Location-Based Software Feature Provisioning via GPS
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current computing devices lack the ability to control the use of software or hardware features based on the device's location, as license keys do not account for geographical restrictions, leading to unrestricted usage regardless of the device's location.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a location unit to determine the device's current location and a licensing unit to enable or disable features based on predetermined authorized locations, using GPS receivers and encryption methods to ensure location-based provisioning of license keys.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If license keys are transmitted to computing devices without location-based restrictions, then ease of operation is improved (unrestricted feature access), but manufacturing precision deteriorates (inability to control software/hardware feature usage according to location)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by embedding location-specific authorization information within license keys. Different portions of the license key are activated based on the device's geographical location, allowing the same license key to enable different features depending on where the device is located. This resolves the contradiction by providing both ease of operation (automatic location-based activation) and manufacturing precision (granular control over which features are accessible at which locations).
2Manufacturing precision
If location-based provisioning is implemented for license keys, then manufacturing precision is improved (control over software/hardware feature usage according to location), but device complexity increases (additional location determination and verification components)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing the license key structure to serve multiple functions simultaneously. The license key not only authenticates the software but also contains embedded location authorization information that enables geographical control. This multi-functional approach avoids adding separate complex location-based licensing systems, thereby improving manufacturing precision without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies self-service by enabling the computing device to automatically determine its own location and verify license key authorization without external intervention. The device autonomously compares its current location with the location information embedded in the license key and activates appropriate features, eliminating the need for complex external verification infrastructure.
3Manufacturing precision
If GPS receivers and location determination units are added to computing devices, then manufacturing precision is improved (location-based licensing control), but weight of moving object increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies copying by utilizing the location information that is already being captured by the GPS receiver for other purposes (such as navigation or location-based services). Instead of adding separate location determination hardware solely for licensing purposes, the system copies and reuses the existing location data for license key verification, thereby achieving manufacturing precision without additional weight.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables location-specific control over software and hardware features, ensuring that features are only accessible when the device is within authorized geographical areas, providing enhanced licensing management.
Implementation Method 1
a location unit to determine the current location of the computing device
Data Source
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AI summary
A computing device to enable a feature thereof according to a current location and a control method thereof, the computing device including: a location unit to determine the current location of the computing device; and a licensing unit to determine whether the current location corresponds to a predetermined authorized location, and to enable the feature if the current location corresponds to the authorized location. Accordingly, a permission to use a software feature or a hardware feature of the computing device can be controlled according to the current location of the computing device.