Offline Device License Transfer via NFT Wallets and Mobile Hardware
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for managing licenses on devices that are not permanently connected to the internet face challenges such as unauthorized duplication, cloning, and inefficient transfer, especially in industrial settings where continuous network connectivity is not guaranteed, leading to security vulnerabilities and misuse.
Innovation Solution
Utilizing non-fungible tokens (NFTs) managed by a lightweight blockchain node integrated into mobile hardware, such as SD cards or mobile devices, to securely transfer and manage licenses offline, ensuring unique identification and time-limited usage, with transactions recorded and synchronized with a public blockchain upon reconnection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If license keys are transferred via portable storage medium to enable offline device operation, then devices can be operated without permanent internet connection, but licenses can be cloned and unauthorized duplication occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mediator device that acts as an intermediary between the offline target device and the online licensing system. This mediator receives license requests from offline devices, validates them, and coordinates with the licensing system to issue or transfer licenses securely, thereby enabling offline operation while maintaining security through the mediation layer
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physical approach of copying license keys on portable storage media with a cryptographic system using public-private key pairs and digital signatures. Instead of physically transferring license data that can be cloned, the system uses cryptographic verification where the mediator device validates licenses through digital signatures, making unauthorized duplication computationally infeasible
2Reliability
If license keys are kept in cloud solution for security, then unauthorized access is prevented, but devices cannot operate without internet connection and response time is slow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the licensing system into multiple components: an online licensing server for key generation and management, a mediator device for coordination and validation, and offline-capable target devices with stored cryptographic keys. This segmentation allows the system to maintain centralized security control while enabling distributed offline operation, as each segment performs its specific function independently
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-distributing public keys and licensing information to mediator devices and target devices before offline operation is needed. The mediator device is pre-configured with the ability to validate licenses and coordinate with the licensing system, so when offline operation is required, the device can immediately function without needing real-time cloud connection
3Reliability
If central licensing network continuously monitors license keys, then unauthorized usage is detected, but devices must be permanently connected to internet which is not feasible in industrial settings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by having the mediator device and target devices connect to the licensing system at regular intervals or at specific events (such as when coming online) to validate and update licenses. Instead of continuous monitoring requiring permanent connectivity, the system performs licensing validation periodically when network availability permits, reducing the connectivity burden while maintaining security
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to a method and a mobile hardware (MHW) for managing a license for an offline usable device (G1, G2, G3), in particular for a functionality or an application of the device, wherein the license is managed or generated by a management device for the device (G1, G2, G3) and the license or a license key is stored via the license in a non-fungible token and the non-fungible token is stored in a wallet (W), and wherein all transactions relating to the non-fungible token are stored in a blockchain.A mobile hardware device (MHW) with a blockchain node (BCLN) and wallet (W) is used to transport the license from the management device (VWG) to the device (G1, G2, G3). When the non-fungible token is stored in the wallet (W) of the mobile hardware (MHW), this transaction is registered in the blockchain node (BCLN) of the mobile hardware. When the mobile hardware (MHW) is connected to the device (G1, G2, G3), the blockchain node (BCLN) is activated, the non-fungible token is transferred to the device (G1, G2, G3), and this transfer is registered in the blockchain node (BCLN) of the mobile hardware. The license key of the non-fungible token is used to use or activate the functionality or application. Even in an environment without a network connection, especially in so-called isolated operation of devices (G1, G2, G3), NFT-based licenses can function and improve the overall scenario.After reconnecting the mobile hardware (MHW) to an online system, the offline transactions can either be added to a main chain or retained and reversed.