Subscription-based computing implemented in hardware of computing device
US7987365B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 24, 2006 |
| Grant date | Jul 26, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 30, 2029 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04L9/3247
- WIPO fieldDigital communication
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A subscription-based computing device has hardware and a subscription enforcer implemented in the hardware. The enforcer has an accumulator that accumulates a usage value as the computing device is being used and an expiration value register that stores an expiration value. The enforcer allows the computing device to operate in a subscription mode without hindrance and with full use when the usage value is less than the stored expiration value, and allows the computing device to operate in an expiration mode with hindrance and without full use when the usage value reaches the stored expiration value to signal that the subscription for the computing device has expired.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.