Territorial Software Restrictions via Position Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing software protection methods do not effectively enforce territorial restrictions on the use of computer programs, failing to limit usage to specific locations or territories as required by licensing agreements, especially in cases where the territory is movable or small-scale, such as within a facility or vicinity of permitted users.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a position-identifying feature in computers that generates a signal to determine the device's location, allowing full usage only within a defined permitted territory, and restricting access or functionality if outside this territory, using GPS, E-911, or RFID technologies to establish and enforce territorial boundaries.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If software protection measures are implemented using existing methods (time/date control, credit balance, digitally stored keys), then access control capability is improved, but territorial restriction enforcement capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a position identifying feature (GPS receiver, E-911 location system, or RFID tag) as an intermediary between the software and the user's physical location. This mediator enables the software to indirectly determine territorial restrictions by detecting the user's position and comparing it against licensed territory coordinates, thereby adding territorial enforcement capability without compromising existing access control mechanisms.
2Adaptability or versatility
If position identifying features are added to enforce territorial restrictions, then territorial restriction enforcement capability is improved, but device complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent leverages existing multi-functional components in modern devices. GPS receivers and E-911 location systems are already integrated into mobile phones for navigation and emergency services. RFID tags are commonly used for identification and access control. By utilizing these existing multi-functional components, the patent adds territorial restriction enforcement capability without significantly increasing device complexity, as the hardware is already present for other purposes.
3Measurement precision
If location detection is used to determine permitted usage areas, then territorial restriction precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automatic location-based access control where the software autonomously detects the user's position through integrated position identifying features and compares it against licensed territory coordinates. The system automatically enables or disables software functionality based on location compliance, eliminating the need for users to manually input location information or configure territorial restrictions. This self-service approach maintains high territorial precision while preserving ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
Computers and networks are configured to operate according to alternative protocols for using software applications, depending on geographic location. In one approach each computer incorporates a GPS receiver using GPS satellite signals to generate the computer's current location. The location is compared with permitted use region information stored in the computer or network, e.g. based on a boundary defining a permitted use region. In another approach, E-911 compliant transceivers use signals from E-911 towers in the same manner. In a further approach, each computer incorporates a WiFi adaptor, RFID reader or RFID tag, and the territory is defined by the distance from a center point. In all cases, the computer either operates under a relatively open protocol relative to using a given software application, or operates under a relatively restricted protocol, depending on whether it is inside or outside of the permitted use region.