Systems and methods for monetizing building management system software deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current software monetization systems face limitations in preventing piracy due to the reuse and unauthorized distribution of product keys, as they are not uniquely associated with specific computer systems or installation times.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that generate a unique product key for each software installation, associating it with end device fingerprint information and installation time, ensuring that the product key can only be used for a specific installation, thereby preventing unauthorized access and ensuring legitimate software deployment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If product keys are distributed freely to salespeople, installation technicians, and customers, then software installation can be completed, but product keys can be reused and unauthorized access occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the product key system into multiple components: a service task identifier, a unique product key, and device fingerprint information. Each component serves a specific function in the licensing chain, creating a segmented authentication pathway that prevents key reuse while maintaining installation ease.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a license server as an intermediary between the product key and software activation. The license server validates the service task identifier, generates unique product keys, and binds them to specific devices through fingerprint verification, acting as a mediator that prevents unauthorized access while enabling legitimate installations.
2Reliability
If a unique product key is generated and attached to each service task, then unauthorized access is prevented, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by generating the service task identifier and unique product key before software installation occurs. The license server pre-validates the service task and binds the product key to device fingerprint information in advance, so that during installation, the process is streamlined and does not add operational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service mechanisms where the license server automatically generates unique product keys, validates service tasks, and binds them to devices without requiring manual intervention. The device fingerprint information is automatically captured and verified, reducing the complexity burden on users.
3Reliability
If product keys are associated with specific computer systems and installation times, then piracy is prevented, but the installation process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent associates the product key with specific computer systems and installation times through preliminary actions performed by the license server. The device fingerprint is captured and bound to the service task identifier before installation, and the license server validates this binding in advance, so the actual installation process remains simple while piracy prevention is ensured.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for monetizing deployment of building management software configured to operate an HVAC device includes one or more processors coupled to non-transitory memory. The one or more processors are configured to create a service task for a field technician including information identifying the building management software to be installed on an end device. The one or more processors are further configured to generate a unique product key and attach the unique product key to the service task, transmit the service task to a field technician platform configured to be accessed by the field technician, validate bound data received from the field technician platform, the bound data comprising end device fingerprint information and the unique product key. The one or more processors are further configured to generate a license file configured to complete installation of the building management software.