Program Introduction Server Automating License Activation

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Solution Overview

Problem

The complexity of program introduction procedures for electronic apparatuses, particularly image forming devices, is exacerbated by the need for separate installation and licensing of programs, which can lead to operational issues due to unmet dependencies between software components.

Innovation Solution

A program introduction supporting server system that connects to a license managing server and a program managing server, acquiring necessary program identifiers, licenses, and resolving dependency hierarchies to ensure proper installation and activation of software components within electronic apparatuses.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If programs and licenses are separately provided, then business opportunities for sellers are expanded, but the introduction procedures become complicated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebusiness opportunitiesVSAvoidintroduction procedures
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the program distribution and license management into a unified automated system. The server integrates program installation and license activation processes, automatically acquiring both the program and its license based on product identifiers, thereby simplifying the introduction procedure while maintaining separate program and license provisions for business flexibility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an automated server as an intermediary between users, program providers, and license managers. This server acts as a mediator that automatically handles the complex interactions of program acquisition, dependency resolution, and license activation, reducing procedural complexity while enabling flexible business models

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If programs are provided separately from licenses, then licensing flexibility is improved, but operational reliability deteriorates due to unmet dependencies

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelicensing flexibilityVSAvoidprogram operability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by automatically resolving program dependencies before license activation. The server identifies required dependencies, acquires necessary programs, and then proceeds with license activation only after ensuring all operational requirements are met, thereby guaranteeing program operability while maintaining licensing flexibility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs feedback mechanisms where the server continuously monitors program installation status, dependency satisfaction, and license activation outcomes. This feedback loop ensures that licensing decisions are based on actual system state, maintaining both flexibility and reliability by adapting to real-time conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Ease of operation

If manual dependency resolution is required, then program control is precise, but user burden and time consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprogram control precisionVSAvoiddependency resolution time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service by enabling the automated server to independently resolve program dependencies without user intervention. The server automatically identifies dependencies, acquires required programs, and coordinates license activation, thereby eliminating manual dependency resolution while maintaining precise program control and significantly reducing time consumption

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP2284753B1Program introduction supporting server, program introduction supporting system, program introduction supporting method, and program introduction supporting computer program
Publication Date: 2018.01.24 RICOH CO LTD
  • EP2284753B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2284753B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2284753B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A program introduction supporting server connected to a license managing server storing, by correlating a license identifier of a program license for an electronic apparatus, a program product identifier and a license status indicative of a state of using the program license corresponding to the license identifier, and a program managing server storing by correlating the program product identifier and a program, including a product information acquiring unit acquiring the program product identifier associated with the license identifier, a program acquiring unit acquiring the program corresponding to the program product identifier from the program managing server, a license acquiring unit acquiring a license file corresponding the license identifier by designating the license identifier and updating the license state of the license identifier to a value indicating of use of the license, and an installation controlling unit sending the acquired program and the acquired license file to the electronic apparatus.