Optical Reader for Mobile Device Activation Codes

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing methods for activating software on a data processing device using a mobile device are prone to errors due to the manual input of increasingly complex alphanumeric activation codes, which is time-consuming and risky.

Innovation Solution

Generating and displaying activation codes as coded image information, such as QR codes, on the mobile device, and using an optical reading device, like a CCD camera or laser scanner, to automatically read and transmit this information to the data processing device for software activation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual input of activation codes is used, then software activation can be achieved, but input errors and time consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveactivation accuracyVSAvoidinput time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical input method (typing activation codes via keyboard) with an optical reading system. The optical reading device captures images of the activation code displayed on the mobile device screen, automatically recognizes and transmits the code to the data processing device, eliminating manual typing errors and reducing activation time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a visual copy of the activation code by displaying it on the mobile device screen and using the optical reading device to capture this visual representation. Instead of manually transcribing the code, the system optically copies the displayed code and transmits it automatically, ensuring accuracy and speed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Reliability

If activation codes become more complex for security, then security improves, but manual input difficulty and error risk increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesecurityVSAvoidinput ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical input with automated optical recognition. Complex activation codes are displayed on the mobile device screen and automatically captured by the optical reading device, which recognizes and transmits the code without requiring user interaction. This maintains high security through complex codes while eliminating input difficulties.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-service by automatically capturing, recognizing, and transmitting the activation code without requiring manual input from the user. The optical reading device autonomously handles the entire code input process, making complex security codes as easy to use as simple ones.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 method simplifies the interaction between devices, reduces the risk of input errors, and enables secure, error-free activation of software applications by using coded image information that can be easily scanned and transmitted optically.

Implementation Method 1

an optical reading device, like a CCD camera or laser scanner, to automatically read and transmit this information

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical detection: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP3293654B1Method for interaction between a data processing device and a mobile device and assembly for carrying out the method
Publication Date: 2021.11.03 SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC IND SAS
  • EP3293654B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

The invention relates to a method and an arrangement (10) for interaction between a data processing device (12) such as a personal computer and a mobile device (14) such as a smartphone for activating a software action in the data processing device, comprising the method steps: - displaying a request information (16) on a display unit (18) of the data processing device (12), - capturing the request information (16) with an optical sensor (20) of the mobile device (14), - generating a response information (22) in or via the mobile device (14) and - displaying the response information (22) on a display (24) of the mobile device (14).To simplify the transmission of the response information (22) to the data processing device (12) and to increase the security of the data transmission, it is provided that the response information (22) is read by means of an optical reader (32) coupled to the data processing device (12) and transmitted to the data processing device (12) for automatic activation of the software action.