U.S. patent application number 12/554402 was filed with the patent office on 2009-12-31 for system for adapting device standars after manufacture.
This patent application is currently assigned to QST Holdings, Inc.. Invention is credited to Paul L. Master, John Watson.
Application Number | 20090325555 12/554402 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 21761953 |
Filed Date | 2009-12-31 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090325555 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Master; Paul L. ; et
al. |
December 31, 2009 |
System For Adapting Device Standars After Manufacture
Abstract
A system for efficient sale of devices that comply with licensed
standards. A preferred embodiment of the invention uses a generic,
or highly adaptable, hardware device. The device can be adapted to
adhere to a specific standard, e.g., code-division multiple access,
time-division multiple access, etc., after manufacture such as at
the point-of-sale to an end user, prior to distribution, or at some
other point in a distribution and sales network. This allows
manufacturers, retailers and end users to benefit from more
competitive selection of standardized communication, data and other
formats. Reduction of manufacturing costs and elimination of
shipping, or other transfer and storage costs, is also
realized.
Inventors: |
Master; Paul L.; (Sunnyvale,
CA) ; Watson; John; (Edgewood, WA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
NIXON PEABODY, LLP
401 9TH STREET, NW, SUITE 900
WASHINGTON
DC
20004-2128
US
|
Assignee: |
QST Holdings, Inc.
San Jose
US
|
Family ID: |
21761953 |
Appl. No.: |
12/554402 |
Filed: |
September 4, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
10013825 |
Dec 10, 2001 |
7602740 |
|
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12554402 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
455/414.1 ;
705/1.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06Q 30/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
455/414.1 ;
705/1 |
International
Class: |
H04M 3/42 20060101
H04M003/42; G06Q 30/00 20060101 G06Q030/00; G06Q 50/00 20060101
G06Q050/00 |
Claims
1. A method for allowing an adaptable electronic device to be
adapted prior to sale to an end user, wherein the device is sold by
a retailer, the method comprising the following steps performed by
the retailer obtaining an order for a device with first
functionality; adapting the device with the first functionality;
and selling the device with the first functionality to an end
user.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the device is a cellular
telephone, the method further comprising wherein the step of
adapting includes the substep of adapting the device to achieve a
code-division multiple access (CDMA) communications standard.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the device is a cellular
telephone, the method further comprising wherein the step of
adapting includes the substep of adapting the device to achieve a
time-division multiple access (TDMA) communications standard.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein the device is a cellular
telephone, the method further comprising wherein the step of
adapting includes the substep of adapting the device to achieve a
voice over internet protocol communications standard.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of adapting further
comprises the substep of adapting the device with a data format
standard.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of adapting further
comprises the substep of adapting the device with a communications
standard.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein the device is an audio playback
device, the method further comprising wherein the step of adapting
includes a substep of adapting the device to use mpeg-3 (mp3)
decoding.
8. The method of claim 1, wherein the device is a cellular
telephone, the method further comprising wherein the step of
adapting includes the substep of adapting the device to use
RealAudio decoding.
9. The method of claim 1, wherein the device is a cellular
telephone, the method further comprising wherein the step of
adapting includes the substep of adapting the device to use Windows
Media Player decoding.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is related to the following co-pending
applications:
[0002] (1) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/815,122, filed on
Mar. 22, 2001, entitled "ADAPTIVE INTEGRATED CIRCUITRY WITH
HETEROGENEOUS AND RECONFIGURABLE MATRICES OF DIVERSE AND ADAPTIVE
COMPUTATIONAL UNITS HAVING FIXED, APPLICATION SPECIFIC
COMPUTATIONAL ELEMENTS;" and
[0003] (2) U.S. patent application Ser. No. [TBD] filed on [TBD],
entitled "SYSTEM FOR AUTHORIZING FUNCTIONALITY IN CONFIGURABLE
HARDWARE DEVICES".
[0004] Each of the above applications are hereby incorporated by
reference as if set forth in full in this document.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0005] This invention relates in general to adapting hardware
devices to achieve desired functionality and more specifically to
adapting a hardware device at, or prior to, the time of sale.
[0006] Traditional consumer electronic devices have substantially
fixed functionality. Devices such as cell phones, digital audio
players, personal digital assistants (PDAs), global positioning
satellite (GPS) terminals, etc. are designed, manufactured and
marketed as a specific type of device with a specific feature set.
Typically, a manufacturer of a new device makes decisions at the
very outset of design or manufacturing as to what functions the
device will perform, which standards (e.g., communication transfer
standard, data format standard, etc.) the device will be compatible
with, etc. This requires selection of appropriate integrated
circuit (IC) chips, or the design of new chips and circuitry. Where
standards are followed, royalty payments must be paid to the
standard's creator, consortium, or other organization or entity
that owns the standard. Such royalty, or other, payment can be a
significant part of the overall cost of manufacturing the
device.
[0007] A next step in manufacturing the device is the "board-level"
design and assembly. The IC chips are arranged with other
circuitry, user controls, connectors, etc., on a singular assembly
such as a printed-circuit (PC) board. Typically, a new design is
needed for each new device as different chips and other components
are being used.
[0008] Next, a chassis designer and manufacturer is used to create
and enclose the assembly in a housing, or shell. Again, this is a
customized step as the packaging for a new board assembly is
usually unique. After the assembly is incorporated into the housing
package the device is physically completed.
[0009] There may be one or more levels of distribution of the
device. A manufacturer can ship to a wholesale distributor. The
wholesale distributor can then ship to retail distributors. The
retail distributors can ship to retail sellers. Finally, a consumer
purchases and obtains the device.
[0010] FIG. 1B illustrates a prior art approach to manufacturing,
distributing and selling an electronic device.
[0011] In FIG. 1B, a device manufacturer commissions an integrated
circuit (IC) manufacturer, or foundry, to fabricate custom ICs, or
chips, according to the manufacturer's designs. Such chips can
include application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC),
programmable gate array (PGA), or other design approaches. IC
manufacturer 140 then provides the chips to the device manufacturer
or to board-level manufacturer 142.
[0012] Board-level manufacturer 142 combines components onto one or
more circuit assemblies. Typically, this is a printed circuit board
(PCB) but any other type of circuit assembly is possible. The
circuit assembly is sent to enclosure manufacturer 144 where the
final assembly and testing of the device is performed.
[0013] Then the electronic device is subjected to a large-scale
distribution network. Distribution network 146 represents any
delivery, storage and sales facility that might be used to
disseminate the product. For example, shipping, warehousing,
wholesale and other sales outlets can be used. Furthermore, the
distribution can include Internet, mail, telephone, or other
services. Ultimately, the product is provided to an end user, or
consumer, via a sales endpoint such as retail sales point 148. A
retail sales point can be a physical or e-commerce store, catalog
sales order, online auction, etc.
[0014] Each step of the above manufacturing and distribution
scenario adds cost to the device. Further, the design steps are
usually repeated completely anew for subsequent devices. There is
very little advantage to prior development and design for new
products since typical consumer electronics technology changes so
rapidly.
[0015] Another problem with the prior art design and distribution
system is that some standards for consumer electronics devices are
owned by one, or a few, companies. These companies are in a
position to charge large payments. Manufacturers of new devices
must determine, and put agreements in place to pay for, the
standards to be used in the device from the very beginning of the
design cycle. Thus, the manufacturer is not in a strong position to
decide which standard to use based on consumer demand, or
popularity, near the time of sale of the device. Owners, or
licensors, of standards typically do not have to compete against
each other in a "free-market" where prices are closely tied to
supply and demand. This results in devices that cost more due to
the relatively fixed, high, royalty payments. This hurts consumers'
ability to make decisions on the type of standard to follow and to
obtain the best price on a device that uses a particular
standard.
[0016] Thus, it is desirable to provide a system that alleviates
one or more shortcomings in the prior art.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0017] The present invention provides a system for efficient sale
of devices that comply with licensed standards. A preferred
embodiment of the invention uses a generic, or highly adaptable,
hardware device. The device can be adapted to adhere to a specific
standard, e.g., code-division multiple access (CDMA), time-division
multiple access (TDMA), etc., after manufacture such as at the
point-of-sale to an end user, prior to distribution, or at some
other point in a distribution and sales network. This allows
manufacturers, retailers and end users to benefit from more
competitive selection of standardized communication, data and other
formats. Reduction of manufacturing costs and elimination of
shipping, or other transfer and storage costs, is also
realized.
[0018] In one embodiment the invention provides a method for
allowing an adaptable electronic device to be adapted prior to sale
to an end user, wherein the device is sold by a retailer, the
method comprising the following steps performed by the retailer:
obtaining an order for a device with first functionality; adapting
the device with the first functionality; and selling the device
with the first functionality to an end user.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] FIG. 1A illustrates an adaptable device's adaptation,
distribution and sale according to the present invention;
[0020] FIG. 1B illustrates typical entities involved in the
development, sale, distribution and adaptation of an electronic
device; and
[0021] FIG. 2 illustrates basic parts of an adaptable device
architecture based on an adaptive computing environment.
DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0022] The present invention provides for adapting a device to
comply with popular standards used in commercial consumer
electronic devices. Although the present application is presented
primarily with respect to consumer electronic devices and relevant
standards, aspects of the invention can be used with other types of
electronic devices and other standards, licensed technology or
functionality.
[0023] A preferred embodiment of the invention provides for
adapting the electronic device at, or near, the point of consumer
sale.
[0024] FIG. 1A illustrates adaptation, distribution and sale of an
adaptable device according to the present invention.
[0025] In FIG. 1A, an adaptable device is initially provided to a
distribution network by an original manufacturer of the device
represented by adaptable device 100. A preferred embodiment of the
invention uses a device including an adaptive computing engine
(ACE) that is described in detail in the co-pending patent
application referenced above, entitled "ADAPTIVE INTEGRATED
CIRCUITRY WITH HETEROGENEOUS AND RECONFIGURABLE MATRICES OF DIVERSE
AND ADAPTIVE COMPUTATIONAL UNITS HAVING FIXED, APPLICATION SPECIFIC
COMPUTATIONAL ELEMENTS." It should be apparent that any type of
adaptable hardware device design is adaptable for use with the
present invention. For example, the adaptable device can be any
type of adaptable device using other architectures or design
methodologies, such as a device using a general-purpose processor,
multiprocessing, application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC),
field-programmable gate array (FPGA), dedicated circuitry, etc., or
combination of the foregoing.
[0026] The adaptable device can be adapted with a desired standard,
or other functionality, at the point of initial shipping of the
device. This is represented in FIG. 1A by an arrow from adaptation
information 102 to adaptable device 100. The device can be adapted
by adaptation information loaded into the device by any type of
communication means such as reading magnetic media, using a digital
network such as a local-area network (LAN), the Internet; using a
hardwire transfer, using optical or radio-frequency communication,
etc.
[0027] Some types of standards to which the device can be adapted
to use include data formats and communication standards. For
example, where a device is intended to perform a cellular telephone
function, standards such as TDMA, CDMA, voice-over internet
protocol (VoIP), analog, digital satellite, or other standards can
be employed. Where a device is an audio playback device, formats
such as Moving Pictures Expert's Group (MPEG) version 3,
RealNetworks' "RealAudio" (.ra), Quicktime's (.mov), digital audio
(.wav), Microsoft Media Player (.au) or other formats can be used.
Where a device is a global positioning system (GPS) receiver the
appropriate standards can be used. Many other types of standards
and functionality can be suitable for use with the present
invention.
[0028] Adaptation of the device can include the means described in
co-pending U.S. patent application entitled "SYSTEM FOR AUTHORIZING
FUNCTIONALITY IN ADAPTABLE HARDWARE DEVICES," referenced,
above.
[0029] FIG. 1A shows distribution network 104. Distribution network
104 can include various entities and mechanisms for the sale,
transfer and storage of devices. For example, distribution network
104 can include shipping and warehousing facilities; wholesalers, a
return and refurbishing network, etc. The distribution network
culminates in an end user, or consumer, sale of the device such as
at retail sale point 106.
[0030] The present invention provides for the devices to be adapted
at any point in distribution network 104 or at a retail sale point
such as retail sale point 106. Note that such an approach provides
advantages in quickly meeting consumer demand for specific types of
devices. For example, if demand for TDMA cellular phones suddenly
increases. There is no need for remanufacture and redistribution of
TDMA-designed devices. The devices can merely be adapted as TDMA
devices anywhere in the various entities (i.e., manufacturer,
distributor or sales) of FIG. 1A.
[0031] The invention provides for very quick distribution since
devices can be in warehouses, or even on retail store shelves, and
can be reconfigured in short time. One approach allows adaptation
of devices stored in warehouses to be driven by retailer demand.
Thus, retailers place orders for certain devices from wholesalers.
Adaptation of the devices is performed at, or by, wholesalers to
meet retailer demand. Naturally, adaptation can be performed by
other entities, including the retailers, themselves. Another
approach allows adaptation of devices to be driven by consumer
demand. In this case retailers, or any other entity can perform the
adaptation.
[0032] Traditional forms of selling, renting, leasing, or
contractual or licensing arrangements can be used in connection
with the adaptation of devices. For example, adaptation information
102 can be provided by a primary company that is the manufacturer
of the devices. The primary company can charge for transferring, or
otherwise providing, the adaptation information. Adaptation
information can acquire properties of prior art devices in that it
can be tracked, wholesaled and retailed. The advantage is that the
cost to ship the adaptation information is virtually nothing. Thus,
the use of pre-sale adaptation of electronic devices prior to the
point of sale attains a "virtual device" that can be instantly
shipped to locations where the physical adaptable, "generic,"
device is already present.
[0033] Naturally, the adaptation information can be transferred to
a location prior to, or in the absence of, actual devices being
present at the location. The adaptation information can be stored
and used at a later time.
[0034] FIG. 2 illustrates basic parts of an adaptable device
architecture based on an adaptive computing environment (ACE)
approach. Such an approach is discussed in detail in the co-pending
patent application referenced, above. The ACE architecture uses
small processing elements called nodes, or matrices. The matrices
are each designed to be specialized in one basic type of processing
such as arithmetic, bit manipulation, finite state machine, memory
oriented or reduced instruction set computing (RISC) approaches.
The matrices are provided with adaptable interconnection networks.
A scheduler performs the task of mapping an operation, or function,
onto the matrices. Once mapped, the function can execute for a
while before a next function is mapped onto the same set of
matrices. In this manner, the functionality of a device that
includes the matrices can be changed quickly and efficiently.
[0035] In FIG. 2, adaptable matrix 150 includes a plurality of
computation units 200 (illustrated as computation units 200A
through 200N). Computation units include a plurality of
computational elements 250 (illustrated as computational elements
250A through 250Z). As illustrated in FIG. 2, matrix 150 generally
includes a matrix controller 230 and plurality of computation (or
computational) units 200 as logical or conceptual subsets or
portions of a matrix interconnect network. Also shown are data
interconnect network 240 and Boolean interconnect network 210.
Interconnect networks can have different levels of
interconnectivity and flexibility for greater levels of
adaptability and adaptation. In an applied architecture, the matrix
represented by FIG. 2 is replicated within a single chip, or
chipset, and interconnected with each other to provide a scalable
approach to providing processing resources. A network
interconnecting matrices (not shown) is referred to as a matrix
interconnection network.
[0036] Boolean interconnect network 210 provides adaptation and
data interconnection capability between and among the various
computation units 200, and is preferably small (i.e., only a few
bits wide). Data interconnect network 240 provides the adaptation
and data interconnection capability for data input and output
between and among the various computation units 200, and is
preferably comparatively large (i.e., many bits wide). It should be
noted, however, that while conceptually divided into adaptation and
data capabilities, any given physical portion of the matrix
interconnection network, at any given time, may be operating as
either the Boolean interconnect network 210, the data interconnect
network 240, the lowest level interconnect 220 (between and among
the various computational elements 250), or other input, output, or
connection functionality.
[0037] Continuing to refer to FIG. 2, included within a computation
unit 200 are a plurality of computational elements 250, illustrated
as computational elements 250A through 250Z (individually and
collectively referred to as computational elements 250), and
additional interconnect 220. The interconnect 220 provides the
adaptable interconnection capability and input/output paths between
and among the various computational elements 250. As indicated
above, each of the various computational elements 250 consist of
dedicated, application specific hardware designed to perform a
given task or range of tasks, resulting in a plurality of
different, fixed computational elements 250. Utilizing the
interconnect 220, the fixed computational elements 250 may be
adaptably connected together into adaptive and varied computational
units 200, which also may be further adapted and interconnected, to
execute an algorithm or other function, at any given time,
utilizing the interconnect 220, the Boolean network 210, and the
matrix interconnection network (not shown).
[0038] In a preferred embodiment, the various computational
elements 250 are designed and grouped together, into various
adaptive and adaptable computation units 200. In addition to
computational elements 250 which arc designed to execute a
particular algorithm or function, such as multiplication or
addition, other types of computational elements 250 are also
utilized. As illustrated in FIG. 2, computational elements 250A and
250B implement memory, to provide local memory elements for any
given calculation or processing function (compared to more "remote"
or auxiliary memory that can be external to the matrix). In
addition, computational elements 250I, 250J, 250K and 250L are
adapted to implement finite state machines to provide local
processing capability especially suitable for complicated control
processing.
[0039] With the various types of different computational elements
250 that may be available, depending upon the desired
functionality, the computation units 200 may be loosely
categorized. A first category of computation units 200 includes
computational elements 250 performing linear operations, such as
multiplication, addition, finite impulse response filtering, and so
on. A second category of computation units 200 includes
computational elements 250 performing non-linear operations, such
as discrete cosine transformation, trigonometric calculations, and
complex multiplications. A third type of computation unit 200
implements a finite state machine, such as computation unit 200C as
illustrated in FIG. 2, particularly useful for complicated control
sequences, dynamic scheduling, and input/output management, while a
fourth type may implement memory and memory management, such as
computation unit 200A. Lastly, a fifth type of computation unit 200
may be included to perform bit-level manipulation, such as for
encryption, decryption, channel coding, Viterbi decoding, and
packet and protocol processing (such as Internet Protocol
processing).
[0040] In addition to the ways of determining functionality for
general-purpose processing devices, as described above, the
functionality of a device using the ACE architecture can be
determined by adaptation information that is used to schedule
operations on the computation units. Usage information can include
the availability, types and frequency of use of different
computation units. Adaptation of the interconnect network, number
of active computation units over time, rate of execution of
operations, etc., can all be used as usage parameters.
[0041] Although the invention has been described with respect to
specific embodiments, the embodiments are merely illustrative, and
not restrictive, of the invention. For example, adaptable devices
can already be adapted with specific functionality and/or standards
prior to adapting, or re-adapting the devices prior to the point of
sale.
[0042] Thus, the scope of the invention is to be determined solely
by the appended claims.
* * * * *