Software distribution method and apparatus
8 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
The present invention provides for a method and apparatus for distributing digital information, such as software applications, to application users. By providing the digital information on unused memory space of a computer system, and providing a process for authorizing access to the information, the information can be efficiently and cost effectively transferred to users. Traditional inventory and distribution channel difficulties are avoided.
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Citations
59 Claims
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1-29. -29. (canceled)
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30. A method of distributing software with a computer system, the method comprising:
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recording digital data on a storage device in the computer system; and
controlling access to the digital data in the computer system by;
in response to receiving a first request for access to the digital data, contacting a party authorized to grant access to the digital data;
if the party provides authorization to grant access to the digital data, recording the authorization in the computer system and granting a first access to the digital data based on the recorded authorization; and
in response to receiving at least a second request for access to the digital data, granting a second access to the digital data based on the authorization recorded in the computer system. - View Dependent Claims (31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38)
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39. A method of controlling access to digital data in a computer system, the method comprising:
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receiving a first request for access to the digital data;
in response to receiving the first request, contacting a party authorized to grant access to the digital data;
if the party provides authorization to grant access to the digital data, recording the authorization in the computer system and granting a first access to the digital data based on the recorded authorization;
receiving at least a second request for access to the digital data; and
in response to receiving the second request, granting a second access to the data based on the authorization recorded in the computer system. - View Dependent Claims (40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45)
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46. A software module operable to control access to a software application recorded on a storage device in a computer system, the software module operating by a method comprising:
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detecting a first use of the software application on the computer system;
in response to detecting the first use, contacting a party authorized to grant access to the software application;
if the party provides authorization to grant access to the software application;
recording the authorization in the computer system; and
granting a first access to the software application based on the recorded authorization;
detecting at least a second use of the software application on the computer system; and
in response to detecting the second use, granting a second access to the software application based on the authorization recorded in the computer system. - View Dependent Claims (47, 48, 49, 50, 51)
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52. A computer system comprising:
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a software application;
a processor;
a memory coupled to the processor; and
a software module executable on the processor and the memory, wherein the software module controls access to the software application by a method comprising;
contacting a party authorized to grant access to the software application;
if the party provides authorization to grant access to the software application, recording authorization in the memory and granting a first access to the software application based on the recorded authorization. - View Dependent Claims (53, 54, 56)
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55. The computer system of clam 52 wherein the software module and the software application are stored on the computer system during manufacture of the computer system.
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57. A computer system comprising:
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digital data stored on a fixed medium in the computer system;
means for receiving a first request for access to the digital data;
means for automatically contacting a party authorized to grant access to the digital data, in response to receiving the first request;
means for recording an authorization to grant access to the digital data in the computer system if the party provides such an authorization;
means for granting a first access to the digital data based on the recorded authorization;
means for receiving at least a second request for access to the digital data; and
means for granting a second access to the data based on the authorization recorded in the computer system, in response to receiving the second request. - View Dependent Claims (58, 59)
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Specification