True, you'd have to explain that it's a very vague explanation, and maybe explain its a niche tool for a very specific labor force. I doubt most people have heard or care to hear a detailed explanation of NED Graphics Design and Repeat, nor its use of HASP keys, but I think saying it's a specific tool for making patterns on clothes and I help make sure the tool works is sufficient. You or the person from a previous time may ask for more details, but especially in older times you could just say I can't tell you more because my employers don't want people to copy tools.

Hiding the exact details of your trade was so common back then it caused problems for apprentices, as they were often expected to learn from watching or laboring a long time rather than directly taught.