Location-Based Software License Distribution via NFC
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current software licensing systems are inflexible and complex, limiting users' ability to access software and documents on their own devices, especially in scenarios where geographical location restrictions are enforced, such as corporate networks or libraries, due to the need for fixed device bindings and restrictive usage policies.
Innovation Solution
A license server system that utilizes Near Field Communication (NFC) to distribute software licenses based on geographical location, allowing users to access licensed software on NFC-enabled devices only when within a predetermined distance from a fixed NFC interface device, such as an NFC pad, ensuring location-based usage rights management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fixed device binding is used to enforce licensing restrictions, then software security and licence control are improved, but user flexibility and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static device binding model into a dynamic location-based licensing system. Instead of permanently binding software to specific hardware identifiers, the system now dynamically determines licence validity based on the user's current geographical location relative to authorized premises. This allows the same device to be licensed in different locations while maintaining security through location verification.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the licensing parameter from device-specific attributes (hardware IDs, serial numbers) to location-based parameters (geographical coordinates, premises boundaries). By using GPS or other location detection mechanisms, the system verifies whether the user device is within authorized geographical areas, thereby maintaining licence control without fixed device binding.
2Adaptability or versatility
If location-based licensing is implemented, then user flexibility is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary licensing server that mediates between the software application and the location verification system. The server receives location data from the user device, determines whether the device is within authorized premises, and returns licensing decisions. This intermediary approach simplifies the overall system architecture by centralizing the complex location-based licence management logic in a dedicated server component.
3Reliability
If traditional licence sharing models are used, then licence control is maintained, but user convenience deteriorates due to data transmission requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the licence validation logic from the local device and relocates it to a remote licensing server. Instead of requiring users to manually manage licence files or transmit data between devices, the system continuously validates licence status on the server based on location data, automatically granting or revoking access without user intervention.
Data Source
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Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A
AI summary
A system is described for a licence provider to distribute licences for software applications. A licence server (102) is operated by the licence provider to distribute licences to user devices (110). At least one local interface device such as an NFC pad (104) is provided at a known geographical location, configured to communicate with the licence server, and further configured to communicate with a user device (110) when located less than a predetermined maximum distance from the local interface device. The local interface device is configured to be authenticated to the licence server and provides a mechanism for a user device (110) communicating with the local interface device (104) to use the authentication of the local interface device to obtain a licence from the licence server (102).