Method and apparatus for configuring variant software for electronic devices

Abstract

A method and apparatus for configuring an electronic device for operation according to one of a plurality of product variants. Upon initialization of the device for use, identifying data for the user of the device is entered into the device. The identifying data is used to determine a selected set of configuration data from one of a plurality of sets of configuration data that are stored in the device. The electronic device is then configured to operate according to a particular product variant defined by the selected set of configuration data.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A method for configuring a electronic device for operation, said method comprising the steps of: 
 storing a plurality of sets of configuration data in a memory device in said electronic device, wherein each set of configuration data defines an operating configuration for said electronic device;    receiving identity data at said electronic device;    determining, in response to receiving said identity data, a selected set of configuration data of said plurality of sets of configuration data; and    configuring said electronic device for operation according to said selected set of configuration data.    
     
     
         2 . The method of    claim 1   , wherein said step of receiving identity data comprises receiving identity data from a subscriber identity module inserted in said electronic device.  
     
     
         3 . The method of    claim 2   , wherein said subscriber identity module comprises a GSM subscriber identity module.  
     
     
         4 . The method of    claim 3   , wherein said step of determining a selected set of said plurality of sets of configuration data comprises the steps of: 
 determining an MCC/MNC from said identity data; and    matching said MCC/MNC to a selected set of said plurality of sets of configuration data.    
     
     
         5 . The method of    claim 3   , wherein said step of determining a selected set of said plurality of configuration data comprises the steps of: 
 determining a GID from said identity data; and    matching said GID to a selected set of said plurality of sets of configuration data.    
     
     
         6 . The method of    claim 1   , wherein said step of receiving identity data comprises receiving identity data programmed into said electronic device upon initialization for use.  
     
     
         7 . The method of    claim 6   , wherein said identity data comprises a SID/SOC.  
     
     
         8 . An apparatus for configuring a electronic device for operation, said apparatus comprising: 
 a memory device for storing a plurality of sets of configuration data in said electronic device, each of said plurality of sets of configuration data defining an operating configuration for said electronic device;    an input device for receiving identity data at said electronic device; and    a processor coupled to said memory device and said input device, said processor for receiving said identity data from said input circuitry, determining a selected set of said plurality of sets of configuration data based on said identity data, and configuring said electronic device for operation according to said selected set of configuration data.    
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of    claim 8   , wherein said identity data includes identity data programmed into said electronics device upon initialization for use.  
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of    claim 9   , wherein said identity data comprises an SID/SOC.  
     
     
         11 . The apparatus of    claim 8   , wherein said apparatus further comprises a socket coupled to said input device, said socket for receiving a subscriber identity module, and wherein said identity data received by said input device comprises subscriber identity module data.  
     
     
         12 . The apparatus of    claim 11   , wherein said identity data includes an MCC/MNC, and wherein said processor determines said selected set of said plurality of sets of configuration data by matching said MCC/MNC to a selected set of said plurality of sets of configuration data.  
     
     
         13 . The apparatus of    claim 11   , wherein said identity data includes an GID, and wherein said processor determines said selected set of said plurality of sets of configuration data by matching said GID to a selected set of said plurality of sets of configuration data.