Automated Computer Registration via Remote Server

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing registration processes for software applications are manual, time-consuming, and pose security risks due to the need for direct internet communication, especially when dealing with large numbers of computers, making it difficult to manage and track compliance.

Innovation Solution

A system that automates the registration process by using a remote registration server to collect and manage registration information for multiple computers, eliminating the need for direct internet access and allowing centralized control and management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual registration is performed on each computer individually, then registration can be completed with simple tools, but the process becomes tedious and time-consuming when dealing with large numbers of computers

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveregistration speedVSAvoidregistration system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A centralized registration server is introduced as an intermediary between computers and the registration system. The server receives registration requests from multiple computers, processes them centrally, and manages the registration database. This mediator approach enables batch processing of registrations while keeping individual computer tools simple.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The registration server provides universal functionality to handle registrations from any number of computers through a single interface. The system can serve multiple clients simultaneously, making the registration process scalable without requiring separate registration mechanisms for each computer.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If direct internet communication is required for registration, then registration can be performed using standard vendor utilities, but security issues arise and additional network ports must be configured on each computer

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesecurityVSAvoidnetwork configuration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The registration server acts as a secure intermediary that handles all internet communication on behalf of the computers. Computers only need to communicate with the server through existing network infrastructure, eliminating the need for direct internet access configuration on each machine while maintaining security through centralized control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The complex network configuration requirements are extracted from individual computers and consolidated into the centralized registration server. The server manages firewall rules, port configurations, and internet connectivity centrally, removing these complexities from the client computers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Loss of information

If registration is performed separately on each computer, then each computer can be registered independently, but it becomes difficult to track compliance across the organization

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompliance trackingVSAvoidregistration efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The centralized registration server provides a universal view of all computer registrations through a single database. The system can track compliance status across the entire organization from one location, generating reports and monitoring which computers are registered and which are not, while maintaining efficient processing speeds.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS7917605B1Automated registration and licensing tool
Publication Date: 2011.03.29 UNITED SERVICES AUTOMOBILE ASSOCIATION (USAA)
  • US7917605B1 patent drawing
  • US7917605B1 patent drawing
  • US7917605B1 patent drawing

AI summary

Methods and systems are disclosed for managing registrations of computers. The methods and systems provide a registration tool that may be used to automatically register the computers. For each computer to be registered, information uniquely identifying the computer is collected and sent to a remote registration server. The information is then used by the remote registration server to perform the registration on behalf of the computer. The registration may be with a software vendor, a third-party database, or with the remote registration server itself in some cases. The registration server thereafter returns a registration code or other information to the computer to complete the registration. Such an arrangement allows the registration process to be controlled from a central location.