Method and apparatus for distributing a computer program

• US 20030101242A1
• Filed: 11/27/2001
• Published: 05/29/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 11/27/2001
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Carhamm Limited LLC (Intellectual Ventures LLC)
• Original Assignee: Carhamm Limited LLC (Intellectual Ventures LLC)
• Inventors: Gilbert, Charles, Martin, Anthony G., Dahlstrom, Kevin V., Cowden, Jax B., Eagle, Scott G., Hollrah, Philip D., McFadden, Jeffrey A., Silverberg, Marc E., Pennell, Mark E.
• Application Number:
  US09/993,906
• Publication Number:
  US 20030101242A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 709/220
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 9/451 Execution arrangements for user interfaces
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0247 Calculate past, present or future revenues
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0277 Online advertisement
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/34 involving the movement of software or configuration parameters network booting or remote initial program loading [RIPL] G06F9/4416
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 69/329 in the application layer [OSI layer 7]
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 9/40 Network security protocols

Abstract

In one embodiment, a computer program blocks windows categorized as bad windows, while allowing windows categorized as good windows to be displayed. The computer program may categorize a window by consulting one or more lists. In one embodiment, a list may be updated from time to time to optimize the computer program and prevent program-obsolescence. Techniques for defeating a window-blocking mechanism are also disclosed. In one embodiment, a computer program detects if a window is of a type that offers a product to a user. If so, the computer program provides a separate window containing information regarding the product. In one embodiment, a computer program detects if a user has a need for the computer program. If so, the user is informed of the efficacy of the computer program, which is then offered to the user.

Claims

1. In a computer, a method of distributing a computer program comprising:

detecting a need for the computer program;

informing a user of usefulness of the computer program;

offering the computer program to the user; and

providing the computer program to the user.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein the act of detecting includes detecting the occurrence of a type of window.

3. The method of claim 1 wherein the act of informing a user of usefulness of the computer program includes informing the user a number of a type of window detected by the computer program.

4. The method of claim 1 wherein the act of providing the computer program to the user includes activating the computer program.

5. The method of claim 1 wherein the act of providing the computer program to the user includes downloading components of the computer program from a remote computer.

6. The method of claim 1 wherein the computer program includes a window-blocking computer program.

7. A method to be performed in a computer, the method comprising:

detecting a need for a computer program;

demonstrating the efficacy of the computer program to a user;

offering the computer program to the user; and

providing the computer program to the user.

8. The method of claim 7 wherein the computer program includes a computer program for blocking a certain type of window.

9. The method of claim 7 wherein the act of demonstrating the efficacy of the computer program to a user includes informing the user of the number of windows of a certain type detected by the computer program.

10. A computer memory comprising:

computer-readable program code for detecting a need for a computer program;

computer-readable program code for informing a user of usefulness of the computer program;

computer-readable program code for offering the computer program to the user; and

computer-readable program code for providing the computer program to the user.