Area-limited software utility

Abstract

Computers and networks are configured to operate according to alternative protocols for using software applications, depending on geographic location. In one approach each computer incorporates a GPS receiver using GPS satellite signals to generate the computer's current location. The location is compared with permitted use region information stored in the computer or network, e.g. based on a boundary defining a permitted use region. In another approach, E-911 compliant transceivers use signals from E-911 towers in the same manner In a further approach, each computer incorporates a WiFi adaptor, RFID reader or RFID tag, and the territory is defined by the distance from a center point. In all cases, the computer either operates under a relatively open protocol relative to using a given software application, or operates under a relatively restricted protocol, depending on whether it is inside or outside of the permitted use region.

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         13 . A system for governing use of an information processing application by an information processing device, including:
 a position detector for generating position information describing a current location of an information processing device;   a first storage area adapted to contain the position information;   a second storage area adapted to contain territorial information describing a selected region encompassing permitted locations;   a comparator associated with the first storage area and the second storage area, adapted to compare the position information with the territorial information and generate comparator signals indicating whether an information processing device resides at a permitted location; and   a control component associated with the comparator to receive the comparator signals and, alternatively:
 (i) enable the information processing device to function according to a first protocol governing use of an information processing application in response to a comparator signal indicating that the information processing device resides at a permitted location; and 
 (ii) cause the information processing device to function according to a second protocol governing use of the information processing application in response to a comparator signal indicating that the information processing device does not reside at a permitted location; 
   wherein the second protocol is more restrictive than the first protocol with respect to using the information processing application.   
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 13  wherein:
 the position detector resides within the information processing device. 
 
     
     
         15 . The system of  claim 13  wherein:
 the position detector is adapted to use signals received from a plurality of external sources selected from the group of sources consisting of: GPS satellites, E-911 sites, WiFi transmitters, and RFID transponders. 
 
     
     
         16 . The system of  claim 13  wherein:
 the first storage area comprises a register in the information processing device. 
 
     
     
         17 . The system of  claim 13  wherein:
 the second storage area comprises a register in the information processing device. 
 
     
     
         18 . The system of  claim 17  wherein:
 the register is adapted to store a plurality of boundary points cooperating to define a boundary surrounding the selected region. 
 
     
     
         19 . The system of  claim 17  wherein:
 the register is adapted to store a plurality of center points. 
 
     
     
         20 . The system of  claim 13  wherein:
 the comparator resides within the processor. 
 
     
     
         21 . The system of  claim 20  wherein:
 the comparator is adapted to determine whether the current location is surrounded by a boundary defining the selected region. 
 
     
     
         22 . The system of  claim 20  wherein:
 the comparator is adapted to determine whether the current location is within a predetermined distance from a center point. 
 
     
     
         23 . The system of  claim 13  wherein:
 the control component resides within the information processing application. 
 
     
     
         24 . The system of  claim 13  wherein:
 the control component resides within the information processing device, and is independent of and accessible to the information processing application. 
 
     
     
         25 . The system of  claim 13  wherein:
 the comparator is adapted to periodically compare the position information with the territorial information. 
 
     
     
         26 . The system of  claim 25  further including:
 a timing function for initiating a time interval responsive to a given comparator signal indicating that the information processing device resides at a permitted location, wherein the control component is adapted to maintain the first protocol for the duration of the time interval regardless of whether comparator signals following the given comparator signal fail to indicate that the information processing device resides at a permitted location. 
 
     
     
         27 . An information processing system adapted to operate according to alternative protocols for using information processing applications, including:
 an information processing network including an information processing device;   a position sensor inside the information processing device adapted to generate position information indicating a current location of the processing device;   a location testing function inside the processing device, adapted to generate alternative testing function signals indicating, respectively, that a current location indicated by the position information (i) resides within a selected territory comprised of permitted locations, and (ii) resides outside of the selected territory; and   a control function operatively associated with the testing function to receive the testing function signals, and alternatively:
 (i) enable the processing device to function according to a first protocol governing use of an information processing application in response to a testing function signal indicating that the current location resides within the selected territory; and 
 (ii) cause the processing device to function according to a second protocol governing use of the information processing application in response to a testing function signal indicating that the current location resides outside of the selected territory. 
   
     
     
         28 . The system of  claim 27  wherein:
 the testing function is adapted to generate the testing function signals dependent upon an amplitude of a signal received from a source outside of the processing device. 
 
     
     
         29 . The system of  claim 28  wherein:
 a size of the selected territory is alterable through adjustment of a threshold amplitude at which the testing function generates a testing function signal indicating that the current location resides within the selected territory. 
 
     
     
         30 . The system of  claim 27  wherein:
 the testing function is adapted to generate a boundary defining the selected territory, and to generate the testing function signals dependent upon whether the current location is surrounded by the boundary. 
 
     
     
         31 . The system of  claim 27  wherein:
 the information processing network includes a plurality of interconnected information processing devices, in which a selected one of the information processing devices functions as a hub, and the control function resides exclusively in the selected processing device.