Method and system for identifying documents generated by an unauthorized software copy
First Claim
1. A method of identifying a software copy used to generate documents comprising the steps of:
- embedding in said software a unique identifying code pattern to be printed in addition to matter selected for printing by said software;
generating a printed document containing said unique identifying code pattern and said matter Selected for printing by said software, said unique identifying code pattern comprising a plurality of non-contiguous marks, each having a size no greater than about 300 dpi; and
scanning said document to extract and identify said unique identifying code pattern.
4 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Each copy of software is assigned a unique identifying code pattern which is printed on all documents produced with that software by a high resolution printer. The unique identifying code pattern is a plurality of spaced apart marks having a size no greater than about 300 dpi, and is therefore, at best, barely noticeable to the human observer. The "invisible signature" is also reproduced on documents made by unauthorized copies of software which can therefore be traced. Preferably, the unique identifying code is replicated multiple times over the document using an error correcting code to assure that at least one replication will be clear of matter selected for printing by the software. A high resolution scanner extracts and identifies the code patterns printed on the document. In systems where the software generates a print file for the high resolution printer, print commands for the pattern replications are interspersed with the other print commands making identification and removal of the commands very difficult and not worth the effort since the "invisible signature" does not prevent copying of the software or noticeably detract from the appearance of the finished document.
132 Citations
18 Claims
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1. A method of identifying a software copy used to generate documents comprising the steps of:
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embedding in said software a unique identifying code pattern to be printed in addition to matter selected for printing by said software; generating a printed document containing said unique identifying code pattern and said matter Selected for printing by said software, said unique identifying code pattern comprising a plurality of non-contiguous marks, each having a size no greater than about 300 dpi; and scanning said document to extract and identify said unique identifying code pattern. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A system for identifying a software copy used to generate a document comprising:
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a software copy having embedded therein instructions for creating a unique identifying code comprising a plurality of non-contiguous marks each having a size no greater than about 300 dpi; a digital computer for running said software; user input means for controlling running of said software in said digital computer to select matter to be printed in addition to said unique identifying code pattern; a high resolution printer having a resolution of at least 300 dpi for printing a document containing said matter selected to be printed and said unique identifying code pattern; and scanning means for extracting from said document said unique identifying code pattern. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14)
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15. A method of identifying a medium used to generate an image, comprising the steps of:
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employing said medium to generate said image incorporating a unique identifying code pattern of non-contiguous marks, with each of said marks having a size no greater than about 300 dpi; and scanning said image to extract and identify said unique identifying code pattern. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18)
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Specification