System for authorizing functionality in adaptable hardware devices

• US 20030099252A1
• Filed: 11/28/2001
• Published: 05/29/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 11/28/2001
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Cornami, Inc.
• Original Assignee: QuickSilver Controls, Inc.
• Inventors: Master, Paul L., Watson, John
• Granted Patent: US 7,046,635 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 370/437
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 21/10 Protecting distributed programs or content, e.g. vending or licensing of copyrighted material protection in video systems or pay television H04N7/16 ; Digital rights management [DRM]
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 2221/2135 Metering
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 8/22 Processing or transfer of terminal data, e.g. status or physical capabilities
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 88/06 adapted for operation in multiple networks or having at least two operational modes, e.g. multi-mode terminals

Abstract

A system for authorizing new or ongoing functional use of an adaptable device. The device generates usage information including the times that the device is used, types of functionality provided, indication of amount and type of resources used, and other information. The usage information is transmitted back to a controlling entity, such as an original manufacturer of the adaptable device. The controlling entity can act to enable or prevent use of the provided functionality, as desired. Part of the requirement for using functionality can be monetary, by predetermined agreement, or by other criteria.

Claims

1. A method for authorizing the use of an adaptable device, the method comprising

detecting that the adaptable device is adapted to perform a first type of operation at a first point in time;

detecting that the adaptable device is adapted to perform a second type of operation at a second point in time; and

using the detected adaptations to determine whether to authorize the continued use of the device.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the first and second types of operation are cellular telephone operations.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein the first and second types of operation are each one of the following:

code division multiple access (CDMA), time division multiple access (TDMA), analog cellular telephone or radio frequency transmission.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the first and second types of operation are media player operations.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the first and second types of operation are global positioning satellite (GPS) receiver types of operations.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the detecting steps include the substep of

using the internet to transfer information about the operation of the device to an entity located remotely from the device.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the detecting steps include the substep of

using the cellular telephone network to transfer information about the operation of the device to an entity located remotely from the device.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein the detecting steps include the substep of

receiving usage information from the device.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein the usage information includes information about times that the device has been used.

10. The method of claim 8, wherein the usage information includes information about resources that the device has used.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein a resource includes instruction type.

12. The method of claim 10, wherein a resource includes instruction execution frequency.

13. The method of claim 10, wherein a resource includes memory use.

14. The method of claim 10, wherein a resource includes energy consumption by the device.

15. A method for tracking the use of an adaptable device at a central site, the method comprising

obtaining information about the changing functionality of the adaptable device;

and

transferring the information to a central site.

16. A system for tracking the use of an adaptable device at a central site, the system executing on a digital processing system coupled to a communication link, wherein the digital processing system executes instructions, the communication link coupled to the adaptable device, the system comprising

one or more instructions for obtaining information about the changing functionality of the adaptable device;

and

one or more instructions for using the information to regulate the use of the adaptable device.