CN1838170A - Point-of-sale activation of media device account - Google Patents
Point-of-sale activation of media device account Download PDFInfo
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- CN1838170A CN1838170A CNA2006100676908A CN200610067690A CN1838170A CN 1838170 A CN1838170 A CN 1838170A CN A2006100676908 A CNA2006100676908 A CN A2006100676908A CN 200610067690 A CN200610067690 A CN 200610067690A CN 1838170 A CN1838170 A CN 1838170A
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Abstract
This method and apparatus may activate removable or portable media devices or accounts associated therewith), such as flash drives, USB drives, external hard drives, thumb drives, memory cards of various formats (SD, CF, xD, Memory Card Duo), SIM cards, other phone cards, or other devices containing a writable and/or readable memory. The devices may be activated after purchase based on a communication between a central processor and a device or device user. Further, this method and apparatus may activate an account related to a media device at a point-of-sale ('P0S'), and may later activate the device by communicating with an account activation processor. Activation and deactivation of the device (or account) may further be based on a confirmation or cancellation of a purchase transaction associated with the device, such as a purchase of the device.
Description
Cross reference
The application requires the right of priority of the U.S. Provisional Patent Application 60/664,370 of submission on March 23rd, 2005, and its open integral body is incorporated into this with for referencial use.
Technical field
The present invention relates to distribution and activate the account and/or detachable (or portable) media device, for example storage card of flash drive, usb driver, external fixed disk drive, thumb actuator, various forms (SD, CF, xD, Sony
TMMemory Card Duo), SIM card, other phonecards or comprise other equipment that can write and/or can read storer.More specifically, the present invention relates to that (" POS ") locates to activate the account relevant with media device in the point of sale, and subsequently can be by communicating by letter with activated equipment with account's active processor.
Background technology
Traditional media device is distributed to retailer and consumer with available state.This equipment packed and send to the retailer before comprise typical USB flash drive and camera memory stick.
The major advantage of many removable media equipment is their miniature dimensions because the many equipment in them to be designed to portable or to pack into be in the little layout of equipment (for example, mobile phone or camera) of miniaturization.Yet the small size of these equipment makes them relatively easier to be stolen.The thief who has stolen the USB flash drive from the retailer there may use the USB flash drive to its limit.Is the same for the camera storage card with other removable medias.Because these equipment are normally very expensive, so retailer's loss may be very big.
Adopted the whole bag of tricks to prevent to steal.For example, such as Windows XP
TMUnder the situation of easy robber's software product of dish and so on, software can be distributed with the condition of " locking " or " part locks ".Software is also not exclusively available on user's computer, until the user capture central location.By the visit central location, the user can obtain the password of institute's installed software " release " or final one section software code.Should be noted that in this method the medium that carry software never lock.So a plurality of different users can read the CD that carries software or DVD and go up coded identical one and zero.Yet central location guarantees to have only the user (perhaps a limited number of user) can activating software.In this prior art system, be that institute's installed software rather than software medium that the user bought change on the subscriber computer.So, for example, comprise in back 30 days expired operating system softwares of installation as fruit tray, skilled user can do installation again software in per 30 days in theory, and medium can be propagated to around other people, they can obtain identical result.
Summary of the invention
Invention as described herein provides the method for coming distribution media equipment in the following manner: these media devices are unavailable, unless or effectively sold or be transferred to authorized user until them.In these embodiments, can authorize the activation of removable media equipment, and when buyer's request, perhaps when the buyer attempts use equipment for the first time in treatment facility, can activate media device at the place, point of sale at the place, point of sale.This provides several remarkable advantages.Advantage is to prevent loss and control.Another advantage is the sale that manufacturer and retailer can follow the tracks of the media device such as camera memory and removable memory device.
Each embodiment of the present invention is at activate (and/or forbidding) account (or equipment, or with equipment accounts associated) based on trade confirmation (or cancellation).For example, after the affirmation that receives the fund that is associated with account's purchase-transaction, can activate the account.If, can forbid the account in enough a period of times if transaction is cancelled and/or does not receive the confirmation.
According to below in conjunction with the accompanying drawing description of preferred embodiments, these and other aspect will become clear, but can make a change and revise under the prerequisite of the spirit and scope that do not break away from novel concept of the present disclosure.
Description of drawings
Read following detailed in conjunction with the drawings, can more fully understand the present invention, wherein identical label is used for representing components identical.
Fig. 1 illustrates the system that is used to authorize the activation media device according to the embodiment of the invention.
Fig. 2 illustrates example media device and encapsulation.
Fig. 3 shows the process flow diagram according to the method for the embodiment of the invention, distribution media equipment.
Fig. 4 shows the process flow diagram that activates the method for media device according to another embodiment of the present invention, mandate.
Fig. 5 shows the process flow diagram that activates the method for media device according to another embodiment of the present invention, mandate.
Embodiment
A plurality of embodiment of the present invention hereinafter will be described.Here employed any singulative term can be interpreted as plural number, and perhaps, any term of plural form can be interpreted as odd number.
According to some embodiment, for example can activate media device account (or media device) at the POS place.Can use any activated system or method, for example at described those systems of other equipment or the method that activate in stored value card and following United States Patent (USP) and the patented claim: the U. S. application No.10/778 that on February 17th, 2004 submitted to, 338, the U. S. application No.10/253 that on September 24th, 2002 submitted to, 243, the U.S. Provisional Application No.60/324 that submit to September 24 calendar year 2001,333, the U.S. Provisional Application No.60/396 that on July 15th, 2002 submitted to, 404, the U.S. Provisional Application No.60/519 that on November 14th, 2003 submitted to, 630, the U.S. Provisional Application No.60/519 that on November 14th, 2003 submitted to, 629, the U. S. application No.10/712 that on November 13rd, 2003 submitted to, 182, the U. S. application No.10/655 that on September 5th, 2003 submitted to, 828, the U. S. application No.10/698 that on November 3rd, 2003 submitted to, 084, the U. S. application No.10/411 that on April 11st, 2003 submitted to, 971, the U. S. application No.09/641 that on August 18th, 2000 submitted to, 363 (have now authorized and have been U.S. Patent No. 6,575,361), the U.S. Provisional Application No.60/149 that on August 19th, 1999 submitted to, 740, the U. S. application No.10/732 that on Dec 10th, 2003 submitted to, 641, the attorney docket (Attorney Docket) that on Dec 19th, 2003 submitted to is the U. S. application of No.64243.000005, the attorney docket that on January 16th, 2004 submitted to is the U. S. application of No.64243.000006.All these apply for that all integral body is incorporated into this with for referencial use.Here also should expect other features of these patents and application.Should be realized that the mandate of media device described here and activation can combine with innovative system and the method in the above referenced application.
Fig. 1 illustrates the system that the activation of media device is authorized of being used for according to the embodiment of the invention.This system comprises manufacturer 14, distributor 12, one or more retailer 10, one or more retailer terminal 4, account's active processor 2, central database 8, medium activated processor 6 and medium activated database 7.
In certain embodiments, media device can activate after activation and this equipment accounts associated.For example, can with purchase-transaction that media device is associated during (for example, the feature of purchase of equipment or purchase of equipment, wherein for example device-dependent function of feature or performance), the place activates and this media device accounts associated in the point of sale.Can activate the account with any known activation account's processing, for example known at stored value card and other places those processing of quoting here.In one embodiment, the information that comprises in the bar code that is associated with equipment, UPC or the magnetic stripe is read at device sales point place, and sends to the central account active processor.For example, by the data base entries that establishment or modification are associated with equipment, can activate and the equipment accounts associated.Should be realized that,,, can not have actual account with value though used term " account " for the application's purpose." account " can only comprise that equipment is the record of effectively selling or otherwise be authorized to activate (whole or local).
In case " account " that be associated with equipment is activated, be effectively to buy or otherwise effectively distribution for example by Authentication devices, can activate or enable media device so.Should be realized that, certain in the data that " activated equipment " or " feature of activated equipment " is intended to represent to store in mobilizing function (function), functional (functionality), performance (capability) or the equipment some, whole or a part of.If owing to do not activate, equipment can not be carried out its all expectation functions or utilize its all properties, then this equipment is regarded as " un-activation " (perhaps part un-activation).
In certain embodiments, media device can comprise data-storage system, for example flash drive, usb driver, external fixed disk drive, thumb actuator (thumb drive), SD storage card, Compact Flash, xD storage card, Memory Card Duo (or Pro Duo) storage card, floppy disk, CD, DVD, HD-DVD, Blu-ray Disc or other data storage components or system.Data-storage system can be formatted.For example, data-storage system can comprise the Format drives that is configured to store by the data of user's download.In certain embodiments, data-storage system can format in the following manner: for example, it can not be used for (all or local) storages data, is changed until its form.
In certain embodiments, media device can comprise processor, for example wireless telephone, PDA, pager, phone/PDA unit equipment, SIM card, the equipment that possesses Internet function, portable game system or any other media device.Equipment can be configured to carry out such function, for example stores data, access site, calculates in surfing on the Internet, communication on communication network, playing media (for example, music, video and recreation) or execution.In certain embodiments, can come distribution processors as follows: forbid one or more functions (whole or local).By communicating by letter, can realize these functions with central processing unit (for example, medium activated processor).For example, medium activated processor can be so that equipment can be installed the code of realizing these functions.
In certain embodiments, attempt to use still unactivated media device can trigger user processor that media device installs and the automated communications between the medium activated processor, medium activated thus processor can transmit instruction or the code that is used to activate media device.In other embodiments, the figure of attempting to use media device can cause carrying out message to the user presents, get in touch to user indication and medium activated processor thus, for example be used for the code of the equipment of being input to reception by signing in to website or calling telephone number.Setting up can allow user's download to be used to activate the instruction or the code of media device with communicating by letter of active processor.
In certain embodiments, active processor can be distributed the activation code that can be input in the equipment, with activated equipment (perhaps one or more its function).In other embodiments, active processor can transmit the software code that can be loaded on the equipment, with activated equipment.In other embodiments, central processing unit can transmit the program code that can be installed on this computing machine to computing machine.Working procedure (for example, when computing machine is coupled to equipment) can make device activation.
In certain embodiments, active processor can directly and/or indirectly be communicated by letter with media device.For example, SIM card can directly be communicated by letter with the central telecommunication supplier that information can be installed on this SIM card.The USB flash drive that is inserted into the USB port of computing machine can be communicated by letter with concentrated website by computing machine.
In certain embodiments, equipment can comprise the database of processor and stored encrypted data.One or more functions of the equipments can be under an embargo, and are decrypted until enciphered data.Can realize deciphering with communicating by letter of central processing unit.
In certain embodiments, can activate difference in functionality at different time.For example, can activate radio communication function, and can activate the mp3 playing function in another time sometime.Each activation can realize by the purchase that is associated with this function.For example, the user can buy telecommunications service, activates this service then, and the user can buy the mp3 function afterwards, activates the mp3 function then.
In certain embodiments, can (POS) locate to carry out device activation in the point of sale.For example, point of sales terminal can be configured to and the media device interaction.In certain embodiments, terminal can physically change media device.For example, terminal can be removed the physical tag on the media device, becomes available (perhaps otherwise physically changing equipment, to realize the feature of equipment) otherwise this physical tag can prevent media device.
In certain embodiments, terminal can be interactive electronically with media device (replacement relates to the interaction that physics changes, perhaps except relating to the interaction that physics changes).For example, terminal can be carried out read/write to the storer of media device.In certain embodiments, terminal can format the disc driver or the storer of media device.In certain embodiments, media device can be installed in software on the media device.Here be susceptible to any type of activation.
In other embodiments, can after POS, carry out device activation, for example at user's desktop computer place in position away from POS.
In certain embodiments, device activation can have additional action.For example, before enabling equipment, the user can import personal data, equipment registration data or other information.
In certain embodiments, can the media device of canned data be distributed to the user at the POS place.At the POS place, can send the identifier that is associated with media device to central processing unit.For example, when selling media device, can read magnetic stripe or the bar code that is associated with product in end, and can send identifier to central processing unit.Central processing unit can be authorized canned data on the activated equipment.The user then can be with information transfer to another equipment, for example user's computer.For example, the user can be installed in saved software on the media device on the desktop computer.On user's computer (or other equipment), information can be locked wholly or in part.For example, program may be only available in specific a period of time, and perhaps the user may not visit specific feature.Information (for example, program) can send active information to user, for example can visit the URL with the central processing unit of enabling information (for example, this program) fully.The user can visit central processing unit.Central processing unit can be discerned the information (perhaps discerning media device) about media device, and realizes the complete function of information based on this identification.For example, central processing unit can effectively be sold (for example, by determining to receive the identifier that is associated with media device from the POS terminal at effective trading time period), the feature of coming release institute installation procedure by determining media device at the POS place.
In certain embodiments, media device for example may be among the encapsulation when selling.The encapsulation that media device encapsulation can be any container, chest, maybe can hold, preserve or otherwise be coupled to equipment.In a preferred embodiment, wrapper is contained in the equipment 16 of consumer when retailer terminal 4 place purchase of equipments.
In certain embodiments, manufacturer 14 can make media device, and sends them to one or more distributor 12.Distributor 12 can be transported to media device one or more retailers shop 10.Retailer shop 10 can comprise one or more retailer terminals 4.The consumer can buy media device at retailer terminal 4 places.
Account's active processor 2 can comprise any data handling system, its storage, management and/or treatment facility relevant information.In one embodiment, account's active processor 2 self can be medium activated processor 6.Account's active processor 2 is configured to treatment facility relevant information (for example, identifier).Account's active processor 2 also is configured to memory device relevant information in central database 8.Information can be included in the information that the device sales trading time period receives from retailer terminal 4.Account's active processor 2 also be configured to/from medium activated processor 6 transmission information.For example, account's active processor 2 is configured to receive authorization requests and/or status poll from medium activated processor 6.Account's active processor 2 is configured to handle canned data in the central database 8 based on these requests and inquiry.Account's active processor 2 also is configured to send information to medium activated processor.
In one embodiment, account's active processor 2 is configured to that request communicates at device activation with retailer terminal.
Medium activated processor 6 can be handled the information that it receives from account's active processor 2.Medium activated processor can also be in medium activated database 7 canned data.Medium activated processor 6 can also be configured to communicate with the consumer.For example, medium activated processor 6 can also be configured to activate request from consumer's receiving equipment.Medium activated processor 6 also is configured to based on Request Processing information, and/or communicates based on request and account's active processor.Medium activated processor 6 can also be configured to send information to consumer, for example activation confirmation.
Fig. 2 illustrates example media device 16 and encapsulation 18, and their activation can be authorized by each embodiment according to the present invention.The picture left above among Fig. 2 shows the front elevation of the general media equipment 16 such as the USB flash drive.Top right plot shows the rear view of media device 16.
Fig. 2 bottom illustrate the encapsulation 18 that is configured to hold media device 16.Encapsulation can be printed on 18 or otherwise be stored one or more identifiers, as described at media device.The package identification symbol can be identical or different with media device ID.In a particular embodiment, encapsulation 18 and equipment 16 have at least one identical identifier on encapsulation 18 and equipment 16, and for example ESN 20.
Fig. 3 illustrates according to the embodiment of the invention, authorizes the process flow diagram that activates media device.Here employed term " media device " usually is meant the storage or the data processing equipment of any kind.
In square frame 31, can receiving media device identifier information.For example, account's active processor and/or medium activated processor receiving media device identifier information.The manufacturer of media device (or distributor) can send stock's tabulation of media device ESN (or other identifiers) to account's active processor or medium activated processor.Perhaps, the retailer can provide the tabulation of media device ID at its after distributor receives media device (or before) to account's active processor or medium activated processor.Account's active processor will have finally the one or more media device IDs that can buy (or otherwise obtaining) from the retailer then.
In a preferred embodiment, each media device is associated with medium activated processor in advance.So if medium activated processor receives media device ID information, it will receive only the media device ID information of the media device that is associated with it in advance.In another embodiment, after buying, the consumer selects medium activated processor.In this embodiment, medium activated processor can not receive identifier information in this stage.
In optional square frame 32, can store and/or manipulation designator information.For example, account's active processor and/or medium activated processor location identifier information.Account's active processor and/or medium activated processor can be stored that receive with certain shops, that paid by the particular dispensed merchant or be tabulated by the corresponding ESN of media device that particular manufacturer is made.Information can be stored in the central database that is connected to account's active processor, perhaps is stored in the medium activated database that is connected to medium activated processor.Account's active processor (and/or medium activated processor) can also be stored and each media device associated state information.Because media device is not sold (according to some embodiment) as yet, so this media device of indication that account's active processor (and/or medium activated processor) can be stored at each media device is the information of " not selling " and/or " un-activation ".Can use the additive method of storage and/or sign institute canned data.
In square frame 33, during the media device purchase-transaction, can be at retailer terminal place input medium device identifier.For example, at the trading time period that the consumer buys media device, can import one or more media device IDs at the retailer terminal place.In this square frame, the consumer selects the media device that will buy, and buys this media device at the retailer terminal place.At selling period, can be in retailer terminal place scanning medium equipment packages (or media device).In a preferred embodiment, import the ESN that is associated with media device by the scanning medium equipment packages in end.No matter encapsulate or media device to be scanned still be otherwise input, be associated with media device itself is unique at the identifier of retailer terminal place input.
Can import a plurality of identifiers at the retailer terminal place.For example, can import UPC sign indicating number and ESN, IMEI, SIM or other identifiers.Can import UPC for retailer stock purpose, and can import ESN for the purpose that final media device activates.
Should be noted that before consigning to the consumer media device can be un-activation or forbid.For example, some media device can be deactivated (hotline) or otherwise forbid at the internal switch place.It can be active or passive forbidding.In certain embodiments, the retailer can (or before) forbid media device when buying.In a preferred embodiment, media device can be under an embargo before being distributed to the retailer.In one embodiment, medium activated processor was for example forbidden media device before the retailer receives media device among the retailer stock.Media device forbidden that can occur in it is provided for (for example, before being placed on product on the shop shelf or otherwise offering the consumer) before the consumer, perhaps can take place during purchase-transaction.In certain embodiments, in order to activate media device, the consumer must get in touch central processing unit subsequently, for example by calling out the website of 800 number or access medium active processor.Server can comprise the media device system of computing machine or medium activated processor, and can be suitable for enabling the media device that the consumer buys.
In optional square frame 33, retailer terminal can also be imported the information about the buyer, for example buyer's name, address, social security number, PIN, family or other telephone numbers, e-mail address, website or other information.Some can discern in these information certain by buyer's credit card or check, and perhaps information can be provided by retailer requesting consumption person.Consumer information also can send account's active processor or medium activated processor to, and it can be with this information stores in database.This information can be used for verifying buyer's identity when the buyer activates media device subsequently.
In square frame 34, account's active processor can the receiving media device identifier.Based on receiving identifier, can activate and media device (or its function or performance) accounts associated (or record).Activation can perhaps be undertaken by any other device known in the art by describing here or any device or the mechanism of reference are carried out.Should be appreciated that account's activation does not also mean that media device activates/enables.
Identifier can be the identifier of input in the square frame 33.For example, when the sales to consumers media device, retailer terminal can input identifier, then identifier is sent to account's active processor.In a preferred embodiment, this carries out simultaneously with sale.For example, sales transactions can comprise input identifier information and automatically information be sent to account's active processor.For example, can scanning bar code when buying, this with typically conclude the business equally, and bar code number can be sent to account's active processor.
If determine that subsequently consumer's fund is invalid or not enough, if perhaps there is any other problem (for example, if media device is returned) in transaction, retailer or retailer terminal can be notified this problem to account's active processor at this moment.Can forbid media device account then.Medium activated processor and account's active processor can be stored and send to the suitable record of this return transaction.
Perhaps, send between account's active processor at retailer terminal place input information and with identifier information and may have delay.For example, retailer terminal can be waited for, pays off until consumer's purchase fund, to guarantee the having only media device ID of effective purchase to be transmitted to account's active processor.
In addition, if media device is stolen or damage, perhaps because other reasons can not be distributed to the consumer, account's active processor can be revised and the corresponding data base entries of this media device, to reflect this media device and quilt " cancellation ".This media device can not be activated, as its " cancellation " state reflects.
In square frame 35, media device can be registered as effective purchase and/or activate ready.In a preferred embodiment, account's active processor sends media device ID information to medium activated processor system, is effectively to buy with the indication media device.It can transmit this information by any media device or device, for example by the Internet, dedicated data line, phone IVR or other system.
In a preferred embodiment, account's active processor transmits this information by API, thereby medium activated processor system can easily be discerned and process information.After medium activated processor system process information, media device can be registered as the media device of effective purchase in the system of medium activated processor.For example, medium activated processor can be stored in this identifier in the medium activated database file of the identifier that comprises the media device of effectively having bought.According to the file that it stored into, media device is that effectively the fact of (or invalid) is conspicuous.Perhaps, medium activated processor can be revised and the corresponding existing database clauses and subclauses of media device, effectively sells with the indication media device.
Perhaps, account's active processor can be stored the status information that the indication media device " is sold and activate ready ".It can be according to storing this information at described mode of medium activated processor system or any way known in the art.
In square frame 36, medium activated processor can receive the request that activates media device from the consumer.In certain embodiments, media device can directly or by subscriber computer (for example, desktop or laptop computer) be communicated by letter with active processor indirectly.In certain embodiments, the consumer can contact media active processor (by phone, the Internet etc.) to activate media device.For example, the 800 number that the consumer can the medium activated processor IVR of paging call system, the perhaps website that the consumer can the access medium active processor.As mentioned above, some embodiment is when attempting to use the un-activation media device, and initiation and medium activated processor gets in touch automatically.This communication can be undertaken by media device self, perhaps can set up by the processor that Media Processor was installed to.
The consumer can also call out medium activated processor consumer service or activation department.The consumer can provide identifier information to medium activated processor system, thereby medium activated processor system can be discerned the particular media device that will activate.For example, the consumer for example can provide ESN or SIM by import ESN under the Internet or IVR prompting.Perhaps, if the consumer uses media device itself to come the contact media active processor, then media device can provide identifier information from the medium activated processor system of trend.Active processor also can perhaps by carrying out the inquiry (directly or indirectly) to canned data on the media device, be determined this information by directly or indirectly receiving information from media device.
The consumer also can provide consumer's identification information.This identification information can comprise consumer's name, address, telephone number, receipt number, identification symbol or other numbers or the coding that can be associated with the media device of being bought, buyer, dealer or wireless service provider.Medium activated processor can be before activating these information of requests verification.
In square frame 37, medium activated processor can determine whether media device is effectively bought.In a preferred embodiment, medium activated processor can be checked its database, to determine whether identifier is associated with the media device of effective purchase.For example, medium activated processor can determine the identifier (for example ESN) that is associated with media device whether be stored in the corresponding database of efficient media equipment in.
Whether in another embodiment, medium activated processor system can connect account's active processor, effectively sell to determine the media device of being discerned.For example, medium activated processor system (for example, consumer service centre) can send account's active processor to media device ID (for example identifier that provides) in square frame 36.This can carry out by visit account active processor IVR system or by any other communication means described here.Account's active processor will receive identifier, visit its database to determine whether this identifier is associated with the identifier of effective purchase, then Authorization result is returned to medium activated processor.Authorization structure can indicate media device be effectively sell or media device be not (perhaps exist be associated some other problems) of effectively selling with media device.For example, account's active processor can be determined Authorization result based on institute's stored authorized status information.
In square frame 38, medium activated processor can be indicated the request that activates media device or refusal consumer.If it is effectively to buy that medium activated processor is determined media device, then medium activated processor can be initiated the activation of media device.If it is not effectively to buy that medium activated processor is determined media device, perhaps there is some other problems in the purchase of media device, and then medium activated processor can be refused consumer's request, and refusal activates media device.In certain embodiments, can finish activation by the communication between medium activated processor and the media device.This can be the direct communication of going to media device, perhaps can be the communication of the processor that is installed to by media device.Can finish activation from instruction or code that active processor receives based on the processor that media device or media device were installed to.
In case activate, media device (or one or more features of equipment) can become available.For example, if media device is the USB flash drive, then activates and to allow consumer's preassembled information on canned data on the flash drive and/or retrieval flash drive.
Should be realized that activating mandate can be based on any factor in the multiple factor.For example, equipment can activate specific times, and perhaps the authorization code that receives from the consumer can use specific times.Can also exist with particular device on the number of available function or the restriction that degree is associated.For example, can perhaps, start a large amount of storage spaces based on equipment, how much spending to how much having added with the equipment accounts associated.The activation of all or part of function of equipment can also be based on following factor: specific program or software type are loaded into the number of times on the equipment; The already used number of times of equipment (or function of equipment); The already used time span of equipment; In the past time since the purchase of equipment; With the amount of funds in the equipment accounts associated; Activity with the equipment accounts associated; The state of user account (account who for example, has good prestige); State of user for example, has active processor or other entities (or marriage, work or other states); User's personal information; And other factors.
Fig. 4 illustrates the process flow diagram of authorizing the method that activates media device according to another embodiment of the present invention.The method of Fig. 4 should be explained according to the discussion of Fig. 3.
In optional square frame 41, account's active processor can location identifier information, for example, and as described at square frame 32.
In square frame 42, can be at retailer terminal place input medium device identifier during the media device purchase-transaction, for example, as described at square frame 33.
In square frame 43, retailer terminal can send identifier to account's active processor, for example, and as described at square frame 34.
In square frame 44, account's active processor can send identifier to medium activated processor.
In square frame 45, identifier can be stored in the medium activated database.Can be based on receiving identifier from account's active processor, store and/or the state of update identifier (and/or respective media equipment).Below with reference to Fig. 5 described various states may in certain some.Should be appreciated that, also it is contemplated that other activated state classifications here.
The action of describing in the square frame 44 and 45 for example can be carried out when account's active processor for example uses API identifier to be inserted in the medium activated database.The example of this processing has also been described in square frame 35.
In square frame 46, medium activated processor can the request of receiving media device activation, for example, and as described at square frame 36.
In square frame 47, medium activated processor can determine whether to authorize the activation media device.This action can comprise access medium activation data storehouse, whether in this database, determines perhaps whether identifier is associated with the media device that goes through to activate to determine identifier.This can also comprise the state of definite identifier (and/or respective media equipment).
In square frame 48, medium activated processor can be asked in response to the consumer by the activation of initiation media device or by refusal consumer request.For example, if identifier is in (perhaps, if identifier is associated with the media device that goes through to activate) in the database, then medium activated processor will be initiated the activation of media device.Otherwise medium activated processor can be refused request.
Fig. 5 illustrates the process flow diagram of authorizing the method that activates media device according to another embodiment of the present invention.The method of Fig. 5 should be explained according to the discussion of Fig. 3.
In square frame 51, can be at retailer terminal place input medium device identifier during the media device purchase-transaction, for example, as described at square frame 33.
In square frame 52, retailer terminal can send media device ID information to account's active processor, for example, and as described at square frame 43.
In square frame 53, account's active processor can be handled and/or location identifier.For example, account's active processor can be stored in identifier in the data base entries and (perhaps revise the existing database clauses and subclauses), receives from retailer terminal to indicate this identifier.These clauses and subclauses can reflect that corresponding media device has particular state, and for example, media device is sold and activate ready.
In square frame 54, medium activated processor can be from the request of consumer's receiving media device activation, for example, and as described at square frame 46.
In square frame 55, medium activated processor can send account's active processor to activating authorization requests.
In square frame 56, account's active processor can manipulation designator.Account's active processor can determine whether identifier is effectively to sell.For example, account's active processor can determine whether identifier is to receive in according to the transaction in square frame 51 and 52.Account's active processor can also be determined the state of media device (and/or respective identifier).For example, account's active processor can determine that media device has particular state, for example " sells and activate ready ", " not selling ", " sell and activate ", " sell and return " or " cancellation " (or other status categories).Based on state, account's active processor can determine to transmit the activation response of positive or negative (or other).For example, if respective media equipment is " selling and activate ready ", account's active processor can determine to send sure response.If state is " cancellation ", " not selling " or " sell and return ", account's active processor can transmit negative response.
In square frame 57, account's active processor can send medium activated processor to activating authorization response.Authorization response can be the indication that activates or do not activate.Authorization response can comprise the status information about identifier and/or respective media equipment.
In square frame 58, medium activated processor can be initiated the activation of media device, perhaps refuses consumer's request, for example, and as described at square frame 48.The action of medium activated processor can be based on the response of account's active processor in the square frame 57.
Should be noted that in each embodiment, can use different identifier in the described different square frames here, as long as these different identification symbols are associated with single medium equipment.That is, ESN needs not to be employed unique identifier in the entire process process.For example, can be (for example at retailer terminal place scanning bar code number, the number that is mapped to the media device ID in the database or otherwise is associated) with media device ID in the database, and send account's active processor to, but processor can be determined media device ID, and sends it to medium activated processor.Here, account's active processor can receive UPC, and come definite media device ID that is associated with this bar code by canned data in the process database (information that for example, receives, UPC number and media device number are associated) from the retailer.In addition, should be realized that term " identifier " can comprise the information that is associated with identifier.In other words, the identifier that medium activated processor receives needn't be with to send the identifier of account's active processor to from retailer terminal in square frame early identical, as long as these two identifiers are associated with identical device uniquely.
It shall yet further be noted that can be at activate PIN described any way to activate above-mentioned media device in the application of quoting in the above.
In another embodiment, can carry out opening of bid back (or after sale) checking steals to reduce.A problem may be to activate media device in sales process, but sales process may be owing to many former thereby interruptions, and for example Yu Qi consumer is in want of funds.In this case, can activate media device (but not paying), so caused the stolen risk of activation (and valuable) media device.
At least two kinds of potential methods that proposed each embodiment of the present invention solve the problem of interrupting of selling after media device activates.At first, system can comprise such hypothesis: receive checking (for example, the checking of payment) before sales transactions just do not finish.So, may need to verify that transmission is verified to sell finishes.For example, even the consumer has bought equipment in purchase-transaction, but account's (or equipment, or apparatus characteristic) can keep un-activation, until determining and/or receiving transaction verification.This transaction verification can be that the fund of consumer payment has been confirmed by reality and/or transferred to checking among the retailer account.If this checking transmission does not in time receive, then in certain embodiments, incite somebody to action not activated equipment; And in certain embodiments, will forbid equipment.
In certain embodiments, system can operate under the hypothesis that sales transactions will correctly be finished.For example, in trading time period (perhaps at least based on transaction), before the consumer paid off fund, system is activated equipment (or function) automatically.In this case, can during sales transactions, activate media device, and can keep activating, unless for example (for example send, by retailer terminal) and (for example receive, at central active processor place, for example device activation processor 6 and/or account's active processor 2) message (or similar code or instruction) cancelled of expression transaction.
Sales transactions can comprise the purchase media device, perhaps rents media device, perhaps activates the feature (function, functional, performance or the data of being stored) of media device, perhaps the feature of permanent activation media device temporarily.
Opening of bid back (or after sale) checking can be carried out with other embodiment are whole, for example the embodiment shown in Fig. 1～5.
Should be appreciated that specific embodiment of the present invention shown and that describe is exemplary here.Under the premise without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, those skilled in the art will envision that many variations, change, alternative and equivalent.Therefore, describe here and accompanying drawing in illustrated all themes should to be regarded as only be illustrative, rather than restrictive, and scope of the present invention only is indicated in the appended claims.
Claims (22)
1. method that activates at least one feature of storing in the media device comprises:
Information at central processing unit place storaging mark media device;
After storage action, during buying media device, in retailer terminal place input equipment identifier information, described device identifier message identification media device;
At the central processing unit place from retailer terminal receiving equipment identifier information;
Based on the action of receiving equipment identifier information, the sale of registration media device;
Activate request at central processing unit place receiving equipment; And
Based on registration action, determine whether to authorize activated equipment.
2. method according to claim 1 also comprises:
Determine based on media device is registered, initiate the activation of media device.
3. method according to claim 2, the action of wherein initiating the media device activation comprises:
Make media device storage active information.
4. method according to claim 3, wherein active information can be enabled the storage functionality of equipment.
5. method according to claim 3, wherein active information can be enabled the communication functionality of media device, and wherein communication functionality makes the media device can be with ad hoc fashion and another devices communicating.
6. method according to claim 2, the action of wherein initiating the media device activation comprises:
Send active information to user, the user can come activated equipment with active information.
7. method according to claim 6 wherein receives the request from the user at the subscriber computer place, and sends active information to subscriber computer.
8. method according to claim 2, the action of wherein initiating the media device activation comprises:
Make physical unit structurally change media device, wherein structural change is activated media device.
9. method according to claim 1 also comprises:
Determine that based on media device is unregistered refusal activates request.
10. method according to claim 1 also comprises:
Wherein the device activation request comprises in the data of storing in the performance of functional, equipment of function, equipment of activated equipment itself, equipment and the equipment at least one request.
11. method according to claim 1, wherein equipment comprises following in every at least one:
Flash drive, usb driver, external fixed disk drive, thumb actuator, SD form storage card, CF form storage card, xD form storage card, Memory Card Duo and SIM card.
12. a method that activates the feature of media device comprises:
In equipment purchase trading time period input equipment identifier information;
Send device identifier information to central processing unit;
By central processing unit stores device identifier information;
Active processor receiving equipment active information;
To activate authorization requests and send central processing unit to;
Central processing unit treatment facility identifier information;
To activate authorization response and send active processor to; And
Initiating equipment activates, and perhaps refusal activates authorization requests.
13. method according to claim 12,
Wherein the device activation request comprises in the data of storing in the performance of functional, equipment of function, equipment of activated equipment itself, equipment and the equipment at least one request, and
Wherein equipment comprises following in every at least one: flash drive, usb driver, external fixed disk drive, thumb actuator, SD form storage card, CF form storage card, xD form storage card, Memory Card Duo and SIM card.
14. method according to claim 13 also comprises:
Prevent to activate media device, receive the affirmation that the indication purchase-transaction is finished until central processing unit.
15. method according to claim 14 confirms wherein to comprise that the purchase fund transferred to media device sale person's affirmation from the media device buyer.
16. method according to claim 13 also comprises:
Automatic disablement device is unless receive the confirmation the message that sale has been finished in timely mode.
17. method according to claim 13 also comprises:
Receive the cancellation message that the indication purchase-transaction has been cancelled; And
Based on cancellation message, the forbidding media device.
18. a method that activates the account comprises:
Finish the purchase-transaction that is associated with the account;
Send the trade confirmation that the indication purchase-transaction is finished; And
Based on trade confirmation, activate the account.
19. method according to claim 18, the action of wherein finishing purchase-transaction comprises:
Reception is used to activate the payment or the commercial acceptable promise of payment of media device feature.
20. method according to claim 18 also comprises:
Automatically forbid the account, unless receive the confirmation the message that transaction is finished in timely mode.
21. a method that activates the feature of media device comprises:
Based on the purchase of account values, transmit to activate account's request, transmit described request transfer to the sellers of account values from the buyer of account values in the fund that is associated with purchase before;
If purchase-transaction is cancelled, the account is forbidden.
22. a method that activates at least one feature of storing in the media device comprises:
In the information of central processing unit place storaging mark media device, described media device comprises in flash drive, usb driver, external fixed disk drive, thumb actuator, SD form storage card, CF form storage card, xD form storage card, Memory Card Duo and the SIM card at least a;
After storage action, during buying media device, in retailer terminal place input equipment identifier information, described device identifier message identification media device;
At the central processing unit place from retailer terminal receiving equipment identifier information;
Based on the action of receiving equipment identifier information, the sale of registration media device;
Activate request at central processing unit place receiving equipment;
Based on registration action, determine whether to authorize activated equipment; And
Based on determining that media device has been registered, make media device storage active information, described active information makes at least a can enabling in the storage of media device and the processing capacity.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US66437005P | 2005-03-23 | 2005-03-23 | |
| US60/664,370 | 2005-03-23 | ||
| US11/237,950 | 2005-09-29 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CN1838170A true CN1838170A (en) | 2006-09-27 |
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ID=37015557
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CNA2006100676908A Pending CN1838170A (en) | 2005-03-23 | 2006-03-23 | Point-of-sale activation of media device account |
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| Country | Link |
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| CN (1) | CN1838170A (en) |
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN102904622A (en) * | 2011-07-28 | 2013-01-30 | 中国移动通信集团公司 | Radio-frequency (RF) capability calling method, trusted carrier and terminal |
| TWI507005B (en) * | 2007-09-19 | 2015-11-01 | 內數位專利控股公司 | Virtual subscriber identity module |
-
2006
- 2006-03-23 CN CNA2006100676908A patent/CN1838170A/en active Pending
Cited By (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TWI507005B (en) * | 2007-09-19 | 2015-11-01 | 內數位專利控股公司 | Virtual subscriber identity module |
| US9253588B2 (en) | 2007-09-19 | 2016-02-02 | Interdigital Patent Holdings, Inc. | Virtual subscriber identity module |
| CN102904622A (en) * | 2011-07-28 | 2013-01-30 | 中国移动通信集团公司 | Radio-frequency (RF) capability calling method, trusted carrier and terminal |
| CN102904622B (en) * | 2011-07-28 | 2015-02-04 | 中国移动通信集团公司 | Radio-frequency (RF) capability calling method, trusted carrier and terminal |
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Application publication date: 20060927 |