US Patent No: 5,497,479

Number of patents in Portfolio can not be more than 2000

Method and apparatus for remotely controlling and monitoring the use of computer software

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ATTORNEY / AGENT: (SPONSORED)
 

Importance

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Abstract

Remote control of the use of computer data and video game software is described in a system for renting computer software which derives use and billing information, prevents unauthorized use, maintains integrity of the software and controls related intercomputer communications. A user at a target game computer "downloads" programs or data, via a telephone line and remote control modules, from a central host computer. Usage of the video game software or data by the game computer or other accounting data are recorded and stored and, at predetermined times, the host computer "uploads" the usage data for processing. Other features include: (1) software and usage security for rental software programs; (2) a polynomial generator/checker for generating block check characters for assuring integrity of data transmitted and received; (3) a voice-data switch for switching between data communication and normal telephone communication; and (4) an audio amplifier and speaker for monitoring of activity on the communication line during data transfers.

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First Claim

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Patent Owner(s)

Patent OwnerAddressTotal Patents
SOFTEL, INC.SO SAN FRANCISCO, CA4

International Classification(s)

  • [Classification Symbol]
  • [Patents Count]

Inventor(s)

Inventor Name Address # of filed Patents Total Citations
Hornbuckle, Gary D Pebble Beach, CA 4 523

Cited Art

Patent Info (Count) # Cites Year
 
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Patent Citation Ranking

Forward Cites

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