Computer readable storage medium for providing repeated contact with software end-user

• US 20020078373A1
• Filed: 11/05/2001
• Published: 06/20/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 06/04/1998
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: z4 Technologies Incorporated
• Original Assignee: z4 Technologies Incorporated
• Inventors: Colvin, David S.
• Granted Patent: US 6,795,925 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 713/200
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 21/121 Restricting unauthorised execution of programs
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0207 Discounts or incentives, e.g. coupons or rebates
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0241 Advertisements

Abstract

A computer readable storage medium for providing repeated contact with computer software or a software user to transfer information which may include advertising, promotional, or marketing information includes repeatedly contacting the software manufacturer or third party representative or agent for continued use of the software. The invention provides for automatically obtaining authorization information in addition to marketing, advertising, and/or promotional information prior to expiration of each authorization interval or period. The user and/or software contacts an authorized representative of the software to obtain authorization information which may be downloaded directly to the software or provided to the user for entry. Authorization intervals may vary depending upon the particular application.

Claims

1. A computer readable storage medium having stored data representing instructions executable by a computer to provide repeated contact with computer software or a software user, the computer readable storage medium comprising:

instructions for automatically attempting to contact an authorized software administrator;

instructions for receiving information from the authorized software administrator; and

instructions for repeating the steps of automatically contacting and receiving information.

2. The computer readable storage medium of claim 1 wherein the instructions repeating comprise instructions for repeating at predetermined periods.

3. The computer readable storage medium of claim 2 wherein the instructions for repeating at predetermined periods include instructions for repeating at a period based on a clock and/or calendar.

4. The computer readable storage medium of claim 2 wherein the instructions for repeating at predetermined periods include instructions for repeating at a period based on elapsed execution time of the computer software.

5. The computer readable storage medium of claim 2 wherein the instructions for repeating at predetermined periods include instructions for repeating at a period based on a version number associated with the computer software.

6. The computer readable storage medium of claim 2 wherein the instructions for repeating at predetermined periods include instructions for repeating at random periods.

7. The computer readable storage medium of claim 2 wherein the instructions for repeating at predetermined periods include instructions for repeating at a period based on number of times the computer software is executed.

8. A computer readable storage medium having stored data representing instructions executable by a computer to provide repeated contact with computer software or a software user, the computer readable storage medium comprising:

instructions for automatically attempting to contact an authorized software administrator;

instructions for receiving software information, software upgrades, or marketing information from the authorized administrator; and

instructions for repeating the steps of automatically contacting and receiving software information.

9. The computer readable storage medium of claim 8 wherein the instructions for repeating include instructions for repeating at predetermined periods.

10. The computer readable storage medium of claim 9 wherein the instructions for repeating at predetermined periods include instructions for repeating at a period based on a clock and/or calendar.

11. The computer readable storage medium of claim 9 wherein the instructions for repeating at predetermined periods include instructions for repeating at a period based on elapsed execution time of the computer software.

12. The computer readable storage medium of claim 9 wherein the instructions for repeating at predetermined periods include instructions for repeating at a period based on a version number associated with the computer software.

13. The computer readable storage medium of claim 9 wherein the instructions for repeating at predetermined periods include instructions for repeating at random periods.

14. The computer readable storage medium of claim 9 wherein the instructions for repeating at predetermined periods include instructions for repeating at a period based on number of times the computer software is executed.