Selective call receiver theft protection device
First Claim
Patent Images
1. An electronic device comprising:
- programmable memory means for storing password information and a predetermined encryption algorithm;
interface means for transmitting information to and receiving data from an external programming device;
data conversion means for translating said data received according to said predetermined encryption algorithm to obtain password data and reprogramming data;
reprogramming means for reprogramming said programmable memory means with said reprogramming data if said password data is substantially equivalent to said password information; and
disabling means for user disabling said electronic device if said password data is not substantially equivalent to said password information on each of a predetermined number of inputs.
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Abstract
A selective call receiver allows reprogramming of the options stored within a code plug only after entry of a correct password. After a predetermined number of unsuccessful attempts to enter a correct password, the selective call receiver is user disabled such that the user may not reenable the selective call receiver without returning the receiver to the manufacturer or without replacing expensive components thereof.
85 Citations
29 Claims
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1. An electronic device comprising:
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programmable memory means for storing password information and a predetermined encryption algorithm; interface means for transmitting information to and receiving data from an external programming device; data conversion means for translating said data received according to said predetermined encryption algorithm to obtain password data and reprogramming data; reprogramming means for reprogramming said programmable memory means with said reprogramming data if said password data is substantially equivalent to said password information; and disabling means for user disabling said electronic device if said password data is not substantially equivalent to said password information on each of a predetermined number of inputs. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4)
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5. A selective call receiver comprising:
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a reprogrammable memory; an input/output interface for allowing communication between said reprogrammable memory and an external programming device; and device disabling means for user disabling said selective call receiver in response to a predetermined number of unauthorized attempts by said external programming device to reprogram at least a portion of said reprogrammable memory. - View Dependent Claims (6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24)
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25. In an electronic device having a reprogrammable memory, an input/output port for communication with an external device, and at least one output device, said at least one output device capable of being user disabled such that a user of the electronic device may not reenable the at least one output device, a method for reprogramming the reprogrammable memory comprising the steps of:
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(a) establishing communications via the input/output port with an external programming device; (b) receiving a password from the external programming device; (c) determining whether said password received from the external programming device is equivalent to a predetermined password stored in said reprogrammable memory; (d) repeating steps (b) and (c) if said password received is not equivalent to the predetermined password and if a predetermined number of said passwords have not been received, said predetermined number greater than one; (e) user disabling said at least one output device after said predetermined number of said passwords so received are determined to be not equivalent to the predetermined password; (f) receiving reprogramming information from said external programming device if said password is equivalent to the predetermined password; and (g) reprogramming said reprogrammable memory in response to said reprogramming information. - View Dependent Claims (26, 27, 28, 29)
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Specification