Multiple customer and multiple location PC service provider system

• US 6,999,945 B1
• Filed: 09/30/1999
• Issued: 02/14/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 01/29/1998
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Automated Business Companies
• Original Assignee: Automated Business Companies
• Inventors: Freeny, Jr., Charles C.
• Primary Examiner(s): Trammell, James P.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Sherr, Cristina
• Application Number:
  US09/408,598
• Time in Patent Office: 2,329 Days
• Field of Search: 709/200, 709/202, 709/201, 709/203, 709/204, 709/217, 709/250, 705/1, 705 50- 59, 348/460, 348/723, 348/8, 348/13, 345/161, 345/327, 345/6, 345/10, 345/158, 345/156
• US Class Current: 705/50
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 2209/549 Remote execution
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/025 for remote control or remote monitoring of applications
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/34 involving the movement of software or configuration parameters network booting or remote initial program loading [RIPL] G06F9/4416

Abstract

The present invention contemplates a system whereby a service provider can service a large number of customers (millions) and connect them to their rented PC from millions of locations around the world. Many customers (10 to 100 thousand) can be connected simultaneously. The service provider is responsible for maintaining the latest PC Hardware and Software configurations available on the market instead of the customer. The rented PC operates in essentially the same manner as if one purchased and maintained their PC at home or office. Access to the individuals rented PC can be obtained from any existing PC, office network computer, a Web TV computer or other customer interface computer which has been authorized by the service provider. The current invention will greatly improve existing Client/Server systems being used to service large global offices. However The greatest improvement, is to make the PC much more convenient and easier for the individual to use in the future and shift the PC hardware and software update burden to the service provider.

Claims

1. A method for providing a service for remotely controlling a remote computer unit using an interface unit, the remote computer unit comprising a personal computer, the method comprising the steps of:

operating a website capable of allowing and facilitating communication between a remote computer unit and an interface unit via an internet;

receiving, by the website, a valid logon command from the interface unit whereby the website associates the valid logon command with the remote computer unit;

receiving, by the website, data signal instructions from the interface unit; and

sending the data signal instructions from the website to the remote computer unit whereby the data signal instructions act to remotely operate the remote computer unit as if the operator of the interface unit were sitting in front of the remote computer unit and actually operating the remote computer unit.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of installing a program onto the remote computer unit to permit the data signal instructions sent by the website originating from the interface unit to further facilitate the ability of the interface unit to remotely operate the remote computer unit through the website as if the operator of the interface unit were sitting in front of the remote computer unit and actually operating the remote computer unit.

3. The method of claim 2, further comprising the steps of billing for access to the service and monitoring payments made by the customer to maintain the customer'"'"'s access to the service.

4. The method of claim 1, further comprising the steps of billing for access to the service and monitoring payments made by the customer to maintain the customer'"'"'s access to the service.

5. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of downloading a program from the website to the remote computer unit prior to the step of sending the data signal instructions from the website to the remote computer unit, the program downloaded onto the remote computer unit establishing the remote computer unit to be controlled by the data signal instructions.