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US 2010/0164681 A1Published application
Electronics antitheft Authorizing Unit
AssigneeHarris Technology, LLC
InventorScott C. Harris
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Locked electronic device, e.g., a device which produces a video output, such as a game console or TV. The device is shipped in a locked state, and cannot be used as a game console or a TV until it is unlocked. The unlocking is carried out by a code. The code is provided separately from the device, and only once authorized sale is detected.
Claims25
An electronic device comprising:
- a first electronically operable part, that is controllable by a user to cause the first electronically operable part to carry out a function;
- at least one electronically operable component specifically and solely intended for carrying out said first electronically-controllable function;
- a code entry part that accepts entry of a code in a startup mode of said first electronically operable part;
- a code recognizing part that compares an entered code against an authorized code, and produces an authorization when the entered code matches an authorized code,
- a startup part, which is formed as part of said first electronically operable part, where said startup part is initially in a limit state that prevents said first part from performing said function until said authorization is produced by said entered code matching said authorized code, and wherein said startup part terminates said limit state, and allows said first part to perform said function after said authorization is produced.
2 more elements
An method comprising:
- configuring a first electronically operable part initially into a disabled mode, where in said disabled mode, said first electronically operable part is prevented from carrying out a first electronically-controllable function, and where said first electronically operable part includes at least one component specifically and solely intended for carrying out said first electronically-controllable function;
- configuring a code entry part of said electronically operable part to allow entry of an unlock code during said disabled mode,;
- configuring a part to compare an entered code against an authorized code, and producing an authorization when the entered code matches an authorized code;
- and
- configuring the part to release said first electronically operable part from said disabled mode based on said entered code matching said authorized code, and allowing said first part to perform said function after said authorization is produced.
2 more elements
An electronic device comprising:
- a video producing part, that is controllable by a user to control video output;
- a startup part, where said startup part is initially in a state that initially prevents said video producing part from controlling said video output, and does not allow said video producing part to control said video output until authorized.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.