Internet-aware agent for updating applications

• US 20020120725A1
• Filed: 02/28/2001
• Published: 08/29/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 02/28/2001
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Sony Corporation (Sony Group Corp.)
• Original Assignee: Sony Corporation (Sony Group Corp.), Sony Electronics Inc. (Sony Group Corp.)
• Inventors: Masli, Hans, DaCosta, Behram Mario
• Granted Patent: US 7,293,115 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 709/221
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 8/65 Updates security arrangements therefor G06F21/57

Abstract

A method and system thereof for updating applications installed on a computer system. Each application supplies the name of a source (e.g., a Web site address) from which updates can be obtained. Upon boot up, the boot loader reads the addresses, locates the interface for connecting with the Internet, and connects with each of the Web sites. Updated application information is identified and can be downloaded from the Web sites to the computer system. Also, information can be downloaded to change the graphical user interface for the application. Furthermore, the Web site can determine whether the application is authorized for use on the computer system. Alternatively, a single Web site can be used for multiple applications. In addition, this process can instead be implemented as a background function after boot up. In each implementation, applications are conveniently and reliably updated without having to execute the applications.

Claims

1. A method for updating application information used by an application installed on a computer system, said method comprising the computer-implemented steps of:

a) identifying from said application an information source external to said computer system, said information source comprising information for modifying said application information;

b) identifying a communication interface for communicatively coupling said computer system and said information source;

c) establishing a communication link to said information source via said communication interface; and

d) downloading said information for modifying said application information from said information source;

wherein said steps a)-d) are performed without executing said application.

2. The method as recited in claim 1 wherein said step a) comprises the step of:

a1) reading registry information pertaining to said application, wherein said registry information identifies said information source.

3. The method as recited in claim 1 wherein said steps a)-d) are performed by a boot loader during boot up of said computer system.

4. The method as recited in claim 1 wherein said steps a)-d) are performed as background functions executed after boot up of said computer system.

5. The method as recited in claim 1 wherein said information source is a Web site.

6. The method as recited in claim 5 wherein said Web site comprises information relevant to a plurality of different applications.

7. The method as recited in claim 1 wherein said step c) further comprises the step of:

c1) identifying whether information for modifying said application information is available.

8. The method as recited in claim 1 wherein said step d) further comprises the step of:

d1) providing a prompt indicating information for modifying said application information is available.

9. The method as recited in claim 1 wherein said application information is for generating a user interface for said application, wherein said information for modifying said application information is for changing an aspect of said user interface.

10. The method as recited in claim 1 comprising the step of:

e) providing authorization information for said application, said authorization information for indicating use of said application is authorized on said computer system.

11. A method for managing applications comprising the computer-implemented steps of:

a) receiving information for modifying said applications from a plurality of sources, each source comprising information for a respective application;

b) establishing a communication link with a computer system having an application installed thereon;

c) determining that use of said application on said computer system is authorized;

d) identifying information received in said step a) that is relevant to said application; and

e) sending said information identified in said step d) to said computer system.

12. The method as recited in claim 11 wherein said communication link is an Internet connection.

13. The method as recited in claim 11 wherein said step a) further comprises the steps of:

a1) receiving from said application installed on said computer system an address for an information source comprising information for modifying said application;

a2) accessing said information source identified by said application in said step a1); and

a3) receiving information for modifying said application from said information source.

15. The computer system of claim 14 wherein said step a) of said method comprises the step of:

a1) reading registry information pertaining to said application, wherein said registry information identifies said information source.

16. The computer system of claim 14 wherein said steps a)-c) are performed by a boot loader during boot up of said computer system.

17. The computer system of claim 14 wherein said steps a)-c) are performed as background functions executed after boot up of said computer system.

18. The computer system of claim 14 wherein said information source is a Web site.

19. The computer system of claim 18 wherein said Web site comprises information relevant to a plurality of different applications.

20. The computer system of claim 14 wherein said step b) of said method further comprises the step of:

b1) identifying whether information for modifying said application information is available.

21. The computer system of claim 14 wherein said step c) of said method further comprises the step of:

c1) providing a prompt indicating information for modifying said application information is available.

22. The computer system of claim 14 wherein said application information is for generating a user interface for said application, wherein said information for modifying said application information is for changing an aspect of said user interface.

23. The computer system of claim 14 wherein said method comprises the step of:

d) providing authorization information for said application, said authorization information for indicating use of said application is authorized on said computer system.

14. A computer system comprising:

a bus;

a communication interface coupled to said bus, said communication interface for communicatively coupling said computer system and an external information source;

a processor coupled to said bus; and

a computer-readable memory unit coupled to said bus;

said processor for performing a method for updating application information used by an application installed on said computer system, said method comprising the computer-implemented steps of;

a) identifying from said application an external information source comprising information for modifying said application information;

b) establishing a communication link to said information source via said communication interface; and

c) downloading said information for modifying said application information from said information source;

wherein said steps a)-c) are performed without executing said application.