The filing involves a flow chart revealing a process of checking software load times against a specific benchmark, which will then either execute the game or block the user, according to NeoGAF.
© Sony
"For example, if an authentic game title is distributed exclusively on BDs having a total benchmark load time of 45 seconds on a game console BD drive, the acceptable range of load times could be from 40 to 50 seconds," reads the patent.
"Thus, a total measured title load time of 4 seconds would be outside of the acceptable range of total load times for a legitimate media type."
Titled 'Benchmark Measurement for Legitimate Duplication Validation', the patent was revealed on February 21 despite being first filed in August 2011.
It is unknown whether the patent will make its way into the recently-announced PS4 system.
New first-party games include Killzone: Shadow Fall, Knack and Infamous: Second Son.
Gaikai streaming will mean the Vita will become a "PS4 in your pocket", while it's confirmed that DualShock 3 controllers won't work with the new system.
> Read Digital Spy's ongoing coverage of PlayStation 4
> Confirmed PlayStation 4 games in pictures, video
Gallery - PlayStation 4's new camera and DualShock controller in pictures:
Sony officially unveiled the PS4's DualShock controller at its New York press conference on Wednesday (February 20).
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Copyright: Sony Computer Entertainment
