Earticle

제리 포더의 표상적 계산주의에 의하면 인간 마음은 컴퓨터 프로그램이다. 인간 마음과 컴퓨터 프로그램 사이의 개념적 차이를 보이기 위해 제시된 사고 실험 중에는 존 써얼의 중 국어 방 논증과 네드 블락의 중국인 네트워크 논증이 있다. 이 두 논증을 종합하자면, 컴퓨 터 프로그램은 의식을 결여하고 본래적 지향성은 의식으로부터만 나오므로, 본래적 지향성 이 없는 컴퓨터 프로그램과 본래적 지향성이 있는 인간 마음은 같을 수 없다. 본 논문의 목 적은 이 두 논증이 각각 실패함을 보이는 것이다. 나는 우선 데니얼 데넷의 사고 실험을 이 용하여 본래적 지향성에 호소하지 않아도 인간 마음의 작동 방식을 설명하는 것이 가능함을 논증한다. 두 번째로 벤자민 리벳의 신경과학 실험을 통해 인간 마음의 인과적 작동과 의식 이 별개일 수 있음을 논증하여, 컴퓨터 프로그램으로 인간 마음을 만드는 것에 개념적 제약 이 없음을 보인다. 결론적으로 본 논문은 써얼과 블락의 반-계산주의 논증들으로부터 포더 의 표상적 계산주의를 방어한다.

According to Jerry Fodor’s representational computationalism, the human mind is a computer program. John Searle’s Chinese room argument and Ned Block’s Chinese network argument are philosophical thought experiments that attempt to show conceptual differences between the human mind and computer programs. According to these arguments, computer programs are in principle incapable of having consciousness and original intentionality requires consciousness, thus there is a genuine difference between computer programs with non-original intentionality and the human mind with original intentionality. The aim of this paper is to show that these two arguments fail respectively. I first appeal to a thought experiment of Daniel Dennett to argue that it is possible to give an explanation of how the human mind works without appealing to original intentionality. Secondly, in terms of Benjamin Libet’s neuroscience experiment, I argue that the causal understanding of how the human mind works is one thing and consciousness is another. These two arguments conjointly show that there is no conceptual restriction on which a computer program makes the human mind. Consequently, I defend Fodor’s representational computationalism from Searle’s and Block’s anti-computationalist arguments.

Objective: To develope the computer-assisted memory rehabilitation programs and to assess the effect of these programs in the patients with brain injury. Method: Ten memory training programs, which included verbal/non-verbal, sequential/ non-sequential, and visual/auditory memory properties were designed and converted to the computer program using C-language. The training program included various aspects of memory such as spatial memory, sequential verbal and nonverbal recall, associated recall, categorical memory, and integrated semantic memory. Each program used familiar pictures and sounds in our living situation to give the patients comfortable feelings and interests. Seven patients with brain injury were trained using the computer-assisted memory program 3 times per week for 4 weeks. All patients were assessed their cognitive function using Seoul Computerized Neuropsychological Test (Maxmedica) before and 1 month after the treatment. Results: Ten computer-associated memory training programs using C-language were successfully developed. The patients who were trained with computer-assisted memory programs showed higher performances in forward digit span, backward digit span, backward visual span, verbal learning, visual controlled continuous performance, auditory controlled continuous performance, and finger tapping tests after than before the treatment. Conclusion: The computer-assisted memory training can be used as an additional tool for memory rehabilitation in patients with brain injury.

The term ‘reverse engineering’ in the study herein indicates the behavior and process of apprehending the principle of development and of extracting the varied information, inclusive of the ideas and functional concepts at the computer program employed, by analyzing and investigating computer program in the form of object code through the disassembly and decompilation (of program codes particularly under the Korean copyright law), black box analysis with memory dump included, and manual analysis. Reverse engineering of a computer program, customarily carried out in the related industries, has served for interoperability of an independently created computer program with other programs, error correction, and program improvement, etc, so that it could contribute to fostering industrial development and associated computer program technologies. Whilst it took a considerable amount of time and money for the computer program development, the analysis by way of reverse engineering requires relatively less time and money to be undertaken, which seems to pose challenges on enterprises that develop a computer program. Therefore, they have tried to prevent reverse engineering by the copyright law and the contract. And as the reproduction and translation may take place in the disassembly and decompilation process, the subparagraph 34 of article 2 of the copyright law defined the act of decompilation of program codes as reproduction and translation, and so the article 101-4 permitted reverse engineering by restricting the author’s property right concerning the reproduction and translation. According to the subparagraph 34 of article 2, the decompilation of program codes is allowed solely for the purpose of obtaining the information necessary to achieve interoperability (compatibility under copyright law). In this article, two of the points in controversy relating to decompilation of program codes are that the term ‘interoperability’ should be substituted for the term ‘compatibility’ and how copyright law and monopoly regulation and fair trade act are applied to acts of computer program users or computer program authors in order to ensure the interoperability of computer programs. Therefore, this study looks further into both the meaning of compatibility and interoperability and the interpretations on compatibility and their problems in copyright law, and then into the scope of information required for interoperability, the need of reverse engineering required to gain information for interoperability coupled with its limitations and possible restrictions to be imposed upon under the monopoly regulation and fair trade act.

17th of February this year saw the ruling of the Seoul Central District Court that Viber Media, Inc.(hereinafter called “Viber”) of Israel should not distribute its Viber application(hereinafter called “Viber App”) in Korea on account of infringing a patent relating to computer program. This case, involving SK Telecom’s patented invention “Mobile Communication Terminal Having Address Book Reorganizing Function for Instant Messenger Service, and Method for Reorganizing Address Book Using the Same”, deals with the claim of indirect infringement against the mobile communication terminal as well as the claim of indirect or direct infringement against the Method for Reorganizing Address Book of the said patented invention by Viber distributing Viber App in Korea. In response, the Court, on the assumption that Viber App is considered a product in that it is sotored on the apparatus or media, judged whether the distribution on internet of Viber App by Viber corresponded to indirect infringement under the law 127-1 with regard to mobile communication terminal. In this respect, there has been a considerable controversy about the Patentability of Computer Programs as the Product under the Patent Law In particular, on the motion of a National Assembly member Dong-Wan Kim on October 1, 2014 about a partial amendment proposal(Bill No. 11949) of patent law, the dispute about the Patentability of Computer Programs as the Product widened considerably. Therefore, this study delves into Examination Guidelines on computer software related inventions as well as legislation talks pertaining to computer software, and further into the Court’s ruling about the Patentability of Computer Programs as the Product to discuss whether Viber App is viewed as a product at this judgement, namely whether the computer program intended to be stored on media is to be appreciated as a product.

For a long time, computer programs has been unpatentable. However, nowadays, if the patent claim is in one of the forms of information processing system, information processing method or computer readable media, it can be awarded to invention regarding computer programs. Major countries in the world recognized that it is not enough that computer programs are protected by copyright, and adopted computer programs claim under some requirements. In other words, expression is protected by copyright law and idea is protected by patent law, and these make computer programs protected by both of them. This effectively makes unauthorized transmission of the patented computer programs impossible. In Korea, computer programs are protected under copyright law, but patent law does not allow computer program claim format and only adopts method or computer readable medium claim format, therefore it is controversial whether the online transmissions of software constitute patent infringements, while Japen patent law are enabling the remedies for patent infringements which occur in the online usage of patented software technologies, such as transmission of patented software through online or mobile platform. So, it is hard to say that Copyright is joining in the environmental change of the software industry and protects the software technology of the national software companies effectively. Online software market like App Store becomes commonplace and this fact creates a strong demand for the protection of the online deployment of computer programs. Now, there is no reason that does not adopt computer programs claim and it’s just time that the patentability of computer programs as the product in Patent Law should be allowed.

The purpose of this study was to verify the effectiveness of the computerized cognitive rehabilitation program in which areas and to suggest effective ways to utilize the program in the future, being conducted for 20 college students. We lasted this study from May 3 to 23, 2021. As a result of analyzing the groups using the Computer-based Cognitive Rehabilitation Program (CoTras), in terms of the difference in accuracy for the case of visual perception group B was statistically significantly improved than group C(p<0.05). In the case of attention, memory, and orientation, there was no significant difference between groups(p>0.05). In the case of reaction time difference, there was no significant difference between groups in visual perception, concentration, memory, and orientation(p>0.05). And in order to improve attention and visual perception, it is recommended to conduct the program three times with a duration of 20 minutes, and in order to improve orientation and memory, it can be said that it is helpful to conduct one experiment for at least 30 minutes rather than conducting short and frequent experiments. Through this study, we found that it is effective to apply different times according to each area to improve cognitive function. In other words, depending on the purpose of which cognitive function is to be improved, the duration of the program should be applied differently.

우리나라 중저준위 방사성폐기물 최종 처분시설인 월성원자력환경관리센터의 폐쇄 후 안전평가 컴퓨터 프로그램의 신뢰성확보를 위해 MASCOT와 검증프로그램으로 SAFE-ROCK와 GOLDSIM을 선정하여 정상시나리오에 대하여 안전평가를 수행하였다. 각 프로그램의 장단점을 비교/분석하였으며, 각 프로그램 별 구획 간의 선량 및 누출량을 평가하였다. 그 중 방사성핵종 129I와 3H가 MASCOT와 SAFE-ROCK 프로그램에서는 비슷한 경향을 보여주었지만, GOLDSIM 프로그램에서는 상이한결과를 나타냈다. 이는 각 프로그램의 근계지역 내 핵종이동방정식의 해석과정의 차이와 개별 프로그램의 한계로 인해 다른결과값을 보여주는 것으로 분석되었다. GOLDSIM 프로그램의 경우, 선원항 구획에서 초기 핵종누출량은 time-scale에 민감하게 반응한다는 사실도 확인할 수 있었다. 안전평가 프로그램은 처분환경에서 발생하는 핵종거동 및 이동에 대한 실제현상을 예측하기 위해 모델링을 거치지만, 전산프로그램의 특성과 실제현상에 대한 데이터가 제한적이므로 결과에 차이가 발생하게 된다. 이러한 차이점은 다양한 프로그램을 이용한 결과와 상호비교를 통해 알아내며 그 원인을 지속적으로 분석하는 연구개발과정을 필요로 하고 있다.

To ensure the reliability of computer programs used for the post-closure safety assessment in the Wolsong LILWCenter, the results from MASCOT, SAFE-ROCK and GOLDSIM programs are compared with a problem fordegradation. Advantages and disadvantages of each computer programs are individually analyzed. Effects on theindividual dose are assessed with each computer programs. MASCOT and SAFE-ROCK showed similar resultsfor 129I and 3H. However, GOLDSIM represented different results for 129I and 3H. It is analyzed further and comparedwith the fluxes in each barrier of the disposal system. Througout the benchmarking testing of the computerprogram, the limitation of computer program can be continuously found out for the mature post-closure safety ofKorean radwaste disposal system.

A computer program called LAMPRO has been developed for use by the Australian meat industry to assist with the pricing of lamb carcasses. Based on a series of prediction equations and accounting for the cost structure of a meat processor the program allows the real value of a carcass to be established. The concept has also been extended to cater for mutton carcasses destined for either domestic or export markets incorporated in a program called MUTONPRO.

We used SAS program in statistics class as a plan to increase effect of class. Because lease cost of SAS program is high and low-level students felt difficulty of the syntax of SAS program, I planned to introduce other instruction-software. We observe whether it's O.K. to use Excel instead of SAS program and Excel is helpful in having positive attitudes. We try to compare and analyze the merits of two programs. The purpose of this study is to apply Excel to statistics class, cut down the cost of instruction-software, and make students understand statistics more conveniently and easily.

The purpose of this paper is to present a rational method for analyzing, designing, or evaluating the spread mooring systems used with floating drilling units. This paper presents a validated model to calculate the catenary static configuration. A semi-resolution approach is presented in this paper that is capable of predicting the static performance of a caisson mooring system. The solution is derived as a function of only three parameters, which can be solved numerically by implementing different kinds of boundary conditions. The efficiency and accuracy of the method permit quick parametric studies for the optimal selection of the system particle, which is undoubtedly useful for a preliminary design. A number of numerical examples demonstrate the validity of the adopted approach. The paper contains a complete description of the test cases and reports the results in such a way that it can provide a "benchmark" test for users and programmers of computer codes for flexible riser analysis.

In a response to a lack of mathematics computer-assisted instruction (CAI) programs with the critical instructional features for students with learning disabilities (LD), this study identified the critical instructional design features of mathematics CAI programs for students with LD and developed multimedia software, Math Explorer, to demonstrate an example of how mathematics CAI programs can be designed and developed for students with LD by incorporating those identified features. Each of the critical instructional design features was illustrated with the corresponding screen captures of Math Explorer. Implications for practice and future mathematics CAI studies in mathematics for students with LD were discussed.

본 논문에서는 프로세서 중심 컴퓨터 구조에서 개발된 MPI 병렬 프로그램을 수정하지 않고 메모리 중심 컴퓨터 구조에서 더 효율적으로 수행시키는 기술을 제안한다. 본 연구에서 제안하는 기술은 메모리 중심 컴퓨터 구조가 가지는 빠른 대용량 공유 메모리 특징을 이용하여 MPI 표준 라이브러리 함수가 수행하는 네트워크 통신을 통한 느린 데이터 전달을 공유 메모리를 통한 빠른 데이터 전달로 대체하여 효율성을 얻는다. 본 연구에서 제안한 기술은 두 개의 프로그램에 구현되었다. 첫 번째 프로그램은 MC-MPI-LIB라고 불리는 수정된 MPI 라이브러리인데 이는 기존 MPI 표준 라이브러리 함수의 의미를 유지하면서 메모리 중심 컴퓨터 구조에서 더 효율적으로 수행한다. 두 번째 프로그램은 MC-MPI-SIM이라고 불리는 시뮬레이션 프로그램인데 이는 프로세서 중심 컴퓨터 구조 상에서 메모리 중심 컴퓨터 구조의 수행을 시뮬레이션한다. 본 논문에서 제안한 기술은 도커 가상화 상에서 구현된 분산 시스템 환경에서 개발하고 시험하였다. 다수의 MPI 병렬 프로그램을 이용하여 제안한 기술의 성능을 측정한 결과 메모리 중심 컴퓨터 구조에서 더 높은 성능으로 수행 가능함을 보였으며, 특히 통신 오버헤드 비율이 높은 MPI 병렬 프로그램의 경우 매우 높은 성능으로 수행 가능하다는 점을 확인하였다.

In this paper, we present a technique that executes MPI parallel programs, that are developed on processor-centric computer architecture, more efficiently on memory-centric computer architecture without program modification. The technique we present here improves performance by replacing low-speed data communication over the network of MPI library functions with high-speed data communication using the property called fast large shared memory of memory-centric computer architecture. The technique we present in the paper is implemented in two programs. The first program is a modified MPI library called MC-MPI-LIB that runs MPI parallel programs more efficiently on memory-centric computer architecture preserving the semantics of MPI library functions. The second program is a simulation program called MC-MPI-SIM that simulates the performance of memory-centric computer architecture on processor-centric computer architecture. We developed and tested the programs on distributed systems environment deployed on Docker based virtualization. We analyzed the performance of several MPI parallel programs and showed that we achieved better performance on memory-centric computer architecture. Especially we could see very high performance on the MPI parallel programs with high communication overhead.

본 논문에서는 백두산 화산 분출시 화산재의 확산이 한반도에 미치는 영향을 분석하기 위하여 화산재 확산을 계산하는 프로그램인 Puff, Fall3D, Tephra 모델에 대해 연구하였다. 연구에서 세 가지 프로그램의 구성 및 설치환경, 기본적인 특성파악 및 장단점을 분석하였으며, 모델링을 위한 입력조건을 비교하고 각 모델의 계산 결과에 대해 테스트하였다.

【Abstract】 Legal Protection of Computer Programs Hyeon, Dae-Ho In this article the author traces the ways of improving the protection of computer programs under the Copyright Act. The key points concerning the improvement plan of Computer Programs Protection Act are as follows. First, it is important to initiate criminal prosecution without a formal complaint, when a person infringes computer programs for commercial purposes as stated in the 2006 Copyright Act. Second, it is required to make an express provision on the exclusive right of computer program works, also to invalidate contracts(such as allowing the protection of a backup copies of the software, reverse engineering) that breach mandatory provisions. Third, it is also necessary to establish the right to request necessary expense and transfer reproductions, as well as, the right to request the disposal of the objects in violation. Fourth, Article 32 (3) of Computer Program Protection Act should be into a provision that stipulates the restitution for unjust enrichment of the offender.

변전소 접지설계를 위한 지침으로서 북미지역과 우리나라에서도 사용되는 IEEE Std 80은 접지저항, 위험전압 및 고장전류 분류계수의 평가를 위한 간단한 수계산식을 제공함으로써 접지성능을 예측계산하도록 하고 있다. 컴퓨터 성능의 비약적인 향상에 따라 수작업이 아닌 컴퓨터 프로그램을 이용하여 변전소 접지설계를 하는 사례가 점차 증가하고 있으며 한국전력공사에서도 자체 제작한 접지설계 프로그램들을 사내 전산망을 통해 배포하고 있다. 본 논문에서는 한전이 해외사업을 일환으로 수행 중에 있는 리비아 전력청 절연협조 진단프로젝트 내용 중 66 kV 변전소 접지설계 사례를 제시한다.

Oracle v. Google 사건은 컴퓨터프로그램저작물의 공정이용 법리에서 중요한 선례를 남겼다. AI 기술이 계속 발전하면서 프로그램 개발에서 저작권 보호에 대한 우려가 커지고 있다. 이 사건은 프로그래밍 언어, 표준 소프트웨어 조직(SSO), 그리고 개발의 표준화와 관련하여 컴퓨터 프로그램의 저작물성에 대한 중요한 질문을 제기했다. 이 사건은 구글이 자사 안드로이드 운영체제에서 JAVA API를 사용한 것에 초점을 맞추었다. 자바 플랫폼은 언어 구조, 실행 코드, 선언 코드로 구성되는데, 구글은 사전 정의된 실행 코드를 호출하기 위한 인터페이스 역할을 하는 선언 코드 일부를 그대로 사용한 것이다. 하급심 법원들은 상반된 결론을 내렸으나, 결국 연방대법원은 자바 시스템을 널리 사용함으로써 혁신을 촉진한 공익을 고려하여 공정이용을 인정하며 구글의 손을 들어주었다. 선언 코드와 SSO의 저작물성과 관련해서는, 한국 저작권법은 프로그램 규칙과 해법을 보호 대상에서 제외하고 있어 JAVA API의 구조는 저작권 보호를 받을 수 없다. 하지만 선언 코드는 인간의 언어에 기반하고 있으므로, 그 코드의 표현이 아이디어와 구분할 수 없을 정도로 제한적이지 않다면 일반적으로 보호를 받을 수 있다. 공정이용과 관련해서, 구글은 11,500줄의 선언코드를 그대로 이용했지만, 구글의 저작물 이용은 창의적인 모바일 프로그램 개발에 기여했으므로 변형적 이용으로 인정될 수 있을 것이다. 원저작물이 기능적이므로 공정이용의 두 번째 요건을 충족하며, 이용된 저작물은 전체 저작물 중 0.4%에 불과하여 양적으로는 중요하지 않다. 따라서 공정 이용의 1, 2, 3 판단요소는 충족하였다. 그러나, 제4 판단요소와 관련하여, 오라클은 구글의 저작물 이용으로 인하여 PC 시장뿐 아니라 모바일 시장으로 확대되어가는 프로그램 개발과 이용 수요에 걸맞는 수익을 창출한 기회를 놓치게 되어 잠재적 가치를 침해당했다. 공익적 요소는 혼재되어 있으나, 이 요인만으로는 공정이용을 충분히 정당화할 수 없다. 따라서 구글이 11,500줄을 그대로 차용하였고 이로 인해 저작물의 현재 또는 미래의 가치와 시장에 미치는 영향력을 부당하게 떨어뜨렸기에 공정이용은 인정될 수 없다. 다만, 구글의 JAVA API 이용이 모바일 생태계 조성에 기여한 변형적 이용과 공익적 고려요인을 감안하여 저작권 침해의 구제 과정에서 손해배상액을 조정하는 것이 바람직할 것이다.

The Oracle v. Google case has set a precedent for copyright law, particularly in the realm of fair use. As AI technology continues to evolve, concerns about copyright protection in program development are growing. This case has raised crucial questions about the copyrightablity of computer programs, especially in the context of programming languages, standard software organizations (SSOs), and the increasing standardization of development. The case centered on Google's use of Java APIs in its Android operating system. The Java platform comprises language structure, implementing code, and declaring code. The dispute focused on the declaring code, which serves as an interface for calling pre-defined implementing code. While lower courts reached different conclusions, the Supreme Court ultimately ruled in favor of fair use, citing the public benefit of widespread developer use of the Java system to drive innovation. Regarding the copyrightability of the declaration code and SSO, Korean copyright law excludes program rules and solutions from protection, making the Java API's structure non-copyrightable. However, declaration codes, being based on human language, are generally protected unless the terms used are too limited to distinguish between idea and expression. In terms of fair use, Google used 11,500 lines of declaration code as-is. However, Google’s use of the work could be considered transformative, as it contributed to the development of creative mobile applications. The original work is functional, satisfying the second fair use factor, and the quantitative substantiality of the copyrighted work is minor, as only 0.4% was used. Therefore, the first, second, and third factors of fair use are met. However, with respect to the fourth factor, Google's use of Oracle's work has deprived Oracle of the opportunity to generate revenue in line with the demand for the development and use of software that is expanding from the PC market to the mobile market, thereby diminishing its potential value. Although there are public interest considerations, they are not sufficient to fully justify fair use. Therefore, Google's use of 11,500 lines undermines the current or future value and market impact of the work and therefore fair use cannot be applied. Google's use of the Java API contributed to the creation of a mobile ecosystem. Therefore, damages awarded in the copyright infringement proceeding should be adjusted to take into account transformative use and public interest factors.

1981년 미국 대법원이 Diamond v. Diehr 판결에서 컴퓨터 프로그램의 특허 적격성을 인정한 것을 시작으로 하여 1998년 State Street Bank(SSB) 사건을 통해 컴퓨터 프로그램의 특허 적격성 판단기준을 완화시킨 결과, 컴퓨터 프로그램의 특허 적격성에 대한 논쟁이 잠잠해지면서 관련 특허출원이 급증하는 결과를 낳았다. 그 후 2010년, 미 대법원의 Bilski 판결에서 선물 상거래(commodities trading)의 위험을 헤지(hedge) 시키는 방법은 ‘추상적 아이디어’로서 특허대상이 될 수 없다는 결론이 내려지자. 컴퓨터 프로그램에 관한 특허 적격성 논쟁에 다시 불이 붙기 시작하였다. 하지만, Bilski 판결이 정작 ‘추상적 아이디어’에 대한 판단 기준을 제시하지 않았기 때문에 “컴퓨터 프로그램 관련 발명이 특허 대상이 될 수 있는지”에 대한 대답은 미궁으로 빠지게 된다. 결국 CAFC는 문제의 해결을 위해 2013년 5월 CLS Bank 사건을 소속법관전원(En Banc)으로 심리하여 해당 컴퓨터 프로그램 청구항들은 형식과 상관없이 모두 추상적 아이디어에 해당한다는 결론을 내린다. 그럼 2014년 현재 미국에서 컴퓨터 프로그램 발명은 특허 대상이 될 수 없는 것일까? 컴퓨터 프로그램에 대한 제101조 특허 대상 논쟁은 법관들이 6개의 의견서를 제출 할 정도로 치열하게 진행되었다. 방법발명에 대해서는 추상적 아이디어와 추상적 아이디어를 둘러싼 단계들에 초점을 맞추면서, 그 단계들이 각각 또는 전체적으로 청구항을 추상적 아이디어의 특정 활용으로 제한하는지를 분석하였다. 그러면서, 단계들에 “발명적 개념 (inventive concept),” 또는 인간의 창의적 노력이 들어가야만 한다는 주장, 또 반대로 “발명적 개념”을 불필요한 새로운 요건으로 보면서 단순히 기본 아이디어와 실제 적용간의 의미 있는 연결만으로도 충분하다는 주장 간의 충돌이 있었다. 법원은 컴퓨터의 역할에 대해 고민해 보기도 하였다. 컴퓨터가 일반적 연산 기능만 수행 하는지 아니면 특수한 목적을 가지고 있는지를 구분하려는 노력을 하면서, 일반 컴퓨터라도 프로그램을 실행하는 경우 특수한 목적을 가지게 되는데 그럼 모든 컴퓨터는 특수한 목적을 가진 컴퓨터가 아닌지에 대한 반론이 제기되었다. 청구항 내의 단계들과 컴퓨터의 의미 있는 연결은 명세서의 상세한 설명과 도면을 통해 증명되기도 하였다. 예를 들어 명세서에서 컴퓨터와 각 부품의 제한적인 기능이 설명되고, 기능의 수행에 필요한 알고리즘과 복잡한 컴퓨터 시스템 및 네트워크가 도면을 통해 보여진 경우, 특허 적격성 판단에 긍정적으로 받아들여졌다. 매체 형식의 청구항에 대해서는 청구항의 유형과 상관없이 방법 청구항과 같은 기준으로 판단되었다. 결국 미 대법원은 이러한 논쟁을 종식시키기 위해 상고신청을 승인하기에 이르렀고, 우리는 본 판결이 컴퓨터 프로그램 관련 발명의 적격성 논쟁에 마침표를 찍게 될지 귀추를 주목할 필요가 있다. 한편, 우리나라에서는 현재까지 컴퓨터 프로그램의 특허 적격성 문제를 발명의 성립성 문제로 표현하면서, 성립성의 기본 요건인 자연법칙의 이용 여부를 “소프트웨어에 의한 정보처리가 하드웨어를 이용하여 구체적으로 실현”되어야 한다는 일관된 기준을 적용하여왔다. 하지만, “구체적으로 실현”되어야 한다는 모호한 기준에도 불구하고, 우리나라에서는 프로그램의 발명 성립성에 대한 기준의 재정립에 대한 논쟁은 벌어지지 ...

Are computer programs patentable? Is it strange to ask this question in 2014? In the U.S., the Supreme Court's Diamond v. Diehr decision in 1981 provided a basis for computer software patents when a well-known equation could not be separated out from the rest of the patent claim and the CAFC's State Street Bank decision in 1998 became a springboard for software patents by lowering the patent eligibility standard to practical utility. However, as the Supreme Court called into the patent eligibility question for software patents through the Bilski case in 2010 and found a method of hedging commodities trading to be unpatentable abstract idea, the eligibility question of computer programs has become the most controversial question in the patent arena. Even the pro-patent CAFC had struck down several software patents before and after the Supreme Court's Bilski decision. The problem, however, is that the CAFC has been assessing the patent eligibility of computer programs by different standards employed by different judges, which ultimately led to conflicting decisions for similarly situated cases. The CAFC took a step to face this problem by taking the CLS Bank International v. Alice Corp. case to En Banc. Such effort, however, manifested the seriousness of the situation, as the judges wrote six separate opinions following the per curiam decision. For method claims, the judges struggled with terms like “meaningful limitation”, “inventive concept” and “significantly add more”. With computers being implemented to perform the functions in computer programs, the judges attempted to make a distinction between general-purpose and special-purpose computers. Ultimately, the Supreme Court granted certiorari in this case and the software industry awaits the important decision. In Korea, the patent law provides the definition of ‘invention’ such that the patent eligibility of computer programs depends on whether the subject matter uses nature of law. The Korean Supreme Court decisions have uniformly articulated “the specific implementation of software data processing through usage of hardware” as the patent eligibility standard for computer programs, but left out the explanation for “specific implementation”. Along with the U.S. and Europe, the time seems appropriate for us to reassess the patent eligibility standards for computer programs to address the changes in the IT environment and needs of the IT industry.