Automatic collection and updating of application usage
US7490045B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 4, 2001 |
| Grant date | Feb 10, 2009 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 15, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06Q10/10
- WIPO fieldIT methods for management
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A method and system providing automatic collection and updating of application usage on large number of electronic devices without user intervention. The electronic devices may be palm-sized computer systems, personal digital assistants (PDAs), or wireless telephones. On an electronic device, application usage statistics, for example, the number of times a user uses an application, are gathered and stored. Once gathered and stored, the usage statistics are transferred to a host computer, and subsequently to a server (alternatively, the electronic device can send the gathered statistics directly to a server). The server tabulates usage statistics gathered from a plurality of electronic devices and publishes the results. The users of the electronic devices that gather usage statistics can be compensated in a variety of ways (e.g., monetary, chances in a raffle, discounts on purchases etc.).
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.