Method and apparatus for enabling trial period use of software products: method and apparatus for allowing a try-and-buy user interaction

• US 5,689,560 A
• Filed: 04/25/1994
• Issued: 11/18/1997
• Est. Priority Date: 04/25/1994
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
• Original Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
• Inventors: Pryor, Robert Franklin, Cooper, Thomas Edward
• Primary Examiner(s): Gregory, Bernarr E.
• Application Number:
  US08/235,035
• Time in Patent Office: 1,303 Days
• Field of Search: 380/4, 380/23, 380/25, 380/49, 380/50, 380/9, 380/29, 340/825.31, 340/825.34, 395/601, 395/607, 395/609, 395/726
• US Class Current: 705/52
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 21/109 by using specially-adapted hardware at the client

Abstract

A method and apparatus is provided for distributing software objects from a producer to a potential user. The software object is reversibly functionally limited, preferably through encryption, and loaded onto a computer-accessible memory media along with the file management program. The computer-accessible memory media is shipped from the producer to the potential user. The file management program is loaded into a user-controlled data processing system, and associated with the operating system for the user-controlled data processing system. The computer-accessible memory media is read with the user-controlled data processing system. The file management program is utilized to restrict access to the software object.

Claims

1. A method of distributing software objects from a producer to a potential user, comprising the method steps of:

providing a software object;

providing a computer-accessible memory media;

providing a file management program;

reversibly inhibiting a function of said software object;

recording said software object onto said computer-accessible memory media;

shipping said computer-accessible memory media from said producer to said potential user;

loading said file management program into a user-controlled data processing system and integrating an operation of said file management program into an operating system for said user-controlled data processing system;

reading said computer-accessible memory media with said user-controlled data processing system;

utilizing said file management program to restore said function of said software object with said user-controlled data processing system to allow access to said software object following completion of a remote authorization procedure.

2. A method of distributing software objects according to claim 1, wherein said file management program is operable in a plurality of modes of operation when executed by said user-controlled data processing system, including the following modes of operation:

(a) a temporary trial mode of operation, wherein said software object is temporarily enabled by restoring said inhibited function of said software object;

(b) a normal use mode of operation, wherein said inhibited function of said software object is restored, allowing unlimited use of said software object by said potential user.

3. A method of distributing software objects according to claim 2, wherein said plurality of modes of operation further include the following mode of operation:

(c) a browsing mode of operation, wherein selected information is provided to said potential user which pertains to said software object, in a manner which facilitates selection by said potential user.

4. A method of distributing software objects according to claim 2, wherein said temporary trial mode of operation is enabled utilizing a temporary access key.

5. A method of distributing software objects according to claim 4, wherein said temporary access key comprises a software clock which is initiated at the commencement of said temporary trial mode of operation.

6. A method of distributing software objects according to claim 4, wherein said temporary access key comprises a counter which is modified for each utilization of said software object during said temporary trial mode of operation.

7. A method of distributing software objects according to claim 4, wherein said normal use mode of operation is initiated by restoring said inhibited function of said software object.

8. A method of distributing software objects according to claim 4, wherein said temporary access key is modified as said trial mode of operation progresses.

9. A method of distributing software objects according to claim 1, wherein said step of inhibiting a function comprises encrypting at least a portion of said software object.

10. A method of distributing software objects according to claim 1, wherein said step of inhibiting a function comprises removing at least one feature of said software object.

11. A method of distributing software objects according to claim 1, wherein said inhibited function comprises a time limitation on an otherwise unrestricted utilization of said software object.

12. A method of distributing software objects according to claim 1, wherein said inhibited function comprises a predefined limited number of allowed uses of said software object.

13. A method of distributing software objects according to claim 1, further comprising:

recording said file management program onto said computer-accessible memory media; and

shipping said computer-accessible memory media, which includes both said software object and said file management program, from said producer to said potential user.

14. A method of distributing software objects according to claim 1, wherein said file management program includes:

a customer interface which facilitates (a) trial and (b) ordering of said software object.

15. A method of distributing software objects according to claim 14, wherein said customer interface includes at least one display screen with a plurality of active data fields for receiving information input into said user-controlled data processing system by said potential user.

16. A method of distributing software objects according to claim 15, wherein said customer interface further includes:

a plurality of user-selectable transmission options for transmitting information contained in said data fields to said producer.

17. A method of distributing software objects according to claim 1, wherein said file management program operation includes:

(a) continually monitoring said operating system of said user-controlled data processing system for operating system input calls and output calls;

(b) identifying when said operating system of said user-controlled data processing system calls for said software object;

(c) fetching a temporary access key associated with said software object;

(d) examining said temporary access key to determine if said temporary access key is valid;

(e) restoring said inhibited function of said software object;

(f) passing said software object to said data processing system for processing.

18. A method of distributing software objects according to claim 17,

wherein said step of inhibiting a function comprises encrypting at least a portion of said software object;

and

wherein said step of restoring, said inhibited function of said software object comprises decrypting encrypted portions of said software object.