Method and apparatus for feature authorization and software copy protection in RF communications devices

Claim 2

A program-controlled digital radio transceiver including: digitally controlled radio frequency transceiving circuitry; a digital controller for controlling a plurality of transceiving functions in response to control information stored in a memory associated therewith; said memory storing said control information and also storing transceiver function-enabling information; an identification storage device for storing an identifying value uniquely associated with said transceiver; and feature authorization means for performing at least one predetermined mathematical transformation operation involving both said function-enabling information and said identifying value to compute results, said feature authorization means authorizing said digital controller to perform selected transceiving functions in response to said computed results.

Claim 3

The digital transceiver of claim 1 wherein said memory for storing transceiver function-enabling information is a non-volatile memory.

Claim 4

The digital transceiver of claim 1 wherein said identification storage device is a non-programmable read only memory.

Claim 5

The digital transceiver of claim 1 wherein said memory stores precomputed results, and said feature authorization means includes a means for comparing the computed results of said transformation operation with said precomputed results value stored in said memory.

Claim 6

A digital radio transceiver of the type including a microprocessor for controlling a plurality of radio transceiving functions in response to program control information stored in a memory associated therewith, comprising: digitally controlled transceiving circuitry for transmitting and receiving radio frequency signals; a memory for storing function-enabling program control information, said function-enabling information being stored in an encrypted form; a serial number storage device for storing a serially assigned numerical value unique to said transceiver; and feature authorization means for decrypting said function-enabling information and for performing at least one predetermined mathematical transformation operation involving both decrypted function-enabling information and said unique assigned value, said feature authorization means authorizing said microprocessor to perform selected transceiving functions only if said transformation operation resulted in a predetermined value.

Claim 7

A digital radio transceiver of the type including a microprocessor for controlling a plurality of radio transceiving functions in response to program control information stored in a memory associated therewith, comprising: digitally controlled transceiving circuitry for transmitting and receiving radio frequency signals; a memory for storing function-enabling program control information, said function-enabling information being stored in an encrypted form; a serial number storage device for storing a serially assigned numerical value unique to said transceiver; and feature authorization means for decrypting said function-enabling information and for performing at least one predetermined mathematical transformation operation involving both decrypted function-enabling information and said unique assigned value, said feature authorization means authorizing said microprocessor to perform selected transceiving functions only if said transformation operation resulted in a predetermined value.

Claim 8

The digital transceiver of claim 5 wherein said memory for storing transceiver function-enabling information is a programmable non-volatile memory.

Claim 9

The digital transceiver of claim 5 wherein said serial number storage device is a non-programmable read only memory.

Claim 10

The digital transceiver of claim 5 wherein said feature authorization means includes a means for comparing the results of said transformation operation with a predetermined value stored in said memory.

Claim 11

In a digital radio communications device performing a plurality of radio transceiving functions in response to program control information stored in a memory associated therewith, said program control information including function-enabling information for selectively enabling various predetermined combinations of transceiving functions, a method for preventing use of unauthorized program control information comprising the following steps: providing said digital radio communications device, at time of manufacture, with a serially assigned numerical value unique to said digital radio communications device, said serial number stored within said digital radio; and said digital radio communications device performing the further steps of: (a) performing a mathematical data-transformation operation on said function-enabling information and said stored unique assigned value and (b) performing various transceiving functions authorized by said function-enabling information only if said data-transformation operation results in a predetermined value.

Claim 12

In a digital radio communications device performing a plurality of radio transceiving functions in response to program control information stored in a memory associated therewith, said program control information including function-enabling information for selectively enabling various predetermined combinations of transceiving functions, a method for preventing use of unauthorized program control information comprising the following steps: providing said digital radio communications device, at time of manufacture, with a serially assigned numerical value unique to said digital radio communications device, said serial number stored within said digital radio; and said digital radio communications device performing the further steps of: (a) performing a mathematical data-transformation operation on said function-enabling information and said stored unique assigned value and (b) performing various transceiving functions authorized by said function-enabling information only if said data-transformation operation results in a predetermined value.

Claim 13

The digital radio communications device of claim 9, further comprising the step of comparing the results of said transformation operation to a predetermined value in said associated memory prior to said performing step (b), said predetermined value calculated, using the same data transformation operation, unique assigned value and function-enabling information as in step (a), and stored in said associated memory prior to power-up.

Claim 14

In a digital radio communications device for transmitting and receiving radio frequency signals of the type including a microprocessor for performing a plurality of radio transceiving functions in response to program control information stored in a memory associated therewith, said program control information including encrypted function-enabling information for selectively permitting the operation of various predetermined combinations of transceiving functions, a method for preventing unauthorized alteration, copying and/or downloading of said program control information into other products while allowing an authorized alteration of said function-enabling information to provide a different combination of functions, comprising the following steps: providing said digital radio communications device, with: a serially assigned numerical value unique to said digital radio communications device, a predetermined check value, and an encryption seed, said serial number, check value and encryption seed data stored electronically in said digital radio; and said digital radio communications device performing the further steps of: (a) decrypting said function-enabling information stored in said associated memory based on said encryption seed data; (b) performing a mathematical data-transformation operation on the decrypted function-enabling information of step (a) using said unique serial number; and (c) performing various transceiving functions authorized by said decrypted function-enabling information only if said data transformation operation results in said predetermined check value, said predetermined check value calculated using the same data-transformation operation, unique assigned value and function-enabling information as in steps (a) and (b), and stored in said associated memory prior to power-up.

Claim 15

In a digital radio communications device for transmitting and receiving radio frequency signals of the type including a microprocessor for performing a plurality of radio transceiving functions in response to program control information stored in a memory associated therewith, said program control information including encrypted function-enabling information for selectively permitting the operation of various predetermined combinations of transceiving functions, a method for preventing unauthorized alteration, copying and/or downloading of said program control information into other products while allowing an authorized alteration of said function-enabling information to provide a different combination of functions, comprising the following steps: providing said digital radio communications device, with: a serially assigned numerical value unique to said digital radio communications device, a predetermined check value, and an encryption seed, said serial number, check value and encryption seed data stored electronically in said digital radio; and said digital radio communications device performing the further steps of: (a) decrypting said function-enabling information stored in said associated memory based on said encryption seed data; (b) performing a mathematical data-transformation operation on the decrypted function-enabling information of step (a) using said unique serial number; and (c) performing various transceiving functions authorized by said decrypted function-enabling information only if said data transformation operation results in said predetermined check value, said predetermined check value calculated using the same data-transformation operation, unique assigned value and function-enabling information as in steps (a) and (b), and stored in said associated memory prior to power-up.

Claim 16

In a digital radio communications device for transmitting and receiving radio frequency signals of the type including a microprocessor for performing at least first and second radio transceiving functions in response to program control information stored in a memory associated therewith, said program control information including function-enabling information for selectively permitting the operation of various predetermined combinations of transceiving functions, an arrangement for preventing unauthorized alteration, copying or downloading of said program control information into other products, while permitting an authorized alteration of said enabling information to provide a different combination of functions, comprising: digitally controlled transceiver circuitry for transmitting and receiving radio frequency signals; a memory for storing transceiver function-enabling information; a serial number storage device for storing a serially assigned numerical value unique to said transceiver; and feature authorization means for performing at least one predetermined data transformation operation using said function-enabling information and based on said unique assigned value, said feature authorization means allowing selected transceiving functions to operate if said transformation operation resulted in a predetermined value.

Claim 17

In a digital radio communications device for transmitting and receiving radio frequency signals of the type including a microprocessor for performing at least first and second radio transceiving functions in response to program control information stored in a memory associated therewith, said program control information including function-enabling information for selectively permitting the operation of various predetermined combinations of transceiving functions, an arrangement for preventing unauthorized alteration, copying or downloading of said program control information into other products, while permitting an authorized alteration of said enabling information to provide a different combination of functions, comprising: digitally controlled transceiver circuitry for transmitting and receiving radio frequency signals; a memory for storing transceiver function-enabling information; a serial number storage device for storing a serially assigned numerical value unique to said transceiver; and feature authorization means for performing at least one predetermined data transformation operation using said function-enabling information and based on said unique assigned value, said feature authorization means allowing selected transceiving functions to operate if said transformation operation resulted in a predetermined value.

Claim 18

The digital radio communications device of claim 12, wherein said feature authorization means includes a means for comparing the results of said transformation operation with a predetermined value stored in said associated memory.

Claim 19

In a digital radio communications device for transmitting and receiving radio frequency signals of the type including a microprocessor for performing a plurality of radio transceiving functions in response to program control information stored in a memory associated therewith, said program control information including function-enabling data for selectively permitting the operation of various predetermined combinations of transceiving functions, a method for providing function-enabling data that is specifically tailored for an individual communications device and for preventing unauthorized use of said program control information by alteration, duplication or downloading into other products, comprising the following steps of: (a) providing said digital radio communications device with a serially assigned numerical value unique to said digital radio communications device, said assigned value stored within said digital communications device; (b) performing a data transformation operation on selected function-enabling data using said assigned value, said transformation operation performed prior to storing said function-enabling data in said associated memory; (c) storing the transformed function-enabling data in said associated memory along with program information for performing a reverse data transformation operation for reproducing said selected function-enabling data from transformed function-enabling data.

Claim 20

In a digital radio communications device for transmitting and receiving radio frequency signals of the type including a microprocessor for performing a plurality of radio transceiving functions in response to program control information stored in a memory associated therewith, said program control information including function-enabling data for selectively permitting the operation of various predetermined combinations of transceiving functions, a method for providing function-enabling data that is specifically tailored for an individual communications device and for preventing unauthorized use of said program control information by alteration, duplication or downloading into other products, comprising the following steps of: (a) providing said digital radio communications device with a serially assigned numerical value unique to said digital radio communications device, said assigned value stored within said digital communications device; (b) performing a data transformation operation on selected function-enabling data using said assigned value, said transformation operation performed prior to storing said function-enabling data in said associated memory; (c) storing the transformed function-enabling data in said associated memory along with program information for performing a reverse data transformation operation for reproducing said selected function-enabling data from transformed function-enabling data.

Claim 23

A method as in claim 15 wherein: said feature authorization code specifies plural radio transceiving features; and said selectively enabling step (e) enables the plural radio transceiving features specified by said feature authorization code.

Claim 24

A method as in claim 15 wherein said enabling step (e) disables said feature if said test is unfavorable, and selectively enables said feature based on the content of said feature authorization code if said test is favorable.

Claim 25

A method as in claim 15 further including decrypting said read feature authorization code.

Claim 26

A method as in claim 15 wherein said testing step comprises comparing said computed value with a predefined stored value.

Claim 29

The method as set forth in claim 20 wherein said testing step (c) comprises performing a least one computation involving said read feature authorization information that ensures that said read feature authorization information corresponds to feature authorization information specifically authorized for said equipment.

Claim 30

The method as set forth in claim 20 wherein said feature authorization information read in step (a) is in an encrypted form and said determining step (b) includes decrypting said read feature authorization information.

Claim 31

The method as set forth in claim 20 wherein said testing step (c) comprises: computing a first numerical value from a mathematical transformation of said read feature authorization information that employs a preassigned serial-number for said equipment, and comparing the results of said first numerical value to a predetermined second numerical value previously stored in said equipment.

Claim 32

The method as set forth in claim 23 wherein said second numerical value is the result of an earlier calculation of said mathematical transformation of said computation step.

Claim 35

A method as in claim 25 wherein: said feature authorization information specifies whether said equipment is authorized to perform a first tier of optional functions and also specifies whether said equipment is authorized to perform a second tier of optional functions; and said enabling step (c) selectively enables said first and second tiers based on said feature authorization information.

Claim 36

The method as set forth in claim 25 wherein said testing step (b) comprises performing a least one computation involving said read feature authorization information that ensures that said read feature authorization information corresponds to feature authorization information specifically authorized for said equipment.

Claim 37

The method as set forth in claim 25 wherein said feature authorization information read in step (a) is in an encrypted form and said reading step (a) further includes decrypting said read feature authorization information.

Claim 38

The method as set forth in claim 25 wherein said testing step (b) comprises: computing a first digital value from a predetermined mathematical transformation of said read feature authorization information that employs a binary number uniquely preassigned to said equipment, and comparing the results of said transformation to a predetermined second digital value previously stored in a non-programmable read-only memory in said equipment.

Claim 39

The method as set forth in claim 29 wherein said second digital value is the result of an earlier calculation of said mathematical transformation of said computation step.

Claim 40

Radio frequency equipment comprising: a housing; a storage medium disposed within said housing, said storage medium storing coded feature authorization information; enabling means, disposed within said housing and coupled to said storage medium, for enabling performance of an optional radio feature if read feature authorization information indicates said optional radio feature is to be enabled and said read feature authorization information is from an authorized source; and radio frequency circuitry connected to said enabling means and at least partially disposed within said housing, said radio frequency circuitry functioning in accordance with said optional radio feature if said enabling means enables performance of said optional radio feature.

Claim 41

Radio frequency equipment comprising: a housing; a storage medium disposed within said housing, said storage medium storing coded feature authorization information; enabling means, disposed within said housing and coupled to said storage medium, for enabling performance of an optional radio feature if read feature authorization information indicates said optional radio feature is to be enabled and said read feature authorization information is from an authorized source; and radio frequency circuitry connected to said enabling means and at least partially disposed within said housing, said radio frequency circuitry functioning in accordance with said optional radio feature if said enabling means enables performance of said optional radio feature.

Claim 42

Radio frequency equipment as in claim 31 wherein said enabling means includes cryptographic means for determining whether said feature authorization information is from said authorized source.

Claim 43

Radio frequency transceiving equipment comprising: radio frequency transceiving circuitry that transmits and receives radio frequency electromagnetic signals; a medium that stores feature authorization information indicating whether an optional radio transceiving function is authorized; an authenticating arrangement connected to said medium, said authenticating arrangement testing whether said feature authorization information is from an authorized source; and a controller for said radio frequency transceiving equipment, said controller cooperating with said radio frequency transceiving circuitry, said medium and said authenticating arrangement to perform said optional radio transceiving function if said optional radio transceiving function is authorized by said feature authorization information and authenticating arrangement testing indicates said feature authorization information is from an authorized source.

Claim 44

Radio frequency transceiving equipment comprising: radio frequency transceiving circuitry that transmits and receives radio frequency electromagnetic signals; a medium that stores feature authorization information indicating whether an optional radio transceiving function is authorized; an authenticating arrangement connected to said medium, said authenticating arrangement testing whether said feature authorization information is from an authorized source; and a controller for said radio frequency transceiving equipment, said controller cooperating with said radio frequency transceiving circuitry, said medium and said authenticating arrangement to perform said optional radio transceiving function if said optional radio transceiving function is authorized by said feature authorization information and authenticating arrangement testing indicates said feature authorization information is from an authorized source.

Claim 45

A digital radio comprising: a digitally controlled radio transmitter; a digitally controlled radio receiver; a digital controller connected to said radio transmitter and said radio receiver, said digital controller operating in accordance with stored program control information; and an arrangement for preventing unauthorized alteration, copying or downloading of said program control information into other products, comprising: a memory storing feature authorization information and a digital code identifying said radio; wherein said digital controller authenticates, using at least one predetermined data transformation operation, said stored feature authorization information and said digital code as being from an authorized source and wherein said digital controller allows selected transceiving functions to operate if said function enabling information and said digital code are authentic.

Claim 46

A digital radio comprising: a digitally controlled radio transmitter; a digitally controlled radio receiver; a digital controller connected to said radio transmitter and said radio receiver, said digital controller operating in accordance with stored program control information; and an arrangement for preventing unauthorized alteration, copying or downloading of said program control information into other products, comprising: a memory storing feature authorization information and a digital code identifying said radio; wherein said digital controller authenticates, using at least one predetermined data transformation operation, said stored feature authorization information and said digital code as being from an authorized source and wherein said digital controller allows selected transceiving functions to operate if said function enabling information and said digital code are authentic.

Claim 47

A digital radio comprising: a digitally controlled radio transmitter; a digitally controlled radio receiver; a memory storing feature authorization information and a digital ID code identifying said digital radio; a digital controller connected to said radio transmitter and said radio receiver; wherein said digital controller includes means for transforming said ID code and said feature authorization information to provide transformed results, and means for testing said transformed results to determine whether said feature authorization code is authorized for said ID code.

Claim 48

A digital radio comprising: a digitally controlled radio transmitter; a digitally controlled radio receiver; a memory storing feature authorization information and a digital ID code identifying said digital radio; a digital controller connected to said radio transmitter and said radio receiver; wherein said digital controller includes means for transforming said ID code and said feature authorization information to provide transformed results, and means for testing said transformed results to determine whether said feature authorization code is authorized for said ID code.

Claim 53

A method as in claim 37 wherein said step (e) includes transmitting and receiving radio frequency signals.

Claim 54

A method as in claim 37 wherein said determining step (c) includes performing at least one cryptographic operation based at least in part on said feature authorization information using a cryptographic key based at least in part on a value distinguishing said radio equipment from other radio equipment.

Claim 55

A method as in claim 39 wherein said radio equipment includes a read only arrangement providing said value, and said method further includes reading said value from said read only arrangement.

Claim 56

A method as in claim 37 wherein said determining step (c) includes authenticating that said feature authorization information was created by a known source.

Claim 57

A method as in claim 37 wherein said determining step (c) includes authenticating that said feature authorization information is customized to correspond on a one-to-one basis with said radio equipment.