KR20010081163A - Illegitimate duplication preventing method, data processing apparatus and medical imaging apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: An illegal copy preventing method, a data processing device and a medical imaging device are provided to prevent an illegal copy without recording complicate information, not reducing efficiency owing to a certain processing procedure interpreting the information into a machine language, and increasing the cost owing to a hardware. CONSTITUTION: When an operator starts to install a program(300), the operator receives a request for generating a license through a display part. The operator executes the license generation program provided through a floppy disk. The license generation program generates the specific user license information as a real time decoding module, stores the generated module in a preset address and performs self-destruction. After completing the license information generation, the program executes an installation. The program possesses a blank part(302) after the installation and thus the program is incomplete. In case that the program is read for an illegal copy, the copied program can't be operated on other devices.

Description

ILLEGITIMATE DUPLICATION PREVENTING METHOD, DATA PROCESSING APPARATUS AND MEDICAL IMAGING APPARATUS}

The present invention relates to an anti-piracy method, a data processing apparatus and a medical imaging apparatus, and more particularly, to a program anti-piracy method, a data processing apparatus having a program anti-piracy means and a medical imaging apparatus.

The data processing device program is protected by measures to prevent piracy. One such technique is to create a program that can be executed by recording certain information in the program, such as a product ID (identification) code, while the user installs the program on the data processing device. Another technique involves storing certain information entered by the user in a data processing device to justify the user using a program that checks the information when the program is executed.

Other techniques include a method in which a flexible magnetic disk having important information stored therein is distributed with a program so that the program is always used with the flexible magnetic disk so that only a legitimate user can use the program, Specific hardware is distributed with a program such that the program is configured to execute only when the hardware is integrated with the data processing apparatus.

In these conventional techniques, the method of causing certain information to be recorded in a program changes the program in part, so that the program can be tampered with due to mistakes in recording the information, and furthermore, this program prevents duplication after recording the information. It does not have a function.

The way in which the program itself inspects specific information recorded in the data processing device requires the user to record complex information, which is cumbersome, and the translation of this information into machine language requires special processing procedures to reduce the efficiency. Let's do it.

On the other hand, the method of using flexible magnetic disks at the same time has the problem that the information medium is not reliable, and the method of using hardware at the same time increases costs and is more expensive than handling them while being distributed compared to programs that can be distributed online over the network. Restricted Moreover, if the medium or hardware is lost, the program can no longer be used.

Further objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an anti-piracy method which reliably prevents illegal copying of a program with a simple technique, and a data processing apparatus and medical imaging apparatus having such an anti-piracy means.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of generating license information using information in the form of a real-time reading module using a generation program that is self-destructive after execution in a data processing device, and is installed in a data processing device without license information. Without the license information, an illegal copy prevention method is provided which has a step of executing an incomplete program with license information read during execution.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, license information generating means for generating license information using real-time reading module type information using a generated program that is self-destructive after execution, and is installed without license information and is executing an incomplete program without license information. A data processing apparatus is provided that includes program execution means for executing with read license information.

According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a medical imaging device comprising medical image acquisition means for obtaining a subject image, image processing means for processing an image, and display means for displaying the processed image, the image The processing means includes license information generation means for generating license information using real-time reading module type information using a generated program that is destroyed after execution, and license information read while executing incomplete programs installed without license information without license information. Program execution means for executing is provided.

According to the anti-piracy method, data processing apparatus and medical imaging apparatus of the first inherent third aspects of the present invention, the program itself reads license information during program execution and operates as a complete program. The installed program does not operate properly when copied because of lack of license information. Since the license information is generated by the self destruction program, it cannot be generated more than once.

Accordingly, the present invention provides a method for preventing illegal copying by using a simple technique to prevent program illegal copying, and a data processing device and medical imaging device having such illegal copying prevention means.

1 is a block diagram of an apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;

2 is a block diagram of an image processing unit of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1;

3 conceptually illustrates a program of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1;

4 is a flowchart of a procedure of installing a program shown in FIG. 3;

5 is an operation flowchart of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1;

6 is a block diagram of an image display by the apparatus shown in FIG.

Explanation of symbols for the main parts of the drawings

6: image calculator 8: image processor

10: display unit 12: external input unit

14 control unit 16 operation unit

802: CPU 806: main memory

808: external memory 810, 812, 814, 816: interface

The invention will be described in more detail with reference to the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. 1 shows a block diagram of a medical imaging device that is an embodiment of the invention. The configuration for this device represents an embodiment of the device according to the invention and the operation for this device represents an embodiment of the method according to the invention.

As shown in Fig. 1, the apparatus has a signal acquisition section 2 which obtains a signal from the test subject 4 in order to calculate a medical image. The signal acquisition unit 2 may be used in various forms depending on the type of medical imaging device.

For example, the X-ray CT apparatus uses a pedestal with an X-ray radiation / detection system to scan the subject 4. The MRI apparatus uses a magnetic system that acquires a signal from the test subject 4 by using magnetic resonance. The ultrasonic imaging apparatus uses an ultrasonic probe which transmits ultrasonic waves to the test subject 4 and receives the echoes. In any case, this existing signal acquisition unit 2 can be used. In other medical imaging devices, their respective conventional signal acquisition units 2 may be used depending on the device type.

The signal acquisition unit 2 is connected to the image calculation unit 6, and inputs a signal obtained from the test subject 4 to the image calculation unit 6. The image calculating section 6 calculates an image based on the signal input from the signal obtaining section 2. The signal acquisition unit 2 and the image calculation means 6 together represent an embodiment of the medical image acquisition means according to the invention.

The image calculator 6 may also be used in various forms depending on the type of medical imaging device. For example, an X-ray CT apparatus uses an apparatus (for example, a computer) for reconstructing an X-ray tomography image by projecting the projection data viewed from a plurality of sides of the subject 4 into the background. MRI devices employ devices (eg, computers) that reconstruct an image by inverse Fourier transforming the magnetic coplanar signal. The ultrasonic imaging apparatus uses a device for generating a B-mode image or the like based on ultrasonic echo intensity. In some cases, this existing image calculator 6 can be used. In other medical imaging devices, their respective conventional image calculations 6 can be used depending on the type of device.

The image calculating section 6 is connected to the image processing section 8 to calculate an image suitable for processing and displaying the image calculated by the image calculating section 8. The image processing section 8 represents an embodiment of the image processing means according to the invention. The image processing section 8 is composed of, for example, a computer. The configuration of the image processing section 8 will be described later.

The image processing section 8 is connected to the display section 10 which displays image output from the image processing section 8 and other information. The image display unit 10 shows an embodiment of display means according to the invention. The image display unit 10 is composed of, for example, a graphic display.

The image processing section 8 is also connected to an external input section 12 for inputting a program, data or the like into the image processing section 8. The external input unit 12 may be an optical disk reproducing apparatus, i.e., a suitable device in the form of input information media such as a CD-ROM (compact disk ROM) drive, an MO (magnetic optical) disk drive, and an FDD (floppy disk drive). . In addition, when the input information is distributed through a network such as the Internet, the corresponding communication device is used as the external input unit 12.

The signal acquisition unit 2, the image calculation unit 6, the image processing unit 8, the display unit 10, and the external input unit 12 are connected to the control unit 14, respectively. The control unit 14 is configured of, for example, a computer. The control unit 14 supplies control signals to the above-mentioned parts to control their operation. Similarly, the control unit 14 receives status information signals and the like from these parts.

The control unit 14 is connected to an operating unit 16 that allows an operator to input various commands and information. The operating unit 16 consists of an operating panel having a designation tool such as a keyboard, for example a mouse and other operating devices. The portion consisting of the image processing unit 8, the display unit 10, the control unit 14 and the operating unit 16 represents an embodiment of a data processing apparatus according to the present invention. While the data processing apparatus is described with reference to an example in which it is a data processing apparatus for a medical imaging apparatus, the data processing apparatus may be a general-purpose data processing apparatus such as, but not limited to, a personal computer or an engineer workstation.

2 shows a block diagram of the image processing section 8. As shown, the image processing section 8 has a CPU (central processing unit) 802. The CPU 802 is connected to the main memory 806, the external memory 808, and the interfaces 810, 812, 814, 816 via the bus 804. CPU 802, main memory 806 and external memory 808 together represent one embodiment of the license information generating means according to the present invention. They also represent one embodiment of the program execution means of the present invention.

The main memory 806 is constituted of, for example, random access memory (RAM). The external memory 808 is composed of, for example, an HDD (hard disk drive). The interfaces 810, 812, 814, 816 are for using the control unit 14, the display unit 10, the image calculator 6, and the external input unit 12, respectively.

The external memory 808 stores an image processing program and various other programs executed by the CPU 802. These programs are installed from the external input unit 12 via the interface 816. The external memory 808 stores image data input from the image calculator 6 via the interface 814. Moreover, the external memory 808 stores data (condition data) defining conditions for applying various kinds of processing to image data. The condition data may be specified and changed from the operation unit 16 through the control unit 14 and the interface 810. The image stored in the external memory 808 may be provided to the display unit 10 through the interface 812 and displayed as a visual image.

Among the programs installed in the external memory 808, a program diagram to which illegal copy protection measures are applied is conceptually shown in FIG. As shown in Fig. 3A, the program 300 is installed to have a blank portion 302 which is partially lacking information. Since the program 300 is incomplete because of the blank portion 302, it operates properly only when the license information 304 is filled in this portion as shown in Fig. 3B.

The license information 304 used may be specific user information, such as the machine serial number of the device. Specific user information is not limited to machine serial numbers but may be device address of a network such as Ethernet, i.e., some information unique to the user. License information 304 represents one embodiment of license information in accordance with the present invention.

The license information 304 is stored in the external memory 808 separately from the program 300 in the form of a real-time reading module of the CPU 802 OS (operating system). Real-time reading modules are known as shared libraries or dynamic link libraries and are usually separated from the program body but incorporated into the program body by reading it during program execution for use, and are separated at the end of the program.

The license information 304 is generated by the dedicated generation program. The generating program destroys itself, that is, destroys itself only after it has been executed once. Moreover, the generating program itself is destroyed when copied or read for the same reason. The generated program is attached to the program 300 and distributed.

When the program 300 is distributed using a medium such as a CD-ROM or an MO, the generated program is distributed separately using, for example, a flexible magnetic disk (FD). When the program 300 is distributed online via a network, the generated program may be distributed separately online. Since the license information 304 is small enough as a module and thus the generating program is small, the generating program is easily distributed via FD or E-mail.

The device operation will now be described. The device operation proceeds under the control of the control unit 14 based on the command provided by the operator via the operation unit 16. 4 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the apparatus when installing a program.

When the operator starts installing the program 300, the operator is requested via the display unit 10 to generate license information in step 502. The operator then executes the generation program provided via FD, for example, in step 504. The generation program generates specific user license information 304 in the form of a real-time reading module and stores it at a predefined address. Since the license information is automatically generated by the generating program, the operator does not need to manually input complicated code information unlike the usual procedure. The generation program is self-destructive after generating the license information 304.

Thereafter, it is determined at step 506 whether the license information 304 is complete. If completed, the program 300 is installed in step 508. After installation, the program 300 has a blank as shown in FIG. 3 (a) and is incomplete by itself. Thus, when the program 300 is read from the memory for copying, the copied program does not operate properly for other devices. That is, illegal copying of the program 300 can be prevented.

When the program 300 is executed in the apparatus after installation, the program 300 reads the license information 304 in execution by the real time reading module. This allows the program 300 to operate the blank section 302 as a complete program filled with the license information 304, so that the program can perform the proper operation.

Since the license information 304 is a real time read module, the real time read module management function generally provided to the OS can be fully utilized when the program 300 uses the information. Thus, since the program 300 does not need to incorporate special procedures to use the license information 304, there is no increase in processing time associated with using the license information 304.

In addition, since no part of the program 300 is rewritten by the user, unstable operation is avoided. Moreover, since the program 300 can be easily stored on the backup medium, the program 300 is easily restored even if a failure occurs. It will be readily appreciated that the program 300 stored on the backup medium is invalid on devices other than the present device.

Even after the program 300 is installed on the apparatus, even if the same attempt is made to install the program 300 on a similar apparatus other than the apparatus, it is impossible to generate the license information because the license information generating program is self-destructive. Therefore, the program 300 cannot be installed, and the program 300 prevents illegal copying. Moreover, in this case, a warning is given about illegal copying of step 510 in the flowchart shown in FIG. In addition, since the generating program is self-destructive when attempting to copy the generating program, it is impossible to illegally copy the generating program.

The program 300 may be distributed in a trial version to which the mimetic license information is added to allow the program 300 function to be executed partially or fully within a limited period of time. This allows the user to verify the main characteristics of this program 300 by using a trial version to check in advance whether this program is suitable for use. After official approval, the user receives the license information generating program and uses the entire function of the program 300 without limitation.

Operation of the apparatus will be described with reference to an example where the program 300 is an image processing program. 5 shows a flowchart of the operation of the apparatus. As soon as the image processing program is activated, the aforementioned license information is read and incorporated into the program, resulting in a complete image processing program.

In the first step 702, the operator operates the operating unit 16 to display the desired image on the display unit 10. Therefore, the screen image shown as an example in FIG. 6A is displayed on the display unit 10. The figure illustrates a screen showing an X-ray tomography image of the brain.

In a next step 704, the operator looks at the image to determine if the image processing conditions need to be changed. For example, if the gray level resolution of the image region of interest (ROI) is not sufficient to identify damaged sites, etc., this includes the possibility that the window width or window level may be inappropriate for image processing, That is, the window width and window level are changed. If the displayed image is displayed satisfactorily, the operation described later will not be performed.

In a next step 706, the ROI center is assigned to a pointing device, such as a mouse. That is, the center of the ROI is indicated by the pointer indicated by the arrow, and the mouse button is pressed. In response to specifying the ROI center, the image processing section 8 includes a predefined segment 40 that includes the ROI center of step 708, such as the hatched area illustrated by way of example in FIG. 6 (b). Generates.

Segment 40 has a size such that as described below, image processing on the image data contained therein can be completed, for example, 100 ms in the longest and preferably within 30 ms. When the entire screen is composed of, for example, a 512x512 matrix, this segment is a matrix of about 256x256.

In a next step 710, the operator changes the image processing condition. If the window width and level are to be changed in this example, the window width is increased or decreased by moving the mouse to the right or left direction, for example by pressing the mouse button, and the window level is increased or decreased by moving the mouse forward or backward. . Window width and level adjustment is not limited to that performed by the mouse but may be performed by any suitable operating device.

In response to this window width and level change, the image processing section 8 performs window change processing based on the image data suitable for the segment 40 in step 712. In step 714, the processed image is counted in segment 40 on the screen and displayed along the unprocessed portion.

Thus, the image in segment 40 reflects the window width and level change as illustrated by way of example in FIG. 6 (c). Since image processing on a segment related to a condition change must be performed within a period of about 30 ms, for example, the image can be displayed to reflect a real condition change in real time.

The operator continues to adjust the window width and level while observing this image until a satisfactory image is obtained in segment 40. This is shown as a loop in steps 710-716 in the flowchart. Since the result of the condition change is reflected in real time on the image, this adjustment can be effectively performed. When a satisfactory image is acquired in segment 40, the operator releases the mouse button. At this time, the image processing condition is determined. Alternatively, processing conditions can be determined by performing appropriate key operations.

In response to the window width and level determination of step 718, the image processing section 8 performs window change processing based on the image data for the entire screen image using the finally determined specific value, and performs the processed image. Displayed on the display unit 10 of (720). As exemplarily shown in FIG. 6 (d), the full screen image is displayed with the appropriate window width and level.

This image processing is performed based on each of the desired images. When the processing for all images is completed and the program terminates, the license information is separated from the program body.

Many different embodiments of the invention can be constructed without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. The invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification but is defined in accordance with the appended claims.

The present invention ensures illegal copying of programs with a simple technique that does not require the user to record complex information, does not reduce efficiency due to specific processing procedures for translating the information into machine language, and does not require hardware to increase costs. An illegal copying method for preventing and a data processing device and a medical imaging device having the illegal copying preventing means are provided.

Claims (3)

In the anti-piracy method, Generating license information as information in the form of a real-time reading module in a data processing apparatus using a generating program that is self-destructed after being executed, Installing in the data processing apparatus without the license information, and executing an incomplete program without the license information with the license information read during execution. A data processing apparatus, License information generating means for generating license information as information in the form of a real-time reading module by using a generation program that is self-destructive after execution; And program execution means for installing the license information without the license information and executing an incomplete program with the license information read during execution. A medical imaging device comprising medical image acquisition means for obtaining a subject image, image processing means for processing the image, and display means for displaying the processed image, The image processing means License information generating means for generating license information as information in the form of a real-time reading module by using a generation program that is self-parsed after execution; And program execution means for installing the license information without the license information and executing an incomplete program with the license information read during execution.