Accessory authentication for electronic devices
US7823214B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 3, 2005 |
| Grant date | Oct 26, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 2, 2028 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F2221/2129
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Improved techniques to control utilization of accessory devices with electronic devices are disclosed. The improved techniques can use cryptographic approaches to authenticate electronic devices, namely, electronic devices that interconnect and communicate with one another. One aspect pertains to techniques for authenticating an electronic device, such as an accessory device. Another aspect pertains to provisioning software features (e.g., functions) by or for an electronic device (e.g., a host device). Different electronic devices can, for example, be provisioned differently depending on different degrees or levels of authentication, or depending on manufacturer or product basis. Still another aspect pertains to using an accessory (or adapter) to convert a peripheral device (e.g., USB device) into a host device (e.g., USB host). The improved techniques are particularly well suited for electronic devices, such as media devices, that can receive accessory devices. One example of a media device is a media player, such as a hand-held media player (e.g., music player), that can present (e.g., play) media items (or media assets).
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.