Encryption of .SOD files

[Aerilon]

Ok, so as the other thread where I would have asked this has since been closed, I shall ask here. Is there a way of making the .SOD files secure? There is another word I am looking for, but I can't think of it.

I've no doubt that it would involve changing a few of the things that FileFront doesn't permit, but if that is the case, then I'll find somewhere else to host Zero Hour (maybe here). My thought was, to encrypt the .SOD files, so that they couldn't actually be imported again, once exported, at least, not unless you knew the code to decrypt it.

Is this even possible? If so, could someone come out and let us lot know? This would not only make sure that those projects using the method were safe, but it would also give YesterYears & Parallels reason to continue.

 

[Syf]

The possiblility is all in the exporter. If someone wanted to encode it to prevent tampering, it would add a measure a protection for the original artists.

 

[Joelteon7]

Could you not just add something subtle, that only you'd know, to the model, so if someone had tried to copy the model, you'd be able to find that and prove it's a copy? Then, say I, could have a master-list of all the modders and their secret part and make sure no-one was copying.

 

[Syf]

This is also possible. It can be done in the mesh itself.

Here's an example.

Note, this is a flat square piece. It can be integrated into any model, as somewheres, there is a square section on the model. Now, when the model is textured, no one would know it's there except those with that knowledge. Add this to several parts of a model, and someone stealing parts would be "Bust-able". Since the importer is now unlocked, a moderator on here or A2Files could in fact open a contested model and locate these markings.

One can use any design (name, initials, a specific design or logo, etc), and when it's integrated into a model, it can be ANY size, and on ANY part, in ANY location on the mesh.

I think this would be the easiest for any modeler.

 

[Ragnar603]

Hmm this is quite a good idea. I'll take a look at the exporter later, but I dunno if it will work since I have jack-**** program experience lol.

I think I'll add some quite unique insignia to mine.

They don't even have to appear as a textured piece, you could just make them invisible (alpha channel?) and look at the mesh piece itself as a wireframe.

 

[Joelteon7]

This is also possible. It can be done in the mesh itself.

Here's an example.

Note, this is a flat square piece. It can be integrated into any model, as somewheres, there is a square section on the model. Now, when the model is textured, no one would know it's there except those with that knowledge. Add this to several parts of a model, and someone stealing parts would be "Bust-able". Since the importer is now unlocked, a moderator on here or A2Files could in fact open a contested model and locate these markings.

One can use any design (name, initials, a specific design or logo, etc), and when it's integrated into a model, it can be ANY size, and on ANY part, in ANY location on the mesh.

I think this would be the easiest for any modeler.

Say you were doing an average model, how long would it take to add something like that?

 

[Ragnar603]

About 2 seconds, using the merge tool. If you have that ¬¬

And I took a quick look at the importer and exporter. It doesn't seem like you can add any kind of protection to the SOD itself. But thats me, and I'm a noob to C++ and such. To me it only seems like you can lock the exporters and importers more easily by specifying some new parameters. But I have no idea, so yea lol.

 

[Syf]

Adding an embeded "marker" would only take a few minutes. But it also adds to the poly counts.

 

[Joelteon7]

What if you had a really low poly something inside? Or somewhere?

 

[Dan1025]

If it helps stop other peoples models from being ripped off then I think it's worth a few extra polys

 

[Syf]

For all that are going to fight the trend, My suggestion it the best you have at this point. Follow my idea and implement it well.

After Yesteryears, I'm out of the Armada market completely. I am moving to better ground, with something I can control the outcome... my own games.

 

[Ragnar603]

I'll be applying a marker to mine soon enough, when I revisit all the SOD's to make final adjustments.

 

[Syf]

There you have it Tycoon, I've given you a solution.

I hope this helps a lot of you modelers out. I myself plan to implement this on all material I release into the world from this point. Regardless of what game it's for and what not.

 

[Joelteon7]

This is a very good idea, nice thinking there Syf.

As for any of the modder's reading this; when you've decided what your...err...'thing' will be, I recommend providing, what a pic and a brief description or something (?) to myself, Majest and someone over at AFC. That way, the community leader's will be able to easily tell if something is not right.

 

[Syf]

Thank you.

And I agree, it is best to "register" your "marker" with the people that have the power to enforce your protection.

 

[Lord_Trekie]

Ok, so as best I understand this we are essentially watermarking the model by adding a 'signature' of sorts somewhere no one would notice? Say on the inside of the saucer for a federation starship? No offense guys but this is something I'd need a visual example of beforehand to figure out what to do...

I know exactly what I'd do if this were for a normal 2d image I've been messing with in Photoshop, I'd add this:

No idea how I'm gonna really add something like that to the model, especially in a way that will be noticed by the staff, and not by the people importing the models...

 

[Adam_Atlantian]

You'll all prolly hate me for this, but I have to point it out.

A water mark is a good idea, the problem is once a person imports your model they could remove it. The chances of a n00b taking the time to do so is slim but a more experienced person could easily remove all markings.

It is still a good idea, I just think you guys need a back up as well. I really do just want all of you to be comfortable realeasing your work, to help in markin, put the marks in hard to see places, like if three is a clump of vertices or edges put it there so a pirate cant see it as easily.

 

[Syf]

That's actually the point. Place it where a N00b couldn't find it. As for a seasoned vet modeler hacking it up to remove said markings, That's not the case. Every "expert" I know of Takes pride in making their content original. If not, then they are the ones that would gladly contact the original author for permission.

Example, Majestic's mods of Achilles models. Permission was gained before a public release was even dreamed of.

This whole thing is not about the honest ones, it's about the uneducated and/or dishonest ones.

Also note, I suggest more than one copy of of the marker, in a few places. This would help protect against the accidental discovery of the location one of the markers.

 

[Tholian_Storm]

Like everyone's saying here , have it in multiple places.

Say , put one in the textures on the underside of the saucer section , one on the nacelles , and one on the secondary hull , that way if someone jacks your design and tries to kitbash or re-MOD it , you'll have multiple markers to say , "Now wait a dang minute..."

 

[Joelteon7]

So, when you hand this to a community leader, state what the object is and how many times it has been used. Obviously, with each model being different, you'll still need to fit in the different signature's.

 

[Syf]

If implemented correctly, then it'll be an easy task to determine a theft, as well as detour theft.

 

[Joelteon7]

There's a staff meeting for the staff on Armada Files on Sunday. I'll be sure to bring this up. Thank you for your suggestion. I'm sure many will appreciate it.

 

[Syf]

Your most welcome. Even though the recent events have had their toll on myself as much as some others, I am all to happy to help promote "clean" modding.

 

[Achilles]

I had this very discussion about 2 years ago with several modellers of the time, 4 ways were decided

1* the watermarking on models with a signature from the modeller.

2* 4 grey scale pixels with varying lightness on the texture, even if the the hue, brightness is changed they remain the same brightness apart.

3* taking pictures of the finshed models in wireframe, untextured and textured and sending to a secure database upon completion.

4* hex editing the names of the hardpoints to anything (ie hp01 --> wa01) to make it harder to import/export.

 

[Joelteon7]

I had this very discussion about 2 years ago with several modellers of the time, 4 ways were decided

1* the watermarking on models with a signature from the modeller.

2* 4 grey scale pixels with varying lightness on the texture, even if the the hue, brightness is changed they remain the same brightness apart.

3* taking pictures of the finshed models in wireframe, untextured and textured and sending to a secure database upon completion.

4* hex editing the names of the hardpoints to anything (ie hp01 --> wa01) to make it harder to import/export.

I think 1,2 and 4 definitely have the potential to be effective. The third method, whilst obviously would probably be the best, it'd also be extremely time consuming AND you'd need the people who had access to said database to know what they're looking for. However, if modders want safety, which they're entitled to have, we'll try and do anything and everything to accommodate.

EDIT:

We would still need to have a record of what method the modder uses; a standardised option. Fine, if the code is broken, pick a new one, but it'll become hard to prove they're the ones indeed correct if they keep changing their system, unless they alternated and both were recorded.

 

[Achilles]

yeah nothing is ever perfect, but it makes it much harder, these steps along with the file posters knowledge of which posters aren't 100% verified are pretty good odds. I shant be doing any of these but I understand the desire to protect.

 

[Ryan]

We're gunna need to keep this fairly quiet, not shout about it too loudly, or people won't stuggle too much removing this safeguards.

This also doesn't stop people importing (cept achillies idea 4), I still have slight reservations about people importing models for various things that I release without my knowledge, then again, that's true of any work that I'd release, not just models.

In principle I wish we didn't have this problem, but the importer exists and so these solutions seem like the best ways, without some form of encyption (Doca Cola please note), that can help us prevent these issues.

 

[Adam_Atlantian]

2 and 4 seem like very good ideas. It would create enough hassle for the theif to just say, "screw it"

Kinda like, why rob the house with the dog when the one next door doesn't have one.

 

[Knight]

2 and 4 seem like very good ideas. It would create enough hassle for the theif to just say, "screw it"

Kinda like, why rob the house with the dog when the one next door doesn't have one.

lmao. great way to put that

 

[Aerilon]

Those safeguards that have been mentioned are good, but I don't personally believe they'll be enough. Adding *parts* to a model will only protect certian parts of a model.

Adding a special part inside the saucer, wont stop people from stealing a nacelle or two. Likewise, people viewing textures can quite easily remove the logo. I have a thought about this, how to add the watermark to textures without their knowledge, though wont share it here.

In addition to that, I still think another, much more secure way needs to be worked up.