Patent outlines Sony anti-piracy software

After smacking down rumours of an anti-used games system it’s come out that the PlayStation 4 may well utilise new technology to block pirated games.

Unearthed by DarkZero, this software patent describes technology that measures loading times to ensure pirates won’t be able to have their way with the PS4.

The most illuminating part of the document is this:

• 1. A method for validating legitimate media products associated with a legitimate media type, the method comprising: loading a first media product having a first media type on a computing device; measuring a first load time for the first media product on the computing device; establishing a threshold range of acceptable first load times using a second load time associated with the legitimate media type; and determining whether the first load time is within the threshold range.
• 17. A system for validating legitimate media products associated with a legitimate media type, the system comprising: a computing device that loads a first media product having a first media type and that measures a first load time for the first media product; a processor that calculates a second load time for the legitimate media type, establishes a threshold range of acceptable first load times using the second load time, and determines whether the first load time is within the threshold range; and a memory coupled to the processor.

Basically this software will read how long it takes you to load and install a game and compare that with a benchmark time.  If your disc doesn’t load up within the benchmark threshold then your disc may be deemed illegitimate and your PS4 will not run it.  A diagram included with the patent suggests that Sony may even block users from their online service as punishment.

Let us know what you think in the comments below.

(Source: DarkZero)