Licensed Feature Counter for Offline Subscription Validation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multi-function printers and devices face challenges in managing licensed features and consumable replenishment services, particularly in validating user enrollment and compliance with subscription plans, especially when network connections are unavailable.
Innovation Solution
A licensed feature counter system that uses a processor and machine-readable storage medium to modify, validate, and manage counters associated with licensed features, incorporating modify counter instructions, threshold determination, and unlicense feature instructions to ensure compliance with subscription plans, even without continuous network connectivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If network connection is required for validating user enrollment and compliance with replenishment service, then subscription management accuracy is improved, but device operability without network connectivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by storing subscription validation data, user enrollment information, and compliance criteria in local memory before network connectivity is lost. The processor validates features against locally stored subscription data, enabling operation without continuous network connection while maintaining accuracy through pre-fetched authorization information.
Solution Approach 2:
Local memory serves as an intermediary between the processor and the absent network connection. It stores cached subscription validation data, user enrollment records, and compliance criteria, allowing the processor to continue validating licensed features against stored subscription information even when network connectivity is unavailable.
2Reliability
If continuous network connection is required for feature validation, then subscription compliance is improved, but loss of time for feature access increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary validation by caching subscription data, user enrollment information, and compliance criteria in local memory before network disconnection occurs. This allows the processor to immediately validate licensed features against stored data without waiting for network round-trips, eliminating access delays while maintaining compliance accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system ensures continuous feature validation by maintaining licensed feature counters and subscription validation data in local memory. The processor continuously validates features against locally stored subscription information without interruption from network connectivity status, ensuring both compliance and immediate feature access.
3Ease of operation
If licensed feature counters are stored locally without network verification, then device operability is improved, but risk of unauthorized feature access increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback mechanisms by validating licensed feature counters against locally stored subscription data and compliance criteria. The processor continuously monitors feature usage against cached subscription limits and enforcement rules, providing local feedback control that prevents unauthorized access while maintaining device operability during network outages.
Solution Approach 2:
The device performs self-service validation by using its own locally stored subscription data, user enrollment information, and compliance criteria to validate licensed features. The processor autonomously enforces subscription limits and validates counters without external network verification, enabling secure operation while maintaining device functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
Examples disclosed herein relate to modifying a counter associated with a licensed feature, modifying the counter upon an occurrence of an event, determining whether the counter has passed a threshold value, and, in response to determining that the counter has passed the threshold value, causing the licensed feature to become unlicensed.