Integrity ordainment and ascertainment of computer-executable instructions with consideration for execution context

#This invention generally relates to a technology for facilitating the protection computer-executable instructions, such as software.

#Digital goods (e.g., software products, data, content, etc.) are often distributed to consumers via fixed computer readable media, such as a compact disc (CD-ROM), digital versatile disc (DVD), soft magnetic diskette, or hard magnetic disk (e.g., a preloaded hard drive). More recently, content is being delivered in digital form online over private and public networks, such as Intranets and the Internet. Online delivery improves timeliness and convenience for the user, as well as reduces delivery costs for a publisher or developers. Unfortunately, these worthwhile attributes are often outweighed in the minds of the publishers/developers by a corresponding disadvantage that online information delivery makes it relatively easy to obtain pristine digital content and to pirate the content at the expense and harm of the publisher/developer.

#One concern of the publisher/developer is the ability to check digital content, after distribution, for alteration. Such checking is often referred to as SRI (Software Resistance to Interference). The reasoning for the desire to check for such alterations may vary (e.g., to ensure that the content continues to operate as intended by the publisher/developer, to protect against improper copying, etc.).

#The same numbers are used throughout the drawings to reference like elements and features.

#FIGS. 1A-1F are block diagrams illustrating some of the components manipulated by an implementation described herein and some of their relationships and associations with each other within the context of the implementation.

#FIG. 2 is a block diagram graphically illustrating actions performed by an embodiment described herein and some of the components manipulated by such.

#The following description sets forth one or more specific embodiments of integrity ordainment and ascertainment of computer-executable instructions with consideration for execution context that incorporate elements recited in the appended claims. These embodiments are described with specificity in order to meet statutory written description, enablement, and best-mode requirements. However, the description itself is not intended to limit the scope of this patent.

#The one or more specific embodiments, described herein, are exemplary implementations of an integrity ordainment and ascertainment of computer-executable instructions with consideration for execution context. The inventors intend these exemplary implementations to be examples. The inventors do not intend these exemplary implementations to limit the scope of the claimed present invention. Rather, the inventors have contemplated that the claimed present invention might also be embodied and implemented in other ways, in conjunction with other present or future technologies.

#An example of an embodiment of an integrity ordainment and ascertainment of computer-executable instructions with consideration for execution context may be referred to as an “exemplary integrity ordainer/ascertainer.” Alternatively, it may be called an “exemplary integrity veracitor.” The exemplary integrity veracitor may include an exemplary integrity ordainer and/or an exemplary integrity ascertainer.