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  Restricted software and hardware usage on a computerUSPTO Application #: 20060059338Title: Restricted software and hardware usage on a computer Abstract: A client computer runs an operating system that executes additional applications by loading them using an application loader and executes device drivers for peripheral devices by loading the drivers using a device loader. The operating system restricts the functionality of the operating system, such as by making selected portions and functionality of the operating system unavailable to the user or by limiting the user's ability to add software applications or device drivers to the computer. Additionally, various techniques can be used to remove or reduce the functionality limitations of the computer (end of abstract)
Agent: Lee & Hayes PLLC - Spokane, WA, US Inventors: David A. Feinleib, Carl L. Gulledge, Wassef Haroun, Joachim Kempin, Kurt Kolb, Brian K. Moran, Edward L. Stubbs, Jacob D. Swed USPTO Applicaton #: 20060059338 - Class: 713165000 (USPTO) Related Patent Categories: Electrical Computers And Digital Processing Systems: Support, Multiple Computer Communication Using Cryptography, Security Kernel Or Utility, File Protection The Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20060059338. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application is a divisional application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/568,095, filed May 9, 2000, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein. TECHNICAL FIELD [0002] This invention relates to computers and operating systems. More particularly, the invention relates to restricting usage of software and hardware on a computer. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] Computer technology is continually advancing, resulting in new computers that are more powerful and cheaper than their predecessors. Such advancement has had a significant affect on people, expanding the types of tasks people perform with their computers as well as increasing the number of people who use computers. [0004] Many computers are currently manufactured with a general purpose "open architecture" operating system installed. An open architecture operating system refers to an operating system that makes numerous functions available to the user and also allows the user to modify the computer by installing additional software programs on the computer that provide additional functionality to the user or by removing software programs from the computer. The operating system can make a wide variety of functionality available to the user, such as recreational or educational programs, reference programs, productivity programs (such as word processing or database functionality), communications programs, etc. [0005] One problem inherent in open architecture systems is they are generally licensed with complete use rights and/or functionality that may be beyond the need or desire of the system purchaser. Consequentially, the purchase price of these systems being indifferent to usage scenarios means users with limited needs pay the same rate for these systems as those with universal needs. [0006] An additional problem with open architecture systems is that virtually anyone can write an application that can be executed on the system. Some applications or devices may not operate properly due to a problem with the application or associated driver, yet many users associate such problems with the manufacturer of the system. Thus, it would be beneficial to provide a way for the manufacturer of the system to control the extensibility of the system. [0007] The invention described below addresses these disadvantages by providing restricted software and hardware usage on a computer. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0008] According to one aspect of the invention, a client computer runs an operating system that executes applications by loading them using an application loader and executes device drivers for peripheral devices by loading the drivers using a device loader. The client computer also includes a digest catalog that includes digital signatures for program files that can be executed by the client computer. When attempting to load an application or driver, the appropriate loader checks whether a digital signature for the corresponding program file(s) is included in the digest catalog. If no such digital signature is included, then the loader does not load the program file(s) corresponding to the application or driver. [0009] According to another aspect of the invention, the digest catalog includes, for each program file corresponding to an application or driver that should be executable by the computer, a digitally signed hash value that is generated from a hash function based on the corresponding program file. When attempting to load a particular file, the loader generates a hash value and compares it to the decrypted hash values in the digest catalog. If the comparison results in no matches, then the corresponding program file (and thus the application or driver) is not loaded. [0010] According to another aspect of the invention, a consumer initially purchases a computer with restricted functionality at a price that is less than the price that would be charged for a computer with full functionality. Subsequently, the user can, at an additional cost, acquire a digital key that allows the restrictions to be removed, upgrading the computer to full functionality. [0011] According to another aspect of the invention, a consumer can execute additional applications or drivers on his or her computer by obtaining appropriate digital signatures for the additional applications or drivers to add to the digest catalog. In exchange for payment, a software or hardware vendor will acquire a digital signature(s) for the appropriate program files from the supplier of the program files. The digital signature(s) will then be transmitted to the consumer in exchange for payment to the vendor. The digital signature(s) can then be added to the digest catalog at the consumer's computer, so that the next time he or she attempts to execute the application or driver the appropriate signatures will be in the digest catalog and the program files will be loaded. [0012] According to another aspect of the invention, a consumer can execute additional applications or drivers on his or her computer by obtaining the appropriate digital signatures for such applications or drivers from the same OEM (original equipment manufacturer) as manufactured the consumer's computer. The consumer's computer executes only applications that have in the digest catalog a digital signature of the OEM. Thus, the OEM can limit what additional applications are made available to the consumer. [0013] According to another aspect of the invention, the OEM maintains a digest catalog that can be made available to the consumer's computer (either locally at the computer or remotely). The consumer, in exchange for payment, is given access to the digest catalog so that any applications for which a corresponding digital signature exists in the OEM's digest catalog can be executed at the client computer. The consumer can be given a limited amount of time (e.g., one month or one year) within which he or she can access the OEM's digest catalog. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0014] The present invention is illustrated by way of example and not limitation in the figures of the accompanying drawings. The same numbers are used throughout the figures to reference like components and/or features. [0015] FIG. 1 shows a network system and environment in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. [0016] FIG. 2 shows a general example of a computer that can be used in accordance with the invention. [0017] FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating selected components of an exemplary client computer in more detail. [0018] FIG. 4 is a flow diagram illustrating the distribution of a sealed computer and the unlocking of restricted functionality in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. [0019] FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary process for creating a digest catalog. Continue reading... Full patent description for Restricted software and hardware usage on a computer Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Restricted software and hardware usage on a computer patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. 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