Agricultural Machine Feature Activation With Authorized Control States
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Solution Overview
Problem
Agricultural machinery manufacturers face logistical challenges and increased costs due to the need to produce machines with and without activation options, leading to potential unauthorized software updates and high piracy risks.
Innovation Solution
Implement a control unit with two operating states, one requiring user input for manual adjustment and another using data from sensors for optimized control, with authorization checks ensuring only authorized users can access enhanced features, and a memory storing programs in an access-protected form.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the manufacturer installs the necessary features in all machines of a series, then the logistical effort is avoided, but the incentive for unauthorized third parties to make software updates by installing pirated copies increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-installing all necessary software features and components in every machine of a series during manufacturing. This eliminates the need for separate production lines for machines with and without activation options, significantly reducing logistical effort. The full functionality is prepared in advance but remains inaccessible without proper authorization, thus preventing piracy while maintaining manufacturing efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary anti-action by incorporating authorization checking mechanisms and access protection measures during the manufacturing process. These protective measures are built into the system beforehand to prevent unauthorized access and piracy. The authorization system is pre-configured to block access to premium features until proper licensing is provided, thereby countering piracy risks before they can manifest.
2Quantity of substance
If the manufacturer produces machines with and without activation options, then the cost is reduced for basic models, but the logistical effort increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a standardized machine platform that contains all necessary hardware and software components for multiple functionality levels. Every machine is manufactured with the same base configuration including all features, but access to premium features is controlled through authorization. This universal approach eliminates the need to produce different machine variants, significantly reducing logistical complexity while maintaining the ability to offer both basic and enhanced functionality.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the machine is equipped with full functionality from the start, then the functional scope can be expanded conveniently, but the cost increases and piracy risk rises
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by creating a flexible authorization system that allows the functional scope of the machine to be dynamically adjusted based on licensing. The machine is manufactured with full functionality available, but access to premium features is dynamically controlled through authorization tokens or licenses. This allows customers to start with basic functionality and expand to enhanced features as needed, maintaining adaptability while controlling costs and preventing piracy through the authorization mechanism.
Data Source
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AI summary
An agricultural machine (1) comprises a mechanical assembly (2), a control unit (7) for setting at least one operating parameter of the mechanical assembly (2), wherein the control unit (7) supports a first and a second operating state of the mechanical assembly (2), and a data source for outputting at least one control variable to the control unit (7), wherein the relationship between the value of the control variable and a value of the operating parameter set by the control unit (7) is different in the first operating state than in the second operating state. A program required by the control unit (7) for operation in the second operating state is stored in a memory of the machine (1) in an access-protected form that allows the control unit to execute the program only if it has the necessary authorization.