the digest of this license key is found by computation. The found digest is compared with the notified digest, and the license key is reissued when both are equal (S104). The invalid license key is found which is hidden and stored. When there is the invalid license key and the set license key is compared with the invalid license key to find that both are equal, the operation of software is terminated. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an unauthorized copy prevention method for preventing unauthorized copying of software.

  In recent years, since the damage to the software industry due to unauthorized copying of software is enormous, various methods for preventing unauthorized copying (copy protection methods) have been proposed and developed (for example, Patent Document 1, Patent Document 2, (See Patent Document 3).

  There are roughly two types of copy protection methods. One of them is a network licensing system using a central license server. The other is a Standalone Licensing system that does not use a network. Since the present invention relates to the stand-alone licensing method, only the stand-alone licensing method will be described.

  A conventional stand-alone licensing method will be described with reference to the drawings. First, issuance of a license key in the stand-alone licensing method will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a conventional license key issuance procedure.

  The software manufacturer sells the software (step S501), and the software purchaser purchases the software (step S502). Then, the software purchaser acquires a computer identifier C1 that uniquely identifies the computer C designated by the software manufacturer from the computer C that intends to execute the software (acquisition-only software may be provided). The computer identifier is device-specific information such as an IP (Internet Protocol) address, a MAC (Media Access Control) address, and a hard disk manufacturing number. Then, the software purchaser uses the e-mail function of the mobile phone owned by the software purchaser, for example, to the software manufacturer to obtain the computer identifier C1 and the purchase software production number (hereinafter referred to as purchase software production number). And request for issuance of a license key (step S503).

  The software manufacturer uses the system owned by the software manufacturer to generate the license key C2 by encrypting the computer identification information C1 notified from the software purchaser. Then, the software manufacturer notifies the software purchaser of the generated license key C2 by using, for example, an electronic mail function (step S504). Then, the system of the software manufacturer generates the purchased software manufacturing number notified from the software purchaser in step S505, the license key C2 generated (issued) in step S504, and the computer identifier C1 notified from the software purchaser in step S503. Is recorded and managed in the storage device in association with one or both of them (step S505).

  By the operation of the software purchaser, the computer C sets the license key C2 notified (issued) in step S504 to the purchased software installed in its own device. As a result, the purchased software operates on the computer C (step S506).

  Next, the software startup execution process performed in the computer C will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure of a conventional software startup execution process executed at the time of software startup.

  The processing unit of the computer C obtains the set license key C2 (step S601). Subsequently, the processing unit obtains a computer identifier C1 of the computer C (step S602). Subsequently, the processing unit decrypts the license key C2 obtained in step S601 (step S603). Subsequently, the processing unit compares the computer identifier C1 obtained in step S602 with the value obtained by decoding in step S603, and confirms whether they are equal (step S604). If it is confirmed that both are equal (S604: YES), the software is executed. On the other hand, when it is confirmed that they are not equal (S604: NO), the software is terminated. In this way, the software itself is prevented from being used on another computer by unauthorized copying.

In place of step S603 and step S604, the following method is also available. The computer identifier C1 obtained in step S602 is encrypted. Then, the value obtained by encryption is compared with the license key C2 obtained in step S601 to check whether or not they are equal. When both are equal, the software is executed, and when both are not equal, the software is terminated.
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 07-325712 JP 2000-231486 A JP 2000-325039 A

  The stand-alone licensing method has the following disadvantages. For example, if a software purchaser purchases a new computer and wants to execute the purchased software on the new computer, the license key for the old computer cannot execute the purchased software on the newly purchased computer. Therefore, the software purchaser requests the software manufacturer to issue a license key for a new computer, and receives a license key issued by the software manufacturer (license key for a new computer). However, even on older computers, the purchased software can continue to be used, and the malicious software purchaser makes multiple requests to issue a license key, making it possible to illegally copy and use the software. .

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an unauthorized copy prevention method for preventing unauthorized copying of software by preventing purchased software from being executed with an old license key when a new license key is issued.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, in the unauthorized copy prevention method for preventing unauthorized copying of software, a license is obtained by using a set license key or a computer identifier for uniquely identifying a computer to stop using the software. It is characterized in that invalid certification information that proves that the key has been invalidated is obtained, the obtained invalid certification information is notified, and the set license key is hidden and stored as an invalid license key.

  The invention according to claim 2 is a method for preventing unauthorized copying of software, wherein the purchased software serial number stored in the storage device is determined from the purchased software serial number of the purchased software notified by the software purchaser. The computer identifier or license key associated with the software license is obtained, invalid certification information is obtained using the obtained license key or computer identifier, and the invalid certification information notified from the software purchaser is compared with the obtained invalid certification information. The license key is reissued when both are equal.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the unauthorized copy prevention method for preventing unauthorized copying of software, a license key set in a computer is obtained, an invalid license key stored hidden is obtained, an invalid license key exists, and The obtained license key is compared with the obtained invalid license key, and if both are equal, the operation of the software is terminated.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent the use of unauthorized copying of software by making a license key issuance request many times.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between apparatuses in which an unauthorized copy prevention method according to an embodiment of the present invention is performed. The software purchaser uses the purchased software on the computer A, but stops using the purchased software on the computer A and tries to use the purchased software on the computer B. Further, the software manufacturer uses the system S to issue / reissue a license key.

  The computers A and B have processing units 1A and 1B that perform software startup execution processing (FIG. 5) and license key reissue request processing (FIG. 3), and display units 2A and 2B that display various types of information. ing. The system S includes a processing unit 1S that performs a license key issuing process (FIG. 4) and a storage device M. The storage device M uses a purchased software serial number and purchased software of the purchased software serial number. It is recorded and stored in association with the computer identifier of the computer. Recording storage of the purchased software production number and the computer identifier associated with the storage device M is performed at any time when the license key is issued / reissued.

  Hereinafter, the procedure for reissuing the license key will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a license key reissue procedure.

  First, a license key reissue request process (FIG. 3) is executed in the computer A (a computer to stop using the purchased software) by the operation of the software purchaser, and the processing unit 1A performs the digest A3 of the license key A2 The invalid proof information in the embodiment) is obtained by calculation according to a predetermined rule, and the obtained digest A3 is displayed on the display unit 2A. By displaying the digest A3 on the display unit 2A, the software purchaser can know the digest A3. Thereafter, the processing unit 1A conceals and stores the license key A2 by using a registry, a hard disk boot sector, or the like. As a result, the purchased software does not operate on the computer A (step S101). The digest A3 is a value that the software purchaser cannot know unless the software cannot be used on the computer A (unless the license key A2 is invalidated).

  Next, the processing unit 1B of the computer B (a computer to newly use the purchased software) obtains a computer identifier B1 for identifying the computer B, whereby the software purchaser knows the computer identifier B1 (step S102). The computer identifier is device-specific information such as an IP address, a MAC address, and a hard disk manufacturing number as described in the background field.

  Then, as a license key reissue request, the software purchaser uses the e-mail function of the mobile phone owned by the software purchaser, for example, to obtain the purchase software serial number and the software manufacturer in step S101. The digest A3 and the computer identifier B1 obtained in step S102 are notified (step S103).

  The license key reissue process (FIG. 4) is executed in the system S by the operation of the purchased software manufacturer having received the notification of the license key reissue request, and the processing unit 1S stores the storage device from the purchased software production number notified in step S103. A computer identifier A1 of the computer A associated with the software serial number recorded and stored in M is obtained. The processing unit 1S encrypts the obtained computer identifier A1 to obtain the license key A2, and obtains the digest A3 'of the obtained license key A2 by calculation. Subsequently, the processing unit 1S compares the digest A3 'obtained by calculation with the digest A3 notified in step S103, and confirms that they are equal (step S104).

  The processing unit 1S generates a license key B2 obtained by encrypting the computer identifier B1 notified in step S103. The vendor of the software manufacturer notifies the generated license key B2 to the software purchaser who made the license key reissue request using, for example, an e-mail function (step S105).

  The processing unit 1S records and stores the purchased software manufacturing number notified in step S103 and the computer identifier B1 notified in step S103 in the storage device M in association with each other (step S106).

  By the operation of the software purchaser who has received the notification of the reissued license key B2, the processing unit 1B sets the license key B2 notified (reissued) in step S105 to the purchased software installed in the computer B. . Thereby, the purchased software operates on the computer B (step S107).

  Hereinafter, the license key reissue request process performed in the computer A that invalidates the license key will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure of a license key reissue request process performed in a computer that invalidates a license key.

  In the computer A, the processing unit 1A obtains the (current) license key A2 set for the purchased software (step S201). Then, the processing unit 1A obtains the digest A3 of the current license key A2 by calculation, and displays the obtained digest A3 on the display unit 2A (step S202). Subsequently, the processing unit 1A conceals and stores the current license key A2 as an invalid license key (step S203). Subsequently, the processing unit 1A executes a software end operation (step S204).

  The value stored as the invalid license key is hidden and stored so that it cannot be erased even if the purchased software is uninstalled. By doing so, it is possible to prevent the purchased software from being illegally executed on the computer A by using the license key A2 once invalidated by the software purchaser.

  Hereinafter, the license key reissue process performed in the system S for reissuing the license key will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation procedure of the license key reissue process performed in the system S for reissuing the license key. The purchased software serial number, digest A3 (step S101 in FIG. 2; digest A3 displayed on the display unit 2A in step S202 in FIG. 3 and known to the software purchaser), and newly purchased software are to be used. The computer identifier B1 of the computer B (the computer identifier B1 obtained by the software purchaser found in step S102 in FIG. 2) is notified by the software purchaser to the software manufacturer.

  In the system S, the processing unit 1S obtains the computer identifier A1 of the computer A associated with the purchased software production number recorded and stored in the storage device M from the purchased software production number notified from the software purchaser (step S301). . Subsequently, the processing unit 1S generates the license key A2 by encrypting the computer identifier A1 obtained in step S301, and obtains the digest A3 'of the generated license key A2 by calculation (step S302).

  Subsequently, the processing unit 1S compares the digest A3 'obtained by calculation with the digest A3 notified from the software purchaser, and confirms whether they are equal (step S303). If it is confirmed that they are not equal (S303: NO), the license key reissue process is terminated without reissuing the license key. On the other hand, when it is confirmed that both are equal (S303: YES), the process proceeds to step S304.

  The processing unit 1S generates a license key B2 obtained by encrypting the computer identifier B1 notified from the software purchaser. The software manufacturer notifies the generated license key B2 to the software purchaser who has issued the license key reissue request (step S304).

  The processing unit 1S records and stores the purchased software serial number notified from the software purchaser and the computer identifier B1 of the computer B notified from the software purchaser in the storage device M (step S305), and reissues the license key Exit.

  The software purchaser sets the license key B2 notified (reissued) from the software manufacturer to the purchased software installed on the computer B. Thereby, the purchased software operates on the computer B.

  Since there is a case where the software purchaser first requests a license key from the software manufacturer (hereinafter referred to as a license key issue request), a license key issue request (this includes the purchased software before step S301 in FIG. 4). Whether it is a license key reissue request or not. If it is a license issuance request, the process proceeds to step S304. The process proceeds to step S301. Here, whether the license key issuance request or the license key reissue request is determined is determined by, for example, recording the purchased software serial number notified from the software purchaser in the storage device M (in this case, the license key reissue request). Or whether it is not recorded (in this case, a license key issuance request).

  Hereinafter, the software startup execution process performed in the computer B will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure of execution processing at the time of software startup executed at the time of software startup.

  In the computer B, the processing unit 1B obtains the (current) license key B2 set in the purchased software (step S401). Subsequently, the processing unit 1B obtains an invalid license key X that is concealed and recorded (step S402). Subsequently, the processing unit 1B compares the license key B2 obtained in step S401 with the invalid license key X obtained in step S402 and checks whether the invalid license key X exists (step S401). Step S403). If it is confirmed that the invalid license key X exists and both are equal (S403: YES), it is determined that the purchased software is being executed using the invalid license key X, and the software is terminated. To do. On the other hand, when it is confirmed that the invalid license key X does not exist, or when it is confirmed that the two do not match (S403: NO), the process proceeds to step S404.

  The processing unit 1B obtains the computer identifier B1 of the computer B (step S404). Subsequently, the processing unit 1B decrypts the license key B2 obtained in step S401 (step S405). Subsequently, the processing unit 1B compares the computer identifier B1 obtained in step S404 with the value obtained by decoding in step S405, and checks whether they are equal (step S406). If it is confirmed that both are equal (S406: YES), the software is executed. On the other hand, when it is confirmed that they are not equal (S406: NO), the software is terminated.

  According to the embodiment described above, since the license key is not reissued unless the license key is invalidated, it is possible to prevent the purchased software from being used on two or more computers. That is, unauthorized copying of software can be prevented. Further, if the content of the present invention is retrofitted to an existing stand-alone licensing system, there is an advantage that introduction is facilitated.

  The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various design changes can be made as long as they are described in the claims.

  For example, in the above embodiment, the purchased software serial number and the computer identifier are stored in association with each other in the storage device M of the system S, and are stored in the storage device M from the purchased software serial number notified from the software purchaser. The computer identifier A1 is obtained. In this case, the obtained computer identifier A1 is encrypted to generate the license key A2, and the digest A3 'of the generated license key A2 is obtained by calculation (step S104; steps S301 and S302). However, the present invention is not limited to this, and may be as follows, for example. The storage device M of the system S records and stores the purchased software production number and the license key set in the computer in which the purchased software of the purchased software production number is currently used. Then, instead of Step S104; Step S301 and Step S302, the license key A2 associated with the purchased software manufacturing number stored in the storage device M is obtained from the purchased software manufacturing number notified from the software purchaser. Then, the digest A3 'of the license key A2 obtained by calculation may be obtained.

  In the above embodiment, the computer B decrypts the set license key B2 and compares the decrypted value with the computer identifier B1 of the computer B to confirm whether they are equal. (Steps S405 and S406). However, the present invention is not limited to this, and may be as follows, for example. Instead of step S405 and step S406, the computer identifier B1 is encrypted, the value obtained by the encryption is compared with the license key B2, and it is confirmed whether they are equal. If they are equal, the software may be executed, and if they are not equal, the software may be terminated.

  Further, this is a case where the purchased software production number and the computer identifier are associated with each other and stored in the storage device M. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the purchased software production number is associated with both the computer identifier and the license key. You may make it do.

  Further, in the above embodiment, the invalid certification information is obtained by using the digest of the license key. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the invalid certification information may be obtained by using other information. Good. For example, it may be as follows.

  The license key may be encrypted to obtain invalid certification information. In this case, instead of obtaining and displaying the digest A3 (step S101; step S202), the license key A3 is encrypted and displayed, and the software purchaser encrypts the value to the software manufacturer (hereinafter referred to as encryption). License key)). In the system S of the software manufacturer, the digest A3 ′ is obtained and compared with the digest A3 to confirm whether they are equal (step S104; step S304). Instead, the license key is encrypted and this is purchased by the software purchaser. It is also possible to check whether the two are equal by comparing with the encrypted license key notified from.

  Further, invalid certification information may be obtained using a computer identifier. In this case, instead of obtaining and displaying the digest A3 (step S101; step S202), the computer identifier A1 is obtained, and this is encrypted, for example, to obtain and display invalid certification information, and the software purchaser notifies the software manufacturer. The invalid certification information obtained is notified. In the system S of the software manufacturer, the digest A3 ′ is obtained and compared with the digest A3 to check whether they are equal (step S104; step S304). Instead, the invalid certification information is obtained using the computer identifier. This may be compared with the invalid certification information notified from the software purchaser to confirm whether they are equal.

  Further, a program for realizing the functions of each processing unit described above is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, and the program recorded on the recording medium is read into a computer system and executed, thereby executing the above-described various processes. You may go. The “computer system” here includes an OS and hardware such as peripheral devices. The “computer system” includes a WWW system having a homepage providing environment (or display environment). The “computer-readable recording medium” refers to a storage device such as a flexible medium, a magneto-optical disk, a portable medium such as a ROM and a CD-ROM, and a hard disk incorporated in a computer system. Further, the “computer-readable recording medium” refers to a volatile memory (RAM) in a computer system that becomes a server or a client when a program is transmitted via a network such as the Internet or a communication line such as a telephone line. In addition, those holding programs for a certain period of time are also included.

  The program may be transmitted from a computer system storing the program in a storage device or the like to another computer system via a transmission medium or by a transmission wave in the transmission medium. Here, the “transmission medium” for transmitting the program refers to a medium having a function of transmitting information, such as a network (communication network) such as the Internet or a communication line (communication line) such as a telephone line. The program may be for realizing a part of the functions described above. Furthermore, what can implement | achieve the function mentioned above in combination with the program already recorded on the computer system, and what is called a difference file (difference program) may be sufficient.

The figure for demonstrating the relationship of the apparatus with which the unauthorized copy prevention method in embodiment of this invention is performed. The figure which shows the reissue procedure of a license key. The flowchart which shows the operation | movement procedure of a license key reissue request process. The flowchart which shows the operation | movement procedure of a license key reissue process. The flowchart which shows the operation | movement procedure of an execution process at the time of software starting. It is a figure for demonstrating the issuing procedure of the conventional license key. The flowchart which shows the operation | movement procedure of the execution process at the time of the conventional software starting.

Explanation of symbols

A, B Computer S system 1A, 1B, 1S Processing unit 2A, 2B Display unit M Storage device

Claims (3)

In the unauthorized copy prevention method for preventing unauthorized copying of software,
Seeking invalidity certification information that proves that the license key has been invalidated by using a set license key or a computer identifier that uniquely identifies a computer to stop using the software;
Notify the requested invalid certification information,
Hiding and storing the set license key as an invalid license key,
An illegal copy prevention method characterized by that. In the unauthorized copy prevention method for preventing unauthorized copying of software,
Obtaining a computer identifier or license key associated with the purchased software serial number stored in the storage device from the purchased software serial number of the purchased software notified by the software purchaser;
Use the obtained license key or computer identifier to obtain invalid certification information,
Compare the invalid certification information notified from the software purchaser with the requested invalid certification information and reissue the license key if they are equal.
An illegal copy prevention method characterized by that. In the unauthorized copy prevention method for preventing unauthorized copying of software,
Find the license key set on the computer,
Ask for the invalid license key that is hidden and stored,
When the invalid license key exists and the obtained license key is compared with the obtained invalid license key and the two are equal, the operation of the software is terminated.
An illegal copy prevention method characterized by that.

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