Software Key Generation with Embedded Traceability Data

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing key generation methods for software access lack embedded information about the product or its distribution channel, making it difficult to trace the source of compromised keys and gather market data.

Innovation Solution

A method that assigns bit values uniquely identifying the product and distribution channel, combines them with a randomly generated number, encrypts the combination, and maps it to an alphanumeric string for inclusion with software products.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If keys are randomly generated using RNG or PRNG, then key security and unpredictability are improved, but the ability to identify product source and distribution channel is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvekey securityVSAvoidproduct source identification

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines random key generation with embedded product identification data by merging the random number generator output with encoded information about the product title, distribution channel, and geographic source into a single key structure, allowing both security and traceability functions to coexist

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The key is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a security credential for software activation while also functioning as a traceability marker that contains encoded information about the product's origin, distribution channel, and geographic source

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of manufacture

If keys are generated without embedded product information, then key generation simplicity is improved, but the ability to trace compromised keys and gather market data is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvekey generation simplicityVSAvoidkey source tracing

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary encoding of product identification information into the key structure during the key generation process itself, so that traceability data is already embedded and ready for use without requiring additional tracking infrastructure or post-generation modifications

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS9223939B2Key generation method

Publication Date: 2015.12.29 ACTIVISION PUBLISHING INC

AI summary

A computer-implemented method to generate a key to provide access to a software product, where the product key is embedded with product information, such as product title, distribution channel, geographic region of sale or other product data.