Licence Ticket Software Distribution via Network
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for distributing computer program products face challenges such as outdated physical media, high distribution costs, and user resistance to online transactions due to security concerns with credit card information.
Innovation Solution
A method using licence tickets bearing licence keys that allow users to download the latest version of a computer program product via a computer network connection, eliminating the need for physical media and reducing costs, while ensuring security through hidden licence keys revealed only to legitimate purchasers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If physical media are distributed from supplier to retailers, then software can be sold through retail outlets, but the media become outdated when new versions are released and distribution costs are high
Solution Approach 1:
The software distribution system is segmented into two separate components: (1) physical licence tickets with licence keys that can be retail-distributed, and (2) digital software downloads available from the supplier's server. This segmentation allows the physical component (licence ticket) to be manufactured and distributed cheaply through retail outlets, while the digital component (software) can be updated and distributed freely from the supplier's server, resolving the contradiction between distribution cost and software currency.
Solution Approach 2:
The licence key acts as an intermediary that bridges the physical retail environment and the digital download system. The licence key is validated by the supplier's system to authorize software downloads, enabling retail distribution of physical media while maintaining the ability to provide up-to-date software from the supplier's server, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of manufacture and reliability.
2Ease of manufacture
If on-line purchasing and downloading is used, then physical media distribution costs are avoided, but customers are resistant due to security concerns with credit card information
Solution Approach 1:
The sensitive financial transaction component is extracted from the software download process. Instead of requiring credit card information for download authorization, the system uses a licence key obtained through separate retail purchase. This extraction removes the security concern for users while maintaining the cost benefits of digital distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The licence key serves as an intermediary that replaces the need for online financial transactions. Users obtain the licence key through retail purchase (without entering credit card information online) and then use this key to authorize software downloads, thus maintaining ease of manufacture while improving ease of operation by eliminating security concerns.
3Ease of manufacture
If on-line sales mechanisms are used, then physical media distribution is eliminated, but retail display and sales environment cannot be utilized to inform customers
Solution Approach 1:
The sales process is segmented into two stages: (1) retail display and information delivery through physical licence tickets in retail outlets, and (2) digital download from the supplier's server. This segmentation allows retail environments to effectively inform customers through physical media display, while the actual software distribution occurs digitally, combining the advantages of both approaches.
Solution Approach 2:
The licence key information is copied onto physical licence tickets that can be displayed and handled in retail environments, allowing customers to see and interact with the product information physically. The actual software is then copied digitally from the supplier's server to the user's system, maintaining low distribution costs while enabling effective product information delivery.
Data Source
AI summary
A licence ticket 6 obtained by a user 12, such as by purchase from a retail outlet 4, bears a licence key 12 behind a scratch off panel 10. This licence key when entered into a webpage dialog with a download server 16 is validated by that download server 16 as legitimate and used to trigger download and installation of a computer program product onto the user's computer 14.