Dynamic Vehicle Software License Extension
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Managing trial software licenses for vehicles is challenging due to fixed expiration terms, which can expire at inopportune times, limiting user evaluation and increasing the likelihood of not obtaining a more extensive license.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that utilize a processor and sensor to determine the operating state of a vehicle, allowing access to software modules based on expiration time limits, with the ability to extend the expiration time if the vehicle is in a specific operating state, such as during flight or landing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a fixed expiration time limit is applied to trial software licenses, then the license management becomes simple and automated, but the user may not be able to fully evaluate the software if the expiration occurs at an inopportune time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the license expiration time flexible rather than fixed. The system automatically adjusts the expiration time based on the vehicle's operating state - extending the trial period if the vehicle is in transit or performing critical functions, and allowing normal expiration when the vehicle is parked or in non-critical states. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by maintaining automation while ensuring complete software evaluation opportunities.
2Reliability
If the trial license expires at a fixed time, then the license term is clearly defined and manageable, but the user experience is degraded when expiration occurs during critical vehicle operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the license expiration parameter based on vehicle operating conditions. The system monitors vehicle state parameters (location, operational mode, critical functions) and dynamically changes the expiration time parameter accordingly. This maintains clear license term definition through automated parameter adjustment while adapting to different operating conditions, resolving the contradiction between reliability and adaptability.
3Reliability
If automatic license expiration enforcement is implemented, then license compliance is ensured, but software access may be denied at inopportune moments during vehicle operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by proactively extending the license expiration time before it would normally occur, based on predicted or current vehicle operating conditions. The system monitors vehicle state in advance and adjusts the expiration timeline accordingly, ensuring continuous software access during critical operations while maintaining license compliance through automated enforcement at the appropriately delayed time.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
A method of managing a license for a software module of a vehicle having a plurality of operating states includes receiving, by a processor, license term data of the license. The license term data includes an expiration time limit of the license. The method also includes observing, by a sensor, a condition of the vehicle. Additionally, the method includes determining, by the processor, an operating state of the vehicle based on the condition observed by the sensor. Furthermore, the method includes determining, by the processor, whether to deny access to the software module according to the expiration time limit based on the determined operating state.