Not content with existing restrictive DRM models entertainment giant Sony has patented a new technology that seeks to block the use of second hand games entirely.
A rather cryptic patent application describes how the system is based around a series of ID tags, being the 'entity ID', the 'reproduction device ID', the 'article ID' and the 'user ID'. The 'entity ID' which is represented by either the 'reproduction device ID' or the 'user ID' is used in conjunction with the 'article ID' and the 'user ID' to determine a permissions tag which is stored linking the game, and the device, to the individual user.
The permissions tag is then subsequently used to determine whether or not the data will be decrypted and whether the game will play on a given system.
The next bit sounds a bit 'James Bond-ish', but the patent further provides for Player IDs to be generated, if required, from retinal scans and/or fingerprint recognition techniques.
Sony state that they were not happy with traditional DRM models, as production of games content is expensive and blocking second hand games will force users to buy the game themselves.
As an indication of the impact that this decision has already had, popular second hand games store GameStop's stock market shares plunged by 6% yesterday when the filing of the patent was revealed.
The full version of Sony's patent can be read here.
