Remote License Management for Networked Equipment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing equipment management methods for image input/output devices are time-consuming and inconvenient, requiring manual activation or deactivation of license authentication for each device, and lack remote management capabilities for multiple devices.
Innovation Solution
A network-connected equipment management system that determines non-authenticated software items, generates license codes based on equipment information and product keys, and performs remote license authentication and deactivation across multiple devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual activation or deactivation of license authentication is performed for each device, then license management can be achieved, but the process becomes time-consuming and inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a server as an intermediary between the user and multiple devices. The server receives license authentication information from the user and automatically distributes it to the target devices, eliminating the need for manual operation at each device. This mediator approach resolves the contradiction by centralizing the management function while maintaining automated execution.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service license management where the server automatically handles the distribution and activation of license codes without requiring user intervention at each device. The user simply inputs the license information once, and the system autonomously completes the activation process across all designated devices, improving convenience while reducing time investment.
2Adaptability or versatility
If license authentication is managed locally at each device, then activation can be performed, but remote management capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The server is designed with multi-functionality, handling both local license activation and remote management operations through a unified interface. It can receive license information from users, automatically activate devices locally, and also provide remote activation capabilities, making the system adaptable to various management scenarios without requiring separate systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-device local management approach to a networked multi-dimensional management architecture. By introducing the server dimension that connects multiple devices through a network, the system gains remote management capability while maintaining the original local activation function, effectively adding a new operational dimension without completely replacing the existing structure.
3Productivity
If collective activation is performed for multiple devices, then user convenience is improved, but the system requires centralized control infrastructure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the license management functions of multiple devices into a single centralized server. Instead of managing each device separately, the server consolidates the activation, deactivation, and information storage functions, enabling collective operations that improve productivity. This merging reduces the operational complexity while maintaining the necessary control infrastructure.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
An equipment management device manages one or more pieces of equipment which are connected to the equipment management device via a network. The equipment management device includes a determining unit which determines whether a non-authenticated software item exists in each of the one or more pieces of equipment, and a license management unit which performs license management of one or more software items installed in each of the one or more pieces of equipment, based on a result of the determination by the determining unit.