Installer Program Authorization for Operating System Installation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users of computing devices may attempt to install unauthorized operating systems, leading to a need for a system and method to control which programs, including operating systems, can be installed on a device.

Innovation Solution

An installer program executes on the computing device to determine the existing and new operating system configurations and prevents installation if the new system is not authorized, ensuring only licensed software is installed.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If users are allowed to freely install any operating system, then users have flexibility to choose and install desired software, but unauthorized operating systems may be installed leading to licensing violations and system corruption

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperating system installation flexibilityVSAvoidlicensing compliance
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The installer program performs preliminary actions by checking authorization status before allowing operating system installation. The system determines the configuration of both existing and new programs, and verifies authorization in advance, preventing unauthorized installations before they occur.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

An installer program acts as an intermediary between the user and the operating system installation process. This intermediary component verifies authorization status and controls whether the installation proceeds, mediating between user freedom to install and licensing compliance requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If an installer program checks authorization for every installation, then licensing compliance is ensured, but the installation process becomes more complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelicensing complianceVSAvoidinstallation control mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The installer program performs self-service by automatically determining program configurations and checking authorization status without requiring manual intervention. The system autonomously verifies licensing compliance, reducing the perceived complexity for users while maintaining reliable control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The installer program serves multiple functions: it determines existing program configuration, determines new program configuration, checks authorization status, and controls installation. This multi-functional approach consolidates complexity into a single universal component rather than requiring separate mechanisms for each function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If the system prevents unauthorized installations, then licensing compliance is maintained, but users experience restricted access to desired software

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelicensing complianceVSAvoidsoftware installation accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies preliminary anti-action by preventing unauthorized installations through authorization verification. The installer program determines whether installation is authorized and blocks unauthorized installations before they can occur, maintaining licensing compliance while providing clear feedback to users about installation restrictions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Data Source

PatentUS7694280B2Systems and methods for controlling program installation on a computing device
Publication Date: 2010.04.06 HEWLETT PACKARD DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LP
  • US7694280B2 patent drawing
  • US7694280B2 patent drawing
  • US7694280B2 patent drawing

AI summary

In one embodiment, a system and method for controlling program download pertain to determining the configuration of an existing program that executes on the computing device, determining the configuration of a new program that is to be installed on the computing device to replace the existing program, determining whether installation of the new program is authorized, and preventing installation of the new program if installation is not authorized.