Dynamic License Allocation Using Application Usage States

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing license allocation systems fail to account for the actual usage of computing applications, leading to inefficient allocation and unavailability for devices that need access, assuming all logged-in devices are using the application.

Innovation Solution

A method and system for dynamically allocating licenses based on the real-time usage state of target applications, reallocating licenses when the usage state changes from active to inactive, ensuring efficient management and timely access for user devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If auto logged-in feature is used for license allocation, then license allocation is automated and simple, but license allocation efficiency deteriorates because licenses are allocated without verifying actual application usage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelicense allocation automationVSAvoidlicense allocation efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring the usage state of the target application on each user device and using this information to dynamically adjust license allocation. The license allocation server receives usage state information from user devices and automatically reallocates licenses based on actual application usage, ensuring that licenses are allocated to devices that need them while maintaining automation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service by allowing user devices to autonomously report their application usage state to the license allocation server. Each user device can independently determine whether it is using the target application and communicate this status, enabling the system to self-regulate license distribution without manual intervention while optimizing allocation efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Device complexity

If licenses are allocated based on login status assumption, then allocation process is simplified, but resource utilization deteriorates due to licenses being held by inactive devices

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveallocation process complexityVSAvoidavailable licenses for active devices

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies dynamics by transitioning from static license allocation based on login status to dynamic allocation based on real-time application usage state. The license allocation server continuously monitors usage states and automatically adjusts license distribution, allowing licenses to be dynamically reallocated from inactive devices to active devices, thereby optimizing resource utilization while maintaining manageable system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If manual license allocation is implemented, then license distribution can be optimized based on actual usage, but operational complexity and time consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelicense allocation efficiencyVSAvoidmanual intervention requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service by allowing user devices to autonomously report their application usage state to the license allocation server. Each user device can independently determine whether it is using the target application and communicate this status, enabling the system to self-regulate license distribution without manual intervention while optimizing allocation efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring the usage state of the target application on each user device and using this information to dynamically adjust license allocation. The license allocation server receives usage state information from user devices and automatically reallocates licenses based on actual application usage, ensuring that licenses are allocated to devices that need them while maintaining automation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS20250291884A1Method and system for dynamic license allocation

Publication Date: 2025.09.18 INVERTION OY

AI summary

A method for dynamic allocation of license for accessing target application (TA) within organization, organization comprising user devices (UDs) associated with TA, method includes, providing set of licenses (SOL) including license(s) available to be allocated to UD(s), number of available license(s) is less than number of UDs; receiving first information (FI) for each of UDs; determining if usage state of TA for one UD is active state; when TA for UD(s) is in active state, allocating, to each of UD(s), available license for accessing TA, and marking allocated license(s) as unavailable from SOL; and determining if usage state of TA for UD(s) changes from active state to inactive state; and when TA for UD(s) changes from active state to inactive state, deallocating, for each of UD(s), corresponding allocated license, and marking deallocated license(s) as available in SOL.