Source-Based License Authentication for Software Activation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional software activation techniques rely on product keys tied to specific editions of software, requiring separate installation programs and limiting feature access based on edition, which is inefficient and restrictive for users.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a license data structure that allows software to authenticate and enable features based on user licenses after launch, enabling access to a full feature set while allowing different licensing options and combining multiple licenses for enhanced feature availability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If product keys are used to tie users to specific software editions, then software licensing control is improved, but device complexity and user restriction increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal installation program that can handle multiple software editions through a single interface. The system uses a license data structure that contains edition identifiers and feature sets, allowing one installation program to dynamically configure the appropriate edition based on the product key validation results, eliminating the need for separate installation programs for each edition.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent embeds the edition selection and feature configuration logic within the universal installation program itself. The license data structure is nested within the installation process, containing hierarchical information about permitted editions and features. This nested structure allows the single installation program to access and process edition-specific parameters without requiring separate external installation programs.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate installation programs are created for each software edition, then feature differentiation is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The universal installation program provides a unified user interface that automatically adapts to the licensed edition. During installation, the system validates the product key, retrieves the corresponding license data structure, and automatically configures the appropriate feature set. Users interact with a single consistent interface regardless of which edition they are installing, eliminating the need to choose between different installation programs.
Solution Approach 2:
The installation system automatically determines the appropriate edition and configures features based on the validated product key and license data structure. The system performs self-service by automatically selecting the correct feature set and configuring the installation without requiring users to manually choose between different installation programs or understand the differences between editions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple installation programs are required for different feature sets, then feature availability is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The license data structure is pre-configured with all necessary information about permitted editions and feature sets during the software licensing phase. This preliminary preparation allows the universal installation program to quickly retrieve and process the appropriate feature configuration without requiring users to search for or select between multiple installation programs during the activation process.
Solution Approach 2:
The universal installation program consolidates the functionality of multiple edition-specific installation programs into a single application. The system maintains a database of available features and their corresponding license requirements, allowing it to rapidly determine and activate the appropriate feature set based on the validated product key, significantly reducing activation time compared to searching through multiple separate installation programs.
Data Source
AI summary
Technology is disclosed herein for source-based authentication for a license of a license data structure. In at least one implementation, program instructions stored on one or more computer readable storage media, when executed by a processing system, direct the processing system to at least, responsive to a launch of an application, obtain a license file for the application, the license file comprising a user license. The processing system is further directed to determine authentication of the user license based on a source of the license file and, if the user license is authenticated, enable features of the application based on the user license and initiate presentation of the application in accordance with the enabled features.