Wireless communication device with tamper resistant configuration settings

• US 7,184,756 B2
• Filed: 06/12/2003
• Issued: 02/27/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 06/12/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Google Technology Holdings LLC (Alphabet Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Motorola, Inc. (Motorola Solutions, Inc.)
• Inventors: Muthuswamy, Sivakumar, Pratt, Steven D., Kelley, Ronald J.
• Primary Examiner(s): Bui; Bing Q.
• Application Number:
  US10/460,136
• Publication Number:
  US 20040253944A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,356 Days
• Field of Search: 455/418, 455/419, 455/420
• US Class Current: 455/418
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 1/401 for selecting or indicating operating mode
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/7246 by connection of exchangeable housing parts
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 12/06 Authentication
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 88/02 Terminal devices

Abstract

Devices (302, 702, 800) with embedded control programs are provided are provided with RF-ID devices (114, 504) or other non-contact read data carriers (604) that provide configuration data, on which the execution of the embedded control programs is contingent. Preferred embodiments include wireless communication devices (302, 702, 800) provided with RF-ID devices (114, 504) or set of magnets (604) that encodes data embedded in front fascia. Embodiments of the invention increase the security of configuration data, and allow for functionality to enhanced by replacing the front fascia.

Claims

1. An electronic apparatus comprising:

one or more memories;

a program for operating the electronic apparatus stored in at least one of the one or more memories;

a processor for executing the program coupled to the one or more memories;

a non-contact information reader coupled to at least one of the one or more memories;

a non-contact readout information bearing proximity device, which only coupled to the non-contact information reader when in its proximity, the information bearing device storing one or more items of information that are used by the program for operating the electronic apparatus.

2. The electronic apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the electronic apparatus further comprises:

a detachable part; and

the non-contact readout information bearing device is included in the detachable part of the electronic apparatus.

3. The electronic apparatus according to claim 1 wherein:

the information bearing device comprises an arrangement of magnets that encodes the one or more items of information.

4. The electronic apparatus according to claim 1 comprising:

a wireless communication device.

5. The electronic apparatus according to claim 4 comprising:

a two-way radio.

6. The electronic apparatus according to claim 4 comprising:

a cellular telephone.

7. The electronic apparatus according to claim 1 wherein:

the information bearing device comprises an RF-ID device.

8. The electronic apparatus according to claim 7 wherein:

the RF-ID includes the one or more items of information stored in encrypted form.

9. The electronic apparatus according to claim 7 wherein:

the one or more memories comprise a volatile memory for storing the one or more items of information.

10. The electronic apparatus according to claim 9 wherein:

the RF-ID device comprises a non-volatile memory for storing the one or more items of information.

11. The electronic apparatus according to claim 7 wherein:

the electronic apparatus comprises a main antenna; and

the RF-ID device comprises a second antenna for exchanging signals with the main antenna.

12. An electronic apparatus comprising:

one or more memories;

a program for operating the electronic apparatus stored in at least one of the one or more memories;

a processor for executing the program coupled to the one or more memories;

a non-contact information reader coupled to at least one of the one or more memories;

a non-contact readout information bearing proximity device, which is only coupled to the non-contact information reader when in its proximity, the information bearing device storing one or more items of information that are used by the program for operating the electronic apparatus; and

a front fascia, wherein the information bearing device is embedded in the front fascia.

13. An electronic apparatus comprising:

one or more memories;

a program for operating the electronic apparatus stored in at least one of the one or more memories;

a processor for executing the program coupled to the one or more memories;

a non-contact information reader coupled to at least one of the one or more memories;

a non-contact readout information bearing proximity device, which is only coupled to the non-contact information reader when in its proximity, the information bearing device storing one or more items of information that are used by the program for operating the electronic apparatus; and

a control knob, wherein the information bearing device is embedded in the control knob.

14. An electronic apparatus comprising:

one or more memories;

a program for operating the electronic apparatus stored in at least one of the one or more memories;

a processor for executing the program coupled to the one or more memories;

a non-contact information reader coupled to at least one of the one or more memories;

a non-contact readout information bearing proximity device, which is only coupled to the non-contact information reader when in its proximity, the information bearing device storing one or more items of information that are used by the program for operating the electronic apparatus; and

a keypad, wherein the information bearing device is embedded in the keypad.

15. An electronic apparatus comprising:

a processor for executing a program for operating the electronic apparatus;

a first volatile memory coupled to the processor for storing one or more items of configuration data on which execution of the program is dependent;

a mechanically attachable device comprising a second non-volatile memory for storing the one or more items of configuration data, the mechanically attachable device being capable of communicatively coupling with the first volatile memory through at least one or more circuits in order to transfer the one or more items of configuration data to the first volatile memory.

16. The electronic apparatus according to claim 15 wherein:

the electronic apparatus comprises a wireless communication device.

17. The electronic apparatus according to claim 15 wherein:

the mechanically attachable device is capable of communicatively coupling with the first volatile memory, through a signal pathway that includes an air interface in addition to the one or more circuits.

18. A method of operating a mechanically attachable configuration data bearing device in conjunction with an electronic apparatus the operation of which is dependent on the configuration data, the method comprising the steps of:

cryptographically protecting one or more items of configuration data; and

wirelessly transmitting the one or more items of configuration data from the detachable configuration data bearing device to the electronic apparatus.

19. The method according to claim 18 wherein the step of cryptographically protecting the one or more items of configuration data comprises:

authenticating the electronic apparatus to the detachable configuration data bearing device, and conditioning the step of transmitting on successful authentication.

20. The method according to claim 18 wherein the step of cryptographically protecting the one or more items of configuration data comprises:

encrypting the one or more items of configuration data.

21. The method according to claim 20 wherein:

encrypting the one or more items of configuration data is performed prior to storing the one or more items of configuration data in the detachable configuration data bearing device.

22. A method of operating an attachable device that is capable of storing configuration data in conjunction with a plurality of reconfigurable apparatuses the operation of which are dependent on the configuration data, the method comprising the steps of:

connecting the mechanically attachable device that is capable of holding configuration data to a first reconfigurable apparatus;

accepting user input of configuration data input into the first reconfigurable apparatus;

establishing wireless communication between the first reconfigurable apparatus and the detachable device;

transmitting configuration data from the first reconfigurable apparatus to the detachable device;

storing the configuration data in the detachable device;

attaching the detachable device to a second reconfigurable apparatus;

establishing wireless communication between the detachable device and the second reconfigurable apparatus;

transmitting the configuration data from the detachable device to the second reconfigurable apparatus; and

operating the second reconfigurable apparatus according to the configuration data received from the detachable device.