Method and system for enabling offline detection of software updates
US7574481B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 20, 2000 |
| Grant date | Aug 11, 2009 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 31, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S707/99954
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A method and system that facilitates automatic software updates from an online source such as the Internet, wherein a connection to determine whether an update (e.g., a driver or software component) is available online is no longer necessary during detection time. Information stored for updates corresponding to driver and other software component detection is locally cached, whereby update information is available when no connection exists, eliminating potentially wasted connections and being particularly advantageous if occurring before the connection can be made. When a device is installed or software components are detected, instead of requiring a connection to enable updates, the cached information is evaluated to determine whether the update is available online. If so, the update is made when a connection is made and otherwise desired by the user. The user may defer making the connection, and the update may happen automatically and/or in the background on the next connection.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.