US 6,983,375 B2
Method and system to grant indefinite use of software options resident on a device
Kun Zhang, Waukesha, Wis. (US); Karamjeet Singh, Germantown, Wis. (US); William G. Blair, Waukesha, Wis. (US); Winnie C. Durbin, Dousman, Wis. (US); and Michael R. Minogue, Milwaukee, Wis. (US)
Assigned to GE Medical Technology Services, Inc., Pewaukee, Wis. (US)
Filed on Apr. 13, 2001, as Appl. No. 9/681,478.
Prior Publication US 2002/0152400 A1, Oct. 17, 2002
Int. Cl. G02B 19/00 (2006.01)
U.S. Cl. 713—200 28 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A method to permit indefinite use of an inactivated option resident on a medical device comprising the steps of:
receiving, at a centralized facility, a request from a user for indefinite use of an option resident on a medical device located remotely from the centralized facility;
determining whether to grant indefinite use of the option in response to the request based on whether a set of criteria has been satisfied, including whether the customer is qualified to use time medical device;
generating an activation key configured to permit indefinite use of the option in response to an indefinite use grant;
transmitting the activation key from the centralized facility to the device;
automatically enabling user access to the option resident on the device in response to reception of the activation key; and
periodically monitoring whether the customer continues to be qualified for the medical device.