Method for securely distributing & updating software
First Claim
1. A method comprising the steps of:
- conveying a software program over a network gradually;
accumulating said software program in a storage device automatically using a wireless connection; and
retrieving said software program for on-demand use at a time after the entire software program is accumulated.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Methods and apparatus for gradually delivering software over a terrestrial or satellite network are disclosed. Packets of a software program are conveyed wirelessly from a central server to customers using a portion of standard FM radio or television signals. These packets are conveyed to a wireless receiver at the customer'"'"'s premises over a relatively long period of time. The packets are slowly accumulated in the customer'"'"'s receiver, which includes a storage device such as an array of hard drives or memory chips. After this “accumulation period” is completed, and a full software program has been built up, subscribers may then retrieve and use the software. The invention provides a highly secure distribution system which thwarts copyright infringement and other unauthorized copying. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the data conveyed to customers is computer software, including operating systems, applications and updates. The system may also be tamper-proofed, so that any attempt to make unauthorized copies of the software, or to open the receiver cause an immediate erasure of all the programs stored in the receiver. A peripheral device maybe connected to the customer'"'"'s personal computer. This device connects to a computer using a USB or other port, and includes a conventional FM radio or television receiver, a large storage device, and a security chip. This device may also be built into the customer'"'"'s personal computer.
260 Citations
27 Claims
-
1. A method comprising the steps of:
-
conveying a software program over a network gradually;
accumulating said software program in a storage device automatically using a wireless connection; and
retrieving said software program for on-demand use at a time after the entire software program is accumulated. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27)
-
-
13. An apparatus comprising:
-
transmission means for transmitting digitized packets of software over a network means for communicating said packets of software;
said software being transmitted to a plurality of authorized users;
said transmission means including a gateway means;
said transmission means further including a relay means for receiving said plurality of digitized packets of software from said gateway means and for retransmitting during a time period when the total communications capacity of said relay means is not fully used;
a receiver means for collecting said plurality of digitized packets of software which are transmitted from said transmission means;
said receiver means including a storage means for accumulating said plurality of digitized packets of software incrementally over an extended period of time; and
retrieving and using said plurality of digitized packets of software after a generally full program has been accumulated. - View Dependent Claims (6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21)
-
Specification