Portable Authorization Device for Multi-Vendor Software
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing authorization systems for protected information are cumbersome, costly, and limited in their ability to update or transfer authorization information across multiple devices and types of information authorities, leading to inefficiencies and security vulnerabilities.
Innovation Solution
A portable authorization device that can receive and store multiple items of authorization information from various types of information authorities, allowing for secure and flexible authorization across different host systems, and can be updated with new information without requiring complex hardware or software solutions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If authorization information is stored on a portable authorization device (dongle), then the device can be easily transported and connected to different computers, but the device can typically store authorization information for only one software program or a group of programs from a single vendor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal authorization device that can store and manage authorization information for multiple software programs from different vendors. The device uses a standardized interface and data structure that allows it to function with various information authorities, making it multi-functional rather than vendor-specific. This resolves the contradiction by enabling the portable device to handle diverse authorization requirements while maintaining ease of transport and connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The authorization device acts as an intermediary between the host system and multiple information authorities. It contains a database that can store authorization information from different sources and interfaces with various vendors' systems through standardized protocols. This mediator role allows the device to bridge compatibility gaps between different authorization systems while maintaining portability.
2Reliability
If authorization information is set by the software vendor during manufacture, then the dongle provides secure authorization, but the authorization information generally cannot be subsequently updated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic authorization system where the device can update its stored authorization information. The database structure allows for adding, removing, and modifying authorization records after manufacture. This dynamic capability enables vendors to provide software upgrades and new program authorizations without requiring physical replacement of the dongle, while maintaining security through controlled update mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is pre-configured with secure storage structures and update protocols during manufacture, preparing it for future authorization updates. The initial setup includes secure databases and communication interfaces that enable reliable updates later, combining the security of pre-manufactured devices with the flexibility of updatable content.
3Reliability
If multiple dongles are provided for different software programs, then each program has dedicated authorization, but the end-user must carry around multiple dongles which is cumbersome and inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple authorization functions into a single portable device. The database structure allows multiple authorization records for different software programs to be stored in one device, replacing the need for multiple separate dongles. This consolidation maintains program-specific authorization reliability while dramatically improving user convenience by reducing the number of physical devices to carry and manage.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is designed as a universal authorization holder that can store and manage multiple different types of authorization information simultaneously. It interfaces with various software programs through standardized protocols, enabling one device to replace multiple vendor-specific dongles while maintaining the security and specificity of individual program authorizations.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a key diskette is used to transfer authorization information to the hard disk drive, then authorization information for many different software programs can be stored, but the authorization information is not readily transferable between computers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic authorization transfer system where the portable device can readily transfer authorization information between different host systems. The device maintains its own secure database and can communicate with multiple computers through standardized interfaces, enabling easy transfer of authorization records between systems without the limitations of diskette-based methods. This dynamic transfer capability maintains multi-program authorization storage while dramatically improving inter-computer transferability.
Data Source
AI summary
An authorization system and associated method for selectively authorizing a host system to use one or more items of protected information associated with the host system. The authorization system includes a portable authorization device that is removably couplable to the host system. The portable authorization device is capable of receiving and storing multiple items of authorization information associated with a plurality of respective items of protected information from one or more information authorities. Preferably, the portable authorization device is capable of communicating with multiple types of information authorities. The portable authorization device selectively authorizes the host system to use the one or more respective items of protected information based upon the respective authorization information stored therein.