Dual License Management for User and Device Access Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing service providing systems face difficulties in effectively limiting the number of electronic devices and users capable of using an application, as existing methods struggle to manage permissions accurately between users and devices.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that determine and manage licenses for both users and electronic devices, assigning use permissions based on issued licenses, allowing only authorized users and devices to access the application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If use permission is assigned to a user, then users can access the application, but it is difficult to limit electronic devices capable of using the application
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the licensing system into two independent license types: user licenses and device licenses. User licenses are assigned to individual users, while device licenses are assigned to electronic devices. This segmentation allows the system to independently control and limit both user access and device access, resolving the contradiction by enabling precise control over each dimension separately rather than through a single unified permission system.
2Ease of operation
If use permission is given to an electronic device, then electronic devices can use the application, but it is difficult to limit users capable of using the application
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements segmentation by creating distinct license management streams for users and devices. The system maintains separate user license records and device license records, allowing independent assignment and revocation. When a device license is granted, the system can still limit user access through user license requirements, and vice versa, thereby resolving the contradiction through independent control mechanisms.
3Device complexity
If a single license system is used, then the system is simple to manage, but it cannot precisely control both users and devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the license management system into two parallel but independent tracks: user license management and device license management. Each track has its own assignment procedures, storage structures, and validation logic. This segmentation increases precision by allowing granular control over users and devices separately, while the overall system architecture remains manageable through standardized license issuance and validation processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a new dimension to license management by introducing device-level licensing alongside traditional user-level licensing. This transforms the previously one-dimensional (user-only) permission system into a two-dimensional system where both user identity and device identity are independent factors in access control. This dimensional expansion enables precise control over the intersection of authorized users and authorized devices.
Data Source
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AI summary
A system (50) includes a license management unit that determines whether a license for an application has been issued to both a user and an electronic device, assigns use permission of the application to each of the user and the electronic device, based on a determination that a license for the application has been issued to both the user and the electronic device, and when use permission of the application has been assigned to both the user and the electronic device, permits the user who has logged in to the electronic device to use the application.