Authorization status for smart battery used in mobile communication device
AssigneeResearch In Motion Limited
InventorsMichael K. Brown, Ian Robertson, Lyall Winger, Herbert A. Little
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A mobile communication device is capable of communicating with a battery authorization server. Determining an authorization status of a smart battery currently powering the mobile communication device involves an initial authorization process and a subsequent authorization process. The initial authorization process is conducted between the mobile communication device and the smart battery. If the initial authorization process is successful, it is followed by a subsequent authorization process between the mobile communication device and the battery authorization server.
Claims15
A method in a mobile communication device for determining an authorization status of a smart battery for use with the mobile communication device, the method comprising:
- initiating an initial authorization process with the smart battery;
- receiving an identifier of the smart battery from the smart battery during the initial authorization process;
- determining whether the initial authorization process is successful;
- if the initial authorization process is successful, initiating a subsequent authorization process with a battery authorization server, including sending the identifier of the smart battery to the battery authorization server;
- and
- during the subsequent authorization process, receiving from the battery authorization server a signed message that includes the authorization status, wherein the authorization status is based on the identifier of the smart battery.
A method in a battery authorization server for determining an authorization status of a smart battery, the method comprising:
- receiving an encrypted message from a mobile communication device, wherein the encrypted message includes an identifier of the smart battery and was encrypted with a public key of the battery authorization server;
- decrypting the encrypted message using a private key corresponding to the public key to retrieve the identifier of the smart battery;
- using the identifier to look up data related to the smart battery and determine the authorization status of the smart battery;
- digitally signing at least the authorization status to create a signed message;
- and
- sending the signed message to the mobile communication device.
A battery authorization system comprising:
- a smart battery having an identifier;
- a battery authorization server accessible via a network, the battery authorization server storing data related to smart batteries;
- and
- a mobile communication device,
- wherein the smart battery and the mobile communication device are able to conduct an initial authorization process therebetween during which the smart battery is to communicate the identifier to the mobile communication device, and
- wherein the mobile communication device and the battery authorization server are able to communicate via the network and to conduct a subsequent authorization process therebetween to determine, based on the identifier, an authorization status for the smart battery.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.