Patent ID: 7716137
Filing Date: 2010-05-11
Classification: G06Q,G07C

Abstract:
1. method for automatically tracking and enabling operation of a product, comprising: receiving, by a management computer, a fingerprint that identifies the product; receiving, by the management computer from a first computer, an order for the product; receiving, by the management computer, sales information for the product; sending a key from the management computer to the first computer; storing, by the management computer, the fingerprint and the sales information; receiving, by the management computer from the first computer, a request to register the product, the request including the key; sending, from the management computer to the product via a second computer, a request for a candidate fingerprint of the product; receiving the candidate fingerprint by the management computer from the product via the second computer; and determining, by the management computer, that the candidate fingerprint matches the fingerprint that identifies the product; and sending data from the management computer to the product via the second computer that enables the product to operate.