Bit Tech reports Sony filed a patent for a new method of testing for pirated media using a benchmark approach. The patent describes a system that checks how long software has taken to load and subsequently blocks it if it falls outside a range that Sony feels is appropriate for the hardware it is running on.
'There is a continuous and ongoing need for novel and improved digital rights management schemes that provide additional layers of protection against piracy,' says Sony in the patent.
The patent was originally filed in August 2011 and was published last week. Although the timing of this suggests that it may be intended for use in the Playstation 4, there has been no confirmation of this.
Prior to the announcement of the Playstation 4 last week, rumours were circulated that Sony would be attempting to block used games from working on the new console, a tactic that has since been ruled out by the company.
