Sponsor-based desktop customization as a revenue stream

• US 8,315,907 B2
• Filed: 04/22/2002
• Issued: 11/20/2012
• Est. Priority Date: 04/22/2002
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. (HP Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. (HP Inc.)
• Inventors: Shaughnessy, Monica J., Altendorf, Mark J., Saxby, Arthur M., Sood, Gaurav
• Primary Examiner(s): Stamber, Eric W
• Assistant Examiner(s): Ahmed, Affaf
• Application Number:
  US10/127,119
• Publication Number:
  US 20030200542A1
• Time in Patent Office: 3,865 Days
• Field of Search: 705/14, 705/26, 345/333, 345/738, 709/218
• US Class Current: 705/14.69
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 9/451 Execution arrangements for user interfaces

Abstract

The specification describes a method for realizing revenue streams for computer manufacturers apart from hardware sales. More particularly, the specification discloses a method where personal computers are configured such that each user has an individual login capability, and each user may experience a different desktop theme and related overall customization. The end-user may select a particular theme, and each theme is based on the goods and/or services of a sponsor of that theme. The computer manufacturer realizes revenue initially for enabling the end -user to select particular themes, but also realizes a revenue for end-users selecting themes. Further, the specification discloses a method where computer manufacturers realize revenue by generation of internet traffic to, and electronic-commerce on, a sponsor'"'"'s internet sites.

Claims

1. A method comprising:

installing an operating system on a computer system;

installing a custom program by a computer manufacturer, the custom program provides sponsor-based customizations regarding operation of the operating system, the customizations advertising particular sponsors; and

then

allowing a user to choose at least one sponsor-based customization;

applying the at least one sponsor-based customization; and

obtaining revenue by the computer manufacturer from a sponsor for each user who chooses at least one sponsor-based customization.

2. The method as defined in claim 1 further comprising charging, by the computer manufacturer, the sponsor for each computer system in which the custom program is installed.

3. The method as defined in claim 1 further comprising:

wherein installing a custom program further comprises installing a custom program that monitors the computer system for an initial user logon; and

wherein allowing a user to choose at least one sponsor-based customization further comprises allowing the user to choose at least one sponsor-based customization contemporaneously the initial user logon.

4. The method as defined in claim 1 further comprising applying the sponsor-based customization by selecting at least one selected from the group consisting of:

a wallpaper setting;

a cursor setting; and

a screen saver.

5. The method as defined in claim 1 further comprising:

providing updates to at least one sponsor-based customization; and

allowing the user to selectively install the updates.

6. The method as defined in claim 5 wherein providing updates further comprises downloading the updates to the user'"'"'s computer prior to the allowing.

7. The method as defined in claim 6 wherein allowing further comprises allowing the user to selectively install previously downloaded updates.

8. The method as defined in claim 5 further comprising charging the sponsor for each update selected by the user.