Usage License Heartbeat Authorization System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems lack an efficient mechanism for managing software usage based on pay-per-usage models, where users are not effectively tracked for continuous authorization and billing, leading to potential overuse without adequate accounting controls.
Innovation Solution
A system where a worker requests authorization from a licensing server to process tasks, continuously transmits heartbeats to indicate ongoing usage, and the server determines whether to allow continued processing based on usage limits associated with the license, terminating tasks when usage exceeds the account value.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If continuous monitoring of software usage is implemented, then billing accuracy is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the worker continuously sends heartbeat signals to the licensing server, and the server responds with authorization status. This continuous feedback loop enables real-time usage monitoring and automatic termination when usage limits are exceeded, resolving the contradiction by providing accurate measurement through a structured feedback system rather than complex continuous monitoring infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of continuous monitoring, the patent uses periodic heartbeat signals sent at predetermined intervals. The worker transmits heartbeats continuously at predetermined intervals, and the licensing server checks usage amounts at these periodic intervals. This periodic action achieves accurate usage tracking while reducing system complexity compared to continuous real-time monitoring.
2Loss of energy
If usage limits are strictly enforced, then cost management is improved, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by obtaining authorization from the licensing server before the worker begins processing tasks. The usage amount is checked against the account value in advance, and authorization is granted or denied beforehand. This allows the worker to process tasks continuously without interruption once authorized, maintaining productivity while ensuring cost management through pre-enforced usage limits.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the worker's operation state based on usage conditions. The worker transitions between authorized processing states and terminated states based on real-time usage monitoring. This dynamic control ensures that productivity is maximized within the boundaries of usage limits, allowing full task processing capability when authorization is valid while preventing overuse when limits are approached.
3Reliability
If authorization is verified continuously, then license compliance is improved, but processing speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic authorization verification through heartbeat signals sent at predetermined intervals rather than continuous verification. The worker sends heartbeats continuously at predetermined intervals, and the licensing server performs authorization checks at these periodic moments. This approach maintains license compliance reliability while minimizing interruptions to task processing speed, as the worker can process tasks continuously between periodic verification points.
Solution Approach 2:
Authorization is verified in advance before task processing begins, and the worker receives authorization to process tasks continuously. The preliminary authorization check establishes a valid processing window during which the worker can operate at full speed without repeated verification interruptions, thereby maintaining both license compliance and processing speed.
4Measurement precision
If real-time usage monitoring is implemented, then billing accuracy is improved, but computational overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces computational overhead by implementing periodic usage monitoring at predetermined intervals through heartbeat signals, rather than continuous real-time monitoring. The licensing server only needs to check the usage amount and compare it against the account value at these periodic intervals, significantly reducing the computational resources required while maintaining accurate billing through the accumulated usage data from heartbeats.
Data Source
AI summary
A system is configured to receive a task. The task is received over a first network, includes authentication credentials, and is processed using an application. The system is further configured to send the authentication credentials to a licensing server. The authentication credentials are sent over a second network, and are sent prior to processing the task using the application. The system is also configured to receive an authorization. The authorization is received over the second network, and authorizes the application to process the task.