Software distribution system
March 12, 2008. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.Patent ReferencesCrypto microprocessor for executing enciphered programs Digital computer having code conversion apparatus for an encrypted program Data security module Method and apparatus for providing security for computer software Crypto microprocessor that executes enciphered programs Software protection system Software protection methods and apparatus System for reproducing information in material objects at a point of sale location Counting computer software cartridge Computer systems to inhibit unauthorized copying, unauthorized usage, and automated cracking of protected software InventorsApplicationNo. 093321 filed on 09/04/1987US Classes:717/177, Including distribution of software705/53, Including third party for collecting or distributing payment (e.g., clearinghouse)705/57, Copy protection or prevention709/219, Accessing a remote server709/227, COMPUTER-TO-COMPUTER SESSION/CONNECTION ESTABLISHING713/2Loading initialization program (e.g., booting, rebooting, warm booting, remote booting, BIOS, initial program load (IPL), bootstrapping)ExaminersPrimary: MacDonald, Allen R.Assistant: Chun, Debra A. Attorney, Agent or FirmInternational ClassesG06F 012/14H04L 009/00 AbstractA central station distributes software by telephone. The central station accepts credit card information, transmits an acceptance code to a caller and then terminates the call. After verifying the credit card information, the station calls the purchaser back and continues with the transaction only after receiving the acceptance code. The central station then transmits a Control Transfer Program and Initialization Program to the purchaser, and the purchaser executes the Initialization Program to turn over control of the purchaser computer to the central station. The Control Transfer Program is then executed to transfer first a Protection program for ensuring that no memory resident copying programs are running, than a Storing Program for modifying the purchased program for storage at the purchaser computer, and finally the requested program itself. During the transaction, the various transmitted programs are erased, so that at the end of the transaction only a copy protected version of the purchased program remains on the purchaser's disk. | |
