Method and apparatus for executing code in accordance with usage rights
AssigneeContentGuard Holdings, Inc.
InventorsMark J. Stefik, Peter L. Pirolli
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A system for controlling the distribution and use of digital works using digital tickets. In the present invention, a “digital ticket” is used to entitle the ticket holder to exercise some usage right with respect to a digital work. Usage rights are used to define how a digital work may be used or distributed. Each usage right may specify a digital ticket which must be present before the right may be exercised. Digital works are stored in repositories which enforce a digital works usage rights. Each repository has a “generic ticket agent” which punches tickets. In some instances only the generic ticket agent is necessary. In other instances, punching by a “special ticket agent” residing on another repository may be needed.
Claims66
A method for controlling execution of executable code in accordance with usage rights, said method comprising;
- receiving a request to execute the executable code;
- determining, based on usage rights associated with the executable code, whether the request should be granted, the usage rights including a manner of use;
- and
- executing the executable code in accordance with the manner of use if the result of said determining step is that the request should be granted.
A system for controlling the execution of executable code in accordance with usage rights associated with the executable code, said system comprising:
- means for executing the executable code;
- means for receiving a request to execute the executable code;
- and
- means for determining if the request should be granted and for controlling the means for executing in accordance with a manner of use specified in the usage rights associated with the executable code when the request is granted.
59 A system as recited in claim 27, further comprising means for using a grammar to express the usage rights.
A method for controlling execution of a computer program in accordance with usage rights, said method comprising;
- receiving a request to execute the computer program;
- determining, based on usage rights associated with the computer program, whether the request should be granted, the usage rights including a manner of use;
- and
- executing the computer program in accordance with the manner of use if the result of said determining step is that the request should be granted.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.