System for distributing computer programs

Details System for distributing computer programs System for distributing computer programs

1996-11-19

2001-10-02

Chaki, Kakali (Department: 2122)

Data processing: software development, installation, and managem

Software program development tool

Translation of code

C709S217000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06298480

ABSTRACT:

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to a system for distributing computer programs, comprising a host system and a plurality of target systems; said host system comprising: first storage means for storing a plurality of different computer programs; selection means for selecting a computer program from said plurality of computer programs stored in said first storage means; transmission means for simultaneously transmitting a computer program, selected by said selection means, to a plurality of said target systems via a data communication medium; and each of said target systems comprising: second storage means for storing at least one computer program; reception means for receiving a computer program transmitted via said data communication medium, storing means for storing a computer program received by said reception means in said second storage means; and execution means for executing a user-selected computer program stored in said second storage means.
The invention further relates to a target system for downloading computer programs comprising: second storage means for storing at least one computer program; reception means for receiving a computer program transmitted via a data communication medium, storing means for storing a computer program received by said reception means in said second storage means; and execution means for executing a user-selected computer program stored in said second storage means.
The invention further relates to a receiving apparatus.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
With the successful penetration of game computers and personal computers into the consumer market, the need for distributing computer programs to a large customer base is increasing. In addition to distribution via conventional retail outlets or direct mail, the need arises for direct distribution from the supplier to the customer. Such a system is already known from the distribution of computer programs via FM radio. Radio programs oriented towards computer users broadcast computer programs during the radio program. Typically, the computer programs are written in the BASIC programming language. The text of such programs is modulated in the audible frequency range (beeps). In the studio, the computer programs are stored in a modulated form on a medium, such as a tape recorder. Typically, the presenter of the program announces the transmission of a computer program. The interested audience, listening to the program using a conventional audio tuner, gets the opportunity to load a cassette into a conventional audio cassette recorder. In the studio, the operator ensures that the right medium is loaded. If several programs are stored on a tape, the operator ensures that the tape is wound to the beginning of the program to be transmitted. The actual transmission of the computer program is preceded by a period of silence, allowing the audience to start the actual recording. The transmission itself takes place using conventional studio equipment and radio transmitters. Once the transmission has completed, indicated by a second period of silence, the interested audience stops the recording. Afterwards, the audience can remove the cassette, load the cassette into a data recorder for the computer, load the recorded program into the computer and run the program. The processor of the computer executes the program by interpreting the BASIC text.
This system has several drawbacks. The system is difficult to operate by the user, since the user has to perform several manual operations, such as tuning to the required station and starting and stopping of the recording at the right time. The user also needs to listen to the program, select the computer program to record and remember which program was recorded on a specific storage medium (or make a note of that). As such the system does not lend itself for distribution of computer programs on a professional basis, particularly not to the general public. Commercial use of the system is further hindered by the fact that a transmitted program can be received free of charge by the entire audience.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the invention to provide a system, target system and receiving apparatus of the kind set forth which is easier to operate by the user, opening the way to commercial distribution of computer software.
To achieve this object the system according to the invention is characterized in that said storing means is conceived to automatically store said computer program in said second storage means. This makes the system considerably easier to operate by the user. The user no longer needs to start and stop the recording and, consequently, the user needs no longer to be present at the moment of the transmission.
A first embodiment of a system according to the invention is characterized in that each target system is assigned a target identifier, which uniquely identifies said target system with respect to said communication medium; in that said first storage means is conceived to store for each computer program a corresponding list of target identifiers; in that said transmission means is conceived to, before transmitting said selected computer program, transmit via said communication medium activation information incorporating target identifiers which are on said corresponding list of target identifiers; in that said reception means is conceived to receive via said communication medium activation information and to only receive a following computer program if said received activation information incorporates a target identifier which matches said assigned target identifier uniquely identifying said target system. By uniquely identifying each target system, the target systems can be individually activated, ensuring that only a selected group of target systems actually receives the transmitted computer program. It should be noted that it is known from conventional local area networks to download software from a host system to a target system, by individually addressing a target system and transmitting the program. This is repeated for each target system, which needs to receive the program. As a consequence, the, relatively long, program is transmitted several times, wasting bandwidth of the communication system. Some local area systems allow so-called multi casting in which a message can be transmitted to a group of target systems. In these systems, however, the groups (and the corresponding group addresses) are predetermined, implying that the host system no longer can effectively control to which individual target system a specific message is sent.
A further embodiment of a system according to the invention is characterized in that said host system comprises subscription means for adding target identifiers to or removing target identifiers from said lists of target identifiers stored in said first storage means, and for controlling said transmission means to transmit a computer program stored in said first storage means at regular intervals. The subscription facilities ensure that a selected computer program is transmitted to target systems which have subscribed, whether or not against payment, to the program. The program is transmitted at regular intervals, which may be specific for each program.
A further embodiment of a system according to the invention is characterized in that said second storage means is conceived to store a first code; and said storing means is conceived to read said first code and to only store a received computer program in said second storage means if said first code matches a predetermined code. In this way, the chance of misuse of the system, by unauthorized target systems receiving a computer program, is reduced. Particularly, if the second storage means is removable, the subscribers can easily be supplied with a second storage means which is preloaded with the first code. The received program is only stored if the first code matches a predetermined code. Particularly, for a commercial operator this opens the way to distribute authorized second storage means at a required pricing level, which may or

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