Automatic updating of computer software

• US 6,732,358 B1
• Filed: 03/24/1994
• Issued: 05/04/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 03/24/1994
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: NCR Voyix Corporation
• Original Assignee: NCR Corporation
• Inventors: Siefert, David M.
• Primary Examiner(s): CHOULES, JACK M
• Application Number:
  US08/217,063
• Time in Patent Office: 3,694 Days
• Field of Search: 395/600, 395/700, 707/10, 709/221, 717/168-178
• US Class Current: 717/173
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 8/65 Updates security arrangements therefor G06F21/57
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 707/99939 Privileged access
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 707/99945 Object-oriented database structure processing

Abstract

A system for managing resources, which can take the form of (a) computer-compatible information, such as data files and programs, and (b) non-computer-compatible information, such as data contained on microfiche, and (c) physical objects. The resources are located at geographically diverse sites.

The invention contains a descriptive profile for each resource, and allows any user to search all profiles, and to search the profiles according to “fields” (a database term), such as by location of the resources, or by category of the resources. The user can order delivery of a selected resource, and the system causes delivery of the resource to be executed, irrespective of the form (e.g., physical object) of the resource.

If a resource takes the form of software, the invention provides a facility for detecting updates to the software, and automatically downloading the undated software to a user'"'"'s computer.

Claims

1. A personal computer (PC), comprising:

a) means for linking with a SERVER;

b) computer programs stored in the PC; and

c) software means for

i) detecting when the SERVER obtains access to updated versions of said computer programs; and

, upon detection,

ii) requesting delivery of said updated versions.

2. A system for updating software, comprising:

a) multiple computers which store software masters which are periodically updated;

b) means for detecting when updates occur, and, after detection, downloading copies of updated masters to selected PCs; and

c) means for installing said downloaded copies on said PCs.

3. A system for updating software, comprising:

a) multiple SERVERs, each serving one or more PCs;

b) multiple distribution computers, each containing programs held for distribution to SERVERs;

c) means for

i) informing the SERVERs when a program in a distribution computer changes; and

ii) allowing the SERVERs to obtain copies of the changed program, without intervention of a user.

4. A system for updating software, comprising:

a) multiple SERVERs which store

i) computer programs which are periodically updated; and

ii) PROFILEs which indicate the latest revision date for each program;

b) PCs which are served by other SERVERs;

c) means for allowing a PC to

i) order a SERVER to examine the revision dates in selected PROFILEs and

ii) obtain a copy of programs having revision dates meeting predetermined criteria.

5. A system for updating software, comprising:

a) multiple SERVERs

i) some of which serve PCs and

ii) some of which store computer programs which are periodically updated; and

b) means for

i) accepting requests from PCs to look for updates;

ii) downloading updated programs to the requesting PCs after the updates occur.