Patent US5757907A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US5757907A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method and apparatus for enabling trial period use of software products: method and apparatus for generating a machine-dependent identification
Assignee: International Business Machines Corp
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Filing: 1994-04-25
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Granted: 1998-05-26
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Expires: 2014-04-25
Abstract
Abstract A method and apparatus is provided for distributing a software object from a source to a user. A software object is encrypted with an encryption operation utilizing a long-lived encryption key. It is directed from the source to the user. It is loaded onto a user-controlled data processing system having a particular configuration. A numerical machine identification is derived based at least in part upon the particular data processing system configuration of the user-controlled data processing system. A temporary key is derived which is based at least in part upon the numerical machine identification and the long-lived encryption key. The long-lived key generator is provided for receiving the temporary key and producing the long-lived encryption key. The user is allowed to utilize the temporary key for a prescribed interval to generate the long-lived encryption key to access the software object.
Inventors
- 👤 Thomas Edward Cooper
- 👤 Robert Franklin Pryor
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 18:29
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06F; G06F8/00; G06F21/00; G06F21/10; G06F21/12; G06F21/121; G06F21/125; G06F21/126; G06F21/106; G06F21/1063; G06F2221/00; G06F2221/21; G06F2221/2137
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
134 words
A method of distributing a software object from a source to a user, comprising the method steps of: encrypting said software object with an encryption operation utilizing an encryption key; transmitting said encrypted software object from said source to said user; loading said encrypted software object onto a user-controlled data processing system having a particular configuration; generating a numerical machine identification based at least in part upon said particular configuration of said user-controlled data processing system; generating a temporary key based at least in part upon said numerical machine identification, a prescribed interval, and said encryption key; sending said temporary key to a key generator; using said key generator to produce said encryption key; and entering said temporary key to initiate said prescribed interval to generate said encryption key to access said software object.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
134 words
A method of distributing a software object from a source to a user, comprising the method steps of: encrypting said software object with an encryption operation utilizing an encryption key; transmitting said encrypted software object from said source to said user; loading said encrypted software object onto a user-controlled data processing system having a particular configuration; generating a numerical machine identification based at least in part upon said particular configuration of said user-controlled data processing system; generating a temporary key based at least in part upon said numerical machine identification, a prescribed interval, and said encryption key; sending said temporary key to a key generator; using said key generator to produce said encryption key; and entering said temporary key to initiate said prescribed interval to generate said encryption key to access said software object.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
31 words
A method of distributing a software object according to claim 1, where said encrypted software object is recorded onto a computer-accessible memory media and directed from said source to said user.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
36 words
A method of distributing a software object according to claim 2, where said key generator is recorded onto said computer-accessible memory media and directed from said source to said user along with said encrypted software object.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
43 words
A method of distributing a software object according to claim 1, further comprising the method step of: transmitting a file management program, which Includes said key generator as a component thereof, from said source to said user along with said encrypted software object.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
34 words
A method of distributing a software object according to claim 1, further comprising the method step of: creating a key file in said user-controlled data processing system for recording at least said temporary key.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
32 words
A method of distributing a software object according to claim 5, further comprising the method step of: encrypting said key file utilizing at least one unique system attribute as an encryption key.
Claim 8
Independent Claim
162 words
A method of distributing software objects from a producer to a user, comprising the method steps of: encrypting a software object utilizing a key; recording said software object onto a computer-accessible memory media; shipping said computer-accessible memory media from said producer to said user; loading a file management program into a user-controlled data processing system; utilizing said file management program to derive a numerical machine identification based upon at least one attribute of said user-controlled data processing system; reading said computer-accessible memory media with said user-controlled data processing system; generating a temporary key based at least in part upon said numerical machine identification and a prescribed interval; utilizing said file management program by executing it with said user-controlled data processing system to restrict access to said software object for said prescribed interval defined by said temporary key; and utilizing a key generator in said user-controlled data processing system to provide said key in response to receipt of at least said temporary key.
Claim 9
Independent Claim
162 words
A method of distributing software objects from a producer to a user, comprising the method steps of: encrypting a software object utilizing a key; recording said software object onto a computer-accessible memory media; shipping said computer-accessible memory media from said producer to said user; loading a file management program into a user-controlled data processing system; utilizing said file management program to derive a numerical machine identification based upon at least one attribute of said user-controlled data processing system; reading said computer-accessible memory media with said user-controlled data processing system; generating a temporary key based at least in part upon said numerical machine identification and a prescribed interval; utilizing said file management program by executing it with said user-controlled data processing system to restrict access to said software object for said prescribed interval defined by said temporary key; and utilizing a key generator in said user-controlled data processing system to provide said key in response to receipt of at least said temporary key.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
79 words
A method of distributing software objects according to claim 7, wherein said file management program operates 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 utilizing said temporary key; (b) a permanent use mode of operation, wherein said software is permanently enabled, allowing unlimited use of said software object by said user.
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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) | 2001-05-25 | 2001-11-24 | 2002-05-26 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2005-05-25 | 2005-11-24 | 2006-05-26 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2009-05-25 | 2009-11-24 | 2010-05-26 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |