Key Injection Tool for Remote OS Activation

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing methods for activating operating systems, such as the OEM Activation process, require physically shipping computers to dedicated sites for server-based support, which is time-consuming and costly.

Innovation Solution

A method that injects key information from a memory device into non-volatile memory of a hardware device via a data port, receiving identification information, and associating it with the key information, allowing for remote activation without physical transportation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If server-based activation process is used, then operating system activation can be achieved, but physical transportation to dedicated sites is required which increases time and cost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveactivation processVSAvoidphysical shipping time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical system of physical transportation with a data communication system. Instead of physically moving computers to dedicated activation sites, the invention uses data ports to transmit activation data electronically, substituting mechanical movement with electronic information transfer.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a portable memory device as an intermediary between the activation server and the computer system. This intermediary carries activation data physically but enables electronic injection into the target system, bridging the gap between remote data generation and local activation requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If server-based activation process is used, then operating system activation can be achieved, but physical transportation to dedicated sites is required which increases cost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveactivation processVSAvoidshipping cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical system of physical transportation with a data communication system. Instead of physically moving computers to dedicated activation sites, the invention uses data ports to transmit activation data electronically, substituting mechanical movement with electronic information transfer.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If key information is injected via data port, then remote activation is enabled, but additional hardware interface is required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveactivation locationVSAvoidhardware interface
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes universal data ports that serve multiple functions - they are standard interfaces already present on computers for other purposes (USB, serial, parallel ports). This multi-functionality allows the activation system to use existing hardware without adding dedicated activation interfaces, reducing overall system complexity.

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

Data Source

PatentUS9292664B2Key injection tool
Publication Date: 2016.03.22 LENOVO SWITZERLAND INTERNATIONAL GMBH
  • US9292664B2 patent drawing
  • US9292664B2 patent drawing
  • US9292664B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method can include injecting key information from memory of a memory device into non-volatile memory of a hardware device via a data port of the hardware device; receiving via the data port identification information from the hardware device that identifies the hardware device; and associating the key information and the identification information in the memory of the memory device. Various other apparatuses, systems, methods, etc., are also disclosed.