Temporary License Generation for Gaming Access Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
In multi-player games, users who have purchased a license are often unable to play with others who do not have a license, leading to an unsatisfactory gaming experience due to access restrictions.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method generates a temporary license for users without access, allowing restricted access to the gaming environment based on a primary user's full license, enabling them to play with chosen users and potentially convert to a full license.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a user purchases a license to play a multi-player game, then the user gains access to the gaming environment, but the user cannot play with other users who do not have licenses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the license into two types: full licenses for primary users and temporary licenses for secondary users. This segmentation allows the system to provide different access levels, enabling primary users to play with both licensed and unlicensed users while maintaining control over the gaming environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces temporary licenses as an intermediary mechanism that bridges the gap between full license requirements and casual play desires. These temporary licenses act as mediators that allow secondary users to access the game temporarily through sponsorship by primary users, resolving the contradiction between access control and gaming flexibility.
2Reliability
If the system requires all users to have full licenses, then access control is maintained, but user engagement and satisfaction decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic license system where temporary licenses can be converted to full licenses based on user behavior and sponsorship. This dynamic approach allows the system to maintain access control for temporary users while providing a pathway to full access, thereby increasing user engagement without compromising security.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the license parameter from binary (licensed/unlicensed) to a spectrum (temporary/full license). This parameter change enables nuanced access control where temporary licenses provide limited access that can be upgraded, maintaining security while encouraging user engagement and potential conversion to full licenses.
3Ease of operation
If temporary licenses are introduced to allow flexible access, then gaming experience improves, but license management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the temporary license system to be universally manageable through the existing license server infrastructure. The same server that manages full licenses also manages temporary licenses, sponsorship relationships, and conversions. This multi-functionality approach minimizes additional complexity while enabling flexible access control.
Data Source
AI summary
One embodiment of the present invention sets forth a method for providing a user access to a gaming environment without a full license. In operation, a license generator receive a request to generate a temporary license for a user not having access to the gaming environment from a primary user having a full license. The license generator then generates the temporary license based on license information associated with the full license belonging to a primary user. The user can then access the gaming environment via the temporary license, but may only be given restricted access to the gaming environment.