Terminal Authentication via NFC Serial-Number Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing authentication methods for product licenses are prone to user input errors and inefficiencies, particularly when manually inputting activation codes, leading to prolonged authentication times and security vulnerabilities.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a terminal device with a reader-writer for NFC communication to retrieve and write license keys securely based on unique serial numbers, ensuring accurate authentication and immediate use restriction cancellation upon key verification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual input of activation codes is used for authentication, then the system is easy to operate, but user input errors occur and authentication time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical input method with an automated optical recognition system. The imaging device captures an image of the activation code, and the recognition unit automatically extracts and processes the code through image processing and pattern recognition algorithms, eliminating manual typing and reducing errors.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service authentication by allowing the activation code to be automatically captured from the product packaging or device label through the imaging device. The recognition unit autonomously processes the code without requiring user intervention in the input process, making the system serve itself.
2Ease of operation
If manual input of activation codes is used for authentication, then the system is simple to operate, but security vulnerabilities increase due to input errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical input method with an automated optical recognition system. The imaging device captures an image of the activation code, and the recognition unit automatically extracts and processes the code through image processing and pattern recognition algorithms, eliminating manual typing and reducing errors.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the recognition unit validates the extracted activation code against the server response. If there is a mismatch or error in recognition, the system can prompt for re-capture or correction, ensuring accurate and secure authentication.
3Productivity
If license key acquisition and writing is performed without serial number verification, then the authentication process is faster, but security is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary verification by comparing the extracted serial number with the stored serial number before proceeding to acquire and write the license key. This preliminary check ensures that the license key is only written to the correct device, preventing unauthorized activation while maintaining efficient processing for legitimate devices.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach reduces input errors, shortens authentication time, and enhances security by ensuring license keys are only written when matching serial numbers are verified, providing quick and secure product license authentication.
Implementation Method 1
The reader-writer performs short-range wireless communication, with an electronic tag provided in the electronic device
Data Source
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AI summary
A terminal device (3) includes a storage device (33) containing in advance a serial number unique to an electronic device (2), a reader-writer (39) that performs short-range wireless communication, with an electronic tag (4) provided in the electronic device (2), a communication device (34) that communicates with a management device (5) that manages a license key corresponding to the serial number, and a control device (300) that acts as a controller (30). The controller (30) retrieves information from the electronic tag (4) via the reader-writer (39), acquires, when the retrieved information accords with the serial number stored in the storage device (33), the license key corresponding to the according serial number from the management device (5) via the communication device (34), and writes the license key in the electronic tag (4) via the reader-writer (39), but keeps from acquiring and writing the license key, when the retrieved information discords with the serial number stored in the storage device (33).