Mobile Entitlements Manager Offline License Validation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing software licensing methods face challenges in managing access to software applications, particularly in environments with no Internet connection and are inconvenient when hardware keys are lost or damaged, as they require separate devices and do not efficiently handle multiple software applications or simultaneous copies.
Innovation Solution
A mobile device acts as a virtual hardware key, managing software entitlements by communicating with a remote server, enabling authorization and deactivation of software applications via wireless or wired connections, and handling multiple applications and simultaneous copies, reducing the need for physical hardware keys.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If software-based licensing with remote server communication is used, then license validation and control are improved, but system reliability deteriorates when Internet connection is unavailable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mobile device as an intermediary entitlement server between the client computer and the remote entitlement server. The mobile device stores entitlement information locally and can validate software licenses offline, acting as a mediator that enables license validation without requiring direct communication between the client and remote server. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining reliability through local validation capability while preserving ease of operation through wireless communication when available.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a traditional two-dimensional licensing architecture (client-remote server direct communication) to a three-dimensional architecture by introducing the mobile device as an intermediate layer. This dimensional change allows the system to operate in multiple modes: online mode where the mobile device synchronizes with the remote server, and offline mode where the mobile device independently validates licenses, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and ease of operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If hardware keys are used for software licensing, then portability and transferability are improved, but device complexity increases and loss/damage risks arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the physical hardware key with a digital copy of entitlement information stored on the mobile device. Instead of requiring a physical device to be present for validation, the system uses electronic copies of license data that can be stored, backed up, and transferred digitally. This eliminates the risk of physical loss or damage while maintaining portability, and reduces complexity by removing the need for physical hardware components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the mechanical/physical hardware key system with an electronic software-based entitlement management system. The physical insertion and extraction of hardware keys is replaced by wireless communication and digital data exchange between the mobile device and client computer. This substitution eliminates mechanical wear and physical damage risks while maintaining the core functionality of license validation.
3Reliability
If remote server communication is required for license validation, then centralized license control is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to connection dependencies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by having the mobile device pre-load and store entitlement information from the remote server before offline usage is needed. The system proactively synchronizes license data during periods when connection is available, so that when the user needs to use software offline, validation can proceed immediately without connection delays. This maintains centralized control through periodic synchronization while maximizing productivity during offline operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the mobile device to independently validate software licenses without requiring real-time connection to the remote server. The entitlement information stored on the mobile device allows it to self-service license validation requests from client computers, eliminating connection dependencies and improving productivity. Centralized control is maintained through periodic updates from the remote server to the mobile device.
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile entitlements manager implemented on a mobile device stores the software entitlements belonging to a user of the mobile device. The mobile device communicates with client computers on which the user wishes to run software applications. Messages are exchanged between the client and the mobile device to enable activation, continued running, and to deactivate client applications in accordance with the entitlements available to the user. The mobile entitlements manager updates its entitlement information by communicating with a remote entitlements server, and informs the entitlement server of the status of programs running on clients in communication with the device. The entitlements manager handles entitlements for multiple applications and for multiple licensed entities, such as individual users, sites, client computers, or organizations.