Method and system for selectively controlling the utility a target
First Claim
1. A target that has an operating state and a non-operating state, comprising:
- a change effecting device set to one of a plurality of states;
a receiver for receiving data;
logic coupled to the change effecting device, and configured to use the data to selectively switch the change effecting device from the one state to another one of the states;
a power source arranged to power the receiver, the logic, and the change effecting device when the target is in the non-operating state;
a utility means coupled to the change effecting device, and configured to act according to the state of the change effecting device; and
wherein the utility means are configured to affect the utility of the target when the target is in the operating state.
6 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A target having a controlled utility is provided, as well as a method for changing the utility of the target. The target with controlled utility may be an electronic device, or alternatively, may be a tangible media, such as an optical disc. The controlled target has a change effecting device that is set to a first state, which allows the target to operate according to a first utility. The controlled target also has a receiver for receiving an authorization key, and logic which, responsive to the authorization key, selectively changes the change effecting device to a second state. When the change effecting device is in the second state, the target may operate according to a second utility. In one example, the controlled target has a restricted access key that was stored during manufacture, and the restricted access key is used by the logic in changing the state of the change effecting device. To change the utility of the controlled target, the controlled target is placed proximate to an activation device. The activation device may read an accessible identifier from the controlled target, and retrieve or generate an authorization key that is associated with the target. The activation device may cooperate with a network operation center or other entity to retrieve the authorization key, and to obtain approval to change the utility of the controlled target. If approved, the activation device may then send the authorization code to the controlled target.
105 Citations
84 Claims
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1. A target that has an operating state and a non-operating state, comprising:
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a change effecting device set to one of a plurality of states;
a receiver for receiving data;
logic coupled to the change effecting device, and configured to use the data to selectively switch the change effecting device from the one state to another one of the states;
a power source arranged to power the receiver, the logic, and the change effecting device when the target is in the non-operating state;
a utility means coupled to the change effecting device, and configured to act according to the state of the change effecting device; and
wherein the utility means are configured to affect the utility of the target when the target is in the operating state. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30)
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31. A readable media, comprising:
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a change effecting device having a first state and a second state;
stored content;
the change effecting device arranged on the media to interfere with accessing the stored content when the change effecting device is in the first state;
a receiver for receiving data;
logic coupled to the change effecting device, and configured to use the data to selectively switch the change effecting device from its current state to the other state;
a power source arranged to power the receiver, the logic, and the change effecting device; and
wherein the change effecting device is not intended to interfere with accessing the stored content when the change effecting device is in the second state. - View Dependent Claims (32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53)
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54. A method for affecting a utility of a target, comprising:
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providing the target in a non-operating state;
receiving a data value at the non-operating target;
determining that the received data value indicates the utility should be affected; and
setting, responsive to the determining step, the state of a change effecting device. - View Dependent Claims (55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70)
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71. A target that has an operating state and a non-operating state, comprising:
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a change effecting device configured to be selectively set to one of a plurality of states;
a power source receiving power wirelessly, and arranged to power the change effecting device when the target is in the non-operating state;
a utility means coupled to the change effecting device, and configured to act according to the state of the change effecting device; and
wherein the utility means are configured to affect the utility of the target when the target is in the operating state. - View Dependent Claims (72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83)
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84. A target that has an operating state and a non-operating state, comprising:
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a change effecting device set to one of a plurality of states;
a receiver for receiving data;
logic coupled to the change effecting device, and configured to use the data to selectively switch the change effecting device from the one state to another one of the states;
a power source arranged to power the receiver, the logic, and the change effecting device when the target is in the non-operating state;
a utility means coupled to the change effecting device, and configured to change the usability of the target in response to the state of the change effecting device; and
wherein the utility means are configured to affect the utility of the target when the target is in the operating state.
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Specification