Method and a system for computer software distribution using networked software dispensing vending machines

• US 20060212360A1
• Filed: 10/25/2005
• Published: 09/21/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 02/28/2002
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Palmsource Incorporated (Access Company Limited)
• Original Assignee: Palmsource Incorporated (Access Company Limited)
• Inventors: Stefanik, Steve, Sharp, Maurice
• Granted Patent: US 7,664,679 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 705/26
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 21/10 Protecting distributed programs or content, e.g. vending or licensing of copyrighted material protection in video systems or pay television H04N7/16 ; Digital rights management [DRM]
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0635 Processing of requisition or of purchase orders
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0641 Shopping interfaces
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 40/04 Trading; Exchange, e.g. stocks, commodities, derivatives or currency exchange

Abstract

A method and a system for dispensing software programs from a networked software dispensing kiosk device or ATM. Software developers can place software for sale within the network thereby causing various remote software ATMs to offer the software. The user causes a display of a list of different categories of software titles available through a remotely located software ATM, e.g., located in a retail market place, or other public place. The user makes a selection from the list and may optionally execute the selected software using an on-screen emulation of the user'"'"'s device. If the user is satisfied with the execution of the selected software, the user can purchase or rent the selected software using automated vending equipment of the software ATM. Purchased or rented software titles are electronically communicated from the software ATM to the user'"'"'s portable computer system. The software ATM can also provide backup and archiving services for a portable computer user.

Claims

1. A method for distributing software programs comprising:

transmitting a plurality of software programs from a networked server computer to a remote software dispensing device;

storing said plurality of software programs on said software dispensing device;

in response to a user request, displaying a directory of said plurality of software programs on said software dispensing device;

in response to a software selection by a user, accepting payment from said user for a selected software program; and

in response to said payment, communicating an instantiation of said selected software program from said software dispensing device to a portable computer system of said user.