RFID-Based Software Licensing via Wireless Environment Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Software developers face significant financial losses due to unauthorized copying and sharing of software, as well as unauthorized installation on multiple devices, which existing technologies have not adequately addressed.
Innovation Solution
A system and method using a processing device and an RFID device to determine if the software is operating in an authorized wireless environment, allowing or inhibiting program execution based on the presence of specific wireless devices, such as RFID tags, to ensure legitimate use and prevent unauthorized access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If software is made accessible for use, then user convenience and productivity are improved, but unauthorized copying and sharing occur leading to financial loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an RFID tag as an intermediary component between the software and the execution environment. The tag stores authentication data and communicates with the processing device to verify licensing status, thereby mediating between software accessibility and protection against unauthorized use.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical/software-based licensing mechanisms (such as license keys entered manually or complex authentication protocols) with an RFID-based wireless communication system. This substitution enables automatic authentication and environment verification through radio frequency communication between the RFID tag and reader.
2Reliability
If software licensing restrictions are implemented to prevent unauthorized use, then developer revenue is protected, but device compatibility and user flexibility are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds a new dimension to licensing verification by incorporating environmental context detection. Instead of only checking licensing status, the system verifies the wireless environment by detecting specific RFID tags or communication characteristics, thereby enabling flexible licensing policies that adapt to different authorized environments without reducing overall compatibility.
3Reliability
If environment verification mechanisms are added to restrict software execution, then unauthorized access is prevented, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex authentication and environment verification logic from the main software application and places it in a separate RFID tag and reader system. This separation allows the core software to remain simple while the security functionality is handled by dedicated hardware components that automatically perform verification without requiring complex software implementation.
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
Effectively restricts unauthorized execution of software by ensuring that programs can only run in authorized environments, thereby protecting the developer's revenue and preventing illegal distribution and use.
Implementation Method 1
a radio-frequency identification (RFID) device configured to communicate with each other using a first wireless communication protocol
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus for restricting execution of software is disclosed. The apparatus includes a telecommunication device configured to communicate with a wireless device (e.g., an RFID device) using a first wireless communication protocol. The telecommunication device is configured to determine whether or not the telecommunication device is located in an authorized wireless environment, based on wireless devices detected by the telecommunication device. The telecommunication device is also configured to execute a program in response to determining that it is located in an authorized wireless environment. Conversely, the telecommunication device is also configured to inhibit execution of the program in response to determining that it is not located in an authorized wireless environment.