Electrical computers and digital processing systems: multicomput – Computer conferencing – Cooperative computer processing
Reexamination Certificate
1998-07-15
2001-05-08
Vu, Viet D. (Department: 2154)
Electrical computers and digital processing systems: multicomput
Computer conferencing
Cooperative computer processing
C709S219000, C709S241000, C707S793000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06230185
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to networked systems and, more particularly, to electronic distribution of products.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The world wide network of computers commonly known as the “Internet” has grown rapidly over the last several years. Much of this growth has been driven by the increase in popularity of the World Wide Web (“WWW” or “Web”). The WWW is a collection of files written using HyperText Markup Language (HTML), commonly referred to as “Web pages.” HTML files may be easily configured and created by users and accessed and displayed using specialized applications known as Web browsers, which allow a user to access and view HTML files using a graphical user interface.
Partially as a result of this growth in popularity, many products can now be distributed to consumers with relative ease. Unfortunately, many users will not purchase a product without first trying the product. However, it is currently difficult to subsequently control access to a distributed product.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to systems and methods for controlling access to a product that has been distributed. In particular, the systems and methods described below allow a product to be distributed to a user for demonstration purposes without losing control of usage of the product. The systems and methods described below also allow multiple users access to a product for demonstration purposes while requiring only a single authorization to grant access to all users.
In one aspect, the present invention relates to a method for controlling access to a product. A request is received for a product. A license string that controls access to the product is generated substantially at the time the request is received. The generated license string is transmitted to the requester. The requester may enter the license string into the product in order to gain access to it.
In another aspect, the present invention relates to a system for controlling access to a product. The system includes an input unit which receives a request for a product. The system also includes a license string generator in electrical communication with the input unit. The license string generator produces a license string that controls access to the product. The license string is generated substantially at the time a request is received. The system also includes an output unit for transmitting the generated license string to the requestor.
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Beir Jeffrey
Crowley Patrick
Finnegan Neal
Kleppner Paul
Leffler Melissa
eRoom Technology, Inc.
Testa Hurwitz & Thibeault LLP
Vu Viet D.
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