Accessory authentication for electronic devices
First Claim
1. An authentication device comprising:
- a first connector configured to connect to an electronic device, the first connector having a first set of data pins and a second set of data pins;
an authentication controller coupled to the first set of data pins of the first connector; and
a second connector configured to connect to an accessory device, the second connector having a plurality of data pins coupled to the second set of data pins of the first connector,wherein the authentication controller is configured to execute an authentication procedure with the electronic device via the first set of data pins of the first connector, and wherein upon successful completion of the authentication procedure, the accessory device becomes authorized to interoperate with the electronic device via the second set of data pins of the first connector.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Improved techniques to control utilization of accessory devices with electronic devices are disclosed. The improved techniques can use cryptographic approaches to authenticate electronic devices, namely, electronic devices that interconnect and communicate with one another. One aspect pertains to techniques for authenticating an electronic device, such as an accessory device. Another aspect pertains to provisioning software features (e.g., functions) by or for an electronic device (e.g., a host device). Different electronic devices can, for example, be provisioned differently depending on different degrees or levels of authentication, or depending on manufacturer or product basis. Still another aspect pertains to using an accessory (or adapter) to convert a peripheral device (e.g., USB device) into a host device (e.g., USB host). The improved techniques are particularly well suited for electronic devices, such as media devices, that can receive accessory devices. One example of a media device is a media player, such as a hand-held media player (e.g., music player), that can present (e.g., play) media items (or media assets).
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Citations
17 Claims
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1. An authentication device comprising:
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a first connector configured to connect to an electronic device, the first connector having a first set of data pins and a second set of data pins; an authentication controller coupled to the first set of data pins of the first connector; and a second connector configured to connect to an accessory device, the second connector having a plurality of data pins coupled to the second set of data pins of the first connector, wherein the authentication controller is configured to execute an authentication procedure with the electronic device via the first set of data pins of the first connector, and wherein upon successful completion of the authentication procedure, the accessory device becomes authorized to interoperate with the electronic device via the second set of data pins of the first connector. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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Specification