Patent ID: 6246770
Filing Date: 2001-06-12
Classification: G01S,H04L

Abstract:
A method for configuring a system at a remote location, comprising the steps of:storing a validation identifier inside said system;transmitting an option identifier which identifies a change in system configuration and an expiration date associated with said change in system configuration from said remote location to a central location;encrypting said validation identifier, said option identifier and said expiration date at said central location;transmitting an encrypted feature key comprising a sequence of characters from said central location to said remote location, said encrypted feature key comprising said encrypted validation identifier, said encrypted option identifier and said encrypted expiration dates;placing said system in a feature key entry mode;inputting said encrypted feature key into said system by operation of a sequence of input keys corresponding to said sequence of characters of said encrypted feature key;decrypting said encrypted feature key inside said system to form decrypted data comprising a decrypted validation identifier, a decrypted option identifier and a decrypted expiration date;comparing said decrypted validation identifier with said stored validation identifier; andaltering a system configuration database inside said system to reflect said change in system configuration only if said decrypted validation identifier matches said stored validation identifier,wherein said altering step further comprises storing said decrypted expiration date in said system configuration database.