When patenting something, the inventor has to give a complete description of how the system works for public record. In return, the inventor gets the right to sue anyone who sells the invention without permission--so-called offensive rights. The original purpose behind the patent system was not the business incentive, but rather the public disclosure. At the time (late 1700's) it was thought that sharing inventions would spur further inventions, and so on (and it did).
But today, the software is compiled into machine language before it is put on the chip. The software is only licensed to the user, with the requirement that it not be reverse-compiled to recover the source code. The software is specifically *not* copywrited or patented to avoid the public-disclosure requirement.
It is possible that an aftermarket work-around could emerge, but anyone reverse compiling would be subject to lawsuits for violating end-user agreements. The manufacturer won't support the product, because they want you to buy a newer one. There has been some talk of reforming the laws surrounding ownership of products containing software, but little progress has been made. I hope you are right, but I am not optimistic. Dave
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Today's Featured Article - Women and Tractors - Tractor Engine Repair - by Teri Burkholder. One of the great things about working on a tractor engine with your other half is that you know what he is thinking of at all times and can anticipate his every move and his next thought of what he will do. With Ben, anyway, I can tell! He'll be busy working and I�m handing him tools and he says, "give me that..." and I�ve already got it in his hand or "hand me that....."and I�ve got the portable light right where he needed it placed to see. "Run in the house and get me a...."as I open th
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