Method and apparatus for a unit locked against use until unlocked and/or activated on a selected network

Patent 6550010 Issued on April 15, 2003. Estimated Expiration Date:

February 3, 2020. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.

Abstract Claims Description Full Text

Patent References

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Inventors

Application

No. 497584 filed on 02/03/2000

US Classes:

713/168Particular communication authentication technique

Examiners

Primary: Hayes, Gail O.
Assistant: DiLorenzo, Anthony

Attorney, Agent or Firm

Foreign Patent References

92 17 379 DE. 04/13/1993
532 227 EP. 03/13/1993
652 681 EP. 05/13/1995
0 675 615 EP. 10/13/1995
WO 97/22221 WO. 06/13/1997

International Class

H04L 009/32

Abstract

Methods and apparatus to provide for a unit that is locked against use for communications until the unit is unlocked and that may be activated on a selected network in conjunction with the unit being unlocked. A unit includes a memory for storing an unlock code specific to the unit. The unlock code is used to unlock the unit and is unbreakable without knowledge of a secret code and an algorithm. The unlock code is generated by using the algorithm with the secret code and an identifier unique to the unit. The unit also includes a control for receipt of an input code and a system identification number with the input code and the system identification number having originated from the selected network. The unit further includes a processor to effect a comparison of the input code to the unlock code, to effect an unlocking of the unit if the comparison results in a finding that the input code is substantially equal to the unlock code, and if the unlocking is effected, to effect activation of the unit on the selected network based on the system identification number.

Other References

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