Execution Count-Based License Authentication for Information Processing Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users can fraudulently continue using applications with expired licenses by setting back the system time on information processing devices not connected to a communication line, bypassing license expiration checks.
Innovation Solution
Implementing an information processing device that measures the accumulated number of execution counts for specific processing tasks and controls startup based on an allowable number, rather than relying on system time, to prevent fraudulent use after the expiration time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If license authentication is performed based on system time expiration checks, then the authentication method is simple and easy to implement, but the system becomes vulnerable to fraudulent use when the system time is tampered with
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a counter value as an intermediary mechanism between the license and the authentication process. This counter, stored in non-volatile memory, acts as a mediator that tracks execution independently of system time, preventing time-based fraud while maintaining simple authentication logic
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the time-based mechanical system (clock-dependent authentication) with a counter-based system. Instead of relying on temporal measurements that can be manipulated, the system uses a discrete counter stored in non-volatile memory that increments with each execution, making it resistant to time tampering
2Reliability
If the system uses accumulated execution counts to control application startup, then fraudulent use is prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the authentication parameter from time-based (expiration date) to count-based (execution counter). This parameter transformation allows the system to maintain security while using a simple increment operation instead of complex time validation logic
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a simple integer counter stored in non-volatile memory as a disposable tracking mechanism. Each execution increments this simple counter, and the authentication logic becomes a straightforward comparison operation, avoiding complex security mechanisms
Data Source
AI summary
An information processing device not connected to a communication line includes a processor configured to measure an accumulated number of execution counts for specific processing repeatedly performed by an application, and perform control so that after the accumulated number of execution counts reaches an allowable number, the application is not started up.