Palmsource Inc.

Ben Bostwick

Roger Flores

A method for automatically tracking application and content usage is disclosed. According to an embodiment of the present invention, a method first recites the step of accessing an application interface (API) call with a parameter specifying a first portion of content to be measured. For example, the amount of time for which the portion of content is used is measured. Next the method recites, in response to the accessed call, measuring usage for the first portion of content. Then, the method recites continuing to access API calls specifying additional portions of content to be measured until the program making the calls finishes execution. In this fashion, content usage is tracked. Application developers may determine, from the content usage, where users are getting stuck in a game or what segments of an electronic document are being viewed.

Automatic tracking of usage of a software application having different versions

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.).

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Redwood City, CA, United States of America

Ben Bostwick