Accessory authentication for electronic devices

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to electrical devices and, more particularly, to electrical devices, such as media players, that receive accessory devices.

Description of the Related Art

A media player stores media assets, such as audio tracks or photos, that can be played or displayed on the media player. One example of a media player is the iPod® media player, which is available from Apple Computer, Inc. of Cupertino, Calif. Often, a media player acquires its media assets from a host computer that serves to enable a user to manage media assets. As an example, the host computer can execute a media management application to manage media assets. One example of a media management application is iTunes®, version 4.2, produced by Apple Computer, Inc.

A media player typically includes one or more connectors or ports that can be used to interface to the media player. For example, the connector or port can enable the media player to couple to a host computer, be inserted into a docking system, or receive an accessory device.

There are today many different types of accessory devices that can interconnect to the media player. For example, a remote control can be connected to the connector or port to allow the user to remotely control the media player. As another example, an automobile can include a connector and the media player can be inserted onto the connector such that an automobile media system can interact with the media player, thereby allowing the media content on the media player to be played within the automobile.

Currently, the connectors or ports of a media player are open for use so long as a compatible connector or port is utilized. Consequently, numerous third-parties have developed accessory devices for use with other manufacturers' media players. One difficulty is that the manufacturer of a media player has no control over the various different accessory devices that can be connected to the media player. This is problematic because third-party accessory devices may be inferior, error-prone, disruptive (e.g., resource draining), or even damaging to the media player itself. Another problem is that third-party accessory devices which are unauthorized by the manufacturer of the media device may attempt to utilize features of the media device in an inappropriate or undesired manner.

Thus, there is a need for improved techniques to enable manufacturers of electronic devices to control the nature and extent to which accessory devices can be utilized with their electronic devices.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Broadly speaking, the invention pertains to improved techniques to control utilization of accessory devices with electronic devices. The improved techniques can use cryptographic approaches to authenticate electronic devices, namely, electronic devices that interconnect and communicate with one another.

One aspect of the invention pertains to techniques for authenticating an electronic device, such as an accessory device. Another aspect of the invention 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 of the invention pertains to using an accessory (or adapter) to convert a peripheral device (e.g., USB device) into a host device (e.g., USB host). Embodiments of the invention may pertain to one or more of these aspects or other aspects disclosed herein.

The invention can be implemented in numerous ways, including as a method, system, device, apparatus (including graphical user interface), or computer readable medium. Several embodiments of the invention are discussed below.

As a portable electronic device, one embodiment of the invention includes at least: a media storage device that stores media content for one or more media items; a media presentation module that retrieves media content for at least one of the media items from the media storage and causes the media content to be presented for a user of the portable electronic device; an authentication table that stores authentication information for various accessory devices that are authorized to couple to and interact with the portable electronic device; and an authentication module that determines whether a particular accessory device that is coupled to the portable media device is authorized to interoperate with the portable electronic device based on at least a portion of the authentication information stored in the authentication table.

As an accessory device for a portable electronic device, one embodiment of the invention includes at least: an input/output port for interacting with the portable electronic device; an authentication algorithm; an authentication key associated with the accessory device; an authentication controller, operatively connected to the input/output port, for performing authentication operations using at least the authentication algorithm and the authentication key; and accessory circuitry that performs operations associated with the accessory device.

As a connector for connecting an accessory device to a media player, one embodiment of the invention includes at least: a connector body; a plurality of electrical contacts attached within the connector body and serving to provide electrical connections between the accessory device and the media player; and a controller disposed in the connector body and providing an authentication key that allows the accessory device to be authenticated by the media player.

As a method for authorizing an accessory device for use with an electronic device, one embodiment of the invention includes at least the acts of: receiving a device identifier from the accessory device; receiving an authentication value from the accessory device; determining whether the accessory device is authentic based on the authentication value; and authorizing usage of the accessory device with the electronic device when it is determined that the accessory device is authentic.

As a method for authorizing an accessory device for use with an electronic device, another embodiment of the invention includes at least the acts of: detecting attachment of the accessory device with the electronic device; sending a random number to the accessory device after attachment of the accessory device has been detected; subsequently receiving an encoded value from the accessory device; receiving a device identifier from the accessory device; obtaining a cryptographic key based on the device identifier; decoding the encoded value using the cryptographic key to produce a decoded value; determining whether the decoded value corresponds to the random number; and authorizing usage of the accessory device with the electronic device when it is determined that the decoded value corresponds to the random number.

As a method for authorizing an accessory device for use with an electronic device, still another embodiment of the invention includes at least the acts of: detecting attachment of the accessory device with the electronic device; sending an authentication request, including at least a random number, to the accessory device after attachment of the accessory device has been detected; subsequently receiving an authentication response from the accessory device, the authentication response being in response to the authentication request, and the authentication response including at least an encoded value and a device identifier for the accessory device; obtaining a cryptographic key based on the device identifier; decoding the encoded value using the cryptographic key to produce a decoded value; and authorizing usage of the accessory device with the electronic device based on a correspondence between the decoded value and the random number.

As a method for authorizing an accessory device for use with an electronic device, still yet another embodiment of the invention includes at least the acts of: receiving a random number from the electronic device; encoding the random number using a cryptographic key provided within the accessory device, thereby producing an encoded value; and sending the encoded value and a device identifier to the electronic device.

As a method for controlling interaction between a media player and an accessory device, one embodiment of the invention includes at least the acts of: determining a classification of the accessory device; identifying an authorization level for the accessory device; and selectively activating features of the media device that are available to be used in conjunction with the accessory device based on the classification and authorization level of the accessory device.

As a media player system, one embodiment of the invention includes at least: a media player storing media content and supporting a plurality of predetermined functions, and an accessory device capable of connecting to the media player. The media player and the accessory device interact to perform an authentication process and, based on the authentication process, specific functions of the media device are selectively activated and thus available for use by the accessory device.

Other aspects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be readily understood by the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate like structural elements, and in which:

FIG. 1A is a block diagram of an accessory authentication system according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 1B is a block diagram of an accessory authentication system according to another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 1C is a block diagram of an accessory authentication system according to still another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2A is a block diagram of an authentication controller according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2B is a block diagram of an authentication manager according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an authentication device according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4A is a flow diagram of a host authentication process according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4B is a flow diagram of an accessory authentication process according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 5A and 5B are flow diagrams of host device processing according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 6A and 6B are flow diagrams of accessory device processing according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6C is a diagram of an authorization table according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 7A and 7B are flow diagrams of an accessory device process according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 8A-8C are flow diagrams of a host device process according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 9A-9C are flow diagrams of an accessory device process according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 10A and 10B are flow diagrams of a host device process according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram of a media management system according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram of a media player according to one embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention pertains to improved techniques to control utilization of accessory devices with electronic devices. The improved techniques can use cryptographic approaches to authenticate electronic devices, namely, electronic devices that interconnect and communicate with one another.

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). Examples of accessories for media devices, include: voice recorder, FM transceivers, peripheral bus devices (e.g., FireWire® devices or USB devices), media devices (e.g., media readers, displays, cameras, etc.), power units (e.g., power adapters, battery packs, etc.), speakers (headphones or speaker systems), remote control devices, network devices, or automobile integration units).

Embodiments of the invention are discussed below with reference to FIGS. 1-12. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these figures is for explanatory purposes as the invention extends beyond these limited embodiments.

FIG. 1A is a block diagram of an accessory authentication system 100 according to one embodiment of the invention. The accessory authentication system 100 includes a mobile computing device 102. The mobile computing device 102 can also be referred to as a host device. Additionally, the mobile computing device 102 can, for example, pertain to a media player, a personal digital assistant, or a mobile telephone. The mobile computing device 102 includes a connector port 104 for receiving a connector.

The accessory authentication system 100 also includes an authentication device 106 having a connector 108 and a connector port 110. The authentication device 106 can be attached to the mobile computing device 102. In particular, when the authentication device 106 is attached to the mobile computing device 102, the connector 108 of the authentication device 106 is received by the connector port 104 of the mobile computing device 102. When the connector 108 is coupled into the connector port 104, the authentication device 106 is physically and electrically connected to the mobile computing device 102.

The accessory authentication system 100 further includes an accessory device 112. The accessory device 112 provides certain functionality to the mobile computing device 102 when the accessory device 112 is interconnected with the mobile computing device 102 via the authentication device 106. To facilitate such interconnection, the accessory device 112 includes a connector 114 and a cable 116. The cable 116 connects the connector 114 to the accessory device 112. The connector 114 can be coupled to the connector port 110 of the authentication device 106. When such connection has been made, the accessory device 112 is in electrical communication with the mobile computing device 102 via the authentication device 106.

Although the accessory authentication system 100 includes the connector 114 and the end of the cable 116, the connector 114 can be integrated into the accessory device 112. In other words, in another embodiment, the cable 116 is not needed.

According to one aspect of the invention, the authentication device 106 serves to authenticate itself to the mobile computing device 102. An authenticated device is deemed authorized to interact with the mobile computing device 102. Also, once authorized, the nature and degree of interaction between the authenticated device 106 (or the accessory device 102) and the mobile computing device 102 can be controlled. Consequently, once authorized, the mobile computing device 102 can consider the authentication device 106 to be a trusted partner which is permitted to access functions, features or operations of the mobile computing device 102. On the other hand, if the mobile computing device 102 determines that the authentication device 106 is not associated with a trusted partner, then the mobile computing device 102 can prevent or limit interactions with either the authentication device 106 for the accessory device 112. The authentication device 106 itself can also be considered an accessory device for the mobile computing device 102.

In one embodiment, the authentication device 106 serves as a bus interface adapter, such as a USB or FireWire® adapter. In such an embodiment, the authentication device 106 servers to adapt the mobile computing device 102 to a bus host device (e.g., USB or FireWire® host). The accessory device 112 then advantageously need only operate as a bus peripheral device (e.g., USB or FireWire® device).

FIG. 1B is a block diagram of an accessory authentication system 150 according to another embodiment of the invention. The accessory authentication system 150 includes a mobile computing device 152 having a connector port 154. The mobile computing device 152 can also be referred to as a host device. Additionally, the mobile computing device 152 can, for example, pertain to a media player, a personal digital assistant, or a mobile telephone.

The accessory authentication system 150 also includes an accessory device 156. The accessory device 156 includes a connector 158 and an authentication device 160. In this embodiment, the authentication device 160 in internal to the accessory device 156. The accessory device 156 can be coupled to the mobile computing device 152 by inserting the connector 158 into the connector port 154. One such connection is established, the accessory device 156 is electrically connected to the mobile computing device 152. Nevertheless, the mobile computing device 152 can interact with the authentication device 160 to enable the mobile computing device 152 to authenticate the accessory device 156. When authenticated, the accessory device 156 is deemed authorized to interact with the mobile computing device 152. Once authorized, the nature and degree of interaction between the accessory device 156 and the mobile computing device 152 can be controlled. Consequently, once authorized, the mobile computing device 152 can consider the accessory 156 to be a trusted partner (or associated with a trusted partner) which is permitted to access functions, features or operations of the mobile computing device 152. On the other hand, if the mobile computing device 152 determines that the accessory device 156 is not a trusted partner (or not associated with a trusted partner), then the mobile computing device 152 can prevent or limit interactions with the accessory device 156.

FIG. 1C is a block diagram of an accessory authentication system 170 according to still another embodiment of the invention. The accessory authentication system 170 includes a mobile computing device 172 having a connector port 174. The mobile computing device 172 can also be referred to as a host device. The mobile computing device 172 can, for example, pertain to a media player, a personal digital assistant, or a mobile telephone. The accessory authentication system 170 also includes an accessory device 176. The accessory device 176 includes a connector 178 and an authentication device 180. In this embodiment, the authentication device 180 in coupled to or integrated with the connector 178. The authentication device can be relatively small and thus by coupled to or integrated with the connector 178. By providing the authentication device 180 in the connector 178, an accessory device can easily be manufactured to provide authentication capabilities.

The accessory device 176 can be coupled to the mobile computing device 172 by inserting the connector 178 into the connector port 174. One such connection is established, the accessory device 176 is electrically connected to the mobile computing device 172. Nevertheless, the mobile computing device 172 can interact with the authentication device 180 to enable the mobile computing device 172 to authenticate the accessory device 176. When authenticated, the accessory device 176 is deemed authorized to interact with the mobile computing device 172. Once authorized, the nature and degree of interaction between the accessory device 176 and the mobile computing device 172 can be controlled. Consequently, once authorized, the mobile computing device 172 can consider the accessory 176 to be a trusted partner (or associated with a trusted partner) which is permitted to access functions, features or operations of the mobile computing device 172. On the other hand, if the mobile computing device 172 determines that the accessory device 176 is not a trusted partner (or not associated with a trusted partner), then the mobile computing device 172 can prevent or limit interactions with either the accessory device 172.

Additionally, although FIGS. 1A-1C reference authentication devices utilized to authenticate an accessory device for a mobile computing device, it should be understood that such authentication devices can alternatively be used to authenticate a mobile computing device for an accessory device. In any case, the authentication being performed is done in a secure manner, such as using cryptographic techniques. The cryptographic techniques not only serve to substantially prevent counterfeit accessory devices from being utilized, but also cause reduction in opportunities for “spoofing.” In one embodiment, the cryptographic techniques use a public-private key set to form a valid digital signature.

FIG. 2A is a block diagram of an authentication controller 200 according to one embodiment of the invention. The authentication controller 200 includes a processor 202, a Random Access Memory (RAM) 204, and a Read-Only Memory (ROM) 206. The ROM 206 includes a private key 208 and an authentication algorithm 210. The authentication controller 200 also receives a power line 212 and a communication bus (link) 214. For example, the power line 212 and the communication bus 214 can be provided by a connector of the authentication controller 200, such as the connector 108 illustrated in FIG. 1A, the connector 158 illustrated in FIG. 1B, or the connector 178 illustrated in FIG. 1C.

The processor 202 typically interacts with a mobile computing device (via the communication bus 214) to authenticate an accessory device (or an authentication device). During an authentication process, the processor 202 makes use of the authentication algorithm 210 as well as the private key 208 stored within the authentication controller 200. The authentication algorithm 210 can vary with different implementations, and suitable authentication algorithms are known to those skilled in the art.

Although not shown in FIG. 2A, the authentication controller 200, or an authentication device or accessory device including or utilizing the authentication controller 200, can further include a device identifier and additional circuitry. The device identifier can, for example, pertain to a product identifier and/or a manufacturer identifier. The additional circuitry can vary with implementation. When the additional circuitry is within an accessory device, the additional circuitry can be referred to as accessory circuitry.

In one embodiment, the authentication controller 200 is implemented on a single integrated circuit (i.e., single chip). By providing the authentication controller 200 on a single integrated circuit, external access to the private key 208 and the authentication algorithm 210 is substantially prevented. As a result, the authentication process is not only cryptographically secured but also physically secured by limited physical access.

FIG. 2B is a block diagram of an authentication manager 250 according to one embodiment of the invention. The authentication manager 250 is, for example, provided within an electronic device, such as the mobile computing device 102 illustrated in FIG. 1A, the mobile computing device 152 illustrated in FIG. 1B, or the mobile computing device 172 illustrated in FIG. 1C. In this embodiment, the authentication manager 250 of the electronic device authenticates an accessory device (or authentication device).

The authentication manager 250 includes an authentication module 252, an authorization table 254, and a port interface 256. The authentication module 252 operates to evaluate whether a particular accessory device (or authentication device) that couples to the port interface 256 is authentic and thus permitted to interoperate with the electronic device. The port interface 256 can provide power and a communication bus 258 to the accessory device (or authentication device). The authorization table 254 stores authentication information that is utilized by the authentication module 252 to evaluate whether certain accessory devices (or authentication devices) are authentic. As previously noted, the authentication manager 250 is provided within the electronic device, which can be referred to as a host device.

The electronic device (or host device) typically has various operating features that can be invoked or utilized. In one embodiment, an accessory device that is authenticated by the authentication manager 250 can have complete access to all of the features available on the electronic device (or host device). In another embodiment, the authorization table 254 can control the manner in which the features of the electronic device or host device that are made available to the accessory device. As an example, if the electronic device (or host device) offers a plurality of different features that can be utilized, the authorization table 254 can contain an indication as to which of these available features are permitted to be utilized by a particular accessory device. For example, authorization can be classified into levels or classes, each of which having different authorizations. The authorization can also specify the manner by which the different features are authorized for use. Hence, features may be authorized for use in limited ways. For example, a feature may be authorized for use over a slow communication interface (e.g., serial) with the electronic device and not over a fast communication interface (FireWire® or USB) with the electronic device. In other words, in this example, features may be authorized for use over only certain interface mechanisms.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an authentication device 300 according to one embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, the authentication device 300 not only contains circuitry for authentication of itself or an accessory device coupled thereto, but also additional circuitry for providing other functions by the authentication device 300. In particular, the authentication device 300 is designed to couple to an electronic device as well as to an accessory device. As shown in FIG. 3, the authentication device 300 includes a controller 302 that includes memory 304. As an example, the controller 302 can pertain to the authentication controller 200 illustrated in FIG. 2A. The controller 302 can couple to a port connector 306 which in turn can connect to the electronic device. The port connector 306 can provide power from the electronic device to the controller 302 and a boost converter 308 over a power line (PIN). Additionally, the controller 302 can communicate with the electronic device through the port connector 306 by way of transmit and receive communication lines (TX, RX). Through such communication, the electronic device can determine whether the authentication device 300 is authorized for use with the electronic device. If the electronic device determines that the authentication device 300 is authorized, then the controller 302 can enable a boost converter 308 using an enable signal (EN). Once enabled, the boost converter 308, which receives an input voltage on the power line (PIN) from the port connector 306, can output a boosted output voltage on a power line (POUT) to a USB connector 310. For example, the input voltage can be 3.3 Volts and the boosted output voltage can be 5.0 Volts. The USB connector 310 also receives a pair of differential data lines (D+, D−) from the port connector 306 to allow data transmission between the electronic device and an accessory device that can be coupled to the USB connector 310.

In this embodiment, the authentication device 300 can operate to convert an electronic device into a host device, such as a USB host. Typically, the electronic device is a USB device, not a host device, but the attachment of the authentication device 300 to the electronic device can convert the electronic device into a host device. The host device can be USB compliant so that any USB device can be connected to the USB connector 310. In which case, any accessory with a USB port can connect with the electronic device via the authentication device 300.

The authentication techniques utilized by the invention can be utilized to allow a host device to authenticate an accessory device, or can allow an accessory device to authenticate a host device. The authentication process between the host device and the accessory device can be initiated at any time during coupling between the authentication device and the host device. For example, the authentication process can be initiated on connection of accessory device to host device, on first usage of restricted features, or periodically.

FIG. 4A is a flow diagram of a host authentication process 400 according to one embodiment of the invention. The host authentication process 400 is, for example, performed by a host device.

The host authentication process 400 initially receives 402 a device identifier associated with an accessory device to be authenticated. Additionally, an authentication value is received 404 from the accessory device. Here, the host device it is performing the authentication process; hence, the accessory device provides the authentication value to the host device. In one embodiment, in determining the authentication value, the accessory device utilizes a random number and a private key. The random number can be provided to the accessory device by the host device, or the random number can be available from the accessory device.

Next, the host authentication process 400 determines 406 whether the accessory device is authentic based on the authentication value and the device identifier. A decision 408 then determines whether the accessory device is authentic based on the determination made at block 406. When the decision 408 determines that the accessory device has been determined to be authentic, usage of the accessory device with the host device is authorized 410. The nature of the usage being authorized 410 can vary depending upon implementation. For example, the usage authorized 410 could allow complete usage of the accessory device or could allow limited usage of the accessory device.

On the other hand, when the decision 408 determines that the accessory device is not authentic, then the block 410 is bypassed such that the accessory device is not authorized for usage with the host device. In this case, since the accessory device was not determined to be authentic, usage of the accessory device with the host device is substantially restricted or prevented. Following the block 410, or its being bypassed, the host authentication process 400 is complete and ends.

FIG. 4B is a flow diagram of an accessory authentication process 450 according to one embodiment of the invention. The accessory authentication process 450 is, for example, performed by an accessory device.

The accessory authentication process 450 sends 452 a private key identifier associated with the accessory device to a host device. The private key identifier is used by the host device to obtain an appropriate private key which is used by the host device in producing the authentication value which is sent to the accessory device. The accessory device will receive 454 an authentication value from the host device.

Next, the accessory authentication process 450 determines 456 whether the host device is authentic based on the authentication value and a public key. Typically, the public key would be provided internal to the accessory device. A decision 458 then determines whether the host device has been determined to be authentic. When the decision 458 determines that the host device has been deemed authentic, then usage of the host device with the accessory device is authorized 460. The nature of the usage being authorized 460 can vary depending upon implementation. For example, the usage authorized 460 could allow complete usage of the host device or could allow limited usage of the host device.

On the other hand, when the decision 458 determines that the host device is not authentic, then the block 460 is bypassed, such that usage of the host device with the accessory device is substantially restricted or prevented. Following the block 460, or its being bypassed, the accessory authentication process 450 is complete and ends.

FIGS. 5A and 5B are flow diagrams of host device processing 500 according to one embodiment of the invention. The host device processing 500 is, for example, performed by an electronic device, such as the mobile computing device 152 illustrated in FIG. 1A, the mobile computing device 152 illustrated in FIG. 1B, or the mobile computing device 172.

The host device processing 500 begins with a decision 502 that determines whether authentication information has been received from an accessory device. When the decision 502 determines that authentication information has not been received, the host device processing 500 awaits receipt of authentication information. Once the decision 502 determines that authentication information has been received at the host device, the host device processing 500 continues. Namely, a random number is generated 504 at the host device. Typically, the random number is generated 504 at the host device in a random matter, such as using a random number generator. Next, an authentication request is sent 506 to the accessory device. Here, the authentication request includes at least a random number.

A decision 508 then determines whether an authentication response has been received from the accessory device. When the decision 508 determines that the authentication response has not yet been received, then the host device processing 500 awaits receipt of such an authentication response. Once the decision 508 determines that an authentication response has been received, an encoded number and a device identifier are extracted 510 from the authentication response.

Then, using the device identifier, a public key can be obtained 512. In one embodiment, the host device includes a plurality of public keys that are assigned to various different accessory devices. The device identifier, in such an embodiment, can be utilized to designate a particular accessory device and thus permit selection of an appropriate one of the public keys. Next, the encoded number is cryptographically decoded 514 using the public key to produce a decoded number. The decoded number is then compared 516 to the random number. In other words, the decoded number that is derived from the encoded number that was received in the authentication response from the accessory device is compared 516 with the random number that was previously sent to the accessory device in the authentication request. A decision 518 then determines whether the decoded number matches the random number. When the decision 518 determines that the decoded number does not match the random number, a user can optionally be notified 520 that the accessory device its unauthorized. Such a notification can be achieved by visual means or audio means. For example, a visual notification could be presented on a display device associated with the host device or the accessory device.

On the other hand, when the decision 518 determines that the decoded number does match the random number, authorized features associated with the device identifier are obtained 522. Then, utilization of the authorized features is enabled 524. Next, a decision 526 can determine whether the accessory device has been removed (or detached) from the host device. When the decision 526 that the accessory device has not been removed, then the host device processing 500 can continue to permit the utilization of the authorized features. However, once the decision 526 determines that the accessory device has been removed, the utilization of all features of the host device can be disabled 528. In other words, as an example, the authorized features can considered enabled for utilization during a session. The session can remain active so long as the accessory device remains attached to the host device. Once detached, the session ends and subsequent re-attachment requires re-authentication. Following the operation 528, as well as following the operation 520, the host device processing 500 is complete and ends.

FIGS. 6A and 6B are flow diagrams of accessory device processing 600 according to one embodiment of the invention. The accessory device processing 600 is, for example, performed by an accessory device, such as the accessory device 112 shown in FIG. 1A, the accessory device 156 shown in FIG. 1B, or the accessory device 176 shown in FIG. 1C. The accessory device processing 600 represents counterpart processing to the host device processing 500 illustrated in FIGS. 5A and 5B.

The accessory device processing 600 begins with a decision 602 that determines whether power is supplied to the accessory device. When the decision 602 determines that power is not supplied to the accessory device, the accessory device processing 600 awaits available power. Typically, power is supplied to the accessory device once the accessory device is connected to a host device. Hence, the decision 602 can alternatively determine whether the accessory device is connected to a host device.

Once the decision 602 determines that power is supplied to the accessory device, authentication information can be sent 604 to the host device. In one embodiment, the authentication information can include information indicating the one or more authentication versions that are supported. A decision 606 then determines whether an authentication request has been received. When the decision 606 determines that an authentication request is not been received, then the accessory device processing 600 awaits such a request. Once the decision 606 determines that an authentication request has been received, the random number provided in the authentication request is extracted 608. A private key is obtained 610 from the authentication device. For security reasons, the private key can be stored internal to the authentication device and not readily accessible outside of the authentication device. Next, the random number is cryptographically encoded 612 using key private key to produce an encoded number.

Thereafter, an authentication response is sent 614 to the host device. Here, the authentication response includes at least the encoded number and the device identifier. After the authentication response has been sent 614, a decision 616 determines whether access to features of the host device have been authorized. The decision 616 can be resolved actively or passively. For example, the host device might notify the accessory device that it has been authorized for access to one or more features of the host device. As another example, the host device may not notify the accessory device but might instead permit the accessory device to access the one or more features of the host device that are authorized. In any case, when the decision 616 determines that access to certain features on the host device have not been authorized, operation 620 of the accessory device, if any, is prevented from using the certain features of the host device. Indeed, in one embodiment, the host device can prevent any operation of the accessory device. As an example, the host device could prevent communication with the accessory device and/or cease supplying power to the accessory device.

On the other hand, when the decision 616 determines that access to certain features of the host device has been authorized, then the accessory device can be operated 618 in accordance with the authorized features. In other words, if authorized, the accessory device is able to interact with the host device to utilize the certain features supported by the host device.

Following the operations 618 and 620, a decision 622 determines whether the accessory device has been removed, i.e., whether the accessory device has been disconnected from the host device. When the decision 622 determines that the accessory device remains connected or attached to the host device, then the appropriate operations 618 or 620 can continue. Alternatively when the decision 622 determines that the accessory device has been removed, then the accessory device is no longer authorized to interact with the host device and thus can no longer utilized the previously authorized features supported by the host device. In this case, the accessory device processing 600 ends. However, the accessory device can be subsequently re-authorized by again performing the accessory device processing 600.

In the accessory device processing 600, the device identifier was provided with the authentication response. In an alternative embodiment, the device identifier can be provided to the host device differently, such as with the authentication information. The device identifier could also be separately provided to the host device.

FIG. 6C is a diagram of an authorization table 650 according to one embodiment of the invention. The authorization table is, for example, suitable for use as the authorization table 254 shown in FIG. 2B. In general, the authorization table 650 can be used to determine authorized features for a given accessory device. The authorization table 650 includes a device identifier column 652, a public key column 654, and an authorized features column 656. The authorization table 650 associates device identifiers, public keys and authorized features. Using a device identifier, the host device can determine an appropriate public key to be used when determining whether an accessory device identified using a particular device identifier can be authenticated. In the event that the authentication of the accessory device is successful, the authorized features associated with the device identifier can be identified in the authorized features column 656.

According to one aspect of the invention, a host device can operate to authenticate an accessory device being coupled to the host device. Those accessory devices that are able to be authenticated are permitted to interoperate with the host device to a greater extent. The host device can thus control the nature and degree by which accessory devices can interoperate with the host device. For example, the host device can limit, restrict or prevent accessory devices from interoperating with the host device when accessory devices are not able to be authenticated. Alternatively, the host device can enable greater interoperating with the host device when accessory devices are authenticated.

FIGS. 7A and 7B are flow diagrams of an accessory device process 700 according to one embodiment of the invention. FIGS. 8A-8C are flow diagrams of a host device process 800 according to one embodiment of the invention. The accessory device process 700 is performed by an accessory device during an authentication process with a host device. The host device process 800 is performed by the host device during the authentication process with the accessory process. The host device process 800 is a counterpart process to the accessory device process 700. In other words, during an authentication process, there is an exchange of information between the host device in the accessory device. Hence, FIGS. 7A and 7B represent processing performed by the accessory device and FIGS. 8A-8C represent processing performed by the host device, during one embodiment of an authentication process. It should be understood that although the authentication process depicted in these figures is illustrated as being substantially sequential, the authentication process can, in general, be considered a protocol utilized by an accessory device and a host device to exchange information for not only authentication but also subsequent operation. In one embodiment, such a protocol could be considered substantially parallel, such as in a client-server or master-slave implementation.

FIGS. 7A and 7B are flow diagrams of an accessory device process 700 according to one embodiment of the invention. The accessory device process 700 begins with a decision 702. The decision 702 determines whether an accessory device is connected to a host device. Typically, the decision 702 would detect the recent connection of the accessory device to the host device by way of a connector. In any case, when the decision 702 determines that the accessory device is not connected to the host device, the accessory device processing 700 can effectively await such a connection. In other words, the accessory device process 700 can be deemed invoked when the accessory device connects to the host device.

Once the decision 702 determines that the accessory device is connected to the host device, the accessory device process 700 continues. When the accessory device process 700 continues, authentication control information is sent 704 from the accessory device to the host device. As an example, the authentication control information can specify the type of accessory device, whether authentication is supported, when to authenticate, and/or power requirement of the accessory device. Specific examples of types of accessory devices are: microphone, simple remote, display remote, remote user interface, RF transmitter, and USB control host. The authentication status of the accessory device is cleared 706 on its on initiative or in response to a command or acknowledgement from the host device. Here, by clearing 706 the authentication status whenever an accessory device is connected, the accessory device can understand that it must be authenticated with the host device.

Next, a decision 710 determines whether a device authentication information request has been received. Here, the device authentication information request is sent to the accessory device by the host device. The device authentication information request serves to request certain information from the accessory device that will be utilized by the host device during the authentication process. When the decision 710 determines that a device authentication information request has not yet been received, the accessory device process 700 awaits such request. Once the decision 710 determines that a device authentication information request has been received, device authentication information is obtained 712 from the accessory device. As an example, the device authentication information can include a device identifier and a version indicator. The device identifier can pertain to a vendor identifier, a product identifier, or both. The version indicator can pertain to a protocol version that is supported. The device authentication information is then sent 714 the host device.

A decision 716 then determines whether an authentication request has been received from the host device. Here, the authentication request is a request from the host device to provide an authentication response containing a digital signature that is utilized to authenticate the accessory device. When the decision 716 determines that an authentication request has not been received, the accessory device process 700 awaits such request. Once the decision 716 determines that an authentication request has been received, a host random number is extracted 718 from the authentication request. The authentication request includes at least the host random number which is to be used in the authentication process.

A private key internal to the accessory device is then obtained 720. A device digital signature can then be calculated 722 using at least the host random number, the private key and a device random number. The device random number is generated or available within the accessory device. The device digital signature is an encrypted value that will be used by the host device to authenticate the accessory device. An authentication response is then sent 724 to the host device. The authentication response is formed such that it includes at least the device digital signature.

A decision 726 then determines whether device authentication status has been received from the host device. When the decision 726 determines that device authentication status has not been received, the accessory device process 700 awaits such information. Once the decision 726 determines that the device authentication status has been received, the device authentication status can be stored 728 on the accessory device. Following the block 728, the accessory device process 700 ends.

FIGS. 8A-8C are flow diagrams of a host device process 800 according to one embodiment of the invention. The host device process 800 begins with a decision 802 that determines whether authentication control information has been received from an accessory device. When the decision 802 determines that authentication control information has not been received, the host device process 800 awaits such information. Once the decision 802 determines that authentication control information has been received, the host device process 800 continues. In other words, the host device processing 800 is effectively invoked once authentication control information is received.

When the host device process 800 continues, the device authentication status can be reset (i.e., cleared) 804. Thus, the accessory device is deemed unauthentic until the authentication process is able to authenticate the accessory device. This operation may have already occurred automatically at the host device, such as when an accessory device is disconnected from the host device.

A decision 806 then determines whether the accessory device supports authentication based on the authentication control information. When the decision 806 determines that authentication is not supported by the accessory device, the host device processing 800 ends without having authenticated the accessory device. In this case, the accessory device may be restricted, even prevented, from interoperating with the host device.

On the other hand, when the decision 806 determines that authentication is supported by the accessory device, the host device process 800 continues. At this point, a device authentication information request is sent 808 to the accessory device. A decision 810 then determines whether device authentication information has been received. When the decision 810 determines that device authentication information has not been received, the host device process 800 awaits such information is received. Once the decision 810 determines that device authentication information has been received, a decision 812 determines whether authentication should be performed at this time. Here, it should be understood that the host device process 800 can perform authentication proximate to when the accessory device is connected to the host device, or the authentication can be deferred until a later point in time, such as periodically when the accessory device desires (e.g., first desires) to use extended features of the host device which are only available to an authenticated device. Hence, when the decision 812 determines that authentication is not immediately required, the host device process 800 can await the appropriate time to perform the authentication process. Once the decision 812 determines that authentication should be performed, a host random number is generated 814. Next, an authentication request is sent 816 to the accessory device. The authentication request includes at least the host random number that has been generated 814.

A decision 818 then determines whether an authentication response has been received from the accessory device. When the decision 818 determines that an authentication response has been received, a device digital signature is extracted 820 from the authentication response. A public key is also obtained 822 for use with the accessory device. In one embodiment, the host device includes a plurality of public keys that are associated with different device identifiers. Hence, the device authentication information from the accessory device can include a device identifier for the accessory device. The device identifier can be utilized in obtaining 822 the public key for use with the accessory device. As an example, an authentication table, such as the authentication table 650 shown in FIG. 6C, can be used to obtain the public key.

Next, the device digital signature is validated 824 using the public key. In one embodiment, the validation 824 of the digital device signature also makes use of the host random number. A decision 826 then determines whether the digital device signature has been validated. When the decision 826 determines that the device digital signature has been validated, the accessory device is deemed 828 authentic. Command access permissions associated with the accessory device can then be updated 830 so that the host device permits the accessory device to use those commands that are permitted by authenticated devices. On the other hand, when the decision 826 determines that the digital device signature has not been validated, the accessory device is deemed 832 not authentic. Following the blocks 830 and 832, device authentication status is sent 834 to the accessory device. The device authentication status serves to inform the accessory device as to whether or not the host device has authenticated the accessory device.

It the device authentication status indicates that the accessory device is deemed authentic, then the accessory device can proceed to interact with the host device in accordance with an authorized degree of the usage. As another example, when the device authentication status indicates that the accessory device is deemed not authentic, then the accessory device can be restricted, even prevented, from interaction with the host device. In any case, the authorized degree of usage of the accessory device with the host device is greater when the accessory device is deemed authentic.

FIGS. 9A-9C are flow diagrams of an accessory device process 900 according to one embodiment of the invention. FIGS. 10A and 10B are flow diagrams of a host device process 1000 according to one embodiment of the invention. The accessory device process 900 is performed by an accessory device during an authentication process when seeking to authenticate a host device. The host device process 1000 is performed by the host device during the authentication process with the accessory process. The host device process 1000 is a counterpart process to the accessory device process 900. In other words, during an authentication process, there is an exchange of information between the host device in the accessory device. Hence, FIGS. 9A-9C represent processing performed by the accessory device and FIGS. 10A and 10B represent processing performed by the host device, during one embodiment of an authentication process. It should be understood that although the authentication process depicted in these figures is illustrated as being substantially sequential, the authentication process can be considered a protocol utilized by an accessory device and a host device to exchange information for not only authentication but also subsequent operation. In one embodiment, such a protocol could be considered substantially parallel, such as in a client-server or master-slave implementation.

FIGS. 9A-9C are flow diagrams of an accessory device process 900 according to one embodiment of the invention. The accessory device process 900 is performed by an accessory device when seeking to authenticate a host device connected with the accessory device.

The accessory device process 900 begins with a decision 902 that determines whether the accessory device is connected to the host device. When the decision 902 determines that the accessory device is not connected to the host device, the accessory device process 900 awaits such a connection. In other words, the accessory device process 900 is effectively invoked when the accessory device is connected to the host device. In one embodiment, the accessory device process 900 is invoked once it is determined that an accessory device has just recently connected to the host device. However, in other embodiments, the authentication process can be performed later (e.g., deferred).

Once the decision 902 determines that the accessory device is connected to the host device, authentication control information is sent 904 to the host device. A decision 906 then determines whether the authentication control information has been acknowledged. When the decision 906 determines that the authentication control information has been acknowledged, authentication status of the accessory device can be cleared 908. Here, by clearing 908 the authentication status, whenever the host device is connected, it is authenticated by the accessory device.

Next, a host authentication information request is sent 910 to the host device. A decision 912 then determines whether host authentication information has been received from the host device. When the decision 912 determines that host authentication information has not been received from the host device, the accessory device process 900 awaits such information.

Once the decision 912 determines that the host authentication information has been received, a decision 914 determines whether authentication should be performed at this time. Here, it should be noted that the authentication process can be performed immediately, such as soon after the connection has been detected, or can be deferred until a later point in time, such as when commands or extended functionality of the host device are requested. In any case, when the decision 914 determines that authentication is not to be performed at this time, the accessory device process 900 can await the appropriate time to performed the authentication.

Once the decision 914 determines that authentication should be performed, a device random number is generated 916. Then, an authentication request is sent 918 to the host device. The authentication request typically includes at least the device random number and a private key number. The private key number is used to select a private key at the host device.

Next, a decision 920 determines whether an authentication response has been received from the host device. When the decision 920 determines that an authentication response has not been received, then the accessory device process 900 awaits such a response. Once the decision 920 determines that an authentication response has been received, a host digital signature is extracted 922 from the authentication response. Also, a public key is obtained 924 based on a public key index. In one embodiment, the public key index is provided to the accessory device with the host authentication information. In one embodiment, the public key is determined at the accessory device using the public key index. For example, the accessory device can include a plurality of different public keys, and the appropriate one of the public keys to be utilized can be identified by the public key index.

The host digital signature is then validated 926 using the public key. The validation 926 may also make use of the device random number. Thereafter, a decision 928 determines whether the host digital signature has been validated. When the decision 928 determines that the host digital signature has been validated, the host device is deemed 930 to be authentic. Consequently, command access permissions for use by the host device are updated 932. For example, since the host device is validated, the interaction between the host device and the accessory device is deemed authorized, at least to the extent of the command access permissions. Alternatively, when the decision 928 determines that the host device is not validated, the host device is deemed 934 to be not authentic. Following the blocks 932 and 934, host authentication status can be sent 936 to the host device. Here, the host authentication status informs the host device of the results of the authentication process. Following the blocks 936, the accessory device process 900 is complete and ends.

FIGS. 10A and 10B are flow diagrams of host device processing 1000 according to one embodiment of the invention. The host device processing 1000 is performed on a host device while interacting with an accessory device. The host device processing 1000 represents counterpart processing to the accessory device process 900 during an authentication process.

The host device processing 1000 begins with a decision 1002 that determines whether authentication control information from the accessory device has been received. When the decision 1002 determines that authentication control information has not been received, the host device processing 1000 awaits such information. Once the decision 1002 determines that authentication control information has been received, the host device processing 1000 continues. In other words, the host device processing 1000 is effectively invoked once authentication control information from the accessory device is received.

When the host device processing 1000 continues, the host authentication status is reset 1004, thereby clearing any prior authentication status it may have. Then, a decision 1006 determines whether a host authentication information request has been received. When the decision 1006 determines that a host authentication information request has not been received, the host device processing 1000 awaits such request. Once the decision 1006 determines that a host authentication information request has been received, host authentication information is obtained 1008 at the host device. The host authentication information is then send 1010 to the accessory device. In one embodiment, the host authentication information includes at least version information and a public key index.

Next, a decision 1012 determines whether an authentication request has been received. When the decision 1012 determines that an authentication request has not been received, the host device processing 1000 awaits such request. Once the decision 1012 determines that an authentication request has been received, the device random number and a private key number are extracted 1014 from the authentication request. In this embodiment, it is understood that the authentication request being received from the accessory device includes at least the device random number and the private key number that can be utilized by the host device. Then, a private key is obtained 1016 based on the private key number. Here, the private key being obtained 1016 is internal to the host device and identified through use of the private key number.

A host digital signature is then calculated 1018 using the device random number, the private key and a host random number. The host random number can be generated or available at the host device. The host device process 1000 then sends 1020 an authentication response to the accessory device. The authentication response includes at least the host digital signature.

Thereafter, a decision 1022 determines whether a host authentication status has been received. When the decision 1022 determines that the host authentication status has not been received, the host device processing 1000 awaits such information. Once the decision 1022 determines that the host authentication status has been received, the authentication status is stored 1024 at the host device. At this point, the host device understands the authentication status it has with the accessory device and can operate accordingly. Following the block 1024, the host device processing 1000 is complete and ends.

According to another aspect of the invention, an electronic device, or host device, can also connect to a host computer, such as a personal computer. The personal computer can store, utilize and manage media items. The management of the media items can be not only for the host computer but also for the electronic device.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram of a media management system 1100 according to one embodiment of the invention. The media management system 1100 includes a host computer 1102 and a media player 1104. The host computer 1102 is typically a personal computer. The host computer, among other conventional components, includes a management module 1106 which is a software module. The management module 1106 provides for centralized management of media items (and/or playlists) not only on the host computer 1102 but also on the media player 1104. More particularly, the management module 1106 manages those media items stored in a media store 1108 associated with the host computer 1102. The management module 1106 also interacts with a media database 1110 to store media information associated with the media items stored in the media store 1108.

The media information pertains to characteristics or attributes of the media items. For example, in the case of audio or audiovisual media, the media information can include one or more of: title, album, track, artist, composer and genre. These types of media information are specific to particular media items. In addition, the media information can pertain to quality characteristics of the media items. Examples of quality characteristics of media items can include one or more of: bit rate, sample rate, equalizer setting, volume adjustment, start/stop and total time.

Still further, the host computer 1102 includes a play module 1112. The play module 1112 is a software module that can be utilized to play certain media items stored in the media store 1108. The play module 1112 can also display (on a display screen) or otherwise utilize media information from the media database 1110. Typically, the media information of interest corresponds to the media items to be played by the play module 1112.

The host computer 1102 also includes a communication module 1114 that couples to a corresponding communication module 1116 within the media player 1104. A connection or link 1118 removably couples the communication modules 1114 and 1116. In one embodiment, the connection or link 1118 is a cable that provides a data bus, such as a FIREWIRE® bus or USB bus, which is well known in the art. In another embodiment, the connection or link 1118 is a wireless channel or connection through a wireless network. Hence, depending on implementation, the communication modules 1114 and 1116 may communicate in a wired or wireless manner.

The media player 1104 also includes a media store 1120 that stores media items within the media player 1104. Optionally, the media store 1120 can also store data, i.e., non-media item storage. The media items being stored to the media store 1120 are typically received over the connection or link 1118 from the host computer 1102. More particularly, the management module 1106 sends all or certain of those media items residing on the media store 1108 over the connection or link 1118 to the media store 1120 within the media player 1104. Additionally, the corresponding media information for the media items that is also delivered to the media player 1104 from the host computer 1102 can be stored in a media database 1122. In this regard, certain media information from the media database 1110 within the host computer 1102 can be sent to the media database 1122 within the media player 1104 over the connection or link 1118. Still further, playlists identifying certain of the media items can also be sent by the management module 1106 over the connection or link 1118 to the media store 1120 or the media database 1122 within the media player 1104.

Furthermore, the media player 1104 includes a play module 1124 that couples to the media store 1120 and the media database 1122. The play module 1124 is a software module that can be utilized to play certain media items stored in the media store 1120. The play module 1124 can also display (on a display screen) or otherwise utilize media information from the media database 1122. Typically, the media information of interest corresponds to the media items to be played by the play module 1124.

According to one embodiment, to support an authentication process on the media player 1104, the media player 1104 can further include an authentication module 1126 and an authentication table 1128. In one implementation, the authentication module 1126 and the authentication table 1128 can respectively correspond to the authentication module 252 and the authentication table 254 described above with reference to FIG. 2B.

As previously noted, an accessory device can couple to a media player. Hence, FIG. 11 also illustrates an accessory device 1130 capable of coupling to the media player 1104. According to one embodiment, the accessory device 1130 can further include an authentication device 1132. The authentication device 1132 operates to support the authentication process on the media player 1104 according to one embodiment. In one implementation, the authentication device 1132 can correspond to the authentication controller 200 described above with reference to FIG. 2A.

In one embodiment, the media player 1104 has limited or no capability to manage media items on the media player 1104. However, the management module 1106 within the host computer 1102 can indirectly manage the media items residing on the media player 1104. For example, to “add” a media item to the media player 1104, the management module 1106 serves to identify the media item to be added to the media player 1104 from the media store 1108 and then causes the identified media item to be delivered to the media player 1104. As another example, to “delete” a media item from the media player 1104, the management module 1106 serves to identify the media item to be deleted from the media store 1108 and then causes the identified media item to be deleted from the media player 1104. As still another example, if changes (i.e., alterations) to characteristics of a media item were made at the host computer 1102 using the management module 1106, then such characteristics can also be carried over to the corresponding media item on the media player 1104. In one implementation, the additions, deletions and/or changes occur in a batch-like process during synchronization of the media items on the media player 1104 with the media items on the host computer 1102.

In another embodiment, the media player 1104 has limited or no capability to manage playlists on the media player 1104. However, the management module 1106 within the host computer 1102 through management of the playlists residing on the host computer can indirectly manage the playlists residing on the media player 1104. In this regard, additions, deletions or changes to playlists can be performed on the host computer 1102 and then by carried over to the media player 1104 when delivered thereto.

As previously noted, synchronization is a form of media management. The ability to automatically initiate synchronization was also previously discussed above and in the related application noted above. Still further, however, the synchronization between devices can be restricted so as to prevent automatic synchronization when the host computer and media player do not recognize one another.

According to one embodiment, when a media player is first connected to a host computer (or even more generally when matching identifiers are not present), the user of the media player is queried as to whether the user desires to affiliate, assign or lock the media player to the host computer. When the user of the media player elects to affiliate, assign or lock the media player with the host computer, then a pseudo-random identifier is obtained and stored in either the media database or a file within both the host computer and the media player. In one implementation, the identifier is an identifier associated with (e.g., known or generated by) the host computer or its management module and such identifier is sent to and stored in the media player. In another implementation, the identifier is associated with (e.g., known or generated by) the media player and is sent to and stored in a file or media database of the host computer.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram of a media player 1200 according to one embodiment of the invention. The media player 1200 includes a processor 1202 that pertains to a microprocessor or controller for controlling the overall operation of the media player 1200. The media player 1200 stores media data pertaining to media items in a file system 1204 and a cache 1206. The file system 1204 is, typically, a storage device. The file system 1204 typically provides high capacity storage capability for the media player 1200. For example, the storage device can be semiconductor-based memory, such as FLASH memory. The file system 1204 can store not only media data but also non-media data (e.g., when operated in a data mode). However, since the access time to the file system 1204 is relatively slow, the media player 1200 can also include a cache 1206. The cache 1206 is, for example, Random-Access Memory (RAM) provided by semiconductor memory. The relative access time to the cache 1206 is substantially shorter than for the file system 1204. However, the cache 1206 does not have the large storage capacity of the file system 1204. Further, the file system 1204, when active, consumes more power than does the cache 1206. The power consumption is often a concern when the media player 1200 is a portable media player that is powered by a battery (not shown). The media player 1200 also includes a RAM 1220 and a Read-Only Memory (ROM) 1222. The ROM 1222 can store programs, utilities or processes to be executed in a non-volatile manner. The RAM 1220 provides volatile data storage, such as for the cache 1206. In one embodiment, the ROM 1220 and the RAM 1222 can be provided by the storage device providing the file system 1204.

The media player 1200 also includes a user input device 1208 that allows a user of the media player 1200 to interact with the media player 1200. For example, the user input device 1208 can take a variety of forms, such as a button, keypad, dial, etc. Still further, the media player 1200 includes a display 1210 (screen display) that can be controlled by the processor 1202 to display information to the user. The user input device 1208 and the display 1210 can also be combined in the case of a touch screen. A data bus 1211 can facilitate data transfer between at least the file system 1204, the cache 1206, the processor 1202, and the CODEC 1212.

In one embodiment, the media player 1200 serves to store a plurality of media items (e.g., songs) in the file system 1204. When a user desires to have the media player play a particular media item, a list of available media items is displayed on the display 1210. Then, using the user input device 1208, a user can select one of the available media items. The processor 1202, upon receiving a selection of a particular media item, supplies the media data (e.g., audio file) for the particular media item to a coder/decoder (CODEC) 1212. The CODEC 1212 then produces analog output signals for a speaker 1214. The speaker 1214 can be a speaker internal to the media player 1200 or external to the media player 1200. For example, headphones or earphones that connect to the media player 1200 would be considered an external speaker.

The media player 1200 also includes a network/bus interface 1216 that couples to a data link 1218. The data link 1218 allows the media player 1200 to couple to a host computer or to accessory devices. The data link 1218 can be provided over a wired connection or a wireless connection. In the case of a wireless connection, the network/bus interface 1216 can include a wireless transceiver.

In one implementation, the host computer can utilize an application resident on the host computer to permit utilization and provide management for playlists, including a media device playlist. One such application is iTunes®, version 4.2, produced by Apple Computer, Inc. of Cupertino, Calif.

The media items (media assets) can pertain to one or more different types of media content. In one embodiment, the media items are audio tracks. In another embodiment, the media items are images (e.g., photos). However, in other embodiments, the media items can be any combination of audio, graphical or video content.

The above discussion makes reference to random number used with cryptographic approaches to authenticate an accessory device or a host device. The cryptographic approaches discussed above can make use of random numbers, public-private key pairs and authentication algorithms. The random numbers can also be referred to as random digests. The public-private key pairs and authentication algorithms can utilize public-key cryptographic systems, such as the well known RSA algorithm or an Elliptic Curve Cryptography (ECC) algorithm. It may be advantageous to use an ECC algorithm that offers reduced memory consumption with relatively smaller keys (e.g., 160 bits) as compared to larger keys (e.g., 1024 bits) as is typical for RSA implementations. An example of a reduced memory ECC algorithm is described in the related U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/051,441, filed Feb. 3, 2005, entitled “SMALL MEMORY FOOTPRINT FAST ELLIPTIC ENCRYPTION,” which has been incorporated herein by reference.

The various aspects, embodiments, implementations or features of the invention can be used separately or in any combination.

The invention can be implemented by software, hardware, or a combination of hardware and software. The invention can also be embodied as computer readable code on a computer readable medium. The computer readable medium is any data storage device that can store data which can thereafter be read by a computer system. Examples of the computer readable medium include read-only memory, random-access memory, CD-ROMs, DVDs, magnetic tape, optical data storage devices, and carrier waves. The computer readable medium can also be distributed over network-coupled computer systems so that the computer readable code is stored and executed in a distributed fashion.

The advantages of the invention are numerous. Different aspects, embodiments or implementations may yield one or more of the following advantages. One advantage of the invention is that control over accessory interaction with a host device can be controlled. As a result, an electronic device can limit usage of some or all of its features to only those accessory devices that are deemed authorized. Another advantage of the invention is that it provides the ability to manage quality of those accessory device that are permitted to be utilized with host devices. By managing quality of accessory devices, the operation of an electronic device is less likely tarnished by the attachment of an inferior accessory device. Still another advantage of the invention is that an authentication process can control access to certain features of electronic devices on a manufacturer or device basis.

The many features and advantages of the present invention are apparent from the written description and, thus, it is intended by the appended claims to cover all such features and advantages of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, the invention should not be limited to the exact construction and operation as illustrated and described. Hence, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to as falling within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. An electronic device comprising: an authentication controller coupled to execute an authentication procedure with an external electronic device coupled to the electronic device; anda boost converter coupled to receive a first power supply voltage and further coupled to be enabled by the authentication controller, where when the boost converter is enabled by the authentication controller, the boost converter boosts the first power supply voltage to a second power supply voltage and provides the second power supply voltage, the second power supply voltage higher than the first power supply voltage, and where when the boost converter is not enabled by the authentication controller, the boost converter does not provide the second power supply voltage.
2. The electronic device of claim 1 wherein when the boost converter is not enabled by the authentication controller, the boost converter provides the first power supply voltage.
3. The electronic device of claim 1 wherein when the external electronic device authenticates the electronic device, the authentication controller enables the boost converter.
4. The electronic device of claim 3 wherein when the external electronic device fails to authenticate the electronic device, the authentication controller does not enable the boost converter.
5. The electronic device of claim 1 wherein when the electronic device authenticates the external electronic device, the authentication controller enables the boost converter.
6. The electronic device of claim 5 wherein when the electronic device fails to authenticate the external electronic device, the authentication controller does not enable the boost converter.
7. The electronic device of claim 1 wherein the authentication controller comprises a processor coupled to a first memory.
8. The electronic device of claim 7 wherein the first memory comprises a read-only memory to store a private key and an authentication algorithm for the authentication procedure.
9. The electronic device of claim 8 wherein the processor is further coupled to a random-access memory.
10. The electronic device of claim 1 wherein the first power supply voltage is 3.3 Volts and the second power supply voltage is 5.0 Volts.
11. An electronic device comprising: a first port;an authentication controller coupled to receive a first power supply voltage and data from the first port and further coupled to be enabled by the authentication controller, the authentication controller to conduct an authentication procedure with an external electronic device coupled to the first port; anda boost converter coupled to receive the first power supply voltage from the first port, where when the boost converter is enabled by the authentication controller, the boost converter boosts the first power supply voltage to a second power supply voltage and provides the second power supply voltage, the second power supply voltage higher than the first power supply voltage, and wherein when the boost converter is not enabled by the authentication controller, the boost converter does not provide the second power supply voltage.
12. The electronic device of claim 11 wherein when the boost converter is not enabled by the authentication controller, the boost converter provides the first power supply voltage.
13. The electronic device of claim 11 further comprising a second port coupled to receive universal serial bus data lines from the first port.
14. The electronic device of claim 13 wherein the boost converter is coupled to provide the first power supply voltage or the second power supply voltage to the second port.
15. The electronic device of claim 14 further comprising a first connector for conveying signals for the first port and a second connector for conveying signals for the second port.
16. The electronic device of claim 11 wherein when the external electronic device authenticates the electronic device, the authentication controller enables the boost converter, and wherein when the external electronic device fails to authenticate the electronic device, the authentication controller does not enable the boost converter.
17. The electronic device of claim 11 wherein when the electronic device authenticates the external electronic device, the authentication controller enables the boost converter, and wherein when the electronic device fails to authenticate the external electronic device, the authentication controller does not enable the boost converter.
18. An electronic device comprising: an authentication controller coupled to data lines to conduct an authentication procedure, the authentication having an enable output to provide an enable signal after a successful completion of the authentication procedure and to not provide the enable signal after an unsuccessful completion of the authentication procedure; anda boost converter to receive a first power supply voltage and to boost the first power supply voltage to a second power supply voltage and to provide the second power supply voltage when the enable signal is received from the authentication controller and to provide the first power supply voltage when the enable signal is not received from the authentication controller.
19. The electronic device of claim 18 wherein the authentication controller conducts the authentication procedure with an external electronic device and when the external electronic device authenticates the electronic device, the authentication controller provides the enable signal to the boost converter, and wherein when the external electronic device fails to authenticate the electronic device, the authentication controller does not provide the enable signal to the boost converter.
20. The electronic device of claim 18 wherein the authentication controller conducts the authentication procedure with an external electronic device and when the electronic device authenticates the external electronic device, the authentication controller provides the enable signal to the boost converter, and wherein when the electronic device fails to authenticate the external electronic device, the authentication controller does not provide the enable signal to the boost converter.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application, is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/312,672, filed Jun. 23, 2014, which is a continuation of Ser. No. 12/328,368, filed Dec. 4, 2008, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,763,079, which is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/051,499, filed Feb. 3, 2005, entitled “ACCESSORY AUTHENTICATION FOR ELECTRONIC DEVICES,” now U.S. Pat. No. 7,823,214, which claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application No. 60/642,340, filed Jan. 7, 2005, entitled “ACCESSORY AUTHENTICATION FOR ELECTRONIC DEVICES,” which are incorporated by reference. This application is also related to: (i) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/051,441, filed Feb. 3, 2005, entitled “SMALL MEMORY FOOTPRINT FAST ELLIPTIC ENCRYPTION,” which is hereby incorporated herein by reference; (ii) U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/642,276, filed Jan. 7, 2005, entitled “PORTABLE MEDIA DEVICE AND IMPROVED PLAYLIST PROCESSING ON MEDIA DEVICES,” which is hereby incorporated herein by reference; (iii) U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/642,334, filed Jan. 7, 2005, entitled “MEDIA MANAGEMENT FOR GROUPS OF MEDIA ITEMS,” which is hereby incorporated herein by reference; (iv) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/031,547, filed Jan. 7, 2005, entitled “PORTABLE POWER SOURCE TO PROVIDE POWER TO AN ELECTRONIC DEVICE VIA AN INTERFACE,” which is hereby incorporated herein by reference; (v) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/031,288, filed Jan. 7, 2005, entitled “METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR DISCOVERING A POWER SOURCE ON A PERIPHERAL BUS,” which is hereby incorporated herein by reference; (vi) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 29/220,463, filed Jan. 7, 2005, entitled “CONNECTOR SYSTEM,” which is hereby incorporated herein by reference; (vii) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 29/220,892, filed Jan. 7, 2005, entitled “CONNECTOR INTERFACE SYSTEM FOR MULTI-COMMUNICATION DEVICE,” which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

US Referenced Citations (473)

Number	Name	Date	Kind
4673861	Dubovsky et al.	Jun 1987	A
4847781	Brown, III et al.	Jul 1989	A
4850899	Maynard	Jul 1989	A
4916334	Minagawa	Apr 1990	A
4924216	Leung	May 1990	A
4938483	Yavetz	Jul 1990	A
5041025	Haitmanek	Aug 1991	A
5051606	Ikehara	Sep 1991	A
5055069	Townsend et al.	Oct 1991	A
5080603	Mouissie	Jan 1992	A
5104243	Harding	Apr 1992	A
5108313	Adams	Apr 1992	A
5150031	James et al.	Sep 1992	A
5186646	Pederson	Feb 1993	A
5247138	Landmeier	Sep 1993	A
5277624	Champion	Jan 1994	A
5471128	Patino et al.	Nov 1995	A
5525981	Abernethy	Jun 1996	A
5546397	Mahany	Aug 1996	A
5586893	Mosquera	Dec 1996	A
5592588	Reekes et al.	Jan 1997	A
5618045	Kagan et al.	Apr 1997	A
5648712	Hahn	Jul 1997	A
5660558	Osanai et al.	Aug 1997	A
5675467	Nishimura et al.	Oct 1997	A
5680102	Xydis	Oct 1997	A
5694137	Wood	Dec 1997	A
5712638	Issa	Jan 1998	A
5727866	Kraines et al.	Mar 1998	A
5732361	Liu	Mar 1998	A
5754027	Oglesbee et al.	May 1998	A
5830001	Kinoshita	Nov 1998	A
5835862	Nykanen et al.	Nov 1998	A
5845217	Lindell et al.	Dec 1998	A
5859522	Theobald	Jan 1999	A
5884323	Hawkins et al.	Mar 1999	A
5901049	Schmidt et al.	May 1999	A
5949877	Traw et al.	Sep 1999	A
5964847	Booth, III et al.	Oct 1999	A
5975957	Noda et al.	Nov 1999	A
5991640	Lilja et al.	Nov 1999	A
6007372	Wood	Dec 1999	A
6012105	Rubbmark et al.	Jan 2000	A
6031797	Van Ryzin et al.	Feb 2000	A
6038457	Barkart	Mar 2000	A
6053773	Wu	Apr 2000	A
6078402	Fischer et al.	Jun 2000	A
6078789	Bodenmann et al.	Jun 2000	A
6125455	Yeo	Sep 2000	A
6130518	Gabehart et al.	Oct 2000	A
6139373	Ward et al.	Oct 2000	A
6154773	Roberts et al.	Nov 2000	A
6154798	Lin et al.	Nov 2000	A
6161027	Poirel	Dec 2000	A
6169387	Kaib	Jan 2001	B1
6175358	Scott-Jackson et al.	Jan 2001	B1
6178514	Wood	Jan 2001	B1
6184652	Yang	Feb 2001	B1
6184655	Malackowski	Feb 2001	B1
6188265	Liu et al.	Feb 2001	B1
6192340	Abecassis	Feb 2001	B1
6203345	Roque et al.	Mar 2001	B1
6204637	Rengan	Mar 2001	B1
6206480	Thompson	Mar 2001	B1
6211581	Farrant	Apr 2001	B1
6211649	Matsuda	Apr 2001	B1
6224420	Nishio et al.	May 2001	B1
6230205	Garrity et al.	May 2001	B1
6230322	Saib et al.	May 2001	B1
6233409	Haines et al.	May 2001	B1
6234827	Nishio et al.	May 2001	B1
6236395	Sezan et al.	May 2001	B1
6247135	Feague	Jun 2001	B1
6252380	Koenck	Jun 2001	B1
6255961	Van Ryzin et al.	Jul 2001	B1
6261109	Liu et al.	Jul 2001	B1
6262723	Matsuzawa et al.	Jul 2001	B1
6267623	Hisamatsu	Jul 2001	B1
6268845	Pariza et al.	Jul 2001	B1
6271605	Carkner et al.	Aug 2001	B1
6272328	Nguyen et al.	Aug 2001	B1
6280251	Nishio et al.	Aug 2001	B1
6283789	Tsai	Sep 2001	B1
6304764	Pan	Oct 2001	B1
6314326	Fuchu	Nov 2001	B1
6314479	Frederick et al.	Nov 2001	B1
6316916	Bohne	Nov 2001	B2
6319061	Chen et al.	Nov 2001	B1
6322396	Kuan	Nov 2001	B1
6336365	Blackadar et al.	Jan 2002	B1
6344727	Desai et al.	Feb 2002	B1
6353894	Pione	Mar 2002	B1
6354713	Leifer et al.	Mar 2002	B1
6358089	Kuroda et al.	Mar 2002	B1
6372974	Gross et al.	Apr 2002	B1
6377825	Kennedy et al.	Apr 2002	B1
6385596	Wiser et al.	May 2002	B1
6394905	Takeda et al.	May 2002	B1
6418421	Hurtado et al.	Jul 2002	B1
6429622	Svensson	Aug 2002	B1
6429879	Sturgeon et al.	Aug 2002	B1
6431915	Ko	Aug 2002	B1
6453371	Hampson et al.	Sep 2002	B1
6454592	Takagi	Sep 2002	B2
6461173	Mizuno et al.	Oct 2002	B1
6464542	Lee	Oct 2002	B1
6468110	Fujino et al.	Oct 2002	B2
6476825	Croy et al.	Nov 2002	B1
6478603	Wu	Nov 2002	B1
6483428	Fish et al.	Nov 2002	B1
6485328	Wu	Nov 2002	B1
6489751	Small et al.	Dec 2002	B2
6490667	Ikeda	Dec 2002	B1
6501441	Ludtke et al.	Dec 2002	B1
6505160	Levy et al.	Jan 2003	B1
6524119	Kato et al.	Feb 2003	B2
6526287	Lee	Feb 2003	B1
6535981	Shimizu	Mar 2003	B1
6558201	Begley et al.	May 2003	B1
6559773	Berry	May 2003	B1
6577877	Charlier et al.	Jun 2003	B1
6589076	Davis et al.	Jul 2003	B1
6591085	Grady	Jul 2003	B1
6606707	Hirota	Aug 2003	B1
6608264	Fouladpour	Aug 2003	B1
6608399	McConnell et al.	Aug 2003	B2
6614232	Mukai	Sep 2003	B1
6616473	Kamata et al.	Sep 2003	B2
6629197	Bhogal et al.	Sep 2003	B1
6642629	DeLeeuw	Nov 2003	B2
6643777	Chu	Nov 2003	B1
6650549	Chiao	Nov 2003	B1
6651138	Lai et al.	Nov 2003	B2
6653813	Khatri	Nov 2003	B2
6663420	Xiao	Dec 2003	B1
6665803	Lunsford et al.	Dec 2003	B2
6670997	Northrup	Dec 2003	B1
6674995	Meyers et al.	Jan 2004	B1
6687454	Kuroiwa	Feb 2004	B1
6697944	Jones et al.	Feb 2004	B1
6708283	Nelvin et al.	Mar 2004	B1
6724339	Conway et al.	Apr 2004	B2
6725061	Hutchison, IV et al.	Apr 2004	B1
6728546	Peterson et al.	Apr 2004	B1
6728729	Jawa et al.	Apr 2004	B1
6747859	Walbeck et al.	Jun 2004	B2
6754468	Sieben et al.	Jun 2004	B1
6761635	Hoshino et al.	Jul 2004	B2
6774939	Peng	Aug 2004	B1
6776626	Huang et al.	Aug 2004	B2
6776660	Kubota et al.	Aug 2004	B1
6776665	Huang	Aug 2004	B2
6799226	Robbin et al.	Sep 2004	B1
6801964	Mahdavi	Oct 2004	B1
6813528	Yang	Nov 2004	B1
6816376	Bright et al.	Nov 2004	B2
6830160	Risolia	Dec 2004	B2
6836814	Takaoka	Dec 2004	B2
6859538	Voltz	Feb 2005	B1
6859854	Kwong	Feb 2005	B2
6870733	Castell et al.	Mar 2005	B2
6879843	Kim	Apr 2005	B1
6914551	Vidal	Jul 2005	B2
6928295	Olson et al.	Aug 2005	B2
6931266	Miyoshi et al.	Aug 2005	B2
6931456	Payne et al.	Aug 2005	B2
6939177	Kato et al.	Sep 2005	B2
6944704	Brelin	Sep 2005	B2
6991483	Milan et al.	Jan 2006	B1
7004787	Milan	Feb 2006	B2
7006793	Himmel et al.	Feb 2006	B2
7013164	Lin	Mar 2006	B2
7040919	Yao	May 2006	B2
7046230	Zadesky	May 2006	B2
7050783	Curtiss et al.	May 2006	B2
7054888	LaChapelle et al.	May 2006	B2
7062261	Goldstein et al.	Jun 2006	B2
7108560	Chou et al.	Sep 2006	B1
7120462	Kumar	Oct 2006	B2
7127678	Bhesania et al.	Oct 2006	B2
7127879	Zhu et al.	Oct 2006	B2
7149543	Kumar	Dec 2006	B2
7155545	Wang	Dec 2006	B1
7167112	Andersen et al.	Jan 2007	B2
7167935	Hellberg	Jan 2007	B2
7187947	White et al.	Mar 2007	B1
7187948	Alden	Mar 2007	B2
7215042	Yan	May 2007	B2
7281214	Fadell	Oct 2007	B2
7283635	Anderson	Oct 2007	B1
7293122	Schubert et al.	Nov 2007	B1
7293227	Plastina et al.	Nov 2007	B2
7299304	Saint-Hilaire et al.	Nov 2007	B2
7303282	Dwyer et al.	Dec 2007	B2
7304685	Park et al.	Dec 2007	B2
7305254	Findikli	Dec 2007	B2
7305506	Lydon et al.	Dec 2007	B1
7322043	Letsinger	Jan 2008	B2
7324833	White et al.	Jan 2008	B2
7362963	Lin	Apr 2008	B2
7363129	Barnicle et al.	Apr 2008	B1
7391963	Chen et al.	Jun 2008	B2
7415563	Holden et al.	Aug 2008	B1
7441058	Bolton et al.	Oct 2008	B1
7441062	Novotney et al.	Oct 2008	B2
7444388	Svendsen	Oct 2008	B1
7450961	Heubel et al.	Nov 2008	B1
7454019	Williams	Nov 2008	B2
7493645	Tranchina	Feb 2009	B1
7526588	Schubert et al.	Apr 2009	B1
7529870	Schubert et al.	May 2009	B1
7529871	Schubert et al.	May 2009	B1
7529872	Schubert et al.	May 2009	B1
7558894	Lydon et al.	Jul 2009	B1
7574177	Tupman et al.	Aug 2009	B2
7587540	Novotney et al.	Sep 2009	B2
7590783	Lydon et al.	Sep 2009	B2
7610350	Abdulrahiman et al.	Oct 2009	B2
7634605	Laefer et al.	Dec 2009	B2
7647129	Griffin	Jan 2010	B1
7660929	Novotney et al.	Feb 2010	B2
7670263	Ellis et al.	Mar 2010	B2
7673020	Rosenbloom et al.	Mar 2010	B2
7673083	Laefer et al.	Mar 2010	B2
7680849	Heller et al.	Mar 2010	B2
7681033	Miura et al.	Mar 2010	B2
7702833	Novotney et al.	Apr 2010	B2
7757026	Novotney et al.	Jul 2010	B2
7779185	Schubert et al.	Aug 2010	B2
7791319	Veselic et al.	Sep 2010	B2
7797471	Laefer et al.	Sep 2010	B2
7823214	Rubinstein et al.	Oct 2010	B2
7826318	Holden et al.	Nov 2010	B2
7836493	Xia et al.	Nov 2010	B2
7853746	Novotney et al.	Dec 2010	B2
7877532	Schubert et al.	Jan 2011	B2
7895378	Holden et al.	Feb 2011	B2
7908415	Laefer et al.	Mar 2011	B2
7949810	Bolton et al.	May 2011	B2
7975075	Lee et al.	Jul 2011	B2
8006019	Laefer et al.	Aug 2011	B2
8073426	Ishikawa	Dec 2011	B2
8082376	Schubert et al.	Dec 2011	B2
8086332	Dorogusker et al.	Dec 2011	B2
8095716	Holden et al.	Jan 2012	B2
8099536	Schubert et al.	Jan 2012	B2
8112567	Lydon et al.	Feb 2012	B2
8117651	Novotney et al.	Feb 2012	B2
8135891	Lydon et al.	Mar 2012	B2
8161567	Rubinstein et al.	Apr 2012	B2
8171194	Schubert et al.	May 2012	B2
8171195	Schubert et al.	May 2012	B2
8208853	Lydon et al.	Jun 2012	B2
8238811	Lydon	Aug 2012	B2
8239595	Schubert et al.	Aug 2012	B2
8285901	Schubert et al.	Oct 2012	B2
8296565	Taylor	Oct 2012	B2
8370555	Holden et al.	Feb 2013	B2
8386680	Schubert et al.	Feb 2013	B2
8402187	Lydon et al.	Mar 2013	B2
8509691	Lydon et al.	Aug 2013	B2
8590036	Novotney et al.	Nov 2013	B2
8634761	Lydon	Jan 2014	B2
8763079	Rubinstein et al.	Jun 2014	B2
9160541	Novotney et al.	Oct 2015	B2
20010003205	Gilbert	Jun 2001	A1
20010005641	Matsumoto et al.	Jun 2001	A1
20010006884	Matsumoto	Jul 2001	A1
20010033244	Harris et al.	Oct 2001	A1
20010042107	Palm	Nov 2001	A1
20020002035	Sim et al.	Jan 2002	A1
20020002706	Sprunk	Jan 2002	A1
20020010759	Hitson et al.	Jan 2002	A1
20020015362	Cowgill et al.	Feb 2002	A1
20020025042	Saito	Feb 2002	A1
20020029303	Nguyen	Mar 2002	A1
20020065074	Cohn et al.	May 2002	A1
20020068610	Anvekar et al.	Jun 2002	A1
20020072390	Uchiyama	Jun 2002	A1
20020090982	Hollstrom et al.	Jul 2002	A1
20020103008	Rahn et al.	Aug 2002	A1
20020105861	Leapman	Aug 2002	A1
20020108108	Akaiwa et al.	Aug 2002	A1
20020112175	Makofka et al.	Aug 2002	A1
20020115426	Olson	Aug 2002	A1
20020115480	Huang	Aug 2002	A1
20020116533	Holliman et al.	Aug 2002	A1
20020120850	Walker et al.	Aug 2002	A1
20020132521	Groebe et al.	Sep 2002	A1
20020132651	Jinnouchi	Sep 2002	A1
20020145536	Clise	Oct 2002	A1
20020151327	Levitt	Oct 2002	A1
20020152874	Vilcauskas et al.	Oct 2002	A1
20020156546	Ramaswamy	Oct 2002	A1
20020156949	Kubo et al.	Oct 2002	A1
20020161865	Nguyen	Oct 2002	A1
20020173273	Spurgat et al.	Nov 2002	A1
20020174269	Spurgat et al.	Nov 2002	A1
20020191764	Hori et al.	Dec 2002	A1
20020194621	Tran et al.	Dec 2002	A1
20030004934	Qian	Jan 2003	A1
20030011608	Wada	Jan 2003	A1
20030028664	Tan et al.	Feb 2003	A1
20030041206	Dickie	Feb 2003	A1
20030059022	Nebiker et al.	Mar 2003	A1
20030067741	Alfonso et al.	Apr 2003	A1
20030073432	Meade	Apr 2003	A1
20030079038	Robbin et al.	Apr 2003	A1
20030090988	Sun et al.	May 2003	A1
20030097379	Ireton	May 2003	A1
20030110403	Crutchfield et al.	Jun 2003	A1
20030128571	Kawashima	Jul 2003	A1
20030151621	McEvilly et al.	Aug 2003	A1
20030162562	Curtiss et al.	Aug 2003	A1
20030167318	Robbin et al.	Sep 2003	A1
20030172209	Liu et al.	Sep 2003	A1
20030185395	Lee et al.	Oct 2003	A1
20030198015	Vogt	Oct 2003	A1
20030212895	Kisliakov	Nov 2003	A1
20030215102	Marlowe	Nov 2003	A1
20030220988	Hymel	Nov 2003	A1
20030236075	Johnson et al.	Dec 2003	A1
20030236991	Letsinger	Dec 2003	A1
20030236998	Gilstrap et al.	Dec 2003	A1
20030237043	Novak et al.	Dec 2003	A1
20040003300	Malueg et al.	Jan 2004	A1
20040006713	Minemura	Jan 2004	A1
20040019497	Volk et al.	Jan 2004	A1
20040025052	Dickenson	Feb 2004	A1
20040039860	Mills et al.	Feb 2004	A1
20040048569	Kawamura	Mar 2004	A1
20040055446	Robbin et al.	Mar 2004	A1
20040090998	Chen	May 2004	A1
20040103223	Gabehart et al.	May 2004	A1
20040116005	Choi	Jun 2004	A1
20040125553	Castell et al.	Jul 2004	A1
20040151327	Marlowe	Aug 2004	A1
20040152439	Kimura et al.	Aug 2004	A1
20040162029	Grady	Aug 2004	A1
20040162105	Reddy et al.	Aug 2004	A1
20040164708	Veselic et al.	Aug 2004	A1
20040172533	DeMello et al.	Sep 2004	A1
20040186935	Bel et al.	Sep 2004	A1
20040194154	Meadors et al.	Sep 2004	A1
20040198436	Alden	Oct 2004	A1
20040224638	Fadell et al.	Nov 2004	A1
20040235339	Sato et al.	Nov 2004	A1
20040242029	Nakamura et al.	Dec 2004	A1
20040249994	Shapiro et al.	Dec 2004	A1
20040252966	Holloway et al.	Dec 2004	A1
20040267812	Harris et al.	Dec 2004	A1
20040267825	Novak et al.	Dec 2004	A1
20040268397	Dunbar et al.	Dec 2004	A1
20050001589	Edington	Jan 2005	A1
20050005133	Xia et al.	Jan 2005	A1
20050014119	Rudakov	Jan 2005	A1
20050014531	Findikli	Jan 2005	A1
20050014536	Grady	Jan 2005	A1
20050015355	Heller et al.	Jan 2005	A1
20050017946	Park	Jan 2005	A1
20050018768	Mabey et al.	Jan 2005	A1
20050022212	Bowen	Jan 2005	A1
20050047071	Tse Chun Hin	Mar 2005	A1
20050075136	Cromer et al.	Apr 2005	A1
20050080915	Shoemaker et al.	Apr 2005	A1
20050088275	Valoteau et al.	Apr 2005	A1
20050111675	Lee	May 2005	A1
20050135790	Hutten	Jun 2005	A1
20050138433	Linetsky	Jun 2005	A1
20050149213	Guzak et al.	Jul 2005	A1
20050149551	Fong et al.	Jul 2005	A1
20050159149	Wen et al.	Jul 2005	A1
20050181756	Lin	Aug 2005	A1
20050198189	Robinson et al.	Sep 2005	A1
20050207726	Chen	Sep 2005	A1
20050227612	Helstrom et al.	Oct 2005	A1
20050239333	Watanabe et al.	Oct 2005	A1
20050240705	Novotney et al.	Oct 2005	A1
20050240778	Saito	Oct 2005	A1
20050246375	Manders et al.	Nov 2005	A1
20050251565	Weel	Nov 2005	A1
20050281185	Kawasaki	Dec 2005	A1
20060015826	Shiozawa et al.	Jan 2006	A1
20060031545	Manders et al.	Feb 2006	A1
20060035527	Numano	Feb 2006	A1
20060056796	Nishizawa et al.	Mar 2006	A1
20060072527	Beck	Apr 2006	A1
20060088228	Marriott et al.	Apr 2006	A1
20060109987	Baek	May 2006	A1
20060116009	Langberg et al.	Jun 2006	A1
20060126422	Takagi et al.	Jun 2006	A1
20060143680	Adachi	Jun 2006	A1
20060150123	Goodwin et al.	Jul 2006	A1
20060161621	Rosenberg	Jul 2006	A1
20060163358	Biderman	Jul 2006	A1
20060168298	Aoki et al.	Jul 2006	A1
20060184456	de Janasz	Aug 2006	A1
20060188237	Watanabe et al.	Aug 2006	A1
20060205349	Passier et al.	Sep 2006	A1
20060224620	Silverman et al.	Oct 2006	A1
20060236245	Agarwal et al.	Oct 2006	A1
20060247851	Morris	Nov 2006	A1
20060258289	Dua	Nov 2006	A1
20060277555	Howard	Dec 2006	A1
20060294209	Rosenbloom et al.	Dec 2006	A1
20070011138	Boucard	Jan 2007	A1
20070015457	Krampf et al.	Jan 2007	A1
20070018947	Toro-Lira	Jan 2007	A1
20070056012	Kwon et al.	Mar 2007	A1
20070056013	Duncan	Mar 2007	A1
20070070856	Tebele	Mar 2007	A1
20070077784	Kalayjian et al.	Apr 2007	A1
20070080823	Fu et al.	Apr 2007	A1
20070083750	Miura et al.	Apr 2007	A1
20070083814	Wilbrink et al.	Apr 2007	A1
20070086724	Grady et al.	Apr 2007	A1
20070106760	Houh et al.	May 2007	A1
20070130592	Haeusel	Jun 2007	A1
20070173197	Hsiung	Jul 2007	A1
20070173294	Hsiung	Jul 2007	A1
20070206827	Tupman et al.	Sep 2007	A1
20070209081	Morris	Sep 2007	A1
20070226238	Kiilerich et al.	Sep 2007	A1
20070226384	Robbin et al.	Sep 2007	A1
20070226497	Taylor	Sep 2007	A1
20070230910	Welch et al.	Oct 2007	A1
20070233294	Holden et al.	Oct 2007	A1
20070233295	Laefer et al.	Oct 2007	A1
20070234420	Novotney et al.	Oct 2007	A1
20070236482	Proctor et al.	Oct 2007	A1
20070244984	Svendsen	Oct 2007	A1
20070247794	Jaffe et al.	Oct 2007	A1
20070271387	Lydon et al.	Nov 2007	A1
20070280489	Roman et al.	Dec 2007	A1
20070291404	Morse et al.	Dec 2007	A1
20070300155	Laefer et al.	Dec 2007	A1
20080010014	Hess	Jan 2008	A1
20080025172	Holden et al.	Jan 2008	A1
20080034325	Ording	Feb 2008	A1
20080055272	Anzures et al.	Mar 2008	A1
20080065722	Brodersen et al.	Mar 2008	A1
20080155129	Khedouri et al.	Jun 2008	A1
20080159534	Rager et al.	Jul 2008	A1
20080188209	Dorogusker et al.	Aug 2008	A1
20080243282	Koski et al.	Oct 2008	A1
20090013110	Novotney et al.	Jan 2009	A1
20090013253	Laefer et al.	Jan 2009	A1
20090083834	Rubinstein et al.	Mar 2009	A1
20090125134	Bolton et al.	May 2009	A1
20090132076	Holden et al.	May 2009	A1
20090198361	Schubert et al.	Aug 2009	A1
20090204244	Schubert et al.	Aug 2009	A1
20090204738	Schubert et al.	Aug 2009	A1
20090210079	Schubert et al.	Aug 2009	A1
20090249101	Lydon et al.	Oct 2009	A1
20090292835	Novotney et al.	Nov 2009	A1
20090299506	Lydon et al.	Dec 2009	A1
20100009660	Ishikawa	Jan 2010	A1
20100049350	Laefer et al.	Feb 2010	A1
20100106879	Laefer et al.	Apr 2010	A1
20100173673	Lydon	Jul 2010	A1
20100312931	Schubert et al.	Dec 2010	A1
20100312932	Schubert et al.	Dec 2010	A1
20110066775	Schubert et al.	Mar 2011	A1
20110066776	Schubert et al.	Mar 2011	A1
20110078354	Krueger et al.	Mar 2011	A1
20120102236	Schubert et al.	Apr 2012	A1
20120272297	Lydon	Oct 2012	A1
20120278882	Lydon et al.	Nov 2012	A1
20130014247	Novotney et al.	Jan 2013	A1
20140208416	Lydon	Jul 2014	A1
20140223184	Novotney et al.	Aug 2014	A1
20150082049	Rubinstein et al.	Mar 2015	A1

Foreign Referenced Citations (95)

Number	Date	Country
1263292	Aug 2000	CN
1320232	Oct 2001	CN
1592194	Mar 2005	CN
1759367	Apr 2006	CN
1767504	May 2006	CN
101030175	Sep 2007	CN
101055608	Oct 2007	CN
101099157	Jan 2008	CN
2011031760	Mar 2011	CN
1 022 643	Jul 2000	EP
1104150	May 2001	EP
1150472	Oct 2001	EP
1367734	Dec 2003	EP
1498899	Jan 2005	EP
1594319	Nov 2005	EP
1672613	Jun 2006	EP
1406366	Jun 2009	EP
2 293 212	Mar 2011	EP
2 293 213	Mar 2011	EP
2405718	Mar 2005	GB
07-176351	Jul 1995	JP
10-321302	Apr 1998	JP
10-334993	Dec 1998	JP
11-288420	Oct 1999	JP
2000-214953	Aug 2000	JP
2000-223215	Aug 2000	JP
2000-223216	Aug 2000	JP
2000-223218	Aug 2000	JP
2001-014441	Jan 2001	JP
2001-035603	Feb 2001	JP
2001-069165	Mar 2001	JP
2001-196133	Jul 2001	JP
2001-230021	Aug 2001	JP
2001-273181	Oct 2001	JP
2001-322350	Nov 2001	JP
2001-339393	Dec 2001	JP
2002-025720	Jan 2002	JP
2002-140304	May 2002	JP
2002-203641	Jul 2002	JP
2002-221974	Aug 2002	JP
2002-245719	Aug 2002	JP
2002-252566	Sep 2002	JP
3090747	Oct 2002	JP
2002-342659	Nov 2002	JP
2002-374447	Dec 2002	JP
2003-017165	Jan 2003	JP
2003-032351	Jan 2003	JP
2003-058430	Feb 2003	JP
2003-099729	Apr 2003	JP
2003-274386	Sep 2003	JP
2004-040717	Feb 2004	JP
2004-065363	Mar 2004	JP
2004-078538	Mar 2004	JP
2004-199138	Jul 2004	JP
2004-259280	Sep 2004	JP
2004-280581	Oct 2004	JP
2004-334860	Nov 2004	JP
2005-229597	Aug 2005	JP
2005-236394	Sep 2005	JP
2005-534089	Nov 2005	JP
2005-539278	Dec 2005	JP
2006-524887	Nov 2006	JP
2007-538344	Dec 2007	JP
2008-053955	Mar 2008	JP
2008-071419	Mar 2008	JP
2008-527444	Jul 2008	JP
2008-541588	Nov 2008	JP
2009-501964	Jan 2009	JP
2009-303001	Dec 2009	JP
5312595	Jul 2013	JP
530267	May 2003	TW
9926330	May 1999	WO
9948089	Sep 1999	WO
0039907	Jul 2000	WO
0060450	Oct 2000	WO
2011031760	Mar 2001	WO
0143342	Jun 2001	WO
0223349	Mar 2002	WO
0249314	Jun 2002	WO
03036541	May 2003	WO
03036957	May 2003	WO
03056776	Jul 2003	WO
03073688	Sep 2003	WO
2004004339	Jan 2004	WO
2004084413	Sep 2004	WO
2004095772	Nov 2004	WO
2004098079	Nov 2004	WO
2004112311	Dec 2004	WO
2005109781	Nov 2005	WO
2005119463	Dec 2005	WO
2006071364	Jul 2006	WO
2006073702	Jul 2006	WO
2006080957	Aug 2006	WO
2007139660	Dec 2007	WO
2008002916	Jan 2008	WO

Non-Patent Literature Citations (122)

Entry
Chinese Office Action mailed on Dec. 8, 2015 for CN Patent Application No. 20120136876.X, with English translation, 15 pages.
“A Serial Bus on Speed Diagram: Getting Connected with FireWire,” downloaded Oct. 16, 2001, PC Magazine: PC Tech (A Serial Bus on Speed) wysiwyg://51http://www.zdnet.com/pctech/content/18/10/tu1810.007.html p. 7. (2 pages).
“Cables to Go,” download Oct. 16, 2001 http://www.cablestogo.com/product.asp?cat%5Fid=601&sku=27028 (1 page).
“DMR Software v1.3 for Mac OS X—User Manual”, Copyright 2002, Keyspan, rev. D 04.09.01AI, 50 pages.
“ExpressBus™ F5U0I0,” User Guide Packing Checklist, Belkin Components Product Warranty. (2 pages).
“Fire Wire Connector,” downloaded Oct. 16, 2001, wysiwyg://76/http://developer.apple.com/...es/Macintosh—CPUs-G3/ibook/ibook-27.html (2 pages).
“FireWire”, downloaded Oct. 16, 2001; si—wyg:/—/42/http://developer.apple.—com/hardware/Fire—Wire (2 pages).
“How to Connect Your Computer PC Hardware”, downloaded Oct. 16, 2001, http:///www.scar.utoronto.ca!˜ccweb/faculty/connect-howto.html (5 pages).
“IEEE 1394/USB Comparison,” downloaded Oct. 16, 2001, www.genitech.com.aulLIBRARY/TechSupportiinfobits/firewirevsusb.html (4 pages).
“Introduction to Public Key Cryptography,” Oct. 9, 1998, printed from http://developer.netscape.com/docs/manuals/security/pkin/contents.html on Oct. 6, 2004. (21 pages).
“iPodDock/iPod Cradle,” www.bookendzdocks.com/bookendz/dock—cradle.html downloaded Feb. 27, 2003. (2 pages).
“MPV™ Music Profile Specification Revision 1.00” Internet Citation [online] (Jan. 7, 2004) URL:http//www.osta.org/mpv/public/specs/MPVMusic-Prof-Spec-1.00.pdf> [retrieved Jun. 20, 2006] the whole document. (70 pages).
“Neuros MP3 Digital Audio Computer,” www.neurosaudio.com.downloaded Apr. 9, 2003. (6 pages).
“PMC FW2 IEEE1394 FireWire Controller”, downloaded Oct. 16, 2001, http://www.bvmltd.co.uk/PMCfw2ds.html (10 pages).
“The Authoritative Dictionary of IEEE Standards Terms, Seventh Edition,” Published by Standards Information Network, IEEE Press, 2000. (3 pages).
“Universal Serial Bus Specification—Rev 2.0 ” Chapter 6: Compaq Hewlett-Packard Apr. 27, 2000, pp. 85, 99-100. (7 pages).
“Universal Serial Bus Specification—Rev 2.0,” XP002474828 Chapter 9: USB Device Framework, pp. 239-274. (36 pages).
Altec Lansing, “inMOTION Users Guide,” Corp. Headquarters, 535 Rte.6 & 209, Milford, PA 18337. (8 pages).
Anonymous, “Future of Digital Music in Windows,” Microsoft Windows Hardware Developer Central Archive, Dec. 4, 2001 [Online], [retrieved on Jan. 15, 2008]. <URL:http://www.microsoft.com/whdc/archive/digitaudio.mspx> (3 pages).
Anonymous, “Introduction to Digital Audio,” Microsoft Windows Hardware Developer Central Archive, Dec. 4, 2001 [Online], [retrieved on Jan. 15, 2008]. <URL:http://www.microsoft.com/whdc/archive/digitaudio.mspx> (2 pages).
Anonymous, “Windows and Red Book Audio,” Microsoft Windows Hardware Developer Central Archive, Dec. 4, 2001 [Online], [retrieved Jan. 15, 2008]. <URL:http://www.microsoft.com/whdc/archive/Dmfuture.mspx> (2 pages).
Belkin iPod Voice Recorder, Product Specification Sheet, printed Jun. 16, 2004. (2 pages).
Bindra, “Standard Turns Monitor into I/O Hub,” Electronic Engineering Times, vol. 918, Sep. 6, 1996, p. 14. (1 page).
Brentrup, “Introduction to Public Key Cryptography Demystified,” Campus Technology, printed from http://www.campus-technology.com/article.asp?id=7626 on Oct. 6, 2004. (5 pages).
Brown, “Making USB Work,” downloaded Oct. 16, 2001, PC Magazine: PC Tech wysiwyg:/155/http://www.zdnet.com/pcmag/pctech/content!18/04/tu1804.001.html (2 pages).
Chen et al., “Design and Implemeation of a Hard Disk-Based Entertainment Device for Managing Media Contents on the Go,” Consumer Electonics, 1005. (ISCE 2005). Proceedings of the Ninth International Symposium on, pp. 328-333, Jun. 14-16, 2005. (6 pages).
Crawford et al., “Sample rate conversion and bit rate reduction in the studio,” IEEE Colloquium on Digital Audio Signal Processing, May 22, 1991, pp. 8/1-8/3. (3 pages).
Derman, “Monitors Make Net Connections,” Electronic Engineering Times, vol. 933, 1996, pp. 60 and 69. (2 pages).
European Patent Office, Decision to Refuse a European Patent Application; Application No. 07 812 335., Mailed Jan. 19, 2011 , 18 pages.
European Patent Office, Extended Search Report; Application No. 10194370.2, Mailed Feb. 6, 2012, 9 pages.
European Patent Office, Office Action, Application No. 07 799 051.3, Mailed Sep. 24, 2012, 7 pages.
European Patent Office, Office Action, Application No. 09 791 751.2, Mailed Oct. 19, 2012, 7 pages.
Fried, “FireWire poised to become ubiquitous,” downloaded Oct. 16, 2001, CNET News.com, 1394 Trade Association: Press, wysiwyg:/132/http:/—113—94ta.org/Press/200—1—Press/august!8.2 7.—b.html (3 pages).
Fried, “New Fire Wire to blaze faster trail,” downloaded Oct. 16, 2001, CNET News.com, http://news.cnet.com/news/0/I006-200-6021210.html (5 pages).
International Search Report dated Dec. 6, 2007 in PCT Application No. PCT/US2007/010888.
iPod Classic User's Guide, acquired from apple.com, 2002. (44 pages).
iPod nano Features Guide, acquired from apple.com, 2008. (72 pages).
iPod touch User's Guide, acquired from apple.com, 2008. (120 pages).
Janssen, Jan, “A Single-Chip Universal Serial Bus D/A Converter for High-Quality Audio Signals, ” THPM 16.7 IEEE Jun. 11, 1997; Jun. 11, 1997-Jun. 13, 1997, Jun. 11, 1997, (2 pages ).
Japanese Patent Office; Office Action for Application No. 2010-011810, Mailed Dec. 11, 2012. (5 pages).
Japanese Patent Office; Office Action for Application No. 2010-011810, Mailed Jul. 9, 2012. (5 pages).
Japanese Patent Office; Office Action for Application No. 2011-526100 , Mailed Dec. 13, 2012. (4 pages).
Keyspan, “Express Remote Supports Apple's Airport Express,” Press Release, Nov. 10, 2004, Copyright 2005,Keyspan, 2 pages.
Keyspan, “Keyspan Express Remote,” Product Fact Sheet, Oct. 2004, 1 page.
Keyspan, Express Remote; Remote Control for your Mac or PC (URM-17A), product information AU datasheet, Copyright 2005, Keyspan, http://www.keyspan.com/products/usb/urm17a/, downloaded Sep. 25, 2005, 2 pages.
Keyspan, Remote for iTunes; Controls ITunes, DVD, CD and more! (URM-15T), product AT information datasheet, Keyspan, http://www.keyspan.com/products/usb/urm15t, downloaded Sep. 25, 2005, 2 pages.
Lambert, “Digital Audio Interfaces,” Journal of the Audio Engineering Society, Audio Engineering Society, New York, NY, vol. 38, No. 9, (Sep. 1, 1990), pp. 681-684, 686, 688, 690, 692 and 696, XP000175146 ISSN: 1549-4950 figures 9, 10. (10 pages).
Lewis, “On Technology” Fortune Magazine, Dec. 9, 2002, p. 240. (1 page).
LSI Logic's Broadcast PC Card Brings New Multimedia Capabilities to Personal Computing. (Nov. 16). PR Newswire, 1. Retrieved Jun. 26, 2010, from Business Dateline. (3 pages).
MAXTech Technology Ltd., CES 2000/Las Vegas, Jan. 6-9, 2000, [on line], [retrieved on Sep. 26, 2008]. Retrieved from the Internet <URL: http://web.archive.org/web/20000930170634.maxtech.com.hk/t-details.htm>. (2 pages).
MAXTech Technology Ltd., CES 2000/Las Vegas, Jan. 6-9, 2000, [online], [retrieved on Sep. 23, 2008]. Retrieved from the Internet <URL: http://web.archive.org/web/20010223230441/www.maxtech.com.hk/g-p06.htm>. (2 pages).
Menezes et al., “Handbook of Applied Cryptography,” Identification and Entity Authentication, Jan. 1, 1997, pp. 385-424. (41 pages).
Microsoft, “Media Transport Protocol Implementation Details,” 2005. (18 pages).
Networking Tech Note, “1394 Standards and Specifications,” Ocober 16, 2001. (3 pages).
Nomad II Player Version 1.0 (CLI) (User's Manual), Creative Technology, Ltd., Jan. 2000. (46 pages).
Non-Final Office Action for U.S. Appl. No. 10/833,689 mailed Dec. 28, 2007; 15 pps.
Non-Final Office Action for U.S. Appl. No. 10/833,689 mailed Jun. 20, 2007; 11 pps.
Non-Final Office Action for U.S. Appl. No. 10/833689 mailed Oct. 4, 2006; 11 pps.
Non-Final Office Action for U.S. Appl. No. 13/474,552 mailed Oct. 26, 2012; 27 pp.
Notice of Allowance for U.S. Appl. No. 12/209,970 mailed on Jun. 10, 2009; 7 pps.
Office Action dated Feb. 18, 2010 in Australian Patent Application No. 2007268239.
Office Action for European Patent Application No. 10194377.7, mailed Apr. 15, 2013, 6 pages.
Office Action for Korean Patent Application No. 10-2012-7018797, mailed Apr. 25, 2013, 5 pages.
Office Action in corresponding Japanese Application No. 2009-512018, mailed Apr. 5, 2011.
Salling, “Sailing Clicker 2.2.1”, User Manual, Copyright 2003-2005 Sailing Software AB, 45 pages.
Severance, “FireWire Finally Comes Home,” Michigan State University, Standards, Nov. 1998, pp. 117-118. (2 pages).
Sinitsyn, “Synchronization Framework for Personal Mobile Servers,” Pervasive Computing and Communications Workshops (PERCOMW'04), Proceedings of the Second IEEE Annual Conference, Piscataway, NJ, USA, IEEE, Mar. 14, 2004, pp. 208-212. (3 pages).
Slay et al., “iPod Forensics: Forencically Sound Examination of an Apple iPod,” System Sciences, 2007. HICSS 2007. 40th Annual Hawaii Internation Conference on, pp. 1-9, Jan. 2007. (9 pages).
Teener, “Understanding Fire Wire: The IEEE 1394 Standards and Specifications,” downloaded Oct. 16, 2001, wysiwyg:119/http:1lwww.chipcenter.com/networking/ieee—1394/main.html (5 pages).
The First Office Action in Chinese Application No. 200910222182.6, mailed Nov. 23, 2011 (P3503CND1, 90911-778213).
Vitaliano, “Why FireWire is Hot!Hot!Hot!” downloaded Oct. 16, 2001, “Impact FireWire.SideBar” http://www.vxm.com/21R.35.html (4 pages).
Whittle, “Public Key Authentication Framework: Tutorial,” First Principles Consulting, Jun. 2, 1996, downloaded Oct. 6, 2004, http://www.ozemail.com.au/˜firstpr/crypto/pkaftute.htm (7 pages).
Written Opinion dated Dec. 6, 2007 in PCT Application No. PCT/US2007/010888.
International Search Report, dated Aug. 21, 2008, for PCT Patent Application No. PCT/US2007/072127, 5 pages.
Written Opinion, dated Dec. 27, 2008, for PCT Patent Application No. PCT/US2007/072127, 5 pages.
International Preliminary Report on Patentability dated Jan. 6, 2009, for PCT Patent Application No. PCT/US2007/072127, 6 pages.
International Search Report, dated Mar. 17, 2011, for PCT Patent Application No. PCT/US2010/048130, 3 pages.
Written Opinion, dated Mar. 9, 2012, for PCT Patent Application No. PCT/US2010/048130, 8 pages.
International Preliminary Report on Patentability, dated Mar. 13, 2012, for PCT Patent Application No. PCT/US2010/048130, 9 pages.
Notice of Allowance for U.S. Appl. No. 13/474,552, mailed May 1, 2013, 23 pages.
Notice of Allowability for U.S. Appl. No. 13/474,552, mailed May 31, 2013, 3 pages.
European Office Action mailed on Apr. 9, 2013 for EP Patent Application No. 10194370.2, 7 pages.
Australian Office Action mailed on Jul. 9, 2013 for AU Patnet Application No. 2011253604, 2 pages.
Australian Office Action mailed on Feb. 19, 2013 for AU Patent Application No. 2010292318, 3 pages.
Australian Notice of Acceptance mailed on May 2, 2013 for AU Patent Application No. 2010292318, 2 pages.
Canadian Office Action mailed on Aug. 1, 2013 for CA Patent Application No. 2,651,048, 5 pages.
Indian Office Action mailed on Sep. 6, 2013 for IN Patent Application No. 4519/KOLNP/2008, 2 pages.
Japanese Office Action mailed on Aug. 6, 2013 for JP Patent Application No. 2010-011810, with English translation, 9 pages.
Korean Office Action mailed on Oct. 1, 2013 for KR Patent Application No. 10-2012-7008925, with English Translation, 8 pages.
Japanese Notice of Allowance mailed on Oct. 15, 2013 for JP Patent Application No. 2012*528878, 3 pages.
Umeda, Katsuji et al., “Music Distribution Business Illustrated for Understanding,”; Japan Management Associate Management Center; Oct. 1, 2000, First Edition, pp. 179, 187, in Japanese.
Notice of Allowance mailed on Sep. 11, 2013 for U.S. Appl. No. 13/538,941, 8 pages.
Canadian Office Action mailed on Deceber 17, 2013 for CA Patent Application No. 2,591,164, 3 pages.
Japanese Office Action mailed on Mar. 10, 2014 for JP Patent Application No. 2013-055601, 4 pages.
Korean Notice of Allowance mailed on Apr. 7, 2014 for KR Patent Application No. 10-2012-7008925, 2 pages.
Chinese Office Action mailed on Jan. 30, 2014 for CN Patent Application No. 201080039625.9, with English Trranslation, 34 pages.
Chinese Office Action mailed on May 29, 2014 for CN Patent Application No. 2012101598.4, with English Translation, 22 pages.
Chinese Office Action mailed on May 27, 2014 for CN Patent Application No. 20121036876.x, with English Translation, 20 pages.
Non-Final Office Action mailed on Nov. 24, 2010 for U.S. Appl. No. 12/328,368, 28 pages.
Final Office Action mailed on May 11, 2011 for U.S. Appl. No. 12/328,368, 39 pages.
Non-Final Office Action mailed on Aug. 15, 2013 for U.S. Appl. No. 12/328,368, 13 pages.
Notice of Allowance mailed on Feb. 7, 2014 for U.S. Appl. No. 12/328,368, 8 pages.
Non-Final Office Action mailed on Sep. 16, 2008 for U.S. Appl. No. 11/051,499, 18 pages.
Final Office Action mailed on Mar. 19, 2009 for U.S. Appl. No. 11/051,499, 16 pages.
Non-Final Office Action mailed on Nov. 30, 2009 for U.S. Appl. No. 11/051,499, 19 pages.
Notice of Allowance mailed on Jun. 24, 2010 for U.S. Appl. No. 11/051,499, 9 pages.
International Search Report and Written Opinion of the International Searching Authority mailed on May 15, 2006 for PCT Patent Application No. PCT/US2005/045040, 10 pages.
Canadian Office Action mailed on Oct. 7, 2014 for CA Patent Application No. 2,651,048, 4 pages.
Australian Office Action mailed on Nov. 5, 2014 for AU Patent Application No. 2013203800, 2 pages.
Japanese Office Action mailed on Oct. 14, 2014 for JP Patent Application No. 2013-252930, with English translation, 9 pages.
Chinese Office Action mailed on Nov. 3, 2014 for CN Patent Application No. 201210136878.9, 15 pages.
Chinese Office Action mailed on Nov. 24, 2014 for CN Patent Application No. 201080039625.9, 6 pages.
Non-Final Office Action mailed on Feb. 23, 2015 for U.S. Appl. No. 14/084,545, 6 pages.
Chinese Office Action mailed on Feb. 16, 2015 for CN Patent Application No. 201080039625.9, 6 pages.
Chinese Office Action mailed on Feb. 13, 2015 for CN Patent Application No. 201210101598.4, 19 pages.
Canadian Office Action mailed on Mar. 11, 2015 for CA Patent Application No. 2,591,164, 4 pages.
Chinese Office Action mailed on Mar. 31, 2015 for CN Patent Application No. 201210136876.X, 18 pages.
Notice of Allowance mailed on Jun. 12, 2015 for U.S. Appl. No. 14/084,545, 5 pages.
Chinese Office Action mailed on Jul. 8, 2015 for CN Patent Application No. 201210136878.9, 12 pages.
Chinese Office Action mailed on Aug. 5, 2015 for CN Patent Application No. 201210101598.4, with English translation, 16 pages.
Notice of Allowance mailed on Aug. 19, 2015 for U.S. Appl. No. 14/312,672, 10 pages.
Canadian Office Action mailed on Oct. 22, 2015 for CA Patent Application No. 2,651,048, 7 pages.

Related Publications (1)

	Number	Date	Country
	20160110536 A1	Apr 2016	US

Provisional Applications (1)

	Number	Date	Country
	60642340	Jan 2005	US

Divisions (1)

	Number	Date	Country
Parent	11051499	Feb 2005	US
Child	12328368		US

Continuations (2)

	Number	Date	Country
Parent	14312672	Jun 2014	US
Child	14979456		US
Parent	12328368	Dec 2008	US
Child	14312672		US

Accessory authentication for electronic devices

Information

Patent Number

Date Filed

Date Issued

Inventors

Original Assignees

Examiners

Agents

CPC

Field of Search

CPC

International Classifications

Disclaimer

Abstract