Method and apparatus for limiting and controlling capabilities of a mobile device
First Claim
1. A device (10) including at least one optional capability, the device (10) characterized by:
- a control module (10a), responsive to a message providing an indicated change to a data store (10b) holding information on file indicating digital rights in respect to the at least one optional capability, for providing an update to the information on file corresponding to the indicated change provided by the message but only if the message is verified, the control module (10a) further responsive to a request from an application (10d) for access to the at least one optional capability, and for providing such access but only if such access is authorized by the information on file indicating digital rights in respect to the at least one optional capability; and
the data store (10b), for maintaining on file the information concerning the at least one optional capability, and for making available the information on file.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A mobile device (10) and a corresponding method including a control module (10a) and a data store (10b) of digital rights in respect to optional capabilities, the data store (10b) having for each optional capability an enabled/disabled attribute indicating whether the optional capability is enabled in the device. The control module (10a) receives digital rights structure messages from an entity authorized to configure (or reconfigure) the device by changing the enabled/disabled attribute or by changing the information sufficient for the device to execute an optional capability. The data store (10b) also includes an on/off attribute for use by the owner of the device (10) for temporarily turning off an enabled optional capability, using a password.
42 Citations
14 Claims
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1. A device (10) including at least one optional capability, the device (10) characterized by:
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a control module (10a), responsive to a message providing an indicated change to a data store (10b) holding information on file indicating digital rights in respect to the at least one optional capability, for providing an update to the information on file corresponding to the indicated change provided by the message but only if the message is verified, the control module (10a) further responsive to a request from an application (10d) for access to the at least one optional capability, and for providing such access but only if such access is authorized by the information on file indicating digital rights in respect to the at least one optional capability; and
the data store (10b), for maintaining on file the information concerning the at least one optional capability, and for making available the information on file. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A method (41) by which a device (10) is configured to disable or enable an optional capability provided with the device, the method characterized by:
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a step (41a) of providing the device so as to include in a data store (10b) the optional capability, and an enabled/disabled attribute indicating whether the optional capability is enabled or disabled; and
a step (41d 41h) of updating the data store (10b), in response to a message, so as to change the attribute from disabled to enabled but only if the message is verified. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14)
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Specification