TWI267753B - System and method for licensing software - Google Patents

Abstract

A system and method for licensing software using a clearinghouse to license only the technology modules that an end user registers are disclosed. The clearinghouse maintains registration information which can be used to bill a software provider for the technology licensed to the end user. The system can be used to compensate technology owners only after the end user registers an unlicensed technology module. Thus, the system and method allows software vendors to reduce costs by licensing only the technologies that an end user actually uses. The clearinghouse can also be used to track the usage of software functionality to determine the popularity of a particular technology.

Description

1267753 IX. Description of the invention: [Technical field to which the invention belongs] Software system and method; in particular, the type of body authorization I: and; Software that requires authorization from a specific technology module when needed [Prior Art] Body Set = Brain = Sale? Often included are some of the soft S〇ftWare Packages) that have been pre-installed on your computer. Similarly, computer peripherals = sold also include the included software package, which can be used in peripheral media such as DVD players, CD players, floppy disks, and other known storage devices. Alternatively, the software used by the PC and peripherals can be downloaded from a remote server via the Internet. These software kits are usually provided to users who purchase PCs and peripherals to use their work.

can. For example, DVD players are usually sold with software that can play and record DVD movies or materials. Similarly, scanners are usually equipped with software for capturing, viewing scanned images, manipulating images, providing optical character recognition (OCR), or with the same personal computer. Scanners and printers can be used as software for photocopiers. In addition, personal computer sales are usually accompanied by installed anti-virus software, software for viewing digital images, movie editing software, or operating systems.

These accompanying software products typically contain features that require royalties to be executed by technology holders. This technology, which is used in a single software product, may be developed and licensed by one or more technology holder software. Software vendors usually have to obtain authorization from each technology holder's intellectual property rights before they can begin selling software to users. Authorization usually covers every software sold. The cost of this license is included in the cost of the software product and is passed on to the user. In the example of playing a commercial DVD movie playback software, the software typically includes a license fee for the software associated with the technology license (when the specific content is played). The software license fee is passed on to the user and is reflected in the price of the playback software or hardware (including the included software). For example, the Dolby Digital Audio Decoding Technology provided by Dolby Laboratories is an example of an authorized use. Specifically, the license for Dolby sound technology is used in DVD movie playback software as a decoding for DVD 1267753 movies (with this sound technology). However, the proportion of users who actually need Dolby decoding technology when playing DVDs is not 100%, because some users only use to play personal video content, while others use DVD players as data storage devices, or Other computer uses. Moreover, some users may not use a DVD player at all. The Dolby audio decoding technology mentioned above, this technology is needed for playing commercial DVD movies; however, when watching DVD movies in large library collections, it does not need to use Dolby sound technology. This is the decoding technology. For these users, this technology licensing fee will be increased. As shown in FIG. A, in the prior art authorization system, an interaction between a user 10 and a software provider 20 is provided. In the first example, the software vendor 20 provides a software product 11 directly to the user 10 to exchange relative rewards. In this example, the license fee associated with the technology (eg, Dolby Audio Decoding Technology) will be paid by the software vendor 20 to the technology holder 30 for sale in each software package, regardless of the authorized technology user. 10 actual use conditions. Instead, the technology holder 30 authorizes each of the software vendors 20 to sell the software for this technology. In the example of the software that comes with the DVD player, as shown in FIG. B, in the prior art authorization system, a user 10, a hardware supplier 40, a software supplier 20, and a technology holder 30 are provided. Authorization for the software included. The software vendor 20 provides the hardware vendor 40 - a software license without any functional restrictions to exchange rewards. The user 10 is authorized to use the accompanying software 12 included in the personal computer or computer peripheral product provided by the hardware supplier 40. In current technology licensing systems, licensing fees associated with technology (eg, Dolby Audio Decoding) are sold to each vendor via software vendor 20 (and/or hardware vendor 40). Holder 30, regardless of the actual usage of this authorized technology user 10. Since the use of specific technologies in software products is not normally tracked, the license for a particular technology will be required to be sold on each accompanying software 12 that contains this technology. Therefore, the licensing fee (hardware or software supplier 20) of this technology is not consistent with the actual needs (user 10), which is disadvantageous for both the user 10 and the software vendor 20. For the user 10, if no specific technology is used, the license fee is in vain; for the software provider 20, the high license fee limits the market share, which is not to lower the product profit rate. In the case of 1267753, the cost is passed on to the user ίο. Therefore, the development of a software authorization system and method is very necessary for the industry to meet the above mentioned shortcomings and inadequacies. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention is broadly directed to a novel system and method that reflects a user's need for or use of software in use and results in a relationship between two companies (eg, a hardware supplier and a software vendor) Payment or accounting transactions between a software supplier and a technology holder, or between a hardware supplier and a technology holder. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a method of software authorization in a computer hardware platform is provided, and the software includes at least one function that restricts usage. The method includes a step of passing a user enabled request to the registration clearinghouse to enable the function that must be registered before it can be used. This method also includes registration information related to the technology, compiled in the registration database and stored in the registration data exchange. Moreover, the method also includes receiving a message that can be used to relieve usage restrictions for the particular function of the software. Finally, the actual use of this technology is based on the registration information in the registration database. Based on the further enhancements described above, the software development engineer can pay the technology holder in accordance with the registration information compiled in the registration database. Accordingly, one of the objects of the present invention is to reduce the company's (eg, a PC manufacturer or a DVD player manufacturer) on the accompanying software by simply paying the technology license fee when the software is actually used by each set of software. the cost of. Another object of the present invention is to pay the technology holder an authorization fee only when each set of software actually uses the technology, and to provide a clear understanding and credentials of the technology in the market. Another object of the present invention is to reduce the price of the product for the user, which benefits from the reduced cost of the company's accompanying software and provides a convenient way to know the technical needs of the user. 1267753 Another object of the present invention is to enable software vendors to convey more value to companies that supply the accompanying software and to provide more direct interaction with the user. [Embodiment]

The second through second E diagrams depict an overview of many of the specific embodiments of the above mentioned efficient software authorization system. In accordance with a broader aspect of the system, FIG. 2A depicts a first embodiment of a software authorization system including a first party (typically user 160), a second party (typically a software vendor 150), and a Technology holder 120. In this system, the second party 150 pays the technology holder 12 the cost of authorizing each software product 110, including the cost of the technology owned by the technology holder 120. The first party 160 obtains the software product 110, which is a fully licensed software and also includes unregistered software functions. Therefore, it is not the first party 160 nor the second party 150 that needs to provide the cost of the software functions it uses to the technology holder. However, although this feature is licensed for use, other specific software features are not available unless the younger party 16 0 applies to the second party 15 0 to register the feature. Upon receipt of the registration application, the second party 150 records the registration information and enables the newly registered software by transmitting a relieving mechanism to the first party 160. Now, the second party 150 can use the registration information obtained by the first party 16〇 to determine which function in the software product 110 is most commonly used. The second party, 5〇, can therefore make decisions about what features will be included in the future when the software releases a new version.

The second B diagram depicts a broader view of a second embodiment in which the third/pass-up hardware vendor 170) provides an accompanying soft first party 160 that includes partial functional limitations. The accompanying soft system is manufactured by the second party, and the software is authorized by the fourth party (usually the technology holder 12〇): the party 160 submits an unregistered function registration to the second party 150. Application. After the I: Note = application, the second party 15G records the registration information and transmits the solution - the solution: the young party 160 enables the newly registered software. Finally, the second party 15 is actually authorizing the technology used by the first party 160. Compared to the system of Figure 2B, the system pays to the fourth party, only the technology held by the f-party 120. The second C diagram depicts a broader view of a third embodiment in which the third party 11 1267753 f functionally restricted accompanying software product 5iig is given to the first party (10). Manufactured by the second party 150' and the software product 110 includes idi: a technology authorized for use. The first-party 160 to the second party 150 function Γ main volume please. After receiving the registration, the second party (10) and the technology to enable the new registration by transmitting a release mechanism to the first party 160. Finally, the third party 170 pays the technology of the first party (10). π(10) on the right authority 17ΠI II describes a broader view of a fourth embodiment, where the third party 110 160°

Ik with software product mouth 110 is manufactured by 苐二方15〇, and the mouth t needs to be authorized by the fourth party. The first application for registration of an unregistered function is filed. After receiving the registration application, the software of the first party 150 160 is taken, and the second party 170 pays to the fourth party i2. In fact, the Shanghai side tends to use one party. Therefore, the fourth party is 12. It is possible to transmit an authorization "to the third 2 description, a fifth implementation (4) broad view, wherein the third party 170 k is provided with the accompanying software product including the partial function limitation, the software product no system, manufactured by the second party 15. = soft 1 party 6 〇; contains the technology that needs to be authorized by the fourth party. The first party = note = signal machine to produce the first heart 160 € ^ L $; 1,1; 0 ^ Τ 2ί ;! χ side 170. It is the iZU that can transmit an authorized use to the third. It is worth noting that the above specific embodiments have a connection software. Which party is tracking the registration information? Which one (, =^ 12 1267753 匕★Γ义方Paid to technology holders? These systems can be exchanged and still invented, within the scope of this concept. This concept has led to an improvement in prior technology, which is paid to the technology holders in the sale of the parent software. A full authorization fee =. In addition, this system differs from the prior art in that it pays for the authorization of the additional Wei. _ U uses the first coupon 弋 1 description 1 as a second A to the second E The system has a broader view. Protected software for some functional limitations is given first (Step 200) ί2f — The user can receive the software that is included in the computer system. f匕, the first party wants to use some of the restricted functions in the protected software. Ϊ Register, for example, DVD player Dolby audio decoding technology 2 ^ In step 220, the software determines whether the function needs to be registered. If the user registers (the status is no), the user does not need extra action, the software needs to be the second party or the first Three-party registration (step 24〇). Two or two parties or a third party may be a hardware vendor or a software provider. In 250, the software determines whether it is necessary to pay an additional fee for the new registration function. This f is used (the status is no), as in the figure: A, the party can execute the new registration software (step 230). If you need to pay the fee (the situation is yes), then the registration will be The second party will initiate a payment by the second party to the fourth party (steps 270 and 280). For example, the hardware or software & merchant may pay the technology holder for the registration technology. In addition to the book Incentives are paid by a third party to the second party (step 26G). For example, the hardware supplier may pay for the software vendor due to the registration technology. In this technique, the skill is determined by the performance status. In fact, it can be paid later, that is, the first party is immediately authorized to execute the software. A more specific example, as shown in FIG. 2B, allows the software vendor to be authorized by the computer system 100. The software provided 'or the G around the computer is J = the specific technology required by the user 16G. For example, in order to reduce the cost of the license fee, the DVD player software can be provided by the hardware supplier for some functional limitations: The software is given to the user 160, in particular to exclude those with the authorization fee: technology. When the user 160 needs to use certain functions, it can be operated by the network or some other electronic, physical mechanism. This is true when the user 160 first attempts to play a commercial DVD, or when the user is in need of 13 1267753. When using a required technology, he will verify that he is the sole and authorized recipient of this technology to the computer that provides the technology enablement service (in this case, the DVD software vendor). There are many possible mechanisms for this, including the use of serial numbers (provided at the beginning of the purchase), or some single-factor authentication system, such as the service code in Dell personal computers. Based on this verification information, the appropriate technology is provided to the user and the software provider 150 is charged the technical license fee. Next, the software vendor 15〇 may choose to recover the license fee from the hardware manufacturer; or the hardware vendor 17 may be based on the software registration information of the 160, and is required to pay the license fee to the technology holder 170. When the user 160 receives or enables the required technology, a product vending machine t will be created, and the user information can be retrieved as a revenue for the subsequent sales. Hardware vendors also help to provide a single offer • More • Opportunities for advanced technology from technology holders, resulting in additional licensing fees. Referring to the fourth figure, it is a diagram that describes the authorization system in more detail. Soft f 110 can be executed in the computer system. The computer system can also provide a user interface for the user (1), such as a mouse and a keyboard (not shown). This computer system can include the same storage device, such as an optical device for reading data, using (3) or DVD. The software product 110 includes a functional module 丨06. The function module 1〇6 represents a software feature of a given or gas authorization. For example, a software product or a software that plays a DVD movie includes a function module for decoding a compressed image in a DVD movie, and a sound decoding technology for a DVD movie, such as: Dolby sound decoding, Dolby Decoding 'DivX decoding, DTS digital sound. It should be noted that a functional module 106 is described in the present invention. However, in actual application, the software product 110 may also have more than one functional module. The vibrating gas function module 106 may use one or more technical modules 10, the technical time table software product uo, the intellectual property rights to be used when executing a specific software function module 106 months. For example, the technology module 107 may include 14 1267753 with a technique for Dolby sound decoding. The technical module 1〇7 is included in the functional module level 106^, which belongs to the technology holder 12〇. For example, Dolby Audio Decoding is part of Dolby Laboratories. Therefore, the technology holder 12() may have a patent, copyright or other protected interest in relation to the technical module. Because of this, the software product 11 may contain additional authorization function modules 106 that need to be obtained by one or more technology holders. These modules will be associated with the Unauthorized Technology Module 1〇2. The software product u〇 may also include functional modules 1〇6 that are beyond the basics of the software product, and do not require separate authorization. For example, ~ function module γ〇6 allows DVD playback without the need for a specific audio decoding technology, or viewing the hidden content of the DVD (enhance(j contents), which is a need for a separate authorization. An example of the function. A function module 1〇6 may include a number of technical modules 107. Therefore, although the fourth figure describes only one technology holder 12〇, it is worth noting that in the software product 11〇 One or more technology groups 107 may be owned by many different technology holders. The feature module 106 is protected, and all technical modules ι〇7 are completed unless required by the function module. Registration, otherwise the function module 1〇6 is disabled or restricted. For example, the unauthorized technology module 1〇7, the user 160 registers to obtain an appropriate authorization and release the software function limit^ In order to remove the software function restriction, the registration data exchange center 14 provides an appropriate = mechanism 130 to the software product 。 0. Once registered, the software provider 15 〇 can, the lic authorization technology module 107 by paying the authorization fee The technology holder converts it into an authorization technology module 107. The authorized technology module ι〇γ can also apply for registration of a dedicated S according to its needs. Eight registration data exchange center 140 system computer system 1 or use The interface between 16〇 and the technology holder 120. As shown in the fourth figure, the registration data exchange center 14 is related to the software supplier 15 ,, or it may be a separate unit. More preferably, The interface of the data exchange center 140 and the computer system is transmitted through the communication network 112. The data exchange center 140 receives the registration request from the computer system 1 , stores the registration information 134, and then transmits a release mechanism 130 to the computer. The system 100 is used to release the software protection of the operation module 107. The registration data exchange center 140 also stores authorization information related to the verification information in the registration database 133. 'Specially, the registration database 133 includes a technique for tracking technology. Group 1〇7 information on the status of use. Software supplier 15 1267753 150 can use the information on the state of use of this technology to determine which technology product is used by the most user 160. Then, Information on the state of use can be used to determine which technologies should be included in the software release in the future. After the lack of software, the software can choose to remove the unwelcome in the future when the software is released. Technology - in!! Secondly, the license fee is minimized. Similarly, if the software provider 50 no longer wishes to authorize the technology, the remote option can be enabled by the remote party. It can be a key code 131, 5 the network 112 is automatically transmitted to the computer system 1: or the user can access the I60 digital code 131 via the telephone network; or the release mechanism can be an initial ( Missingsourcecode) U2, supplied to the software product> The function module 106 that removes the text protection. - Figure 5 is a preferred flow chart for the use of the software authorization system as in the fourth figure. In step 300, computer system 100 is loaded with a protected software product 11〇. For example, the software product used to play DVD movies is 11 〇, which may be the purchase of dVj) machine = software. In other embodiments, the software product 110 is pre-installed ίϊί system ι〇0. Alternatively, the software product 110 may be presented to the user I60 by physical transfer, such as a CD-ROM, DVD or other known storage device. Second, the user 160 can install the software product via an optical device or other known device (referred to as a portable storage device in the electrical system A=〇, which can read data), and the software product 110 may be Traditional transmission systems, such as the technology of remote software space downloading by ΐϊ, 罔, 罔, are provided to the computer system. This communication network can be an Internet (Internet) in your field system 100. Once the software product I10 is executed, the 吏f 60 in step 301 can use any unprotected function provided by the original installation program. All of the technical modules 107 associated with the functional module 106 have been. For example, in the playback software of a DVD player, the user 160 can play a discharge shirt without the need for Dolby sound decoding technology. Can mi can be protected to avoid unauthorized verification of the technical module iq7. Take the registration of any technical module ι〇7. For example, the functional module using the technical module 107 can be protected by the following means: 16 1267753 The access device uses it i . As shown in step 303, when the software product 110 does not contain at least one functional module of the unlicensed technology module 107, it is set to be in the computer system 1. The user interface of the user is a heart window for the user to inform the user 160 of the function module 106; nf, and the error message window will indicate how to use the *(10) to register the technical game group 107 to remove the protection. And use the function module 1〇6.显 Ι ΪΪ Ι f f f f f f f f f f f f f f f f f f 电脑 电脑 电脑 电脑 电脑 电脑 电脑 电脑 电脑 电脑 电脑 电脑 电脑 电脑 电脑 电脑 电脑 电脑 电脑 电脑 电脑 电脑 电脑 电脑 电脑 电脑 电脑 电脑 电脑 电脑 电脑 电脑 电脑The user will be notified 16 times. The connection is as shown in Fig. 2, which is indicated by 〇1, 'software production 0 port 11 〇 starts to register with the clearing house 14 〇 ίί: 2 Γ in step 305 'registration clearinghouse 140 acknowledgment of the registration of the registration clearinghouse 140 The second eclipse ^ is indeed ^ body news. More preferably, the confirmation information should distinguish between the respective or specific software products 11Q, so that the confirmation mdh determines whether the specific software product 110 has been registered. For example, the second message may include the confirmation of the user 160, the confirmation of the technical module 1〇7, and the serial number in the software product 110 (for example, CD key). As shown in the value =^Λ07, in order to confirm the application, the software product 110 is prepared and transmitted to the registration data exchange center 140. Next, the confirmation information is transmitted to the registration clearinghouse 140 as in step I', ίΐί ΐ 110. Next, in the 楛 ι η Γ Γ 09 09, the registration clearinghouse 140 verifies the confirmation information related to at least one technical model, and ΗΠ, in which the registration data exchange center authorizes the registration. In the registration database 133, the gin group = ϊ is registered. - In the preferred embodiment, after the first successful authorization is obtained, a registration will be recorded, and the field will be a master book. Therefore, once the registration module 107 associated with a particular software product 110 17 1267753 is successfully authorized, the registration clearinghouse 14 will not record the subsequent registration application in the registration database 133 again. For example, if the user 160 reinstalls the software product 110, the registration clearinghouse-14 can provide the registration module 1 to 7 as described above, but should not record an additional record in the registration database 133. Registration information. However, many successive installations will be recorded in other specific implementations. In another embodiment, the technology module 107 may need to be registered for each use to collect further usage information; or provide software authorization for each use. For example, user 1 (9) executes a function module 106 each time, and the registration process may include an addition and a record in the registration database 133 to determine the authorization fee to be performed. In step 311, the registration clearinghouse 140 provides a release mechanism 13 to the software product 110, thereby enabling the previously protected technology module 101, which is associated with the solution defragmentation mechanism 130. More preferably, the release mechanism 13 is sent by the communication network ^'. However, the dismissal mechanism 130 can be transmitted to the computer system 100 by the registry exchange 140 using other known methods. For example, the dismissal mechanism 13 can be provided via an e-mail message, a telephone backhaul, a mail service, or any other suitable communication means for transmitting the appropriate dismissal mechanism 130. - ^ As shown in step 312, the release mechanism 13 provided is used to enable the technology - group 107. For example, a digital code 131 is automatically entered into the software product 11A, or a missing source code 132 is automatically provided to enable the technology module 107. If all of the technical modules 107 in a functional module 106 are authorized, the user 16 can use the functional module 106 immediately. In step 314, the software vendor 15 can provide registration information 134, which can be used to determine which authorized technology modules 1〇7 are most commonly used by the user. This registration information 134 can be immediately transferred to the software offering 150 upon registration and collected, retrieved (if needed) by the software vendor 150, or periodically transmitted to the software vendor. This information can be transmitted via a communication network 134 (e.g., the Internet). However, other ways of transmitting registration information 134, including mail and phone calls, can also be accepted. And as expected, the registration information 134 can be provided to other parties than the software provider 150. For example, the technology holder 120 also wishes to have a description of the registered technical module 1-7. 18 1267753 Registration Clearinghouse An additional 1β service with the user can be advertised for later use. The 140 registration steps can also be used as an opportunity to interact. For example, software products and or additional user information are collected as a version, specifically 'software supplier 150 can:: production: soft: mi rights fee to technical discussion i20. : Should it be? Qiao Hao 150 uses the registration information received 134 (

S requires a royalty of the holder 120. Therefore, after step 315, only the t-technology module 1〇7 is registered by the user 160, the software provider 150 1 pays periodically by the known payment method. In addition, the hardware vendor 170 can be required to pay 2 holders 120 based on the registered capital tfL 134 collected. With the forklight, and the mouth (4), the method shown in it ^^^ means that the software supplier 150 only needs to pay the fee after the technical model, and 107 is registered by the user 160. This software authorization method can usually be used to reduce software suppliers 15〇 and 6〇.

The cost of the software module is not used because of the technical module that is not used in the software product 110. Therefore, the purchase cost of the software supplier 150 and the user's 16 inconsistency will be reduced. For the user 160, if the technology; ^ group 1〇7丄 use, then the cost of the license will not be wasted; and for the soft supplier 15曰〇, with the unused technology module The relevant licensing fees will no longer be reduced by the interest rate. Similarly, because the cost of the unused technology module is no longer passed on to the user, the cost of the product will be reduced, thus increasing its market share. Finally, the interaction between the forum database and the users provides another opportunity to promote additional products from software vendors, technology holders and/or manufacturing companies. - Eight... In another embodiment, the function is enabled and enabled (steps 3〇4 to 312). The implementation is via the telephone interface 130 between the registration clearinghouse 140 and the user 16〇. For example, in the specific embodiment, as in step 3 0, the user 16 q makes a call to the registration clearinghouse 140 to begin the application of the technical module IQ. The registration clearinghouse 140 can employ field personnel or utilize an automated telephone system for performing functions such as acknowledgment activation application 305, application confirmation information 306, receipt confirmation information 309, record registration 310, and providing a release mechanism 130. User 160 can transmit confirmation information, receive release mechanism 130, and interact with computer system 100 and type in the received release mechanism 130, thereby enabling the technology module 107 to function. Although a specific embodiment of enabling a technical module 107 is enabled by the communication network 112 and the telephone network 113, as described above, one of the techniques in the art requires knowledge: any one of the necessary activation requirements for transmission, The confirmation information and the tools of the dismissal mechanism 130 can be replaced by routines in the art. For example, this can be expected: the enable and register steps can also be done via email. In other embodiments, the software authorization system of the fourth figure may be configured to temporarily enable the use of the technology module 107 even if the computer system 1 temporarily leaves the network 112 or the user 160 cannot use the phone. The network 113 immediately registers the software. This allows a function module 106 to operate for a limited time, although the technology module 107 is not registered. In this example, the user 16 may use the predetermined time period before the function module 106 requiring the registration of the technical module 107 is not enabled, or the technical module 107 may be used several times. This embodiment is particularly helpful to the user 160, who does not need to register via the telephone network 113 or the communication network 112 to use for a short period of time. For example, when the user 160 wants to be able to watch a DVD movie (which uses Dolby audio decoding technology) on an airplane (which is inconvenient via the telephone network 113 or the communication network 112), it may be necessary to temporarily use unregistered technology. Module 107. Once the user 16 has accessed the registration clearinghouse 140 via the telephone network 113, or a computer system 1 via the communication network 112, the technical module will be registered and released (eg, step 304 in the fifth figure). To 312). And, the software provider 150 can agree to authorize the technology module 1〇7 by the technology holder 120 based on each use. Therefore, the system can be designed to conform to the same version of the same technology module based on the same user. Second, the authorization system can use a combination of technology modules 107; version=line: register and enable its functions (steps 304-312). In this particular embodiment, the registration information 134 used each time is stored in the registration database, 1267753, and is paid to the software vendor 150 using a known payment method. Therefore, the software authorization system can be set as the registration technology module 107, regardless of whether it is used once or only once. The invention can also be described using a three-party software trading system and method. A prior art system and method in a software parenting system as shown in Figure 6, which illustrates a software vendor 18 providing a software 182 to a single use. Software vendor 18 pays the technology 162 authorization fee to all technology holders 16 . The software vendor 18 can be a software manufacturer, a hardware manufacturer, or any group that sells the software 182 to the user 14. User 14 can be any consumer or any group legally obtaining the copyright to use the software 182. The technology holder 16 can obtain an authorization fee based on the sales amount by the software vendor 18. The user 14 may not have to explicitly pay an authorization fee to the technical holder 16, and this authorization fee _ is usually included in the selling price of the software. Also, in order to prevent the software 182 from being illegally copied, if the user 14 downloads from the Internet, buys from the store, or sends it by mail, they are usually required to enter a CD-key or service code associated with the software 182. (service code). Usually not a software vendor 18, nor a technology holder 16 will be notified of an installation message. Therefore, they do not know the actual number of copies of the software 182. Also, the technology 162 associated with the software 182 may be more than one-two - since the user 14 may never have used the software 182 specific functions, 2 the number of installations is not known, and the actual usage of the licensed technology 162 is not known. The system of the first embodiment of the software trading system differs from the conventional trading system in that the software vendor pays the license fee for the sales payment of each software to the technology holder. In the present invention, the software supplier can monitor the software in the software. Which technology is less used, and therefore is provided to the software supplier based on the technology most frequently used as the relevant information for product decision making. Referring to the seventh embodiment, a first embodiment of the software transaction system, the protected software 520 of the prior art includes one or more technical limitations 526, one or more functions 522, and a registration program 528. Each technical limit 526 is used to limit the use of one or more techniques 524. Each function 522 uses one or more techniques 524, and each technique 524 is used by one or more functions 522. The technical limitations 526 associated with a technique 524 may prohibit the use of one or more functions 522. Each registration program 528 is used to remove the restriction of the technical limit 526 (related to one or more of the techniques 524 21 1267753). Each technique 524 corresponds to a registration program 528. Thus, a registration program 528 is associated with one or more of the technical limits 526 and is performed prior to the implementation of the function 522 of the technique 524 (related to the technical limit 526). Once registration process 528 is successfully performed, the technical limit 526 associated with registration program 528 will be released and registration program 528 associated with technique 524 will not be executed again. For example, if a function 522 requires three techniques 524, and the three techniques 524 require two registration programs 528 to remove the technical restrictions 526 attached thereto, the two registration programs 528 can release a total of six techniques 524. The technical limit is $26. If the other three techniques 524 are required by other functions 522, once the two registration programs 528 have been executed, the other functions 522 can be automatically accessed immediately. Figure 7B illustrates all of the steps in the process of executing the registration program 528. First, the enable step 582 will be performed; in the next confirmation step 584, an authorization confirmation spring is transmitted to a server; in the next acknowledgement step 586, it will be obtained - authorization = acknowledge and complete registration; finally, the release step 588 was executed and the technical limit & 526 was released. In the present invention, the enabling step 582 can manually enable the registration program 528, automatically enable the registration program when a related function is executed, and successfully activate the registration program 528 associated with the included technology 524. The authorization confirmation step 584 is used to correct the use of the protected software 520. In order to access the authorization fee for the technology 524 in the protected software 520, the software usage unit shall transmit an authorization confirmation, which may be in the form of a line, or an electronic signal, and a file such as a CD key, serial number or service code. The authorization confirmation can be manually entered by the software enabler 414, automatically confirmed by the registration program 528, or displayed by a confirmation file during the soft installation, and displayed by the use of the software after the software installation. The authorization authorization step 586 is used to recognize whether the technical limit of the protected software 520 is released. Authorization can be obtained by automatically opening the network = receiving a server acknowledgement, manually obtaining a server acknowledgement via the network = σ $ to the server, starting to obtain, using e-mail to the server Take $: Other similar methods. After the registration program 528 receives the authorization confirmation, this 1 = ^ is qualitatively completed. W booklet 22 1267753 In the specific embodiment described above, protected software 520 can be protected by a failed function, a hidden function, or a source code that lacks operational function 522. When the protected software 520 is protected by the operational failure function, the particular function 522 associated with a particular technique 524 fails unless the technical limit 526 is removed by the registration associated with the technique 524. When the protected software is protected by the hidden function, the software usage unit 414 hides the function 522, except when the registration of the related technology is completed. When the protected software 520 is lacking the required protection, the protected software 520 does not include the original horse required to operate a particular technique 524. Therefore, one or more of the functions may not be possible due to the lack of the required source code. After the completion of the registration of the relevant technology, the source code required to operate a technology 524 will be available. For example, the required source code can be obtained by missing the original code (missin§ s〇urce code) in the protected software 52〇, or by replacing its 6-sound 6-code. Eight children 9 original Using the specific embodiment described above, a software providing unit 742 technique 524 is registered by a particular user or software. Surprisingly, as the f$ kind of software, it may include many of the ancient and broadcast of each certification technology. For example, by tracking which technology, which is used by 414, a software providing unit 742 can determine when the device is to be released by the protected software 520 in the future. Seven techniques will continue to be provided, and the second embodiment of the software transaction system includes an easy method. First, in step 632, a protected party and two parties are handed over to the second party. In the previous embodiment, the transmitting party transmits one or more technical restrictions associated with the technique 524. The software 520 includes 634, the second direction one or more third party registrations + two = two $ registration The step party records the registration information. Next, in the second step of the lifting of the f 2 technique J24. The third party applies for a release mechanism related to a particular technology. Very second, one direction third received and used to lift a technical limit 526. Finally, ^, the release mechanism will be paid by the first party for an authorization fee to the third party. In the payment step 638, the protected software of the specific embodiment in the second embodiment of the software transaction system is the same. Therefore, the same function as described above is also as described in the first embodiment. In the second specific embodiment of the software, the second party of the protected software 520 (using the unit 414 for the authorization fee of the private direct payment technology) is not (may be software) The supplier or the technical two parties register the payment technology with a third party (such as a software supplier) according to an actual demand. After that, the third party authorizes the fee to the third party (you can pay for the registration information related to η 524). Holder) The registration information 762 includes the first note > information. The first registration information is generated, and the second registration may include the subsequent registration 528 for the first time to receive the authorization confirmation. 卩, & 4, $ The second party generates the registration information from the second party's registration program from the second party's registration program 52^^^, and the third body usage unit 414 can reinstall the soft acceptance authorization. For example, soft 528 Re-accepted the authorization confirmation, this ^ 彳 苐 苐 苐 从 从 从 从 从 从 从 从 从 从 第二 第二 第二 第二 第二 第二 第二 第二 第二 第二 第二 第二 第二 第二 第二 第二 第二 第二 第二 第二 第二 技术 技术 技术 技术 技术 技术 技术 技术Or :j to provide an interactive machine at the same time to cut off the younger brother and the younger brother can ask for example '; mutual-two system === service qi technology ninth figure is the third implementation of a three-party trading system The three parties include a body $ unit 742, a software usage unit 414, and one or more software components f 746: the software providing unit 742 provides the protected software 52 to the software usage unit 414. Software 520 includes one or more functions 522, one or more techniques 524, one or more technical limitations 526, and one or more registration programs 528. Each technical limitation 526 is used to limit one or more techniques 524. The parent-function 522 uses one or more techniques 524, and each technique 524 is used by one or more functions 522. Each registration program 528 is used to relieve one or more techniques 5 2 4 Technical Restrictions 5 2 6. Each software registration unit 746 provides a registration information 762 provided by the registration program 528. Each registration unit 746 records the registration information 762 after registration of the technology 524. In the software transaction system Three concrete The protected software 52〇 of the embodiment is the same as the first embodiment of the first 24 1267753, the first soft body 520 can be the protected software 520 in the embodiment. The protected, or other known mechanism can be The road download, the random bonus, and the physical transfer use unit transfer mode are transmitted by the software providing unit 742 to the soft fee. It is worthy of the injection of the sputum 742 to control the payment to the software use unit 414. The software registration is skillful in the art. The trick is that the payment method is not subject to the technical restrictions of unit 414 to control the entire registration process and to remove a software usage meta-414 access, its difficult process. The software registration unit 746 can be used by the software using a single electronic signal, a remote dt network, a telephone, a mail, a voice delivery, a letter, a carrier, a storage medium, or other known means. The ItU 62 is registered once, stored by the Soft & Body Note Unit 746, which may include the registration information 762 of the 414th-technical. By using the same-software single-registration information 762 note, you can charge only once or repeatedly. The registration of the first unit 414, the % registration number* 746, receives an authorization confirmation via the production of the software usage information 762. The subsequent use of the single-use 2, the software-based software registration unit 746 via soft, the software uses the single IfH' to receive the - authorization confirmation again. For example, 746 uses the unit via the software; and the software registration unit marries, this is a refillable program 528, which again receives an authorization fee. The software registration unit ^^; technology can only request the authorization of the payment unit 742 to support the H soft $ supply * 742 it payment, or the mechanism of the software promotion to the second party, red, body; ^ Early 70 746 can provide a mutual 746 release at the same time. For example, 'f supply, technology 524 is a software registration unit or a special offer. The ''interaction mechanism' may include customer service, advertising, and disclosure to the preferred embodiment, not in the scope of use. Further, the double-twisted decoration should be included in the following patent application. [Brief Description of the Drawings] Many aspects of the present invention can be more clearly understood by referring to the following drawings. 25 1267753 The related drawings are not to scale and the effect is only to clearly illustrate the invention. Also, numbers are used to indicate the corresponding parts of the drawing. Correlation, an A diagram, a software authorization system diagram in the prior art; a B diagram is a diagram of an accompanying software authorization system in another prior art; a first embodiment is a specific embodiment of a software authorization system Bean II records 1 (first (7) software products (4) The second B diagram is a specific embodiment of a software authorization system, where a third party (third provides the accompanying software to the first party, and the second party records the first The registration fee of the party is paid to the fourth party (f〇urth party) for the authorization fee of this technology; and the specific embodiment of the soft fn system is provided, wherein the third party provides the fee for the four-party authorized registration technology; The second embodiment is a specific embodiment of a software authorization system, and the registration information recorded by the party is used to pay the fourth party fee. The second embodiment of the software authorization system is recorded by the first embodiment. The registration information is used to pay the fourth party fee. The second diagram is a system flow chart of a software authorization system and method. ^ Four diagrams describe one specific embodiment of the software authorization system. The diagram is a flow chart for demonstrating execution. Soft software Each step of the step system (e.g., system and method of the present invention as described); brother / INTRODUCTION prior art overview is described in FIG software transaction system (s〇hware trading system) in tripartite;

The third party according to the third party according to the ^7 A system is displayed in a software trading system protected software; the second seven beta-system software parental system in the first embodiment of the flow chart; Figure one software trading system A flow chart of a second specific embodiment; and a nine-figure diagram depict a third embodiment of a software transaction system. [Main component symbol description]

User 10 Software included 12 Technology holder 30 Computer system 100 Technology module 107 Software product 11 Software supplier 20 Hardware supplier 40 Function module 106 Software product 110 26 1267753 Communication network 112 Technology holder (fourth Party) 120 Number Code 131 Registration Database 133 Registration Data Exchange Center 140 User (first party) 160 Single User 14 Technology 162 Software 182 Protected Software 520 Technology 524 Registration Program 528 Software Registration Unit 746 Telephone Network 113 Release Mechanism 130 Source code 132 Registration information 134 Software supplier (second party) 150 Hardware supplier (third party) 170 Technology holder 16 Software supplier 18 Software unit 414 Function 522 Technical limitation 526 Software providing unit 742 Registration information 762

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Claims (1)

1267753 X. Patent application scope: Software implementation method 'This method includes: a line-by-way software-software routine, where the request is made by - the first no need to pay to - a third party; and - the party requests, and The pass uses a != body=程: the second party has been required to pay the execution of the software to indicate that the third party is a technology to please ===:, its _ a computer hardware supplier ; and a software supplier. The method of claim 1, wherein the second party is a computer body supplier and the third party is a software supplier. 10,000 is the electricity 4 · such as:, f ί 1 method, the method further includes ...: square. The use of the right-of-one-case program until the notification has been transmitted to the 1st second is authorized, the software includes at least the -transfer-pair-= technology must be registered to be able to use at least one i function : 乂 change center, which should be registered by the 钧', the book information compiled to - the registration database with at least - the function of the technology is less concerned about one? Information on the use of features; usage status. , 'The registered information is used to determine the actuality of the technology. 6. If the scope of the patent application is 5, #七$ provides payment to a technology holding J:: to include the following steps: Usage. /, 4 pay is based on the actuality of the technology 28