Alternative embodiments described in the Patents include control and management of software and hardware on a pay-to-purchase or pay-per-use basis, adaptive computer systems, and control and security of electrical and electro-mechanical systems other than computers. As noted in other pages of this site, a computer system could be manufactured to include various optional hardware and software components controlled by embedded agents and initially disabled. When the purchaser of the computer system later decides to purchase an optional, preinstalled but disabled component, the manufacturer can enable the component by authorizing an associated embedded agent upon receipt of payment from the owner of the system. Similarly, the owner of the computer system may choose to rent an optional component for a period of time, and that component can then be authorized for the period of time by the manufacturer upon receipt of payment. Software may be manufactured to require authorization from a server via an embedded agent either located within the disk drive on which the software is stored or located within the software itself. Computer systems may automatically adjust their configuration in response to changes in workload by enabling and disabling components via embedded agents. Finally, systems other than computers, including industrial machine tools, processing equipment, vehicles, and firearms may be controlled and secured by embedding agents within one or more components included in the systems.
There are literally dozens of applications, many of which are described in the Patents themselves, that can utilize the SVS architecture to enhance device security and/or rights management of software progams and digital content. A sampling of applications follows that is intended to be illustratative of how some of these methods could be applied in a number of different scenarios.
Identity Theft
SVS client agents could be embedded in chips contained in electronic passports, drivers’ licenses, card keys and other media to prevent identity theft and fraud. SVS authorization messages can be exchanged when cards or documents are scanned. If a card is reported stolen or missing, authorization messages are terminated and the card is disabled.
Potential applications of this architecture related to identity theft are numerous. Of particular interest are homeland security initiatives intended to deter or prevent identity theft used to support terrorist acts or funding of terrorist organizations.
Perimeter-Based Security SVS authorization messages could be transmitted via wireline or wireless communication. In the case of wireless networks, whether deployed in an enterprise campus or a home area network, devices could be automatically disabled if they were physically removed outside the veil of a wireless signal, such as that emanating from a WiFi (802.11x) network. For enterprises or government facilities, this could provide additional safeguards against misappropriation of high value devices or those containing sensitive data (e.g., servers, PCs, etc.).
Home area network users could also benefit from protection of non-mobile devices that store sensitive data, such as home PCs. By conspicuously branding devices as having this self-destruct capability, device manufacturers could offer compelling new forms of theft deterrence for game consoles, entertainment systems and other home devices and appliances.
Radio Frequency Identification SVS client agents could be embedded in radio frequency identification (“RFID”) chips that are increasingly being used in inventory tracking applications. To allay the concerns of privacy advocates who believe RFIDs may allow manufacturers and distributors to surreptitiously track and monitor customer purchase behavior, SVS client agents could be used to permanently disable an RFID after an item containing an RFID has been purchased and/or shipped to a customer.
In another application involving the use of RFIDs, SVS client agents could be embedded in RFIDs contained in currency, such as bank notes. Should such currency be lost, stolen or otherwise misappropriated, SVS client agents could be used to “disable” the currency if attempts were made to use it for unauthorized transactions.
Security Systems SVS client agents could be embedded in smart cards, biometric devices and other security equipment to provide enhanced protection, should the devices be lost, stolen or otherwise misappropriated. Many users, despite warnings to the contrary, store PIN numbers with the devices they are intended to protect. SVS client agents could be embedded in these devices to provide enhanced protection of the devices. For example, a smart card reported as stolen or missing could be remotely disabled to prevent unauthorized users from generating passwords needed to access computers or corporate networks.
