Method and system to remotely enable software-based options for a trial period
First Claim
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1. An option-enabling system comprising:
- a subscribing station including;
a central server;
a plurality of in-field products networked to the central server; and
a computer separate from the central server and the plurality of in-field products that is programmed to control a transfer of data to and from the plurality of in-field products so as to function as a centralized management system there for;
an on-line center programmed to receive and authenticate a user I.D., validate an option request for at least one of the plurality of in-field products, and create an option key in response to the option request; and
a communications network to relay data from the on-line center to the subscribing station, the communications network including a first component in the on-line center and a second component in the subscribing station, and wherein the communications network is programmed to connect the on-line center to the subscribing station through an external communications network and transmit the option key from the on-line center to the subscribing station in response to receipt and authorization of a user I.D., and receipt of a valid option request;
wherein the computer at the subscribing station transmits each of the user I.D. and the option request for a specified in-field product to the on-line center by way of the central server and the communications network; and
wherein the computer at the subscribing station installs the option key on the specified in-field product.
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Abstract
A system and method to remotely enable software based options for a trial period in remote equipment is disclosed. The invention includes receiving and authenticating a user, and receiving an option-enabling request from the user specifying the particular option requested to be enabled in a particular piece of equipment at a remote location. A system I.D. is validated, and the system ensures that the option has not already been enabled at least once before, and if it has not, a software enabling key is generated and sent to activate the option in the remote equipment.
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Citations
12 Claims
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1. An option-enabling system comprising:
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a subscribing station including; a central server; a plurality of in-field products networked to the central server; and a computer separate from the central server and the plurality of in-field products that is programmed to control a transfer of data to and from the plurality of in-field products so as to function as a centralized management system there for; an on-line center programmed to receive and authenticate a user I.D., validate an option request for at least one of the plurality of in-field products, and create an option key in response to the option request; and a communications network to relay data from the on-line center to the subscribing station, the communications network including a first component in the on-line center and a second component in the subscribing station, and wherein the communications network is programmed to connect the on-line center to the subscribing station through an external communications network and transmit the option key from the on-line center to the subscribing station in response to receipt and authorization of a user I.D., and receipt of a valid option request; wherein the computer at the subscribing station transmits each of the user I.D. and the option request for a specified in-field product to the on-line center by way of the central server and the communications network; and wherein the computer at the subscribing station installs the option key on the specified in-field product. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 12)
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9. A method for enabling an option in a device comprising:
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receiving a user I.D. at a centralized facility; receiving an option-enabling request specifying an option requested to be enabled in the device at a subscribing station, the subscribing station including a central server, a plurality of in-field products networked to the central server, and a computer separate from the central server and the plurality of in-field products that is programmed to control a transfer of data to and from the plurality of in-field products so as to function as a centralized management system there for; confirming that the option has not already been enabled; and
if not,generating an enabling feature at the centralized facility upon confirmation that the option has not already been enabled, the enabling feature comprising software to be installed in the device; sending the enabling feature from the centralized facility to the device in the subscribing station by way of a communications network, the communications network including a first component at the centralized facility and a second component at the subscribing station; and installing the software so as to enable the option in the device. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11)
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Specification