License Binding via Device Unique Identifier
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing licensing methods are inflexible, inconvenient, and lack security, particularly when licenses are tied to specific computers or systems, making them difficult to transfer and manage across different devices and licensors.
Innovation Solution
A license agent apparatus and system that generates a unique device identifier (D-UID) and a licensor identifier (L-UID) to create an encrypted license container bound to a device, allowing flexible and secure licensing across various devices and licensors, with optional use of a cryptographic controller for enhanced security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the license is tied to a specific computer or system with various components, then the security level is improved, but the flexibility and ease of operation deteriorate because the license becomes invalid when a component is changed or exchanged
Solution Approach 1:
The license binding is segmented from the specific hardware components. Instead of binding the license to individual components (CPU, memory, disk), the system binds the license to the unique identifier of the device as a whole. This allows component changes while maintaining license validity, resolving the contradiction between security and flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses device identifiers and cryptographic hashing to create a virtual copy of the device's unique characteristics. The license is bound to this cryptographic representation rather than the physical hardware, enabling flexibility while maintaining security through the immutable digital fingerprint.
2Reliability
If the license is tied to a specific computer or system, then the security level is improved, but the adaptability deteriorates because the license cannot be used with another system or computer
Solution Approach 1:
The license binding mechanism is designed to be universal across different hardware configurations. By binding to the device's unique identifier rather than specific components, the same license can be transferred and activated on different devices within the authorized network, providing both security and versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a licensing server as an intermediary between the user device and the license authority. This server mediates the license validation process, allowing licenses to be transferred and activated across different devices while maintaining security through centralized control and cryptographic verification.
3Ease of operation
If a removable memory stick with license is used, then the ease of operation is improved, but the security level deteriorates because the license can be copied and used with multiple licensors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the physical removable memory stick with a digital license system based on cryptographic mechanisms. The license is stored securely on the device and transmitted via network communication, eliminating the mechanical copying issues of physical media while maintaining ease of activation through digital authentication.
4Reliability
If device-specific data is used for license binding, then the security level is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for unique identification and cryptographic operations
Solution Approach 1:
The device automatically generates and provides its unique identifier without requiring manual configuration or complex setup procedures. The system self-identifies through built-in hardware characteristics, eliminating the need for user intervention in the complex cryptographic binding process while maintaining high security.
Data Source
AI summary
A license agent apparatus for handling a license of an application of a licensor, including a device interface to communicate with a device having specific data; and a processing unit to generate a license container configured to maintain a license for the application. Also, a device having specific data characterizing the device and being configured to be bound to a license container, which is suitable to contain at least a license for an application, and being configured to communicate with a license agent or a license agent apparatus to provide the specific data for identifying the device and for creating device unique identity data, D-UID. Further, a corresponding system, a license container as well as corresponding methods.