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Method and system to remotely enable software-based options for a trial period

  • US 7,962,416 B1
  • Filed: 11/22/2000
  • Issued: 06/14/2011
  • Est. Priority Date: 11/22/2000
  • Status: Active Grant
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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