Patent Marking System for Computer Resources
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing computer systems lack effective methods for retrieving and displaying patent marking information for hardware and software resources, which are often hidden or not easily accessible, leading to user unawareness of patented technologies integrated into the system.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that detects hardware and software resources within a computer system, retrieves corresponding patent marking information, and displays it to the user through a graphical interface, utilizing a patent marking software that can access local or remote databases, and integrates with existing software configurations like Measurement and Automation Explorer (MAX).
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If patent marking information is placed on the product itself or packaging, then the marking is officially compliant, but the information becomes hidden or inaccessible after installation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves patent marking information from physical space (product surface or packaging) to digital/cyber space (computer display), creating a new dimension for information access. The system detects hardware resources and retrieves patent information from databases to display on screen, allowing users to access marking information without physically locating it on the installed product.
2Ease of operation
If patent marking information is displayed in software menus or during installation, then information becomes accessible, but there is no standardized location and users may not notice it
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides active feedback to users by automatically detecting installed hardware resources and retrieving their patent marking information for display. Rather than passively waiting for users to find information in menus, the system proactively presents patent information associated with detected resources, ensuring users are informed about patented technologies in their system.
3Loss of information
If a comprehensive system is built to detect and display patent information for all resources, then user awareness is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a patent marking system as an intermediary layer between hardware resources and users. This system includes a detector that identifies resources, a retriever that accesses patent information from databases using resource IDs, and a display module that presents information to users. This intermediary structure manages complexity by organizing the information retrieval and display process in a standardized manner.
Data Source
AI summary
System and method for retrieving and displaying patent marking information for resources coupled to or comprised in a computer system. One or more resources, i.e., hardware devices and/or software, may be detected on the computer system. Software resources may be downloaded from an e-commerce server, which may also facilitate ordering and/or purchasing the resources. Patent marking information (PMI) corresponding to each of the resources may be retrieved, including one or more patent numbers for each resource. The respective PMI may be stored on each resource, in a database on the computer system, or in a database on a server coupled to the computer system. The resources may store identification (ID) information identifying the respective resource, where the respective PMI for each resource is retrieved from the patent marking database based on the ID information. The PMI is then displayed, e.g., by a graphical user interface (GUI) on a computer display.