JPH09134285A - Program execution device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent the wrong use of an application program by carrying out the execution control program stored in a ROM and then carrying out a function module only when an execution code is coincident with a cancel code. SOLUTION: The user code stored in a disk device 13 is compared with the user code stored in a ROM 11, and the same user code is stored in the device 13 and the ROM 11 respectively. Under such conditions, it is decided that both device 13 and the ROM 11 are coincident with each other. Then every function module included in an application program is carried out only when the coincidence of user codes is secured between the device 13 and the ROM 11 and also the term of validity of the code stored in the ROM 11 is not expired yet. Therefore, only a computer that has the ROM 11 storing an execution control program can carry out the function modules even when the application program stored in the device 13 is illegally duplicated.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a program execution device. In particular, it relates to a program execution device that prevents unauthorized use of a program.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art An electronic information processing apparatus such as a personal computer normally performs information processing by causing a CPU (central processing unit) to execute an application program stored in an external storage medium.

In order to prevent this application program from being used freely by others, in a conventional personal computer, a ROM (Read Only Memory) or the like storing predetermined identification information is optionally used as a printer board inside the apparatus. Or attach it to the serial port,
In some cases, the application program cannot be executed unless the identification information stored in the ROM is decrypted.

[0004]

However, the above-mentioned prevention of execution of the application program is effective only for a personal computer equipped with a ROM storing identification information.

On the other hand, an application program stored in an external storage medium is often easy to copy and can be executed by a plurality of types of personal computers.

Therefore, there is a problem that it is easy to illegally use the so-called application program such that another person duplicates the application program and executes it on a personal computer not equipped with a ROM storing identification information.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and it is a technical object of the present invention to provide a program execution device capable of preventing unauthorized use of an application program.

[0008]

The present invention is a program execution device, which is configured as follows in order to solve the above-mentioned technical problems.

That is, the program execution device of the first invention stores an application program including a functional module which needs to be released from the execution prohibition at the time of execution, and a first execution code for releasing the execution prohibition of the functional module. And a release code corresponding to the execution code, and an execution control program for releasing the execution prohibition of the functional module when the execution code and the release code are compared with each other and the two match. A second storage medium and a program execution unit that executes the execution control program stored in the second storage medium and executes the functional module only when the execution code matches the release code. Provision (corresponding to claim 1).

The constituent elements of the first invention will be individually described below. (First Storage Medium) The first storage medium stores a so-called application program. For example,
Auxiliary storage such as a floppy disk, hard disk or MO (magneto-optical disk) is used.

The application program stored in the first storage medium includes a functional module that needs to be released from execution prohibition. This functional module includes
For example, those for realizing optional functions of application programs are included. Therefore, any number of function modules may be provided depending on the number of optional functions.

(Second Storage Medium) The second storage medium stores information for controlling the execution of the functional modules stored in the first storage medium. The information for this execution control may include, for example, a cancellation code for canceling the prohibition of execution of the functional module.

Further, the second storage medium stores an execution control program for canceling the prohibition of execution of the functional module when the execution code and the cancellation code are compared and coincide with each other. This execution control program is created, for example, in the case where a plurality of function modules are stored in the second storage medium, so that the execution prohibition of all the function modules is released when the execution code and the release code match. However, it is also possible to create so that the execution prohibition is released only for a specific function module selected in advance from a plurality of function modules.

The second storage medium is preferably a ROM in order to prevent subsequent rewriting, but may be a RAM (Random Access Memory). When using the RAM, it is difficult to illegally change the release code or the execution control program.
It is desirable to store the release code in an area where access from outside is prohibited (corresponding to claim 2).

A user-specific code is preferably used as the cancellation code (corresponding to claim 3). In this case, the absolute number of codes is reduced as compared with the case where a code is provided for each device, which is preferable in managing users, that is, customers.

(Program Execution Unit) The program execution unit executes the execution control program stored in the second storage medium. For example, a CPU is used.

(Additional Constituent Elements of the Present Invention) The program execution device of the present invention is realized by including the essential constituent elements described above, but in the case where the following constituent elements are added. Also holds.

That is, the program execution device of the present invention further comprises a clock for controlling the operation timing of the program execution unit, and the second storage medium stores the expiration date of the plurality of functional modules. The execution control program stores the date and time measured by the clock and the expiration date and time when the function modules are executed, and the date and time measured by the clock is used by the execution control program. The execution prohibition of the functional module may be released only when the expiration date is not exceeded (corresponding to claim 4).

By adopting the above-mentioned configuration, the program execution device can manage the function modules of the application program by setting the expiration date. According to the program execution device described above, for example, when an execution command of a functional module included in the application program stored in the first storage medium is input, the execution control program stored in the second storage medium executes the program. Executed by the department.

That is, the execution code stored in the first storage medium is compared with the release code stored in the second storage medium, and the functional module is executed when the execution code and the release code match. The ban is lifted. This realizes the function by executing the function module.

In this case, if the release code is stored in the external access prohibited area in the second storage medium, it becomes difficult to illegally delete the release code. In addition, when the release code is a code unique to the user, the absolute number of codes is smaller than when the release code is a device-specific code.

Further, when the second storage medium has a clock for controlling the operation timing of the program execution section and the expiration dates of a plurality of functional modules are stored, the operation is as follows.

That is, when the application program stored in the first storage medium is executed, the execution control program further compares the date measured by the clock with the expiration date, and the date measured by the clock. The execution prohibition of the function module is released only when the date does not exceed the expiration date.

A program execution device according to a second aspect of the present invention includes a first storage medium in which a release code is stored, an execution code corresponding to the release code, a functional module which requires release of execution prohibition at the time of execution, and A second storage medium in which an application program including an execution control module that cancels execution prohibition of the functional module is stored when the execution code and the cancellation code are compared with each other, and the second storage medium And a program execution unit that executes the function module only when the execution code stored in the execution control module is executed and the execution code and the release code match each other (corresponding to claim 5).

The components of the second invention will be individually described below. (First Storage Medium) The first storage medium stores information for controlling the execution of the functional modules stored in the second storage medium. The information for this execution control may include, for example, a cancellation code for canceling execution prohibition of the functional module.

The first storage medium is preferably a ROM, for example, in order to prevent subsequent rewriting, but may be a RAM. When using the RAM, it is difficult to change the unlock code illegally.
It is desirable to store the release code in the area where access from outside is prohibited.

Further, it is preferable to use a code peculiar to the user as the release code. In this case, the absolute number of codes is reduced as compared with the case where a code is provided for each device, which is preferable in managing users, that is, customers.

(Second Storage Medium) The second storage medium stores a so-called application program. For example, auxiliary storage such as a floppy disk, hard disk or MO is used.

The application program stored in the second storage medium includes a functional module that needs to be released from prohibition of execution. Similar to the first invention, the number of the functional modules is not limited. In the second invention,
This functional module has an execution code corresponding to the release code. This execution code may be the same as the cancellation code. This execution code may be provided for each functional module in order to control the execution propriety of each functional module.

Further, the application program includes
An execution control module is included which cancels the execution prohibition of the functional module when the execution code and the cancellation code are compared and coincide with each other.

(Program Execution Unit) The program execution unit executes the execution control module stored in the second storage medium. For example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) is used.

The second invention is realized even when the following components are added. That is, the program execution device according to the second aspect of the present invention further includes a clock for controlling the operation timing of the program execution unit,
The storage medium stores the expiration date of the plurality of functional modules, and the execution control module measures the date measured by the clock and the expiration date when executing each of the functional modules. Contrasting with the date, the execution prohibition of the functional module is released only when the date measured by the clock does not exceed the expiration date.

According to the program execution device described above, for example, when an execution command of a functional module included in an application program stored in the second storage medium is input, the execution control module stored in the second storage medium. Is executed by the program execution unit.

That is, the execution code possessed by each functional module that requires the release of the execution prohibition at the time of execution is compared with the release code of the program execution prohibition stored in the first storage medium, and the execution code and the release code are compared. When and match, execution prohibition of the function module is released. As a result, the function is realized by executing the function module. In this case, if the release code is stored in the external access prohibited area in the first storage medium, it becomes difficult to illegally delete the release code.

When the release code is a user-specific code, the absolute number of codes is smaller than when the release code is a device-specific code. Further, when the first storage medium has a clock for controlling the operation timing of the program execution section and the expiration dates of the plurality of functional modules are stored, the operation is as follows.

That is, when the application program is executed, the execution control module compares the date measured by the clock with the expiration date when the function modules are executed, and the date measured by the clock is used. The execution prohibition of the functional module is released only when the expiration date is not exceeded.

[0037]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Preferred embodiments of the program execution apparatus of the present invention will be described below. <First Embodiment> FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a program execution device according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and the program execution device is designated by reference numeral 10.

This program execution device 10 includes a disk device auxiliary storage 13 which is a first storage medium, a ROM 11 which is a second storage medium, and a CP which is a program execution unit.
U12 and the main memory 14 into which the application program 20 stored in the disk device 13 is loaded
And a timer 15 which is a clock for measuring the date. Further, a keyboard 18 which is an input device and a CRT (Cathode-Ray Tube) 19 which is an output device are connected.

<Disk Device> Next, referring to FIG.
The disk device 13 in the embodiment will be described. The disk device 13 stores an application program 20 including a plurality of functional modules 22. The application program 20 is loaded into the main memory 14 as needed and executed by the CPU 12. Each functional module 22 is a group of programs for realizing an optional function, and needs to release the prohibition of execution at the time of execution.

Here, the application program 2
0 is provided with five optional functions, and the functional modules 22a to 22a to realize each optional function.
22e is stored in the execution prohibited state.

The disk device 13 also stores a user-specific code (user code) as an execution code. This user code is OS (Operating System)
Is stored in a special area that is not managed by, and cannot be re-input or changed from the keyboard 18.

For the disk device 13, for example, a floppy disk, hard disk, MO (magneto-optical disk) or CD-ROM (read-only memory using a compact disk) is used.

<ROM> Next, the ROM 11 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. A user code is stored in the ROM 11 as a release code corresponding to the execution code stored in the disk device 13 as in the disk device 13.

The ROM 11 also includes a disk device 13
The date of expiration of the function module 22 stored in is stored. Here, the function modules 22a-2
A collective expiration date is set for 2c.

Further, in the ROM 11, the disk device 1
The user code stored in 3 and the user code stored in the ROM 11 are compared, and the date measured by the timer 15 is detected and compared with the expiration date of the function module 22 stored in the ROM 11. An execution control program 21 for determining whether or not the function module 22 can be executed is stored. This execution control program 21
If the user codes match and the function module is within the expiration date, the function modules 22a to 2a
It is programmed to remove the execution prohibition of all or some of 2e.

A RAM may be used as the second storage medium instead of the ROM 11. In that case, the user code, the expiration date, and the execution control program are stored in the external access prohibited area. Is desirable.

<Operation Example> An operation example of the program execution device described above will be described with reference to FIG. For example, it is assumed that an execution command of the function module 22 for realizing the optional function stored in the disk device 13 is input from the keyboard 18 <step S1>.

Then, the execution control program 21 stored in the ROM 11 is read into the main memory 14 and the CPU
It is performed by 12 <step S2>. By executing the execution control program 21, the following processing is performed.

First, the user code stored in the disk device 13 is compared with the user code stored in the ROM 11 <step S3>, and it is determined whether or not they match each other <step S4>. Disk device 13 and ROM
If the same user code is stored in each of 11 and 11, it is determined that both match. Then, the process proceeds to step S5. On the other hand, if the user codes of the two do not match, the process proceeds to step S7, and the error display is issued from the CRT 19 in step S7.

In step S5, the current date measured by the timer 15 is acquired. When the current date is acquired, the current date is then compared with the expiration date 11b stored in the ROM 11 <Step S
6>, it is determined whether or not the current date exceeds the expiration date 11b <step S8>.

If it is determined that the current date exceeds the expiration date 11b, the process proceeds to step S7 and an error display is output from the CRT 19. On the other hand, the expiration date of the function module 22 is 11b.
If it is determined that the value does not exceed, the process proceeds to step S9.

In step S9, the execution prohibition of the functional module 22 included in the application program 20 is released. This cancellation is performed for all of the functional modules 22a to 22e stored in the disk device 13 or for a specific functional module 22 defined in advance by the execution control program.

Then, any of the functional modules 22a to 22e is loaded into the main memory 14 and executed by the CPU 12. As a result, the functional modules 22a-
22c realizes an optional function.

According to the above-described program execution device, each of the functional modules 22a to 22e included in the application program 20 has the same user code between the ROM 11 and the disk device 13 and has the expiration date stored in the ROM 11. Will be executed if is not passed. Therefore, even if the application program 20 stored in the disk device 13 is illegally copied, the RO that stores the execution control program 21
Only the computer having M11 can execute the function module 22.

If the execution control program 21 stored in the ROM 11 is not programmed to release the prohibition of execution of all the function modules 22 included in the application program 20, the function modules stored in the disk device 13 will be described. Not all of 22a-22e can be executed. As a result, unauthorized use of each optional function realized by execution of the function modules 22a to 22e is prevented in a computer other than the computer of the user who has the right to use.

The function module 22 stored in the disk device 13 is released from execution prohibition by the execution control program 21 stored in the ROM 11. Therefore,
It is also possible to program the contents of the execution control program 21 so that the execution prohibition is released only for the functional module 22 which the user intends to use.

Therefore, the application program 20
Even if the disk device 13 is shipped in which all the function modules 22 are included, the available function modules 22 are different for each user. That is, only one type of application program is required.

As a result, it is possible to omit the labor of adding the function module 22 for realizing the required optional function in response to the user's request, unlike the conventional case.
The burden on the creator of the application program 20 is reduced.

Further, since the prohibition of execution is released only when each function module 22 does not exceed the expiration date, even if the user codes match, if the expiration date has passed, the function module 22 It becomes impossible to release the execution prohibition of. As a result, when the disk device 13 storing the application program 20 is lent for evaluation or licensed with a time limit,
Even if the application program 20 is illegally copied, it is possible to prevent the functional module 22 from being executed after the disk device 13 is returned or after the expiration of the license.

Further, since the user code is used as the release code, the code is unique to each device as in the conventional case, but when the corporation is the user and a plurality of program execution devices are used. In addition, one user code is sufficient, which has the effect of facilitating customer management.

<Second Embodiment> A second embodiment of the program execution apparatus of the present invention will be described below.
The program execution device according to the second embodiment is the first
The configuration is almost the same as that of the program execution device in the above embodiment, and has the configuration shown in FIG. 1 in terms of hardware.

That is, the program execution device in the second embodiment is the ROM 11 which is the first storage medium.
A CPU 12 as a program execution unit, a disk device auxiliary storage 13 as a second storage medium, a main memory 14 from which an application program 20 stored in the disk device 13 is read, and a clock for measuring the date. It is composed of a certain timer 15. Further, a keyboard 18 as an input device and a CRT 19 as an output device
And are connected.

<ROM> Next, the ROM 11 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The ROM 11 is formed with an information storage table 17 that stores a plurality of user codes, which are release codes corresponding to the function modules 22 that realize the optional functions of the application program 20. In this information storage table 17, the names of the function modules 22 are stored in correspondence with the user codes. In addition, the date of expiration of each function module 22 is stored. A RAM may be used as the first storage medium instead of the ROM 11.

<Disk device> Next, referring to FIG.
The disk device 13 in the embodiment will be described. An application program 20 including a plurality of functional modules 22 is stored in the disk device 13. The application program 20 is loaded into the main memory 14 as needed and executed by the CPU 12. Each function module 22 is a group of programs for realizing an optional function, and it is necessary to release the execution prohibition at the time of execution.

Here, the application program 20
Are provided with five optional functions, and function modules 22a to 2 are provided to realize each optional function.
2e is stored. Each functional module 22a-22
e is in the execution prohibited state and has a user code, which is an execution code (not shown). The user code is stored in a special area that is not managed by the OS (Operating System) and cannot be re-input or changed from the keyboard 18. The disk device 13 also includes an execution control module 21 that determines whether or not each of the functional modules 22a to 22e can be executed.

For the disk device 13, for example, a floppy disk, hard disk, MO (magneto-optical disk) or CD-ROM (read-only memory using a compact disk) is used.

An example of the operation of the program execution device described above will be described with reference to FIG. For example, it is assumed that an execution command of the function module 22 for realizing the optional function stored in the disk device 13 is input from the keyboard 18 <step S1>.

Then, the execution control module 21 stored in the disk device 13 is loaded into the main memory 14 and executed by the CPU 12 <step S2>. As a result, the following processing is performed.

First, the user codes in the functional modules 22a to 22e are compared with the user codes stored in the ROM 11 <step S3>, and it is determined whether or not they match each other <step S4>. This judgment is made for each functional module 22. Here, if the user code of any of the function modules 22a to 22e matches the user code stored in the ROM 11, the process proceeds to step S5, and the current date measured by the timer 15 is acquired. It

On the other hand, the functional modules 22a-2
If all the user codes of 2e do not match the user codes stored in the ROM 11, the process proceeds to step S
7, the error display is CR in step S7.
Issued from T19.

Next, the current date acquired in step S5 is compared with the expiration date of the function modules 22a to 22c <step S6>.
This comparison is also performed for each functional module 22.
As a result, it is determined whether or not the current date exceeds the expiration date of the function module 22 <step S8>. When it is determined that none of the functional modules 22a to 22c has exceeded the expiration date, the prohibition of execution of the functional modules 22a to 22c whose expiration date has not expired is released <step S9>. Then, any of the functional modules 22a to 22c is executed as needed, and the optional function is realized by executing the functional modules 22a to 22c.

Any of the functional modules 22a ...
Even when 22c has exceeded the expiration date, step S9
The process proceeds to step S8, and the prohibition of execution is released only for the functional module 22 whose expiration date has not expired.

On the other hand, the functional modules 22a-2
If it is determined that all the usage limits of 2c have expired, the process proceeds to step S7, and an error display is output from the CRT 19 in step S7.

The effects of the program execution device according to the second embodiment described above have the following effects, which are substantially the same as the effects according to the first embodiment. That is, in each of the function modules 22a to 22e included in the application program 20, the user code between the ROM 11 and the disk device 13 is the same, and R
It is executed when the expiration date stored in the OM 11 has not expired.

Therefore, even if the application program 20 stored in the disk device 13 is illegally copied, the ROM 1 in which the user codes in the functional modules 22a to 22e are stored in the information storage table 17
If it is not a computer having 1, the functional module 22
Not all of a-22e can be performed.

That is, in the computer other than the computer of the user who has the right to use the license, the unauthorized use of each optional function realized by executing the function modules 22a to 22e is prevented.

Further, the module stored in the disk device 13 is released from the execution prohibition by the user code stored in the ROM 11. Therefore, as long as the user code corresponding to the functional module 22 required for each user is described in advance in the information storage table 17 of the ROM 11 of the computer, the disk device 13 storing the application program 20 is shipped. In the above, even if the application program 20 is shipped with all the function modules 22 included as optional functions, the available function modules 22 are different for each user.

As a result, it is possible to omit the labor of adding the function module 22 for realizing the required optional function according to the user's request, which is required in the conventional case.
The burden on the creator of the application program 20 is reduced.

[0079]

As described above, according to the program execution device of the present invention, it is possible to prevent the unauthorized use of the application program stored in the storage medium.

Further, if the release code is stored in the external access prohibited area in the storage medium, it is possible to make it difficult to illegally change, add, or delete the release code.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a program execution device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of auxiliary storage of the disk device of FIG.

3 is an explanatory diagram of the ROM of FIG.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the program execution device of FIG.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing a ROM constituting a program execution device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a disk device auxiliary storage that constitutes a program execution device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the operation of the program execution device according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 10 Program Execution Device 11 ROM 12 CPU 13 Disk Device 15 Timer 17 Information Storage Table 18 Keyboard 19 CRT 20 Application Program 21 Execution Control Program (Execution Control Module) 22 Functional Module

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. An application program including a functional module that requires release of execution prohibition at the time of execution, a first storage medium storing an execution code for releasing execution prohibition of the functional module, and the execution code. A second storage medium storing a corresponding release code, and an execution control program for releasing the execution prohibition of the functional module when the execution code and the release code are compared and the two coincide with each other; And a program execution unit that executes the functional module only when the execution code and the release code match each other by executing the execution control program stored in the second storage medium. . 2. The program execution device according to claim 1, wherein the release code is stored in an external access prohibited area of the second storage medium. 3. The program execution device according to claim 1, wherein the cancellation code is a code unique to a user. 4. A clock for controlling the operation timing of the program execution unit is further provided, and the expiration date of the functional module is stored in the second storage medium. When the program execution unit executes the functional module, the date measured by the clock is compared with the expiration date, and the date measured by the clock indicates the expiration date. 4. The program execution device according to claim 1, wherein the prohibition of execution of the functional module is released only when the number of times is not exceeded. 5. A first storage medium storing a release code, a functional module having an execution code corresponding to the release code and requiring release of execution prohibition at the time of execution, and the execution code and the release. A second storage medium in which an application program including an execution control module that cancels execution prohibition of the functional module is stored when the codes are compared with each other, and the execution stored in the second storage medium A program execution device comprising: a program execution unit that executes a control module and executes the functional module only when the execution code and the cancellation code match.