Software protection methods and apparatus

Details Software protection methods and apparatus Software protection methods and apparatus

G - Physics

06

F

354/243, 354/43

G06F 12/14 (2006.01) G06F 9/22 (2006.01) G06F 15/44 (1985.01)

Patent

CA 1194609

APPLICATION FOR UNITED STATES PATENT Title: SOFTWARE PROTECTION METHODS AND APPARATUS Inventors: Kevin G. Curran, Steven E. Golson, Christian S. Rode Attorneys: HOSIER, NIRO, & DALEIDEN 135 S. LaSalle St., Room 640 Chicago, Il 60603 312/236-0733 ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE Methods and apparatus are disclosed for inhibiting the unauthorized copying of ROM-resident computer software or the like, for example, the audio-visual display of an electronic video game. A protection circuit including encryption/decryption means is coupled between the microprocessor and the ROM-memory and is operable in a first mode to properly encrypt/decrypt the program information according to a first algorithm and in a second mode to prevent proper encryption/decryption. The address-data buses are monitored by the protection circuit to detect an invalid program event, such as may occur when a microprocessor emulator is used to attempt an unauthorized copying or "dumping" of the program information. Upon detection of the invalid program event or "trap condition", the protection circuit switches to its second operating mode thereby to prevent copying of the decrypted program information.

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