Claims
- 1. A method of discouraging the unauthorized removal of an electronic device from a designated area, wherein the electronic device comprises at least one functional feature for performing at least one desired function and the ability to enable the operability of the functional feature from an initial state wherein the at least one desired feature is non-enabled, the method comprising the steps of:providing an identifiable security device for generating a signal to the electronic device and enabling the operability of the functional feature; providing accountability for the enabling of the functional feature by associating an authorized individual with the identifiable security device; commencing a transaction indicative of an intent to lawfully transfer possession of the electronic device to a consumer; placing the electronic device in proximity to the identifiable security device so as to cause the enablement of the functional feature; and enabling the functional feature.
- 2. The method as claimed in claim 1, including the step of identifying the particular electronic device for which the transfer of possession has been commenced.
- 3. The method as claimed in claim 2, including the step of providing he electronic device with a unique identifier that is transmittable to the security device at or about the time of the placement of the electronic device in proximity to the security device.
- 4. The method as claimed in claim 3, and including the step of identifying the identifiable security device that caused the enabling of the functional feature.
- 5. The method as claimed in claim 2, including the steps of:authorizing enablement of the functional feature upon the identification of the electronic device by the transmission of a predetermined signal from the security device.
- 6. The method as claimed in claim 1, including the step of identifying the identifiable security device that caused the enabling of the functional feature.
- 7. The method as claimed in claim 1, including the step of providing an enabler for enabling the operability of the functional feature, wherein the enabler is disposed in the interior of the electronic device so that it is not visible by a consumer at the time of the commencing step.
- 8. The method as claimed in claim 1, including the step of providing the functional feature in a demonstration mode, and wherein t e enabling of the functional feature permits the functional feature to operate in an operational mode.
- 9. The method as claimed in claim 8, including the step of prohibiting he functional feature from exiting the demonstration mode until the functional feature is enabled.
Parent Case Info
This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/595,277, filed Jun. 15, 2000, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,356,195.
US Referenced Citations (6)
Continuations (1)
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Number |
Date |
Country |
Parent |
09/595277 |
Jun 2000 |
US |
Child |
10/026485 |
|
US |