Device Licensing via SIM Authentication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for licensing computer programs in automated teller machines (ATMs), automatic cash registers, and cash register systems are either costly due to complex data protection systems or inefficient due to the need for manual data transmission and different program installations on each device, while also posing security risks.
Innovation Solution
A device with an authentication data memory and a transmission unit that uses a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) to securely transmit reference data for unique device authentication and licensing, allowing for secure, efficient, and network-independent licensing of computer programs, with the option to use mobile radio or removable data carriers for data transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex data protection systems such as firewall systems are used to prevent unauthorized access to confidential data, then data security is improved, but costs and additional effort for the operator increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the licensing and authentication functionality from the operator's computer network and relocates it to a centralized license management unit. This separation allows the operator's network to maintain security without requiring complex firewall systems, as the license verification occurs independently through the transmission of reference data and license keys between the device and the license management unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a license management unit as an intermediary between the device and the operator's computer network. This intermediary handles all authentication and licensing operations, allowing the operator's network to remain secure while enabling program licensing. The license management unit acts as a mediator that verifies credentials without requiring direct access to the operator's confidential data.
2Reliability
If licensing is carried out by asking the operator for required data and installing functional modules on each device, then program licensing is achieved, but additional effort for the manufacturer and additional costs result
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal licensing system where a single license management unit can serve multiple devices of the same type. Instead of manually configuring each device individually, the system uses standardized reference data and automated license key generation to provide universal program licensing across all devices, significantly reducing manufacturer effort and costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring devices with authentication data and reference data before delivery to the operator. The license management unit is pre-programmed with the necessary algorithms and data structures to automatically verify credentials and generate license keys, eliminating the need for manual configuration and reducing both time and costs.
3Adaptability or versatility
If different program data are installed on each automatic teller machine to accommodate licensing, then licensing flexibility is achieved, but additional effort and additional costs result
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the program data into functional modules that can be selectively activated based on licensing. Instead of installing all possible program variations on each device, the system uses a standardized core program with modular functional components. The license management unit controls which modules are activated for each device, providing licensing flexibility without increasing device complexity or installation effort.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device (10, 50, 60) for handling value notes, comprising a control unit (38) which executes program data of a computer program. The device (10, 50, 60) further has an authentication data memory (28) in which authentication data for the unique authentication of the device (10, 50, 60) are stored. The control unit (38) produces a unique reference value depending on said authentication data. The device (10, 50, 60) further comprises a transmission unit (20, 62) which transmits reference data comprising the reference value for producing a device-specific license key to a license administration unit (46). The transmission unit (20, 46) further receives data comprising the license key from the license administration unit (46). The control unit (38) enables at least one functional module of the computer program depending on the license key.