US5586304A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Automatic computer upgrading
Assignee: Hewlett Packard Development Co LP
•
Filing: 1994-09-08
•
Granted: 1996-12-17
•
Expires: 2014-09-08
Abstract
Abstract A method for use in upgrading a resource of a computer from an existing version of the resource to a later version of the resource. The method includes the steps of (a) digitally storing upgrade information which identifies the later version and describes features of the later version relative to one or more earlier versions of the resource, (b) digitally storing in the computer information identifying the existing version, by computer, automatically determining which of the earlier versions is the existing version, and (c) based on the results of the comparing step, automatically determining, or displaying to a user at least some of the upgrade information to aid the user in determining, whether to perform an upgrade. The upgrade information may be stored on a portable medium along with copies of the resources and the upgrade information may include instructions, in accordance with a predefined common syntax, for installing each of the resources.
Inventors
- 👤 Richard A. Stupek, Jr.
- 👤 David S. Shaffer
- 👤 Curtis R. Jones
- 👤 Steve Davis
- 👤 William D. Justice, Jr.
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 07:09
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06F; G06F8/00; G06F8/60; G06F8/65; G06F8/658; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S707/00; Y10S707/99931; Y10S707/99951; Y10S707/99952
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 106
Claim 1
Independent Claim
97 words
A method for use in changing a resource of a computer from a first version of the resource to a second version of the resource, comprising: digitally storing replacement information that identifies the second version and describes features of the second version relative to one or more other versions of the resource, digitally storing information identifying the first version, by computer, automatically determining which of the other versions is the first version, and based on the results of the determining step, automatically determining the importance of replacing the first version of the resource with the second version.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
97 words
A method for use in changing a resource of a computer from a first version of the resource to a second version of the resource, comprising: digitally storing replacement information that identifies the second version and describes features of the second version relative to one or more other versions of the resource, digitally storing information identifying the first version, by computer, automatically determining which of the other versions is the first version, and based on the results of the determining step, automatically determining the importance of replacing the first version of the resource with the second version.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
46 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the replacement information is stored on a portable medium, the second version of the resource is also stored on the portable medium, and the replacement information identifies the location of the second version of the resource on the portable medium.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 2 wherein the portable medium comprises a CD-ROM.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 2 wherein the portable medium contains stored versions of multiple resources, and replacement information with respect to each of the resources.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the replacement information is retrievable from an on-line service.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the replacement information is stored in the form of a database.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the replacement information further comprises instructions for installation of second version of the resource.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 7 wherein the installation instructions are expressed in accordance with a predefined common syntax.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the resource comprises a complete standalone software package.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the resource comprises less than all of a complete standalone software package.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 1 further comprising automatically changing the resource on a network server.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
41 words
The method of claim 11 wherein automatically changing the resource on the network server comprises storing on a storage medium the first version of the resource, and replacing on the server the first version of the resource with the second version.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 1 further comprising automatically changing the resource on a network client.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 13 wherein the change is performed via a network.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
41 words
The method of claim 13 wherein automatically changing the resource on the network client comprises storing on a storage medium the first version of the resource, and replacing on the client the first version of the resource with the second version.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method of claim 13 wherein the change is performed by automatically storing the second version and installation instructions on a portable storage medium for manual installation on the client.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the replacement information includes information concerning at least one reason for the second version.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the replacement information includes an indication of the type of change from a another version to the second version.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 18 wherein the type of change may include feature enhancement, performance enhancement, or bug fix.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the replacement information includes an indication of the importance of the change from the prior version to the second version.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the replacement information includes information identifying other resources that must be changed before the resource may be changed.
Claim 23
Independent Claim
89 words
A method of supplying at least one replacement version of at least one computer resource comprising: storing, on a portable medium, at least one copy of the replacement version of each resource, storing on the portable medium replacement information that identifies the replacement version, storing information that describes features of the replacement version relative to one or more other versions of the resource, and storing on the portable medium information that provides instructions, in accordance with a predefined common syntax, for automatically installing the replacement version of each resource.
Claim 24
Independent Claim
89 words
A method of supplying at least one replacement version of at least one computer resource comprising: storing, on a portable medium, at least one copy of the replacement version of each resource, storing on the portable medium replacement information that identifies the replacement version, storing information that describes features of the replacement version relative to one or more other versions of the resource, and storing on the portable medium information that provides instructions, in accordance with a predefined common syntax, for automatically installing the replacement version of each resource.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 22 further comprising storing information concerning at least one reason for the replacement version.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 22 further comprising storing information that provides an indication of a type of change from a prior version to the replacement version.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 22 further comprising storing information identifying other resources that must be changed before the replacement version of the resource may be installed.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 22 wherein the storage medium is a portable storage medium.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 22 wherein the storage medium resides in an on-line service.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
82 words
A portable storage medium for use in supplying at least one replacement version of at least one resource on a computer comprising: at least one stored copy of the replacement version of each resource, stored information that identifies the replacement version, stored information that describes features of the replacement version relative to one or more other versions of the resource, and stored information that provides instructions, in accordance with a predefined common syntax, for automatically installing the replacement version of the resource.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
82 words
A portable storage medium for use in supplying at least one replacement version of at least one resource on a computer comprising: at least one stored copy of the replacement version of each resource, stored information that identifies the replacement version, stored information that describes features of the replacement version relative to one or more other versions of the resource, and stored information that provides instructions, in accordance with a predefined common syntax, for automatically installing the replacement version of the resource.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
19 words
The storage medium of claim 28 further comprising stored information concerning at least one reason for the replacement version.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
26 words
The storage medium of claim 28 further comprising stored information that provides an indication of a type of change from another version to the replacement version.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
27 words
The storage medium of claim 28 further comprising stored information identifying other resources that must be changed before the replacement version of the resource may be installed.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
15 words
The storage medium of claim 28 wherein the storage medium is a portable storage medium.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
15 words
The storage medium of claim 28 wherein said storage medium resides in an on-line service.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
102 words
A software program, stored on a storage medium, for use in changing a resource of a computer from a first version to a second version comprising: means for retrieving digitally stored replacement information that identifies the second version and describes features of the second version relative to one or more other versions of the resource, means for retrieving digitally stored information identifying the first version, means for automatically determining which of the other versions is the first version, and means for using the replacement information to automatically determine the importance of replacing the first version of the resource with the second version.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
102 words
A software program, stored on a storage medium, for use in changing a resource of a computer from a first version to a second version comprising: means for retrieving digitally stored replacement information that identifies the second version and describes features of the second version relative to one or more other versions of the resource, means for retrieving digitally stored information identifying the first version, means for automatically determining which of the other versions is the first version, and means for using the replacement information to automatically determine the importance of replacing the first version of the resource with the second version.
Claim 39
Independent Claim
99 words
An apparatus for use in determining whether to change a stored first version of a computer resource to a second version of the resource, comprising: an information gatherer that retrieves stored information identifying the second version and the first version and describing features of the second version relative to one or more other versions, a comparison service that compares the information about the first version to the information about the second version, and an advisor that uses output from the comparison service to automatically determine the importance of replacing the first version of the resource with the second version.
Claim 40
Independent Claim
99 words
An apparatus for use in determining whether to change a stored first version of a computer resource to a second version of the resource, comprising: an information gatherer that retrieves stored information identifying the second version and the first version and describing features of the second version relative to one or more other versions, a comparison service that compares the information about the first version to the information about the second version, and an advisor that uses output from the comparison service to automatically determine the importance of replacing the first version of the resource with the second version.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus of claim 35 wherein the information about the first and second versions includes version numbers.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
22 words
The apparatus of claim 35 wherein the information about the first and second versions includes a description of differences between the versions.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 35 wherein the second version is stored on a portable storage medium.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
20 words
The apparatus of claim 38 wherein the information about the second version also is stored on the portable storage medium.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus of claim 35 wherein the information about the second version is retrievable from an on-line service.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus of claim 35 wherein the information about the second version includes instructions for changing the resource.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
13 words
The apparatus of claim 35 wherein the computer resource comprises a software package.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
12 words
The apparatus of claim 35 wherein the resource comprises a hardware driver.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 35 further comprising a device that automatically changes the resource.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 44 wherein the device changes the resource on a network server.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 44 wherein the device changes the resource on a network client.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 44 wherein the device changes the resource on a stand-alone computer.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
39 words
The apparatus of claim 35 further comprising a device that automatically generates a kit on a portable storage medium, the kit comprising a copy of the second version of the computer resource and installation instructions for the second version.
Claim 54
Independent Claim
76 words
An apparatus for automatically changing at least one computer resource from a first version to a second version comprising: a device that retrieves from a storage medium the second version and instructions for installing the second version, a staging area that receives and stores the second version and the installation instructions, and a manager that retrieves the second version and the installation instructions from the staging area and installs the second version of the computer resource.
Claim 55
Independent Claim
76 words
An apparatus for automatically changing at least one computer resource from a first version to a second version comprising: a device that retrieves from a storage medium the second version and instructions for installing the second version, a staging area that receives and stores the second version and the installation instructions, and a manager that retrieves the second version and the installation instructions from the staging area and installs the second version of the computer resource.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
27 words
The apparatus of claim 49 wherein the second version is placed into a package of resources to be changed before it is stored in the staging area.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
22 words
The apparatus of claim 50 wherein all members of the package are stored in the staging area at substantially the same time.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus of claim 50 wherein installation instructions for each member of the package are placed into a group of instructions.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
37 words
The apparatus of claim 52 wherein the package of resources to be changed and the group of instructions are stored in the staging area as a job to be performed by the manager at an appointed time.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
23 words
The apparatus of claim 49 wherein the staging area stores the second version of the resource and the installation instructions in separate areas.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
26 words
The apparatus of claim 54 wherein the separate areas simultaneously may contain second versions of and installation instructions for more than one resource to be changed.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus of claim 49 further comprising a storage medium that maintains a copy of another version of a changed resource.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus of claim 49 further comprising a database containing information identifying the first version of the resource.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
40 words
The apparatus of claim 57 wherein the information in the database identifies at least one of the following: the location of the first version, the version number of the first version, and differences between the first version and other versions.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 49 wherein the apparatus changes the resource on a network server.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 49 wherein the apparatus changes the resource in a network client.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 60 wherein the apparatus changes the resource through a network server.
Claim 68
Independent Claim
103 words
A method for use in changing a resource of a computer from a first version of the resource to a second version of the resource, comprising: digitally storing replacement information that identifies the second version and describes features of the second version relative to one or more other versions of the resource, digitally storing information identifying the first version, by computer, automatically determining which of the other versions is the first version, and based on the results of the determining step, providing a display that aids the user in determining whether to replace the first version of the resource with the second version.
Claim 69
Independent Claim
103 words
A method for use in changing a resource of a computer from a first version of the resource to a second version of the resource, comprising: digitally storing replacement information that identifies the second version and describes features of the second version relative to one or more other versions of the resource, digitally storing information identifying the first version, by computer, automatically determining which of the other versions is the first version, and based on the results of the determining step, providing a display that aids the user in determining whether to replace the first version of the resource with the second version.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
46 words
The method of claim 62 wherein the replacement information is stored on a portable medium, the second version of the resource is also stored on the portable medium, and the replacement information identifies the location of the second version of the resource on the portable medium.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 63 wherein the portable medium comprises a CD-ROM.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 63 wherein the portable medium contains stored versions of multiple resources, and replacement information with respect to each of the resources.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 62 wherein the replacement information is retrievable from an on-line service.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 62 wherein the replacement information is stored in the form of a database.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 62 wherein the replacement information further comprises instructions for installation of the second version of the resource.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 68 wherein the installation instructions are expressed in accordance with a predefined common syntax.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 62 wherein the resource comprises a complete standalone software package.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 62 wherein the resource comprises less than all of a complete standalone software package.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 62 further comprising automatically changing the resource on a network server.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim
41 words
The method of claim 62 wherein automatically changing the resource on the network server comprises: storing on a storage medium the first version of the resource, and replacing on the server the first version of the resource with the second version.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 62 further comprising automatically changing the resource on a network client.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 74 wherein the change is performed via a network.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
41 words
The method of claim 74 wherein automatically changing the resource on the network client comprises: storing on a storage medium the first version of the resource, and replacing on the client the first version of the resource with the second version.
Claim 84
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method of claim 74 wherein the change is performed by automatically storing the second version and installation instructions on a portable storage medium for manual installation on the client.
Claim 85
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 62 wherein the replacement information includes information concerning at least one reason for the second version.
Claim 86
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 62 wherein the replacement information includes an indication of the type of change from another version to the second version.
Claim 87
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 79 wherein the type of change may include feature enhancement, performance enhancement, or bug fix.
Claim 88
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 62 wherein the replacement information includes an indication of the importance of the change from another version to the second version.
Claim 89
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 62 wherein the replacement information includes information identifying other resources that must be changed before the resource may be changed.
Claim 90
Dependent Claim
108 words
A software program, stored on a storage medium, for use in changing a resource of a computer from a first version to a second version comprising: means for retrieving digitally stored replacement information that identifies the second version and describes features of the second version relative to one or more other versions of the resource, means for retrieving digitally stored information identifying the first version, means for automatically determining which of the other versions is the first version, and means for using the replacement information to provide a display that aids the user in determining whether to replace the first version of the resource with the second version.
Claim 91
Dependent Claim
108 words
A software program, stored on a storage medium, for use in changing a resource of a computer from a first version to a second version comprising: means for retrieving digitally stored replacement information that identifies the second version and describes features of the second version relative to one or more other versions of the resource, means for retrieving digitally stored information identifying the first version, means for automatically determining which of the other versions is the first version, and means for using the replacement information to provide a display that aids the user in determining whether to replace the first version of the resource with the second version.
Claim 92
Independent Claim
94 words
An apparatus for use in determining whether to change a stored first version of a computer resource to a second version of the resource, comprising: an information gatherer that retrieves stored information identifying the second version and the first version and describing features of the second version relative to one or more other versions, a comparison service that compares the information about the first version to the information about the second version, and an advisor that provides a display to help the user determine whether to replace the first version with the second version.
Claim 93
Independent Claim
94 words
An apparatus for use in determining whether to change a stored first version of a computer resource to a second version of the resource, comprising: an information gatherer that retrieves stored information identifying the second version and the first version and describing features of the second version relative to one or more other versions, a comparison service that compares the information about the first version to the information about the second version, and an advisor that provides a display to help the user determine whether to replace the first version with the second version.
Claim 94
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus of claim 84 wherein the information about the first and second versions includes version numbers.
Claim 95
Dependent Claim
22 words
The apparatus of claim 84 wherein the information about the first and second versions includes a description of differences between the versions.
Claim 96
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 84 wherein the second version is stored on a portable storage medium.
Claim 97
Dependent Claim
20 words
The apparatus of claim 87 wherein the information about the second version also is stored on the portable storage medium.
Claim 98
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus of claim 84 wherein the information about the second version is retrievable from an on-line service.
Claim 99
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus of claim 84 wherein the information about the second version includes instructions for changing the resource.
Claim 100
Dependent Claim
13 words
The apparatus of claim 84 wherein the computer resource comprises a software package.
Claim 101
Dependent Claim
12 words
The apparatus of claim 84 wherein the resource comprises a hardware driver.
Claim 102
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 84 further comprising a device that automatically changes the resource.
Claim 103
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 93 wherein the device changes the resource on a network server.
Claim 104
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 93 wherein the device changes the resource on a network client.
Claim 105
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 93 wherein the device changes the resource on a stand-alone computer.
Claim 106
Dependent Claim
39 words
The apparatus of claim 84 further comprising a device that automatically generates a kit on a portable storage medium, the kit comprising a copy of the second version of the computer resource and installation instructions for the second version.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1999-12-17 | 2000-06-17 | 2000-12-17 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2003-12-17 | 2004-06-17 | 2004-12-17 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2007-12-17 | 2008-06-17 | 2008-12-17 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |