US5689560A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method and apparatus for enabling trial period use of software products: method and apparatus for allowing a try-and-buy user interaction
Assignee: International Business Machines Corp
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Filing: 1994-04-25
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Granted: 1997-11-18
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Expires: 2014-04-25
Abstract
Abstract A method and apparatus is provided for distributing software objects from a producer to a potential user. The software object is reversibly functionally limited, preferably through encryption, and loaded onto a computer-accessible memory media along with the file management program. The computer-accessible memory media is shipped from the producer to the potential user. The file management program is loaded into a user-controlled data processing system, and associated with the operating system for the user-controlled data processing system. The computer-accessible memory media is read with the user-controlled data processing system. The file management program is utilized to restrict access to the software object.
Inventors
- 👤 Thomas Edward Cooper
- 👤 Robert Franklin Pryor
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 22:59
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06F; G06F21/00; G06F21/10; G06F21/109; G06F8/00
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 19
Claim 1
Independent Claim
135 words
A method of distributing software objects from a producer to a potential user, comprising the method steps of: providing a software object; providing a computer-accessible memory media; providing a file management program; reversibly inhibiting a function of said software object; recording said software object onto said computer-accessible memory media; shipping said computer-accessible memory media from said producer to said potential user; loading said file management program into a user-controlled data processing system and integrating an operation of said file management program into an operating system for said user-controlled data processing system; reading said computer-accessible memory media with said user-controlled data processing system; utilizing said file management program to restore said function of said software object with said user-controlled data processing system to allow access to said software object following completion of a remote authorization procedure.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
135 words
A method of distributing software objects from a producer to a potential user, comprising the method steps of: providing a software object; providing a computer-accessible memory media; providing a file management program; reversibly inhibiting a function of said software object; recording said software object onto said computer-accessible memory media; shipping said computer-accessible memory media from said producer to said potential user; loading said file management program into a user-controlled data processing system and integrating an operation of said file management program into an operating system for said user-controlled data processing system; reading said computer-accessible memory media with said user-controlled data processing system; utilizing said file management program to restore said function of said software object with said user-controlled data processing system to allow access to said software object following completion of a remote authorization procedure.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
89 words
A method of distributing software objects according to claim 1, wherein said file management program is operable in a plurality of modes of operation when executed by said user-controlled data processing system, including the following modes of operation: (a) a temporary trial mode of operation, wherein said software object is temporarily enabled by restoring said inhibited function of said software object; (b) a normal use mode of operation, wherein said inhibited function of said software object is restored, allowing unlimited use of said software object by said potential user.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
55 words
A method of distributing software objects according to claim 2, wherein said plurality of modes of operation further include the following mode of operation: (c) a browsing mode of operation, wherein selected information is provided to said potential user which pertains to said software object, in a manner which facilitates selection by said potential user.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
24 words
A method of distributing software objects according to claim 2, wherein said temporary trial mode of operation is enabled utilizing a temporary access key.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
32 words
A method of distributing software objects according to claim 4, wherein said temporary access key comprises a software clock which is initiated at the commencement of said temporary trial mode of operation.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
35 words
A method of distributing software objects according to claim 4, wherein said temporary access key comprises a counter which is modified for each utilization of said software object during said temporary trial mode of operation.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
28 words
A method of distributing software objects according to claim 4, wherein said normal use mode of operation is initiated by restoring said inhibited function of said software object.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
24 words
A method of distributing software objects according to claim 4, wherein said temporary access key is modified as said trial mode of operation progresses.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
27 words
A method of distributing software objects according to claim 1, wherein said step of inhibiting a function comprises encrypting at least a portion of said software object.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
27 words
A method of distributing software objects according to claim 1, wherein said step of inhibiting a function comprises removing at least one feature of said software object.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
27 words
A method of distributing software objects according to claim 1, wherein said inhibited function comprises a time limitation on an otherwise unrestricted utilization of said software object.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
26 words
A method of distributing software objects according to claim 1, wherein said inhibited function comprises a predefined limited number of allowed uses of said software object.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
46 words
A method of distributing software objects according to claim 1, further comprising: recording said file management program onto said computer-accessible memory media; and shipping said computer-accessible memory media, which includes both said software object and said file management program, from said producer to said potential user.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
30 words
A method of distributing software objects according to claim 1, wherein said file management program includes: a customer interface which facilitates (a) trial and (b) ordering of said software object.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
41 words
A method of distributing software objects according to claim 14, wherein said customer interface includes at least one display screen with a plurality of active data fields for receiving information input into said user-controlled data processing system by said potential user.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
33 words
A method of distributing software objects according to claim 15, wherein said customer interface further includes: a plurality of user-selectable transmission options for transmitting information contained in said data fields to said producer.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
101 words
A method of distributing software objects according to claim 1, wherein said file management program operation includes: (a) continually monitoring said operating system of said user-controlled data processing system for operating system input calls and output calls; (b) identifying when said operating system of said user-controlled data processing system calls for said software object; (c) fetching a temporary access key associated with said software object; (d) examining said temporary access key to determine if said temporary access key is valid; (e) restoring said inhibited function of said software object; (f) passing said software object to said data processing system for processing.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
48 words
A method of distributing software objects according to claim 17, wherein said step of inhibiting a function comprises encrypting at least a portion of said software object; and wherein said step of restoring, said inhibited function of said software object comprises decrypting encrypted portions of said software object.
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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) | 2000-11-17 | 2001-05-19 | 2001-11-18 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2004-11-17 | 2005-05-19 | 2005-11-18 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2008-11-17 | 2009-05-19 | 2009-11-18 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |