JPS6136842A - Foul use preventing system using software copy - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To allow only a proper user to carry out copying actions in any optional frequency through an optional copying machine, by permitting the execution of a software program only when coincidence is obtained between the identification number of a magnetic card and that of said program. CONSTITUTION:A visible unique identification number V-ID is added to a memory medium 1. While a card 2 stores a magnetized invisible identification number inV-ID. A program of software 1 is divided into an introduction part and a basic part. This program is loaded to a computer 11 and an indication of execution is given. Thus the V-ID of the program is displayed and the execution of the introduction part is possible. When the functions belonging to the basic part are executed, the card 2 is read. Then the inV-ID is compared with the V-ID, and the basic part can be executed only when coincidence is obtained between both identification numbers.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Technical Field of the Invention] The present invention relates to a method for preventing unauthorized use of cine by software copying.

[Technical background of the invention and its problems]

Since computer software can be easily duplicated by copying, it is often used illegally without paying fair compensation.

As measures to prevent this, the methods listed below can be considered, and some of them are actually used.

(1) Make it impossible to physically copy.

(2) Allow copying only a limited number of times.

(3) K allows execution only when the software number and computer number (manufacturing serial number, etc.) match.
do.

(4) Assign a PIN number to the software that only the user knows.

When software is distributed in this manner, the following drawbacks occur.

First, when using a computer, it is often the case that the contents of a file are destroyed due to carelessness, or the storage medium (70 disk, etc.) is physically damaged and becomes unreadable. Therefore, it is customary to make a copy and save it in advance.

In the above-mentioned method (1) or (2), this legitimate copying action is not allowed (or is restricted), which places a heavy burden on the user. Next, method (3) mentioned above is inconvenient for users because it is limited to use on a specific machine. Furthermore, method 1(4) requires the premise that the user is a person of good faith. In other words, if copies are passed along with the PIN number, there is no way to prevent it.

On the other hand, as the use of fixed disks becomes more widespread, and saving and restoring files becomes a routine task, methods that limit the number of copies can be expected to have a fatal drawback. The emergence of a method for this has been awaited.

[Purpose of the invention]

The present invention was developed based on the above-mentioned circumstances, and its purpose is to provide a method for preventing unauthorized use of software by copying software, which contributes to the fair development of the software industry by utilizing cards.

[Summary of the invention]

(1) Users can freely copy as many times as they like.

(2) Any authorized user can use it on any machine.

(3) Unauthorized users can be completely identified.

The three conditions described above were conventionally considered difficult to satisfy in order to prevent unauthorized software use. The present invention realizes this by utilizing cards. That is, an identification number is stored on the card, for example, a magnetic card, and the contents read by a magnetic card reader attached to a computer are compared with the unique identification number held by the software program, and only when they match. The structure was designed to allow execution of the program.

This makes it impossible for Nagisa, who does not have the card, to use it fraudulently, and the three conditions mentioned above are compatible. By adopting the method of the present invention, it is possible to contribute to the fair development of the software industry.

[Embodiments of the invention]

FIG. 1 shows the form of software according to the present invention. In the figure, 1 is a storage medium (floppy disk) containing a program, and 2 is a card (magnetic card, etc.) given to an authorized user. The storage medium 1 is provided with a unique and visible occupational number (or symbol). An invisible recited number (or symbol) is magnetized and stored on the card 2.

Distribution software is usually sold in these sets.

FIG. 2 shows the usage environment of a computer owned by a user, and numeral 11 indicates a computer and numeral 12 indicates an attached magnetic card reading device.

FIG. 3 shows a flow diagram of the operation of the present invention.

Hereinafter, the operation of the embodiment of the present invention will be explained in detail with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

It is assumed that the software program is divided into an introductory part (4) and a basic part (K).

First, when a program is loaded into a computer and an instruction is given to execute it, the program's visible identification number (or symbol) (hereinafter referred to as V-ID) is displayed and the introduction section Q can be executed. When attempting to perform a function belonging to base part (B) (only when such a request is made for the first time),
A request is made to read the card from the magnetic card 2. Visible identification number (or symbol) read from card 2
(hereinafter referred to as 1nV-ID) and the V-ID of the program, and only when it is judged to be significant, the basic part 0
3) can be executed continuously.

By the way, when a plurality of distribution package software programs are executed alternately to save data, it is troublesome to have the computer read the IK of the magnetic card 2 each time. Therefore, one of the basic functions of the operating system (O8) is to first enter the V-ID and 1nV of the software you want to use.
- ID can be registered together so that there is no need to read the magnetic card 2 again within that section.

Since the above-described structure is adopted, the basic part (3) cannot be executed even if there is only a copy, so there is no need to limit the number of copies. Furthermore, as long as you have a card with the correct PIN number recorded on it (magnetic card reading device), you can use any machine, and it is impossible for anyone who does not have the card to use it fraudulently. If a person without a card obtains only a copy, he or she will be allowed to run only the introduction. Therefore, the introduction section Ka can include services for such users. For example, the following services may be considered.

(1) Check whether your system has a sufficient environment to use this program. This allows you to check before purchasing.

(2) Send messages promoting the good points of the program.

(3) Display how to apply for purchasing the program.

(4) Perform a demonstration display using an execution simulation screen.

In addition, the ease of copying can be used to link copying by users to increased sales of software.

〔Effect of the invention〕

As described above, the present invention provides the following effects.

(1) Users can freely copy as many times as they like.

(2) A legitimate user can use any machine.

(3) Unauthorized users can be completely excluded.

(4) Copyers will be encouraged to volunteer and become legitimate users, which will lead to increased sales of the software.

By realizing these things, we can contribute to the fair development of the software industry.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the form of software according to the present invention, FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the usage environment of a computer owned by a user,
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the overall flow. DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1... Storage medium, 2... Card, 1... Computer, 12... Magnetic card reader.

Claims (1)

[Claims] a computer and an attached card reader;
Software with a unique visible identification number;
an attached card on which a non-visible identification number is recorded, the computer compares the visible identification number with the non-visible identification number read by the card reader, and determines the A system for preventing unauthorized use by software copying, which is characterized in that execution of the basic part of the program is permitted only when the following conditions occur.