Apparatus and methods for enforcement of policies upon a wireless device
First Claim
1. An apparatus comprising:
- a first module adapted to detect that a wireless device comprising a first set of functions is within a first range; and
a second module adapted to cause at least one of the first set of functions to be modified based at least in part upon the first module detecting that the wireless device is within the first range.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Apparatus and methods for changing one or more functional or operational aspects of a wireless device, such as upon the occurrence of a certain event. In one embodiment, the event comprises detecting that the wireless device is within range of one or more other devices. In another variant, the event comprises the wireless device associating with a certain access point. In this manner, various aspects of device functionality may be enabled or restricted (device “policies”). This policy enforcement capability is useful for a variety of reasons, including for example to disable noise and/or light emanating from wireless devices (such as at a movie theater), for preventing wireless devices from communicating with other wireless devices (such as in academic settings), and for forcing certain electronic devices to enter “sleep mode” when entering a sensitive area.
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Citations
42 Claims
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1. An apparatus comprising:
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a first module adapted to detect that a wireless device comprising a first set of functions is within a first range; and a second module adapted to cause at least one of the first set of functions to be modified based at least in part upon the first module detecting that the wireless device is within the first range. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A method of operating a wireless network having at least one access point, comprising:
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providing at least one operational policy for said at least one access point; enforcing said at least one policy for a user wireless device when said device is associated with said access point, said enforcing comprising defeating user control of at least one component of said wireless device controlled by said at least one policy; and not enforcing said at least one policy for said wireless device when said device is not associated with said access point. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26)
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27. A method of operating a wireless network having an access point and a user wireless mobile device having a wireless interface adapted to communicate with said access point, the method comprising:
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providing at least one operational policy for said access point; determining a user-based policy for association between said user wireless device and said access point; evaluating said at least one operational policy and said user-based policy to determine if said association is permitted; and if said evaluating indicates that said association is permitted; creating said association; and enforcing said at least one policy for said user wireless device when said device is associated with said access point. - View Dependent Claims (28, 29)
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30. Network apparatus adapted for communication with at least one mobile user, said apparatus comprising:
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first apparatus adapted to provide a wireless interface with a mobile device of said at least one user; and second apparatus in data communication with said first apparatus and adapted to run a computer program, said computer program adapted to enforce one or more policies with respect to said mobile device during operation thereof and communication with said network apparatus. - View Dependent Claims (31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39)
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40. A wireless device comprising:
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a first module adapted to receive a signal from a transmitting device, said signal comprising at least one command adapted to invoke changes in a plurality of functions of said wireless device, said plurality of functions selected from the group consisting of;
(i) a display function;
(ii) an audible alert or alarm function;
(iii) a power conservation mode; and
(iv) a communications interface mode; anda second module adapted to process said at least one command to change the plurality of functions of the wireless device. - View Dependent Claims (41, 42)
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Specification