Virtualizing System Identity for Partitioned Computing Hardware
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In multi-processor computing systems, the unavailability or replacement of the primary hardware component (cell 0) leads to a loss of system identity, rendering the system unusable and causing issues with resource licensing and billing, as the unique licensing ID is tied to the physical serial number of cell 0, which cannot be transferred or replaced without significant downtime and administrative challenges.
Innovation Solution
A mechanism to virtualize a perpetual, unique system identity using a persistent identifier that decouples software licensing from specific hardware components, allowing for hardware changes while maintaining system integrity and preventing cloning, by securely binding a system ID to a licensing cell serial number and validating it periodically to ensure continuous operation and billing accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the licensing ID is tied to the physical serial number of cell 0, then licensing uniqueness is guaranteed, but system usability is lost when cell 0 fails or is replaced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the licensing identification system into two separate components: a persistent system-wide licensing ID stored in non-volatile memory that remains unchanged, and a volatile cell 0 serial number that can change. This segmentation allows the licensing uniqueness to be maintained through the persistent ID while enabling system usability during cell 0 replacement by decoupling the licensing identity from the specific hardware component.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a system controller as an intermediary that manages the relationship between the persistent licensing ID and the volatile cell 0 serial number. The controller maintains the licensing identity independently of cell 0's state, allowing the system to recognize and maintain licensing continuity even when cell 0 is replaced, thus resolving the contradiction between licensing uniqueness and system usability.
2Reliability
If cell 0 is replaced with a new hardware component, then hardware reliability is improved, but licensing transferability is lost requiring key replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the licensing identity into a persistent system-wide ID that is independent of specific hardware components. This allows the licensing to be transferred to new cell 0 hardware while maintaining the same system identity, improving licensing transferability while preserving hardware reliability through replacement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The persistent licensing ID serves as a universal identifier that can associate multiple different cell 0 hardware components with the same licensing key. This multi-functionality allows the licensing to be transferable across different hardware iterations while maintaining reliability, as the same licensing ID can validate across various cell 0 replacements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the system uses a persistent identifier decoupled from hardware, then hardware replaceability is improved, but cloning prevention becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested structure where the persistent licensing ID contains embedded validation mechanisms and cryptographic elements that are verified by the system controller. This nesting allows hardware replaceability while preventing cloning, as the persistent ID includes security features that must be properly authenticated, making it difficult to create unauthorized copies even though the identifier is decoupled from specific hardware.
4Measurement precision
If cell 0 serial number is used for licensing, then system identity is uniquely identified, but billing accuracy is compromised when cell 0 is replaced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the identification system into a persistent system-wide licensing ID for billing purposes and a volatile cell 0 serial number for hardware identification. This allows billing accuracy to be maintained through the persistent ID that remains unchanged during cell 0 replacement, while still uniquely identifying the system through the combination of licensing ID and current hardware state.
Solution Approach 2:
The system controller implements feedback mechanisms that track the relationship between the persistent licensing ID and current hardware configuration. This feedback loop ensures billing accuracy by continuously validating that the persistent ID is properly associated with the active system, even when cell 0 is replaced, preventing billing information loss while maintaining precise system identification.
Data Source
AI summary
A computing system using a persistent, unique identifier may be used to authenticate the system that ensures software and configurations of systems are properly licensed while permitting hardware components to be replaced. The persistent, unique system identifier may be coupled to serial numbers or similar hardware identifiers of components within the computing system while permitting some of the hardware components to be deleted and changed. When components that are coupled to the persistent, unique identifier are removed or disabled, a predefined time period is provided to update the coupling of the persistent, unique identifier to alternate hardware component in the system.