System option key

0001The invention relates to methods and apparatus for incorporating a programmable device or system option key in a product.

0002System Options Keys (SOKs) include a chip embedded in an ISO card, sometimes in the form of a Subscriber Identification Module (SIM). SOK's are used to customize the product in question by turning on/off features based on customer requests. Conventionally, such SOK modules are programmed by means of physical contacts. Because of that, conventional SOK modules need to be programmed ahead of time and matched with the machines as they are dispatched to fulfill an order. This requires the inventory of SOKs in a variety of configurations, which are individually packaged.

0003In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, a method comprises: <ul id="ul0001" list-style="none" compact="compact"><li>placing a product and a programmable device within a shipping package;</li><li>sealing said shipping package;</li><li>programming said programmable device by transmitting wireless signals to said programmable device, without opening said shipping package; and</li><li>after said programming, shipping said shipping package,</li></ul> wherein, said programmable device is adapted to enable different features of said product, depending upon said wireless signals transmitted to said programmable device.

0004In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention, an apparatus comprises: <ul id="ul0002" list-style="none" compact="compact"><li>a body adapted to be connected to a shipping package, wherein said shipping package is adapted to maintain a product;</li><li>a programmable device one of within and connected to said body, wherein said programmable device is adapted to activate features of said product;</li><li>an antenna physically connected to said body and said shipping package, wherein said antenna is operatively connected to said programmable device and is adapted to receive wireless signals for programming said programmable device; and</li><li>at least one signal connector on an exterior of said body,</li></ul> wherein said signal connector is adapted to connect to at least one corresponding connector on said product, wherein when said signal connector is connected to said corresponding connector on said product, said programmable device is operatively connected to said product to selectively activate different ones of said features of said product, depending upon said wireless signals transmitted to said programmable device through said antenna, and wherein said body is adapted to allow said programmable device to be programmed only while said body is connected to said shipping package.

0005The embodiments herein include a method that places a product and a programmable device within a shipping package, seals the shipping package, and programs the programmable device by transmitting wireless signals to the programmable device, without opening the shipping package. Then, after the device is programmed, the shipping package can be shipped to the end user (consumer). The programmable device is adapted to be connected to the product after the product and the programmable device are removed from the shipping package by the end user to enable different features of the product, depending upon the wireless signals transmitted to the programmable device.

0006Further, before or after the programming process, the embodiments herein can wirelessly communicate with the programmable device to track and inventory the shipping package without opening the shipping package. In some embodiments, the method can disable additional programming of the programmable device once the programming is complete.

0007The shipping package is intended to eventually be opened by the end user of the product. Further, the product is intended to be removed from the shipping package and plugged into or combined with the programmable device after the shipping package is shipped to and opened by the end user to selectively enable features of the product. In some embodiments, the method attaches the antenna of the programmable device to the shipping package in such a manner that the antenna is detached from the programmable device when the programmable device is removed from the shipping package.

0008Therefore, in specific apparatus embodiments, the system option key comprises some form of body or support structure that is to be connected to the shipping package. Again, this shipping package is adapted to maintain the product associated with the system option key. A programmable device (e.g., chip) is included either within or on (connected to) the body of the system option key. This programmable device is the element that selectively activates different features of the product, once it is connected to the product.

0009An antenna is physically connected to the body and the shipping package, and the antenna is operatively (directly or indirectly) connected to the programmable device. The antenna is adapted to receive wireless signals for programming the programmable device.

0010There is also at least one signal connector on an exterior of the body. This signal connector is adapted to connect to at least one corresponding connector on the product. When the signal connector is physically connected to the corresponding connector on the product, the programmable device thereby becomes operatively connected to the product. This connection of the system option key to the product selectively actives the different features of the product (depending upon the wireless signals transmitted to the programmable device through the antenna when the programmable device was programmed).

0011One feature of embodiments herein is that the body of the system option key comprises at least one "physical feature" that can allow optionally the programmable device to be programmed only while the body is connected to the shipping package.

0012In one example, this physical feature comprises the antenna being adapted to disconnect from the body and remain attached to the shipping package when the body is disconnected from the shipping package. For example, some embodiments herein include an antenna connection connecting the antenna to the body. This antenna connection is weaker than the connection between the shipping package and the antenna. This causes the antenna to become disconnected from the body and remain connected to the shipping package when the body is disconnected from the shipping package. In other embodiments, the antenna can be included as an integral part of the shipping package (formed between the laminated layers of the shipping package, printed on the shipping package, etc.) to ensure that the system option key can only be programmed while it is connected to the shipping package. In another example, the physical feature comprises a programming switch on the exterior of the body. In a similar manner to the antenna, this programming switch is operatively connected to the programmable device. The programming switch can be adapted to change state (programming state or non-programming state) depending on whether the body is connected to the shipping package. The programmable device is controlled by the programming switch such that the programmable device can be programmed only when the programming switch indicates that the body is connected to the shipping package (programming state). In other words, the programmable device is prevented from being programmed when the switch is set to the non-programming state. Further, the programming switch can be permanently set to a non-programming state when the body is disconnected from shipping package. Thus, for example, the removal of the system option key from the shipping package can break a part of the programming switch to permanently leave the programming switch in a non-programming state.

0013A further method comprises: <ul id="ul0003" list-style="none" compact="compact"><li>placing a product and a programmable device within a shipping package;</li><li>sealing said shipping package;</li><li>programming said programmable device by transmitting wireless signals to said programmable device, without opening said shipping package; and</li><li>after said programming, shipping said shipping package,</li></ul> wherein, said programmable device is adapted to be connected to said product after said product and said programmable device are removed from said shipping package to enable different features of said product, depending upon said wireless signals transmitted to said programmable device; and wherein, said programmable device is adapted to be set to a non-programming state by being removed from said shipping package.

0014Another apparatus comprises: <ul id="ul0004" list-style="none" compact="compact"><li>a body adapted to be connected to a shipping package, wherein said shipping package is adapted to maintain a product;</li><li>a programmable device one of within and connected to said body, wherein said programmable device is adapted to activate features of said product;</li><li>an antenna physically connected to said body and said shipping package, wherein said antenna is operatively connected to said programmable device and is adapted to receive wireless signals for programming said programmable device; and</li><li>at least one signal connector on an exterior of said body,</li></ul> wherein said signal connector is adapted to connect to at least one corresponding connector on said product, wherein when said signal connector is connected to said corresponding connector on said product, said programmable device is operatively connected to said product to selectively activate different ones of said features of said product, depending upon said wireless signals transmitted to said programmable device through said antenna, and wherein said body comprises at least one physical feature that allows said programmable device to be programmed only while said body is connected to said shipping package.

0015Thus, this disclosure proposes a System Option Key (SOK) fabricated with a hybrid chip to enable programming of the chip potentially through the box to allow production and packaging of an otherwise generic product that can be customized (by means of programming of the SOK) as orders come in. Conventionally, SOKs need to be individually programmed, packaged and held in inventory in several versions to support order fulfillment.

0016Various exemplary embodiments of the systems and methods are described in detail below, with reference to the attached drawing figures, in which:

0017<figref idref="f0001">FIG. 1</figref> is a flow diagram illustrating embodiments herein;

0018<figref idref="f0002">FIG. 2</figref> is a schematic representation of a system option key according to embodiments herein; and

0019<figref idref="f0002">FIG. 3</figref> is a schematic representation of a shipping package, product, and system option key according to embodiments herein.

0020The embodiments herein provide processes, systems, services, computer programs, etc. to allow system option keys to be programmed while they are within sealed shipping containers.

0021This disclosure presents a SOK that makes use of a hybrid chip, one that has a radio frequency (RF) interface (antenna) in addition to physical contacts. The SOK is attached to the packaging (e.g., product box) in any appropriate location for ease of RF programming. The SOK can be placed in a pocket inside the box or glued, taped, bonded, etc. to the inside of the box. The radio frequency interface allows programming of the SOK through the box while the physical contacts enable communication with the product.

0022The hybrid SOK presented herein can be attached to the packaging at the vendor site or at the time the product is packaged. The chip's logic can allow the use of a command that disables the radio frequency interface completely (or only its write function) once the SOK has been programmed. If only the write function is disabled it is also possible to use the SOK to identify the product at later stages of the process. Alternatively, the antenna interface can be designed such that, when the customer removes the SIM, the antenna connections break, thus disabling the RF interface completely.

0023As shown in the flowchart in <figref idref="f0001">Figure 1</figref>, one embodiment herein comprises a method that places (or attaches) a product and a programmable device within (or to) a shipping package (item 100), seals the shipping package (item 104), and programs the programmable device by transmitting wireless signals to the programmable device, without opening the shipping package (item 106).

0024Further, in some embodiments, at any time before or after the programming process, the embodiments herein can wirelessly communicate with the programmable device to track and inventory the shipping package without opening the shipping package, as shown in item 102. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the method can disable additional programming of the programmable device once the programming is complete in item 106.

0025Then, after the device is programmed, the shipping package can be shipped to the end user (consumer) potentially through many wholesalers, retailers and other middlemen, as shown in item 108. After the shipping package is opened and the product and programmable device are removed (item 110) the programmable device is to be connected to the product (item 112) to enable different features of the product, depending upon the wireless signals transmitted to the programmable device in item 106. Note that the programmable device can be programmed at any time before being opened by the end user. Therefore, any middleman or vendor could maintain a stock of generic products and customize the products as they are sold, simply by performing wireless RF programming through the packaging.

0026In some embodiments, in item 100 the method forms some type of physical connection between the programmable device and the shipping package such that the programmable device must be disconnected or detached from the shipping package in item 120. This disconnection/detachment optionally changes some physical feature of the programmable device that changes the programmable device to a non-programmable state in item 122. A number of examples of the physical change to the programmable device are discussed below. For example, in item 100, the antenna of the programmable device can be attached to the shipping package in such a manner that the antenna is detached from the programmable device when the programmable device is removed from the shipping package in item 120, thereby physically preventing the programmable device from being reprogrammed.

0027<figref idref="f0002">Figure 2</figref> illustrates one specific apparatus embodiment of the programmable item 200 (e.g., a system option key) that comprises some form of body or support structure 202 that is to be connected to the shipping package. <figref idref="f0002">Figure 3</figref> illustrates one example of a shipping package 300 that is adapted to be sealed and to maintain (contain, hold, protect, etc.) the product 302 and associated system option key (programmable item) 200. The shipping package 300 is used principally as a storage and transport container, and is usually discarded after the product is removed therefrom. The product 302 can comprise any type of product having selectable features, depending upon user/vendor preferences. For example, the product 302 could comprise a printer, copier, computer, personal digital assistant, programmable vehicle or equipment, toy, tool, entertainment device, houseware device, etc., that has selectable features.

0028A programmable device (e.g., chip or central processing unit (CPU)) 204 is included either within or on (connected to) the body 202 of the system option key. This programmable device (chip) 204 is the element that selectively activates different features of the product 302. In addition, an electronic (volatile or non-volatile) memory 206 can be included within the system option key 200 to aid the chip's 204 functions and programming of the chip 204. Item 208 represents the antenna for wireless communication with the chip 204 and item 210 represents the programmable switch that can allow or prevent the chip from being programmed.

0029Various computerized devices are mentioned herein. Computers that include input/output devices, memories, processors, antenna, programmable switches, etc. are readily available devices produced by manufactures such as <nplcit id="ncit0001" npl-type="b"><text>International Business Machines Corporation, Armonk NY, USA and Apple Computer Co., Cupertino CA, USA</text></nplcit>. Such chips, antenna, switches, etc. commonly include input/output devices, power supplies, processors, electronic storage memories, wiring, etc., the details of which are omitted herefrom to allow the reader to focus on the salient aspects of the embodiments described herein.

0030The antenna 208 is physically connected to the body 202 and the antenna 208 is operatively (directly or indirectly) connected to the programmable device 204. The antenna 208 is adapted to receive wireless signals for programming the programmable device 204.

0031There is also at least one signal connector (e.g., contact pin, etc.) 220 on an exterior of the body 202. While three pin-type connectors are shown in <figref idref="f0002">Figure 2</figref>, one ordinarily skilled in the art would understand that any form of connector (in any number) could be used to connect the system option key 202 to the product 302, to selectively enable features of the product 302. This signal connector 220 is adapted to connect to at least one corresponding (and matching) connector on the product 302. When the signal connector 220 is physically connected to the corresponding connector on the product 302, the programmable device 204 thereby becomes operatively connected to the product 302.

0032This connection of the system option key 200 to the product 302 through the connectors 220 selectively activates different features of the product 302 (depending upon the wireless signals transmitted to the programmable device 204 through the antenna 208 when the programmable device 204 was programmed). In other words, the product may be capable of providing many different features, but will only produce the features as allowed by the system option key 200.

0033Sometimes users are charged different amounts for different features of the product 302. Therefore, it may be desirable to prevent the user from reprogramming the system option key once it is removed from the shipping package 300 and attached to the product 302. The system option key 200 can be bonded, taped, glued, etc., to the shipping package 300, or can be attached to the shipping package 300 using a specially designed pouch or clip. One feature of embodiments herein is that the body 202 of the system option key 200 can comprise at least one "physical feature" that allows the programmable device 204 to be programmed only while the body 202 is connected to the shipping package 300.

0034In one example, this physical feature comprises the antenna 208 being adapted to disconnect from the body and remain attached to the shipping package 300 when the body 202 is disconnected from the shipping package 300, as shown in <figref idref="f0002">Figure 3</figref>. For example, some embodiments herein include an antenna connection 212 connecting the antenna 208 to the body 202. This antenna connection 212 is weaker than the connection between the shipping package 300 and the antenna 208. The connections mentioned herein can comprise any appropriate material, such as glues, solders, metals, alloys, plastics, etc. This causes the antenna 208 to become disconnected from the body 202 and remain connected to the shipping package 300 when the body is disconnected from the shipping package 300.

0035In another example, the physical feature comprises a programming switch 210 on the exterior of the body 202. In a similar manner to the antenna 208, this programming switch 210 is operatively connected to the programmable device 204. The programming switch 210 is adapted to change state (programming state or non-programming state) depending on whether the body 202 is connected to the shipping package 300. The programmable device 204 is controlled by the programming switch 210 such that the programmable device 204 can be programmed only when the programming switch 210 indicates that the body 202 is connected to the shipping package 300 (programming state). In other words, the programmable device 204 is prevented from being programmed when the switch 210 is set to the non-programming state.

0036The programming switch 210 can be permanently set to a non-programming state when the body 202 is disconnected from shipping package 300. Thus, for example, the removal of the system option key 200 from the shipping package 300 can break a part of the programming switch 210 to permanently leave the programming switch 210 in a non-programming state. The removal of the system option key 200 can break a connection 214 that is similar to connection 212, discussed above. Thus, the connection 214 could also be weaker than the connection between the shipping package 300 and the programmable switch 210.

0037Alternatively, some physical feature 216 of the switch 210 could be intentionally broken off or pushed/pulled into a predetermined position by the separation of the programmable switch 210 from the shipping package 300 (when the system option key 200 is removed from the shipping package 300). One ordinarily skilled in the art would understand that the embodiments herein are not limited to these examples, and many other systems and structures could be used to place the switch 210 and chip 204 into a non-programmable state.

0038In other embodiments, the antenna 208 or switch 210 can be included as an integral part of the shipping package 300 (e.g., can be formed within or between the laminated layers of the shipping package 300, printed on the shipping package 300, etc.) and have appropriate connectors to the antenna 208 or switch 210, to ensure that the system option key can only be programmed while the system option key 200 is connected to the shipping package 300.

0039The word "printer" as used herein encompasses any apparatus, such as a digital copier, bookmaking machine, facsimile machine, multi-function machine, etc. which performs a print outputting function for any purpose. The details of printers, printing engines, etc. are well-known by those ordinarily skilled in the art and are discussed in, for example, <patcit id="pcit0001" dnum="US6032004A"><text>U.S. Patent 6,032,004</text></patcit>, the complete disclosure of which is fully incorporated herein by reference. Printers are readily available devices produced by manufacturers such as Xerox Corporation, Stamford, CT, USA. Such printers commonly include input/output, power supplies, processors, media movement devices, marking devices etc., the details of which are omitted herefrom to allow the reader to focus on the salient aspects of the embodiments described herein.

0040Thus, the embodiments herein provide a system option key that can be programmed through the box (shipping package) and that can be automatically set to a non-programmable state when the user unpacks the box. With such an arrangement, there is no need to inventory individually packaged and programmed SOKs, nor is there a need to inventory several different machine configurations. Instead, the embodiments herein provide the ability to produce "generic" machines that can be customized as necessary, which results in a simplified manufacturing process. Further, with embodiments herein the SOK can be used as an electronic label to track product through the supply chain. Further, the embodiments herein provide backwards compatibility with existing implementations of SOK devices.

0041All foregoing embodiments are specifically applicable to electrostatographic and/or xerographic machines and/or processes as well as to software programs stored on the electronic memory (computer usable data carrier) 206 and to services whereby the foregoing methods are provided to others for a service fee. It will be appreciated that the above-disclosed and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be desirably combined into many other different systems or applications.