Software Key-Limited Use Application Access Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional digital rights management systems are inefficient in protecting computer software from unauthorized use and distribution due to architectural complexity and operational overhead, and fail to separate the delivery of software from the license to use it, leading to piracy issues.
Innovation Solution
A method where an unlock code or key is provided to a computing device, based on a unique identifier, to unlock software features, ensuring the software can only be used on a specific device, thereby separating the delivery of software from the license and preventing unauthorized use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If encryption is used to protect computer software, then digital content protection is improved, but architectural complexity and operational overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the protection mechanism from traditional encryption and implements it through a separate key management system. The software is delivered with a locked state, and a separate key (delivered via physical media) is required to unlock it. This separates the protection logic from the software execution, reducing architectural complexity while maintaining security.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the software delivery process into two distinct components: the software itself (delivered digitally) and the unlock key (delivered via physical media). This segmentation allows the software to be distributed efficiently while the key provides the security layer, avoiding the need for complex encryption/decryption operations during software execution.
2Reliability
If encryption is used to protect computer software, then digital content protection is improved, but operational overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-locking the software with a key mechanism before delivery. The software is manufactured in a locked state, and the key is prepared separately. This eliminates the need for real-time encryption/decryption operations during software installation and execution, significantly reducing operational overhead and time loss.
3Ease of operation
If the license is implied to travel with the media, then ease of operation is improved, but unauthorized use increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the license key from the physical media and delivers it through a separate channel (physical key card or separate packaging). The software on the digital media remains locked without this separate key component. This separation ensures that possession of the media alone does not grant unauthorized access, while still maintaining ease of operation through simple key insertion or activation.
4Ease of operation
If the software is decrypted for use, then ease of operation is improved, but protection from unauthorized use is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a key-mediated unlocking mechanism as an intermediary between the locked software and the user. The key acts as a mediator that temporarily enables software execution without requiring full decryption. The software remains in a protected locked state throughout, and the key provides controlled access without exposing the underlying encryption or creating vulnerable decrypted copies.
Data Source
AI summary
Key-limited use applications are maintained at a central service where the central service can receive requests from a remote computing device for access to the key-limited use applications. The key-limited use applications include publicly available portions and a locked portions accessible with a key. The central service can provide a key to the remote computing device associated with a key-limited use application for complete access. The key can be stored in a memory device associated with the remote computing device. A digital signature can be assigned to the key to prevent operation of the key in a second computing device. Unauthorized or unlicensed computing devices are prevented from using the applications.