Method and system to automatically activate software options upon initialization of a device
First Claim
1. A method to enable software options comprising the steps of:
- receiving a request for activation of an inactive option in memory of a device located remotely from a centralized facility;
determining whether to activate the inactive option in response to the electronic request based on whether a set of criteria has been satisfied;
if unsatisfied, denying use of the inactive option;
if satisfied, generating an activation key configured to permit use of the inactive option upon installation in the device;
sending the activation key from the centralized facility to the device; and
automatically installing the activation key and enabling the inactive option upon initialization of the device.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A system and method are provided for activating inactive software options preinstalled on a device upon initialization of the device and thereby preventing installation during device operation. The invention includes receiving a request from a user at a centralized facility for access to an inactive option resident on the device. After validation of the request, an option-specific activation key or code is generated at the centralized facility using data from at least one of a user identifier, a system identifier, a host identifier, a use period identifier, and the selected option. The activation key is then transmitted from the centralized facility to the device whereupon only during initialization or reboot of the device is access to the inactive option automatically granted. The limiting of access to the inactive option until device initialization ensures that option enablement is prevented during device operation.
60 Citations
34 Claims
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1. A method to enable software options comprising the steps of:
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receiving a request for activation of an inactive option in memory of a device located remotely from a centralized facility;
determining whether to activate the inactive option in response to the electronic request based on whether a set of criteria has been satisfied;
if unsatisfied, denying use of the inactive option;
if satisfied, generating an activation key configured to permit use of the inactive option upon installation in the device;
sending the activation key from the centralized facility to the device; and
automatically installing the activation key and enabling the inactive option upon initialization of the device. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A system to enable an inactive software application resident in memory of a device comprising:
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a computerized network;
a receiving center connected to the computerized network;
a processing station located within the receiving center having a processor, wherein the processor is configured to;
receive a request from a user for activation of at least one inactive software application resident on the device;
generate an electronic enabler configured to activate the at least one inactive software application;
transmit the electronic enabler from the receiving center to the device, wherein the device includes a remote processor programmed to;
control access to the at least one inactive software application;
verify transmission of the electronic enabler and if transmitted, determine a device operation status;
if in an active status, prohibit enablement of the at least one inactive software application; and
if in an inactive status, enable the at least one inactive software application. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21)
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22. A computer data signal embodied in a carrier wave and representing a sequence of instructions which, when executed by at least one processor, causes the at least one processor to:
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review, at a centralized facility, a request from a user to activate an inactive software application stored in memory of a medical imaging device located remotely from the centralized facility;
determine whether the user is qualified, and if so;
generate a software script designed to enable the software application;
transmit the software script from the centralized facility to the device; and
enable the software application only during a reboot of the device. - View Dependent Claims (23, 24, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34)
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27. A software enabling system comprising:
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a centralized facility;
a medical imaging scanner remotely located from the centralized facility and capable of receiving transmissions from the centralized facility, wherein the medical imaging scanner includes a computer having one or more inactive applications resident in memory of the computer; and
a data script creator designed to generate a data script configured to enable a selected inactive application, wherein the data script is further configured to automatically enable the selected inactive application only upon initialization of the device.
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Specification