Digital Assets Entitlement System Separating Purchase and Activation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing complexity of information handling systems has led to longer manufacturing times for custom-configured systems, prompting a shift from Custom Factory Integration (CFI) to Original Design Manufacturer (ODM) models, where digital assets are often prepackaged with activation schemes that can result in unauthorized use if the package is stolen or lost, necessitating a separation of digital asset purchase from their fulfillment and activation.
Innovation Solution
A digital assets entitlement system that uses unique system identifiers to manage the entitlement of digital assets, allowing for the separation of purchase and activation, where purchase information and system identifier data are processed to generate activation request data, which is then linked with digital assets, enabling secure installation on the target system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If digital assets are prepackaged with physical packages (CD/DVD) and activation keys, then the assets can be distributed and activated immediately, but the risk of unauthorized use increases if the package is stolen or lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the activation process into two independent parts: (1) a permanent system identifier embedded in the target system during manufacturing, and (2) a separate activation key provided to the customer. The system identifier cannot be removed or transferred, while the activation key alone is insufficient for activation without the system identifier. This segmentation prevents unauthorized use even if the physical package is stolen, as the activation key cannot function without the permanently bound system identifier.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary activation server that mediates between the customer and the digital asset provider. The server receives the system identifier and activation key, verifies their correspondence, and only then enables activation. This intermediary layer adds a security checkpoint that prevents direct unauthorized activation, even if the physical package is compromised.
2Adaptability or versatility
If custom-configured systems are manufactured with selected digital assets, then customer needs are met, but manufacturing time increases from days to weeks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by embedding the system identifier in the target system during the standard manufacturing process, before the customer places their order. This allows the system to be prepared in advance with the identifier already in place, so that when the customer orders digital assets, activation can occur rapidly by simply providing the corresponding activation key, rather than requiring time-consuming custom configuration of each asset.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying by providing the system identifier (which is permanently embedded in the target system) as the basis for activation. Instead of physically transferring or custom-configuring digital assets during manufacturing, the system creates a cryptographic copy/representation of the system's unique identity that can be used to verify entitlement and enable activation of licensed assets.
3Productivity
If the activation key is made live immediately upon loading, then the digital assets can be used right away, but the value in the packaging creates vulnerability to theft and loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by designing the activation key to be inherently inert or dead upon distribution, and only becomes active (live) after successful verification with the system identifier through the activation server. This preliminary deactivation state prevents unauthorized use if the package is stolen, while still allowing immediate legitimate use once the activation process is completed. The harmful potential is neutralized in advance through the design of the deactivatable activation mechanism.
Data Source
AI summary
A system, method, and computer-readable medium are disclosed for separating the purchase of digital assets from their fulfillment and activation. Digital assets purchase information comprising digital assets identifier information and activation key data, and system identifier information comprising system identifier data, is received. The purchase information and the system identifier information are processed to generate digital assets activation request data, which is then processed by the provider of the digital assets to generate digital assets activation data. Associated digital assets data is provided with the digital assets activation data and then processed with the purchase transaction data to generate digital assets entitlement data. A personalization agent associated with a target system automatically downloads the purchased digital assets and associated digital assets entitlement data, which is used to install the digital assets, thereby entitling the system to process the installed digital assets.