Token Store Resource Enablement Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for controlling resource enablement are inflexible, often requiring duplication of electronic files or disabling resources when a physical device is disconnected, which can be inconvenient and prone to illegitimate use.

Innovation Solution

A system using a token store with a minimum and maximum value, where resources are enabled when the token count exceeds the minimum and disabled when it falls below, with tokens increasing or decreasing based on connection to an authorization source, preventing prolonged enablement without valid connections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If an electronic file is stored locally to control resource enablement, then the resource can be enabled on that apparatus, but the file cannot be moved to a second apparatus to enable resources there instead

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to move enablement between apparatusVSAvoidconvenience of resource enablement

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a remote server as an intermediary between the apparatus and the enablement control mechanism. Instead of storing enablement files locally or on physical devices, the system uses a centralized server that can grant or revoke enablement rights remotely. This allows the enablement status to be changed on any apparatus connected to the server without physical file transfer, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If an electronic file is duplicated to enable resources on both first and second apparatus simultaneously, then resources can be enabled on multiple devices, but this may be an illegitimate use of the electronic file

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to enable resources on multiple apparatusVSAvoidlegitimacy of resource enablement

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where the remote server continuously monitors and controls the enablement status across multiple apparatus. When a resource is enabled on one device, the server can detect this and prevent or revoke enablement on other devices, ensuring that the total number of enabled instances remains within authorized limits. This feedback loop maintains legitimacy while allowing controlled multi-device access.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The remote server acts as an intermediary that manages enablement rights centrally. Instead of allowing free duplication of enablement files, the server mediates all enablement requests, verifying legitimacy and controlling the number of simultaneous enabled instances. This prevents illegitimate use while still permitting authorized multi-device access.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a physical storage means is disconnected from the apparatus, then the physical device can be temporarily removed, but the resource is disabled during the disconnection period

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility of physical device connectionVSAvoidduration of resource enablement

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical system of physical file storage and connection with an electronic/network-based system. Instead of requiring a physical storage device to remain connected, the system uses network communication with a remote server to maintain enablement status. This substitution allows the apparatus to remain enabled during physical device disconnection, resolving the contradiction between connection flexibility and enablement duration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Duration of action of stationary object

If tokens increase over time while a criterion is satisfied, then resources can remain enabled longer, but resources may be enabled indefinitely without satisfying the criterion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveduration of resource enablementVSAvoidcompliance with authorization requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses periodic token verification and refresh mechanisms. Tokens are issued for limited durations and must be periodically renewed by satisfying authorization criteria (such as connecting to the remote server). This periodic action ensures that while resources can remain enabled for extended periods through token accumulation, they cannot be enabled indefinitely without periodic compliance verification, resolving the contradiction between enablement duration and authorization compliance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentUS10089483B2Controlling enablement of resources

Publication Date: 2018.10.02 MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING LLC

AI summary

The application relates to systems, devices and methods for controlling enablement of resources based on a number of tokens in a token store. A resource is enabled when a number of tokens in the token store is greater than a minimum value. The resource is disabled when the number of tokens in the token store is not greater than the minimum value. When used in combination with an authorisation source, such as an authorisation source stored on a server or storage means, the token store provides a grace period during which the resource is enabled, even if the authorisation source is unavailable due to network or hardware failure, or disconnection of the storage means, for example.