Electronic Device License Update via Pre-computed Time Extensions

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems do not provide a method for updating licenses used by electronic devices, which is essential for maintaining functionality and security.

Innovation Solution

A system that allows for the remote management and updating of licenses through a network, where a server provides and manages licenses for electronic devices, enabling secure and efficient updates without direct communication, using a device unique key and time-based management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If license management is performed offline without server connection, then device independence and operation continuity are improved, but license update capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation continuityVSAvoidlicense update capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The server pre-calculates and stores extended expiration times in advance. When a license update is needed, the device simply retrieves the pre-computed extended expiration time from the storage unit without requiring real-time server connection, thus maintaining offline operation continuity while enabling future updates.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

A storage unit acts as an intermediary between the server and the execution unit. The storage unit stores license management information including extended expiration times, allowing the execution unit to perform license operations locally without direct server connection, while still benefiting from server-provided update capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If direct server-device communication is required for license updates, then license management accuracy is improved, but system complexity and operational risks increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelicense management accuracyVSAvoidcommunication requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The server pre-calculates extended expiration times based on current expiration times and stores them in advance. This preliminary action eliminates the need for complex real-time communication protocols during actual license updates, reducing system complexity while maintaining management accuracy through pre-validated time extensions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system creates a local copy of license management information (including extended expiration times) in the storage unit. This copy allows the execution unit to operate independently without continuous server communication, reducing operational risks and system complexity while maintaining accurate license management through the replicated data.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentEP3754524B1Information processing device, information processing method, program, and electronic device
Publication Date: 2024.10.30 SONY GROUP CORP
  • EP3754524B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3754524B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3754524B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The present technology relates to an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, a program, and an electronic device capable of appropriately perform update of a license provided by an information processing apparatus and used in an electronic device. The electronic device includes: a key generation unit that generates a device unique key that is a key unique to every device; and a license management unit that updates a license in a case where an extension code generated by a predetermined method on the basis of the device unique key, first data different for every installation of the license provided by an information processing apparatus, and second data different depending on the number of times of update of the license coincides with an input extension code. The present technology can be applied to, for example, a camera using a subscription license.