Fluid Injection Software Access Without Hardware Keys

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fluid injection systems require hardware keys for software access, which are prone to loss, damage, theft, and require resource-intensive renewal processes, complicating access and maintenance.

Innovation Solution

A system that uses a processor to authenticate users, provide access to software features of a fluid injection system via a graphical user interface, eliminating the need for hardware keys by managing access through a software-based authentication process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If hardware keys are used for software access, then security is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesoftware access securityVSAvoidaccess system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical hardware key system with a software-based authentication system using biometric sensors (fingerprint, facial recognition, iris scanning). This substitution eliminates the need for physical dongles while maintaining security through cryptographic verification of biometric data, thereby reducing device complexity and improving ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a virtual copy of the hardware key's authentication function through software implementation. Instead of requiring a physical key, the system uses biometric templates stored securely in the device memory, allowing multiple users to be authenticated without needing multiple physical hardware keys, thus simplifying the access system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Reliability

If hardware keys are used for software access, then security is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesoftware access securityVSAvoidsoftware access convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical hardware key system with a software-based authentication system using biometric sensors (fingerprint, facial recognition, iris scanning). This substitution eliminates the need for physical dongles while maintaining security through cryptographic verification of biometric data, thereby reducing device complexity and improving ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The biometric authentication system allows users to authenticate themselves automatically without requiring assistance from IT personnel or physical key distribution. The system captures biometric data, compares it against stored templates, and grants access autonomously, significantly improving ease of operation while maintaining security.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If hardware keys are used for software access, then access control is improved, but loss and damage risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess controlVSAvoidloss and damage risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical hardware key system with a software-based authentication system using biometric sensors (fingerprint, facial recognition, iris scanning). This substitution eliminates the need for physical dongles while maintaining security through cryptographic verification of biometric data, thereby reducing device complexity and improving ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent eliminates the need for durable physical hardware keys by using biometric data that is inherently tied to the user's body. Biometric authentication provides a form of 'disposable' credentials that cannot be lost, stolen, or damaged in the traditional sense, as they are regenerated automatically through the sensor system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Data Source

PatentUS20260000827A1System, method, and computer program product for providing access to fluid injection systems

Publication Date: 2026.01.01 BAYER HEALTHCARE LLC

AI summary

A system for securely accessing a fluid injection system is disclosed. The system includes at least one processor programmed or configured to authenticate a user for access to an fluid injection system, provide data identifying one or more features of a software application for accessing the fluid injection system, receive data identifying a selected feature of the software application for accessing the fluid injection system, and provide access to the selected feature of the software application for accessing the fluid injection system.